Authentically Rachel

Authentically Rachel

Hi, I’m Rachel! After surviving two life-threatening incidents, I discovered the power of encouragement and sharing our authentic testimonies. If you love stories that are real, powerful, and uplifting, this is the podcast for you! On Authentically Rachel, women share how God carried them through intense hardship and redeemed their pain. As seen on The Today Show, Katie, and the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, I explore faith, resilience, and how God meets us amid life’s challenges. My guests share powerful stories that inspire and uplift. Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow along on Instagram for stories of faith, resilience, and hope.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 19 – No Fear of the Future Finding Faith with Anne Howard

    In this episode of Authentically Rachel, Rachel speaks with Anne Howard, a longtime educator, missionary, two-time cancer survivor, caregiver, and leader of a thriving cancer support ministry. Anne shares how her faith sustained her through stage 4 colon cancer, breast cancer, her husband’s Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s diagnoses, and the unexpected loss of her daughter. Through every painful season, she has held tightly to the truth that God knows, God cares, and He remains with us in the fire. Rachel and Anne also discuss the healing power of serving others, the importance of Christian community, and how churches can support individuals and families facing cancer, caregiving, and grief. Anne’s story reminds us that suffering does not have to leave us isolated or bitter—it can become an opportunity to encourage others and shine the light of Christ. In this episode: Surviving stage 4 colon cancer and breast cancerFinding strength through Scripture and Christian mentorsCaring for a husband with serious neurological conditionsWalking through the unexpected loss of a daughterWhat to say—and what not to say—to someone who is grievingWhy serving others can be an important part of healingBuilding meaningful support within the churchSharing the gospel through compassion and communityChoosing faith over fear of the futureScriptures mentioned: Proverbs 31:252 Corinthians 1:3–4Proverbs 3:5–61 Peter 5:7Luke 5:31–32Daniel 3To learn more about Anne’s cancer support ministry, visit the Woodmen Valley Chapel website and look under Congregational Care and Support Groups. https://rms.woodmenvalley.org/page/1810?Worker=46ddc815-fb4c-4b28-8aac-1c79754dfa26 Check out Authentically Rachel on Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts  http://www.youtube.com/@Authentically-Rachel-Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authentically-rachel/id1800954771 https://open.spotify.com/show/41UhMwzudWrJCWg9fT1ela?si=76ee45015b114695 If this conversation encouraged you, please subscribe and share it with someone who needs hope and subscribe to Authentically Rachel for more honest conversations about faith, resilience, and the power of personal testimony.

  2. Jul 30

    Ep 18 - Tiny Miracles with Mel Woodworth

    Ep 18 - Tiny Miracles with Mel Woodworth  In this heartfelt episode of Authentically Rachel, Rachel sits down with author Mel Woodworth to discuss the deeply personal journey that inspired her book, Tiny Miracles. From growing up as a military child to navigating autoimmune disease, multiple miscarriages, infertility, and ultimately experiencing God's faithfulness, Mel shares how suffering became the foundation of an even greater testimony. Together, Rachel and Mel explore the grief that often remains hidden, the hope found in Christ, and the reminder that God is still writing our stories—even when life doesn't unfold the way we planned. In This Episode Growing up as a military child and learning resilience Being diagnosed with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease The emotional impact of recurrent miscarriage Discovering hidden blood-clotting disorders after years without answers; a protein s deficiency and Factor 5 Leiden How faith sustained Mel through seasons of loss The miracle pregnancy that changed everything Why Mel wrote Tiny Miracles Living authentically by surrendering every part of our story to God Memorable Quotes "God isn't finished yet. Watch what He can do." "Authenticity is embracing every part of your story—the beautiful and the broken." "Motherhood comes in many forms, and every one of them matters." Scripture Mentioned Jeremiah 29:11 — "For I know the plans I have for you..." Reflections on building your life on Christ as a firm foundation. The reminder that God can use our deepest pain for His glory. About Mel Woodworth Mel Woodworth is the author of Tiny Miracles, where she shares her journey through autoimmune disease, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and God's faithfulness. Her passion is encouraging women who feel unseen or hopeless to trust that God is still at work—even in life's hardest seasons. Resources Tiny Miracles by Mel WoodworthTiny Miracles: Woodworth, Mel: 9781639034437: Amazon.com: Books Follow Authentically Rachel on Instagram: @authenticallyrachel_podcast Follow Mel Woodworth on Instagram: @mel.woodworth Apple Podcast: Authentically Rachel - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Spotify: Authentically Rachel | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Authentically Rachel - YouTube Website: Home | Authentically Rachel Connect with Rachel If today's conversation encouraged you, please: Subscribe to Authentically Rachel Leave a review on Instagram, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify Share this episode with someone who needs hope today

  3. Jul 15

    Ep 17 - Power of a Testimony with Jennifer Huffman

    The Power of Your Testimony with Jennifer Huffman In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel sits down with her friend Jennifer Huffman to discuss the life-changing power of sharing our personal testimonies. From a chance meeting while Rachel searched for a lost hearing aid to a friendship rooted in faith, this episode reminds us that God often works through the most unexpected moments. Jennifer shares how God has used her testimony to encourage others, why no testimony is too small, and how authenticity allows us to live out our God-given purpose. Together, Rachel and Jennifer explore biblical examples of courageous faith, the importance of trusting God's timing, and why our greatest struggles can become someone else's greatest source of hope. Whether you've been hesitant to tell your story or you're wondering if your experiences really matter, this conversation will encourage you to step out in faith and trust that God can use every chapter of your life for His glory. In This Episode Why every testimony matters—even the ones that seem ordinary. How sharing your story can bring hope and healing to others. What Revelation 12:11 teaches us about the power of testimony. Lessons from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego about courageous faith. Trusting God's timing through seasons of waiting. Finding your identity in Christ instead of the world. How authenticity begins with knowing whose you are. Practical encouragement for anyone afraid to share their story. Memorable Quote: "No testimony is wasted. Sometimes the very thing you've walked through becomes the breakthrough someone else needs." Scripture References Revelation 12:11 Daniel 3 (The Fiery Furnace) Colossians 3:23 Ephesians 3:20 Connect with Jennifer Huffman TicTok: Jennifer Miracle (@jennifer.miracle7) | TikTok Youtube:  Jennifer Miracle - YouTube Connect with Rachel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyrachel_podcast/ Youtube: Authentically Rachel - YouTube Website: https://authentically-rachel.com/ Apple Podcasts: Authentically Rachel - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Spotify: Authentically Rachel | Podcast on Spotify If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little hope today.

  4. 12/12/2025

    Ep 13 - Year End Celebration and Recap

    Merry Christmas Everyone! Over the past year I have been so fortunate to get to do this podcast. I will be forever grateful to those who have so vulnerably shared their stories with me. From my first interview with Rachel Wagner discussing how God sustained her through her many miscarriages, to Kelly Hall, discussing how God guided her through the chaos of life raising three children with disabilities and moving every two to three years. I will forever be grateful to my guests!  Me: Being born with a rare genetic chromosomal condition that left me with a host of problems, infertility, short stature, hearing loss, to a near fatal car accident in college that left me with my head being separated from my spine and severe traumatic brain injury Rachel Wagner: A worship leader in Oklahoma who had 6 miscarriages, importance of allowing your spouse to grieve differently, how important worship is to our grieving hearts. God sees you and knows your struggles.  Irene Inda: Growing up in Guatemala to living a fulfilled life in America, Irene and Rachel discuss the reality of moving away from your country, starting a family, to having an autistic son. Irene goes into extraordinary detail about the challenges she faced and how God sustained her. Diana Plummer: Diana shares her life story where she has battled with loss after loss. From loosing her father at 16 to her first husband in her 20’s Diana opens up about how God reached down and redeemed her life and brough her close to himself.  Jamie Phillips: Suffering from three traumatic births, Jamie goes into detail about how God was with her allowing her to grow closer to him with each trial she faced. Jamie discusses the strength of her family and faith in God has kept her rock solid.  Regina and Kaci Caves: In a special two-part episode, Regina discussed how her daughter was diagnosed with Rasmussen’s Encephalitis. Dr. Ben Carson performed a left Hemispherectomy on Kaci and while the media documented it for John’s Hopkins. Kaci ends the two-part episode with sharing the hope she has in Christ and an encouraging word. Beth Wahl: 20 years ago, Beth suffered a tragedy that is every parent’s worst nightmare, her son took his own life. A teacher and lover of God’s word, Beth describes how to look for God’s goodness in the midst of such pain. Rachel Peterson: Born to two drug addicted parents, Rachel and her two siblings were adopted by two giving and selfless parents. The trauma of her early childhood gave her a host of problems, but God sought after her heart and after marring the man of her dreams she gave her life to Christ and his redemptive work.  Linda Graf: A talented musician, Linda obtained a job at her local church. During her time there Linda was confronted by her church elder and friend stating she suffered from bitterness. Since then, she has been on a mission helping others dig their way out of the roots of bitterness.  Kelly Hall: Bible teacher and fellow podcaster, Kelly goes into depth about how to find unshakable hope when we feel lost and the circumstances of life are out of our control. Three of her four children have special needs, and Kelly goes into detail about how God ministered to her through his word and shares how He put it on her heart to step into podcasting.

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About

Hi, I’m Rachel! After surviving two life-threatening incidents, I discovered the power of encouragement and sharing our authentic testimonies. If you love stories that are real, powerful, and uplifting, this is the podcast for you! On Authentically Rachel, women share how God carried them through intense hardship and redeemed their pain. As seen on The Today Show, Katie, and the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, I explore faith, resilience, and how God meets us amid life’s challenges. My guests share powerful stories that inspire and uplift. Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow along on Instagram for stories of faith, resilience, and hope.