Fragments of Faith Podcast

Thomas & Whitney
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

A survivor who’s lived through real, unspeakable pain and a pastor who refuses to offer cheap answers sit down together to talk honestly about belief, doubt, anger, grief, and what faith looks like when life hurts more than it makes sense. It’s not about defending God. It’s not about fixing someone’s theology. It’s not about church culture. It’s not about being inspirational. It’s about something deeper and rarer: Two people with very different experiences of God trying to make sense of faith in the middle of the hard questions — without pretending to have it figured out.

  1. Apr 2

    When Tragedy Hits Close to Home: Navigating Grief and Community Support

    This episode addresses the emotional impact of a nearby school bus crash, exploring how such events affect individuals and communities. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief, the difficulty of processing trauma, and the value of community support in times of crisis.

  2. Mar 24

    How Grief Changes You in Ways No One Talks About

    What happens when grief doesn’t just change what you feel—but who you are? In this deeply honest episode of Fragments of Faith, Whitney and Thomas explore a side of grief that often goes unspoken: the subtle, internal shifts that reshape how you see the world, respond to others, and understand your faith. This conversation goes beyond sadness. It dives into the quiet, unexpected ways loss rewires your “normal”—from everyday moments that suddenly feel heavy, to realizing your reactions, patience, and even your beliefs aren’t what they used to be. Whitney shares raw experiences of loss, including the passing of her children, ongoing health struggles, and how repeated grief has impacted her trust, expectations, and relationship with God. Together, they unpack what it means to live in the tension of faith when certainty is gone—and how showing up without having it all figured out might be closer to real faith than we think. If you’ve ever felt different after loss… If your faith doesn’t look the way it used to… If you’re trying to navigate grief while still moving forward… This conversation is for you.

  3. Mar 17

    The Guilt No One Talks About in Grief

    In this episode of Fragments of Faith, Whitney and Thomas talk about a part of grief that people rarely discuss — the guilt that can appear when life keeps moving forward after loss. Most people expect grief to look like sadness. But for many who are grieving, another emotion quietly shows up alongside it: guilt for laughing, feeling peace, or experiencing joy again after someone you love is gone. Whitney shares her personal experience navigating life after the loss of her children, Riley and Harrison, and the complicated emotions that come with continuing to live while carrying profound grief. From small everyday moments of laughter to big family experiences like traveling to Alaska, the conversation explores the tension between honoring the memory of loved ones and allowing life to continue. Together, Whitney and Thomas discuss: Why grief and joy can exist at the same timeThe unexpected guilt that comes with moments of happiness after lossThe emotional complexity of parenting while grievingSupporting a surviving child while remembering those who are goneThe idea that remembering someone doesn’t require permanent sufferingHow grief evolves over time but never fully disappears This honest and deeply personal conversation highlights an important truth: continuing to live does not mean forgetting the people we love. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to laugh, enjoy life, or move forward after loss, this episode offers compassion, understanding, and the reminder that you’re not alone.

  4. Mar 10

    Why Grief Can Feel Harder After the Funeral

    In this episode of Fragments of Faith, Thomas and Whitney explore one of the most difficult and least talked-about stages of grief: the time after the funeral, when the world begins moving forward but the loss is still just as present. While others return to normal routines, those who are grieving often find themselves navigating quiet, everyday moments where absence feels especially heavy. Together, they reflect on how grief lingers in ordinary places—songs, stores, milestones, and memories—and how it can reshape not only the present but also the future that once seemed certain. Whitney shares personal experiences of carrying the memory of her children, Riley and Harrison, through life’s milestones, and the complicated mixture of joy and sorrow that can exist in those moments. The conversation also turns toward the spiritual questions grief can raise. What happens when faith feels shaken? How do we respond when well-intended words about God or heaven land differently for someone in deep loss? Thomas and Whitney discuss the tension between hope and pain, the difference between explanation and comfort, and why Scripture sometimes gives us language not of certainty, but of honest struggle—like the father in Mark 9 who says, “I believe; help my unbelief.” This episode is a reflection on the quieter, ongoing reality of grief and the kind of presence that truly helps: not perfect words or quick answers, but people who remember, stay, and make room for sorrow to exist. Whether you’re carrying grief yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers a compassionate reminder that you’re not alone in the middle of it.

  5. Mar 3

    When Silence Is the Kindest Response

    summary This conversation explores the profound importance of presence over explanation in moments of grief and suffering. Whitney and Thomas share personal stories and insights on how staying with pain, rather than rushing to fix or explain, fosters genuine connection and healing.

  6. Feb 26

    The Weight of “Everything Happens for a Reason”

    This episode critically examines the phrase 'everything happens for a reason,' exploring its emotional and theological implications. Whitney and Thomas discuss how this phrase can sometimes diminish grief and misrepresent God's sovereignty, offering a nuanced perspective on suffering and divine control.

  7. Feb 17

    Sitting With the Questions Faith Doesn’t Fix

    This conversation attempts to answer dome of the questions raised in last week's episode and looks at the complexities of questioning God and the cost of honesty in faith. It explores the purpose of prayer, the absence of good, and the fear of questioning God's responsibility. The dialogue highlights the tension between honesty and belonging, shedding light on the struggle of expressing genuine emotions while maintaining a sense of stability within faith.

  8. Feb 10

    The Questions We Were Taught Not to Ask

    Summary In this episode, Whitney and Thomas explore the complex relationship between faith and the difficult questions that often arise in times of suffering and confusion. They discuss the weight of unanswered questions, the nature of prayer, and the struggle to reconcile human emotions with the concept of a perfect God. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honesty in faith, the need for community support, and the idea that faith can coexist with uncertainty and doubt.

See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A survivor who’s lived through real, unspeakable pain and a pastor who refuses to offer cheap answers sit down together to talk honestly about belief, doubt, anger, grief, and what faith looks like when life hurts more than it makes sense. It’s not about defending God. It’s not about fixing someone’s theology. It’s not about church culture. It’s not about being inspirational. It’s about something deeper and rarer: Two people with very different experiences of God trying to make sense of faith in the middle of the hard questions — without pretending to have it figured out.

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas & Whitney
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Thomas & Whitney
  • Show Website
    Fragments of Faith Podcast