The Collide Podcast

Willow Weston

Welcome to the Collide podcast. We are so glad you’re here! We’re excited for you to join us every week as Collide’s Founder and Director, Willow Weston interviews incredible humans who are experiencing God doing amazing things in their lives. We love sharing stories of leaders, counselors, pastors, business owners, moms, artists, authors, and everyday heroes who are making a difference in the world. We invite our guests to share from an authentic and vulnerable place the ways that Jesus is showing up and colliding with them in the mess, the pain, the beauty, and the joy. We know you will be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged and leave each episode knowing God meets you where you’re at and is doing something beautiful right there.

  1. 6D AGO

    Immanuel: The Promise of God With Us with Pastor Bob Marvel

    Where do you go when God feels distant—even though everyone says He’s “with you”? In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Bob Marvel to talk about the deeply personal and sometimes confusing reality of Immanuel—God with us. Bob shares about seasons when God felt hard to sense, dismantling the myth that pastors have a “fast pass” to God. Through stories, theology, and lived experience, he offers insight on God’s nearness, spiritual dryness, false assumptions about faith, and how to meet God where you actually are—not where you think you should be. Whether you’re longing for God, walking through doubt, or feeling spiritually hungry, this episode will remind you that God has not moved—and He is closer than you think. Meet Pastor Bob MarvelPastor Bob Marvel has served as Senior Pastor of Cornwall Church for nearly 30 years and comes from a third-generation ministry family. A passionate teacher and shepherd, Bob has helped shape countless lives through his honest, Scripture-rooted approach to faith. His life and leadership reflect a deep love for Jesus, the local church, and helping people encounter a God who is truly present. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why God can feel distant even when Scripture promises He is nearThe myths we believe about who God is “with”—and who He isn’tWhy pastors don’t have a closer connection to God than anyone elseHow Jesus revealed God’s nearness to the overlooked and unlikelyWhere to look for God when you feel spiritually dry or desperatePractical ways to move toward God when you don’t even know where to start How This Episode Will Encourage You If you’ve ever felt like God must be disappointed in you, far from you, or accessible to everyone but you, this episode will gently reframe everything you think you know about His presence. You’ll be reminded that God does not wait for you to get it together—He draws near right where you are, offering love, hope, and Himself. Love this episode? Partner with Us! Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection. 💛 Give today online or Venmo Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!  Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Follow and Support Collide  🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith. 📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram 🛍️ Shop for good at thea href="https://store.wecollide.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    43 min
  2. DEC 10

    Finding Hope Amidst Grief at Christmas with Doug and Laurie Bunnell (Re-Aired)

    How do you hold on to hope when grief feels overwhelming—especially during the holidays? In this honest and powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Doug and Laurie Bunnell to talk about walking through profound loss and choosing hope in the midst of deep grief. They vulnerably share about their experience with unimaginable loss and how God has met them in their pain, offering insights on grief, faith, resilience, and hope—particularly during the Christmas season. Whether you’re navigating loss, carrying quiet sorrow, or entering the holidays with a heavy heart, this episode will remind you that hope can still be found, even in the darkest moments. Meet Doug and Laurie BunnellDoug Bunnell is a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham, WA and Laurie Bunnell is a Preschool Director. Together, they are deeply committed to loving and serving people with compassion and authenticity. Their story is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness in suffering and the courage it takes to keep trusting Him through grief. In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat it looks like to walk honestly through grief without rushing healingHow faith can be stretched—and strengthened—through devastating lossWhy hope is still possible, even when circumstances don’t changeHow to navigate the holidays while carrying grief How This Episode Will Encourage You If you’ve ever faced loss that feels impossible to carry—especially during a season meant for joy—this episode will offer comfort, permission to grieve honestly, and hope that you are not alone. You’ll be reminded that God meets us in our sorrow and gently invites us to keep going, one faithful step at a time. Partner with Us Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection. 💛 Give today online or Venmo Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus. 🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide Shop Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!  Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Follow and Support Collide  🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith. 📲 Follow along on Facebook...

    52 min
  3. DEC 3

    Imagine the God of Heaven with John Burke

    What if the stories of people who have died and come back could reshape the way you understand God, heaven, and your purpose on earth? In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with pastor and author John Burke to explore the mysteries of near-death experiences (NDEs) and what they reveal about the God of the Bible. John shares how three decades of studying more than 1,000 NDEs—and personally interviewing people from every continent—has strengthened his faith and pointed consistently to a God of captivating love. Whether you’re navigating grief, wrestling with doubt, or longing to better understand eternity, this conversation will remind you that God is closer, kinder, and more glorious than you ever imagined. Meet John BurkeJohn is the founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, a multisite church that has grown to more than 4,500 people since its launch in 1998. He is also the president of Gateway Leadership Initiative, equipping church planters and everyday Christians to “raise the church out of the culture.” John is a New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and has written several influential books, including No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and his newest work, Imagine the God of Heaven. He is passionate about helping people discover the real God revealed through Scripture and confirmed through thousands of NDEs. His story is a powerful example of curiosity transformed into calling. Connect with John - Website | Instagram In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat near-death experiences really are—and why they matterThe surprising commonalities people report across countries, cultures, and faith backgroundsHow NDEs align with what Scripture teaches about heaven, God, and life after deathThe personal story of how John went from agnostic engineer to follower of JesusWhat convinced him that these experiences cannot be explained by drugs, dreams, or hallucinationsHow these accounts can strengthen your hope, shape your faith, and transform your view of eternity How This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever feared death, questioned God’s goodness, or longed for assurance about your loved ones, this episode will offer hope-filled perspective. You’ll be reminded that God’s love is more personal, powerful, and present than you think—and that eternity is far more real and beautiful than you’ve imagined. Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful. Partner with Us Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection. 💛 Give today online or Venmo Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!  p...

    56 min
  4. NOV 26

    All Things Lovely with Jenn Johnson

    What if pursuing what is lovely could transform every part of your life? In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Jenn Johnson to explore her journey as a worship leader, songwriter, author, and mom. Jenn shares about her early love for music, how her faith became her own, and the stories behind some of her most beloved songs, including a personal love song written to Jesus. She also talks about her book All Things Lovely and how choosing what is true, pure, and praiseworthy can impact your home, heart, health, and hospitality. Whether you’re navigating your own spiritual journey, creative pursuits, or family life, this episode will encourage you to live more intentionally and beautifully. Meet Jenn JohnsonJenn Johnson is an American worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and author, best known as the co-founder and President of Bethel Music and its Worship School in Redding, California. Alongside her husband, Brian Johnson, she serves as senior worship pastor at Bethel Church. Jenn has co-written songs that are sung worldwide, including Goodness of God, You’re Gonna Be OK, and God I Look to You. She is also the author of All Things Lovely and founder of the lifestyle brand Lovely by Jenn Johnson, which inspires women toward holistic health and intentional living. Jenn and Brian live in Redding with their five children, including two adopted children who inspired some of her songwriting. In This Episode, You’ll LearnJenn’s musical roots and early dreams of worshipHow her faith became her own and shaped her life and ministryThe inspiration and core message behind her book All Things LovelyHer favorite love song written to Jesus and what it reveals about worshipPractical ways to pursue beauty, wholeness, and grace in your home, heart, health, and hospitality How This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by busyness, perfectionism, or the demands of life, this episode will inspire you to slow down, embrace what is lovely, and cultivate intentional rhythms. You’ll be reminded that worship isn’t just about music—it’s a lifestyle of beauty, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion to God. Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus. 🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide Shop Connect with Jenn - Website | Spotify | All Things Lovely Book Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook strong...

    51 min
  5. NOV 19

    The 5 Apology Languages with Dr. Jennifer Thomas

    What if “I’m sorry” isn’t enough? In this thought-provoking episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Thomas to talk about how to give and receive apologies that actually heal. Together, we unpack the power of restoration through meaningful apologies, explore why forgiveness is essential to our faith, and learn how understanding The 5 Apology Languages™ can completely transform how we mend relationships. Whether you’re longing to repair a friendship, rebuild trust in your marriage, or simply communicate better with the people you love, this conversation will remind you that grace and humility can turn brokenness into healing. Meet Dr. ThomasDr. Jennifer Thomas is a best-selling author, psychologist, and sought-after speaker who has spent decades helping people navigate the beautiful and sometimes messy work of relationships. She co-authored The 5 Apology Languages™ with Dr. Gary Chapman, creator of The 5 Love Languages®, and is one of a handful of approved presenters for his global teaching series. Through her research and writing, Dr. Thomas equips individuals, couples, and organizations to communicate more effectively, repair broken trust, and extend forgiveness rooted in biblical truth. In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy “I’m sorry” often isn’t enough to repair broken relationshipsThe 5 Apology Languages™ and how to identify your ownHow to ask for and offer forgiveness in ways that build true reconciliationWhat Scripture teaches about humility, confession, and gracePractical steps to turn hurt into healing and conflict into connection How This Episode Will Encourage You If you’ve ever struggled to move past hurt, wished someone’s apology felt more genuine, or wondered how to forgive when it feels impossible, this episode will offer hope and clarity. You’ll be reminded that God calls us not just to say the right words—but to live out forgiveness that restores hearts and rebuilds trust. Partner with Us Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection. 💛 Give today online or Venmo Connect with Dr. Thomas - Website Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!  Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Follow and Support Collide  🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith. 📲 Follow along on Facebook and a href="https://instagram.com/wecollidewomen" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    40 min
  6. NOV 12

    Injecting Hope into a Hurting World with Carlos Whittaker

    What if the way to heal our divided world starts with simply walking with people? In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Whittaker to talk about what it means to truly connect with others—even when we don’t see eye to eye. Carlos shares his passion for bringing hope and humanity to the forefront of our conversations and challenges us to live out empathy in action. From stories of kindness sparked by his “Instafamilia” to moments of faith and vulnerability that have shaped his journey, Carlos reminds us that walking with people in love and grace can change lives—ours included. Meet Carlos WhittakerCarlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker on a mission to bring hope to humans everywhere. Known for his authenticity and compassion, Carlos has built a massive online community that rallies around doing good and living connected. Whether he’s writing best-selling books, leading meaningful conversations, or dancing to Beyoncé with his family in Nashville, Carlos brings joy and purpose to everything he does. His motto—“Don’t stand on issues, walk with people”—beautifully captures his heart for unity and understanding in a divided world. In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow walking with people (not standing on issues) can transform relationshipsWhy empathy is the key to healing our communitiesThe power of showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortableHow faith fuels Carlos’s passion for connection and hopePractical ways to bring more kindness and courage into everyday life. How This Episode Will Encourage You If you’ve ever felt weary from the world’s division or unsure how to make a difference, this episode will lift your spirit and renew your sense of purpose. You’ll be reminded that the greatest impact often begins with one small act of love—and that when we choose to walk with people, we walk closer to the heart of God. Connect with Carlos - Website | Books | Podcast Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!  Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Follow and Support Collide  🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith. 📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram 🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store 💛 Give today online ora...

    38 min
  7. NOV 5

    The "Yes" That Leads to a Fuller Life with Vivian Mabuni

    What if your “yes” to God changed everything? In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and God Hears Her podcast host Vivian Mabuni to talk about the beauty and bravery of saying yes to God. Vivian shares how surrendering to God’s leading has shaped her story—from ministry and motherhood to surviving cancer—and why the risks of obedience are always worth it. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads, holding tightly to control, or longing to trust God more deeply, this episode will remind you that saying yes to Him is never wasted. Meet VivianVivian Mabuni is an international speaker and writer with a passion for helping others experience the hope and life found through intimacy with God. With over thirty years of ministry experience on staff with Cru, she brings a depth of biblical wisdom and practical insight to her teaching. Vivian is a cancer survivor, co-host of the Our Daily Bread Ministries podcast God Hears Her, and the author of Open Hands, Willing Heart. She lives in California with her husband, Darrin, and their three kids. In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat it means to give God your “yes,” even when it feels riskyPractical ways to grow in surrender and trustWhy obedience often leads to unexpected blessingsHow saying yes can deepen your intimacy with GodEncouragement for seasons when surrender feels scary or uncertain How This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever struggled to trust God’s plan or feared what obedience might cost, this conversation will fill your heart with hope. You’ll be reminded that surrender isn’t about losing control—it’s about finding freedom and peace in the One who holds it all. Collide Women’s Conference - Join us for a powerful one-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and encouragement to help you pursue healing, purpose, and deeper faith. ✨ Learn more and grab your ticket on our website. Connect with Vivian - Website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Follow and Support Collide  🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith. 📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram 🛍️

    48 min
  8. OCT 29

    The Surge in Hurting People at Church and What We Can Do About It

    What if the growing number of people walking through church doors aren’t just seeking community, they’re desperately seeking healing? In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Shaunti Feldhahn to talk about the surge in hurting people coming to church and what we can do about it. Drawing from her extensive social research and deep understanding of human relationships, Shaunti shares eye-opening insights about the emotional and spiritual needs many people bring with them to church—and how the church can respond with compassion, awareness, and practical care. Whether you’re a ministry leader, volunteer, or someone who simply cares about others, this conversation will remind you that the church has a powerful opportunity to become a place of healing and hope. Meet Shaunti Shaunti Feldhahn received her graduate degree from Harvard University and began her career as an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher, best-selling author, and popular speaker. Today, she applies her analytical skills to uncovering life-changing truths about relationships both at home and in the workplace. Her groundbreaking, research-based books—such as For Women Only and For Men Only—have sold more than 3 million copies in 25 languages and are widely used in homes, counseling centers, and corporations worldwide. Shaunti and her husband, Jeff, speak around the globe, helping individuals and organizations better understand and support one another. In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy there’s been a surge of hurting people turning to the church for helpHow many churches are missing key opportunities to offer meaningful careWhat creates the gap between people’s needs and the church’s responsePractical ways churches and individuals can become a healing presenceHow empathy and awareness can transform ministry and relationships How This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever wondered how to help people who are walking through pain, this episode will give you fresh perspective and hope. You’ll be reminded that while the needs around us are great, God has equipped the church—and each of us—to be His hands and feet to a hurting world. Connect with Shaunti - Website | When Hurting People Come to Church Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook Pre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt 5 Week Guide to Manage Your Anxiety – Get expert advice from counselors, plus guided exercises, reflections, and tools to help you find peace and trust in the midst of anxiety. Follow and Support Collide  🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith. 📲 Follow along on a...

    42 min
5
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Collide podcast. We are so glad you’re here! We’re excited for you to join us every week as Collide’s Founder and Director, Willow Weston interviews incredible humans who are experiencing God doing amazing things in their lives. We love sharing stories of leaders, counselors, pastors, business owners, moms, artists, authors, and everyday heroes who are making a difference in the world. We invite our guests to share from an authentic and vulnerable place the ways that Jesus is showing up and colliding with them in the mess, the pain, the beauty, and the joy. We know you will be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged and leave each episode knowing God meets you where you’re at and is doing something beautiful right there.

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