MercyCast

Let My People Go
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Have you ever hit a wall and asked yourself, "What do I do now? How will I ever get past this?" If you are human and have a pulse, you probably have. The MercyCast is a podcast dedicated to learning the subtle art of compassion through the adversity of everyday life. Join Raleigh Sadler, the host, as he has honest and thought-provoking conversations with friends he has met along the way. Each Wednesday, listen to the encouraging true stories of people, like you and me, who are learning compassion through hard times. For more information and show notes, go to mercycast.com.

  1. Rachelle Starr on healing father wounds.

    4d ago

    Rachelle Starr on healing father wounds.

    Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are off. This was one of them. In this episode of the MercyCast, I sit down with my longtime friend Rachelle Starr — founder of Scarlet Hope, author of Outrageous Obedience, and one of the clearest voices I know on mercy, trauma, exploitation, and the love of God. We talk about her new documentary, He Calls Me Daughter, a powerful film exploring father wounds, identity, healing, and what happens when women who have spent their lives feeling abandoned begin to believe they are truly seen by God. This conversation moved me deeply because it gets to the heart of things. We talk about the hidden wounds people carry from absent, abusive, distant, or emotionally unavailable fathers — and how those wounds often shape vulnerability, exploitation, addiction, performance, overworking, relationships, and identity in ways we don’t even realize. Rachelle shares stories from nearly two decades of serving women in strip clubs, online exploitation, trafficking, and the adult entertainment industry through Scarlet Hope. She explains how their ministry now reaches exploited women across the country through digital outreach, including text-based intervention with women being trafficked online. One story in particular wrecked me: a woman trapped in exploitation for nearly ten years receives a single text message from Scarlet Hope — and that moment becomes the beginning of her freedom. We also talk about: The rise of online sexual exploitation and traffickingWhy “daddy issues” is often a cruel oversimplification of real traumaCompassion fatigue and burnout in justice workThe difference between being a savior and being a neighborHow healing rarely happens overnightWhy faithful presence matters more than quick fixesThe power of staying when it would be easier to walk awayOne of the most moving moments of the episode is when Rachelle shares the story of Priscilla — a woman she met in a strip club who wanted nothing to do with God, Christians, or ministry. Over years of consistency, meals, conversations, and love, everything changed. Not through pressure. Not through performance. But through presence. If you’ve ever wrestled with wounds from your past, burnout, identity, faith, trauma, or what it means to truly love people well, I think this episode will meet you where you are. In This Episode Father wounds and healingHuman trafficking and online exploitationTrauma-informed ministryCompassion fatigue and burnoutScarlet Hope’s outreach workThe documentary He Calls Me Daughter.Faith, identity, and belongingHospitality, mercy, and long-term presenceTechnology and trafficking interventionWhat it means to be called “daughter.”About Rachelle Starr Rachelle Starr is the founder of Scarlet Hope, a ministry serving women in the adult entertainment industry across the United States. She is the author of Outrageous Obedience and appears in the documentary He Calls Me Daughter, which explores the impact of father wounds and the healing available through God’s love. Listen to Mercycast If this episode encouraged you, share it. And if the Mercycast has impacted you, subscribe, leave a review, and help us continue having honest conversations about faith, suffering, justice, and the mercy of God in a broken world. Listen to her last episode on MercyCast. Follow Rachelle and Scarlet Hope here: instagram.com/rachellestarr.coinstagram.com/thescarlethopefacebook.com/thescarlethopetwitter.com/thescarlethoperachellestarr.coscarlethope.orgWatch the documentary, He Calls Me Daughter. You can also get a copy of her book—Outrageous Obedience: Answering God's Call to Shine in the Darkest Places—at Amazon. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    41 min
  2. Daniel Penovich on the hidden art of hospitality.

    May 20

    Daniel Penovich on the hidden art of hospitality.

    “The lead dishwasher.” A simple title that not only sets the tone of this episode, but serves as this week’s guest’s true north for his restaurant. In this episode of the Mercycast, I sit down with Daniel Penovich, owner, chef, and self-described “lead dishwasher” of Koko Japanese Pub in Cocoa Beach. What started behind a sink full of dishes became a conversation about vocation, creativity, ego, hospitality, faith, art, and building authentic community in the middle of a changing city. Daniel shares how running one of the most talked-about restaurants on Florida’s Space Coast has less to do with status and more to do with service. We talk about the tension between artistry and discipline, why creativity should feel deeply personal, and how hospitality can become a form of ministry without turning into performance or branding. From anime-covered walls and Japanese street food inspiration to conversations about Jesus, meaning, loneliness, and identity, this episode explores what it looks like to create spaces where people feel truly seen. If you’ve ever wrestled with ambition, authenticity, burnout, faith, or finding purpose in your work, this conversation will resonate deeply. Key Themes Discussed Creativity, art, and vocationHumility in leadership and businessHospitality as ministryFaith in secular industriesJapanese food culture and designBuilding authentic community in Cocoa BeachThe relationship between ego and successCreating meaningful experiences through foodEntrepreneurship and restaurant cultureWhy “Christian branding” often misses the pointMemorable Quotes “It’s a daily reminder of like, no, I just wash dishes. I’m here to make people happy.”“You can’t be all things to all people, but you can try to be most things to most people.”“I wanted people to feel like they were walking into my home.”“There’s no such thing as a Christian restaurant. But there is such a thing as a Christian living faithfully where they are.”“Live a life that begs the question, ‘Why?’”Key Takeaways True leadership starts with service, not recognition.Creativity becomes powerful when it reflects authenticity instead of trends.Hospitality creates space for vulnerability, connection, and healing.Faith often speaks loudest through presence, peace, and consistency.Community is built one conversation at a time.Meaningful art and meaningful work both require sacrifice.The best creators invite people into who they really are.About Daniel Penovich Daniel Penovich is the owner and chef behind Koko Japanese Pub, a Japanese-inspired restaurant in downtown Cocoa Beach known for its creative food, immersive atmosphere, and deeply personal approach to hospitality. His work blends Japanese culinary inspiration, pop culture, art, and community into a one-of-a-kind dining experience on Florida’s Space Coast. Listen to Mercycast If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who you think is a servant first. And if the Mercycast has impacted you, subscribe, leave a review, and help us continue having honest conversations about faith, suffering, justice, and the mercy of God in a broken world. Learn More about Koko Japanese Pub and follow Daniel on Instagram and Koko Pub. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    51 min
  3. John Plake on how data, disruption, culture, and scripture come together.

    May 13

    John Plake on how data, disruption, culture, and scripture come together.

    Something is shifting. Not loudly. Not dramatically. But underneath the surface, people are searching for something solid again. In this episode of the MercyCast, I sit down with American Bible Society Chief Innovation Officer and Editor-In-Chief of the State of the Bible research series, John Plake to talk about what the latest research is revealing about faith, Scripture engagement, church culture, and why more people are opening the Bible in moments of disruption, grief, burnout, and uncertainty. We talk about the “movable middle,” the millions of Americans who are spiritually curious but overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure where to begin. We also unpack how pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday Christians can stop speaking in Christian clichés and start actually listening to people again. This conversation is a needed reminder that ministry is not about performing spirituality. It’s about knowing people, listening well, and helping them take the next faithful step toward Jesus. Key Takeaways Millions of Americans are becoming more open to Scripture and spiritual conversations.Life disruptions often create openness to faith and deeper spiritual reflection.Many churchgoers want to engage the Bible but feel overwhelmed or unequipped.Ministry leaders must balance biblical truth with cultural awareness.Christian systems and methods should never replace authentic relationships with God.Research and data can help churches better understand and serve people.Sharing faith is less about perfection and more about faithfully offering the “next link in the chain.”People are looking for meaning, purpose, flourishing, and hope—not polished performances.Memorable Quotes “Culture doesn’t just eat strategy for breakfast. It eats everything.” “A lot of times we think we know what people need without actually talking to the people.” “The goal isn’t making disciples who follow us. It’s making disciples who follow Jesus.” “God has bigger shoulders than we give Him credit for.” “People who engage deeply with Scripture begin to flourish in ways the data can actually measure.” What We Talk About The latest findings from the State of the Bible ProjectWhy people often reconnect with faith during disruption and hardshipHow pastors can better understand the people they serveThe danger of performative Christianity and “Christianese.”Why do many Christians feel incapable of sharing their faith?The connection between Scripture engagement and human flourishingHow churches can equip people without overwhelming themWhy listening may be one of the most important ministry skillsResources Mentioned State of the BibleNext Step Bible Journey ToolNext Step for Church AssessmentListen to Mercycast If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who feels spiritually stuck, burned out, or unsure where to begin again. And if the Mercycast has impacted you, subscribe, leave a review, and help us continue having honest conversations about faith, suffering, justice, and the mercy of God in a broken world. Learn More about the American Bible Society and their work.‍ ‍ You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    44 min
  4. Genee Francis on staying connected in relationships.

    May 6

    Genee Francis on staying connected in relationships.

    Two people can sit at the same table, raise the same kids, and still slowly drift apart. Schedules replace conversations. Logistics replace intimacy. And somewhere along the way, two people stop feeling seen. In this episode of the Mercycast, I talk with Genee Francis, Assistant Director for Content and Programming at WinShape Marriage. We discuss marriage, emotional connection, faith, and how couples can quietly drift apart over time. Genee offers useful advice from her years of helping couples reconnect before distance turns into disconnection. We discuss building healthy marriages through regular connection, emotional safety, good communication, identity, sacrifice, and the idea that consistency matters more than perfection. One idea stood out to me in the course of our conversation: drifting apart can happen gradually, but it does not have to last forever. That matters because many couples assume distance means failure. Often, it simply means the relationship needs intentional care again. Key Takeaways Healthy marriages require intentional connection.Emotional safety creates deeper communication.Shared rhythms help couples stay current with each other.You can grow individually without growing apart.Drift happens slowly, but reconnection is possible.Covenant love calls for sacrifice, grace, and consistency.Memorable Quotes “You can still be you in marriage.”“The marital drift is a progressive loss of connection, but it is not permanent.”“Marriage is a selfless journey.”“United goals and vision help navigate tension.”Healthy marriages do not happen by accident. They are built on honesty, grace, and the choice to keep showing up for each other. If you’ve ever felt cut off, unseen, or unsure how to reconnect with your spouse, this conversation will encourage you. Please subscribe to the Mercycast, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who could use some hope for their marriage, faith, or relationships. Learn more about Genee and her work at Winshape Marriage.  You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    44 min
  5. Brigitte Shipman on letting go.

    Apr 29

    Brigitte Shipman on letting go.

    What happens when the life you planned slips through your hands? In this episode of the MercyCast, I sit down with author, speaker, and autism advocate Brigitte Shipman, host of The Mother’s Guide Through Autism podcast and author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. Together, we talk about grief, letting go, self-compassion, and the long road of learning how to love without conditions or expectations. Brigitte shares the quiet moment that changed everything after her son Joseph’s autism diagnosis, and how decades of caregiving, exhaustion, pain, and grace reshaped her understanding of love. We explore what it means to stop white-knuckling life, to listen to your body, to practice gratitude, and to embrace grief rather than outrun it. This conversation is honest and deeply human. It’s about the stories we lose, the people we become, and the healing that happens when we finally let go. Key Takeaways Why unconditional love grows deeper through hardshipHow caregiving can disconnect us from ourselvesThe importance of self-regulation and gratitude practicesWhy grief wears many hats beyond death aloneHow awareness and acceptance create lasting changeWhat it means to “know better, do better.”How pain can become a teacher instead of an enemyWhy letting go is often the beginning of healing.If you’ve ever found yourself on the floor wondering how to stand back up, this episode is for you. Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with someone walking through grief, caregiving, or uncertainty. Your support helps us continue learning the art of compassion through the adversity of life. Learn more about Brigitte’s podcast, A Mother’s Guide through Autism. Also, don’t miss her book! You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    39 min
  6. Rebecca Taguma on healing wounds of the heart.

    Apr 22

    Rebecca Taguma on healing wounds of the heart.

    What do you do with pain that you can’t fix? In this episode of the MercyCast, I sit down with Rebecca Taguma from the American Bible Society to explore how God meets us in the middle of trauma, grief, and suffering. From refugee camps to local churches, we talk about how Scripture doesn’t avoid pain—it steps directly into it, offering real healing through truth, grace, and community. Rebecca shares her journey from serving vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe to leading trauma healing efforts around the world. We discuss how “heart wounds” impact our lives, why many of us struggle to face our own pain, and how God uses ordinary people to become safe, healing presences for others. I also reflect on how easy it is to isolate when life gets hard—and how the Gospel calls us back into community. Healing isn’t something we achieve alone. It happens when we bring our wounds into safe spaces and allow God to work through His people. This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to be an expert to help—you just need to be willing, present, and rooted in God’s Word. Key Takeaways: You don’t need professional training to care for others—just a willingness to listen and be present.Trauma often isolates us, but healing happens in a safe, Christ-centered community.“Heart wounds” affect every part of our lives and need to be acknowledged, not ignored.Scripture provides a framework for understanding suffering, grief, and lament.God uses our own stories of pain to help us walk alongside others.Emotional resilience grows through vulnerability, not avoidance.Healing is a process—there are no quick fixes, but there is real hope.Listen, subscribe, and share the MercyCast—because what you’re facing isn’t the end of your story. Learn more about Rebecca’s work with Trauma Healing Institute and Restoring Hope. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    40 min
  7. Brendan McClenahan on loneliness, connection, and creation care.

    Apr 15

    Brendan McClenahan on loneliness, connection, and creation care.

    The work seems small: hands in the dirt, neighbors gathered, scraps transformed into new life. But this care needs more than good intentions—it needs presence and staying power. In this episode of The MercyCast, Brendan McClanahan, Church Engagement Manager at Plant With Purpose, discusses creation care as living discipleship—not just environmentalism. His words challenged how I view mentoring, community, and even the earth. Brendan starts not with programs, but with people, identity, and the conviction that God restores all things and invites us in. Through stories of composting, shared meals, and daily faithfulness, we explore how creation care heals land, relationships, and the Church. This is not theory—it is gospel with dirt under its nails. Key Takeaways Discipleship is more than an idea; it is practiced tangibly with our hands, with our neighbors, and with the land.Creation care restores more than the environment. Tending the earth also means tending what is broken, whether systems, communities, or hearts.Community takes shape through practices like composting, shared meals, and being present with others. These foster a sense of belonging and enable personal change.The gospel reconnects what’s fractured. God’s mission is restoring all creation—including our relationships with one another and the world.The life you long for lies beyond discomfort. Invitation, vulnerability, and presence may cost you, but they lead to Jesus’s abundance. Call to Action If you feel disconnected—from God, others, or yourself—start small. Invite someone over, take a walk, or share a meal. Notice the ground beneath your feet. Want to go deeper? Explore Tend by Plant With Purpose and practice a faith that stays. The work may look small. But this is where restoration begins. Learn more about Brendan’s work with Tend.  Follow Tend on Facebook and Instagram You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    46 min
  8. Elli Oswald on reimagining child welfare.

    Apr 8

    Elli Oswald on reimagining child welfare.

    We say children belong in families—but our actions tell a different story. Nearly 90% of Christians believe kids thrive in a home, yet billions are still poured into orphanages. There’s a gap… between what we believe and what we build. That gap matters—and it’s shaping the lives of vulnerable children around the world. In this episode, I sit down with Elli Oswald, Executive Director of Faith to Action, an organization equipping churches to move from institutional care to family-based solutions. Elli brings data, theology, and real-world experience to a conversation the Church can’t afford to ignore. Here’s the tension: Nearly 70% of believers acknowledge that institutional care can actually hinder a child’s development, yet we keep supporting it. Why? Because it feels like the easiest way to help. But there aren’t silver bullets. Orphanages may meet physical needs—but they can’t replace family, connection, and belonging. And the reality is more complex than we think. Eight out of ten children in orphanages have a parent. Poverty, lack of access, and broken systems—not lack of love—are often the real drivers. Which means the solution isn’t separation. It’s support. Key Takeaways: “We’re not called to keep an orphan an orphan.” We’re called to restore families. This episode reframes orphan care, challenges outdated models, and offers practical ways the Church can lead in global child welfare—through family reunification, community support, and sustainable, faith-based solutions. So here’s the invitation: rethink what you’ve been taught, realign your mission, and take one step toward family-based care. Because children don’t need better institutions—they need families. If this episode speaks to you, subscribe to MercyCast for more stories about how we learn compassion through adversity. Share it with someone who cares about vulnerable children. You never know how one story can change a life. Leave a review to help others find these conversations. Learn more about Elli’s work at Faith to Action. Here is the book mentioned in the episode by Bryant Myers. We also referred to the MercyCast episode with Nabs. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mercycast/exclusive-content

    47 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Have you ever hit a wall and asked yourself, "What do I do now? How will I ever get past this?" If you are human and have a pulse, you probably have. The MercyCast is a podcast dedicated to learning the subtle art of compassion through the adversity of everyday life. Join Raleigh Sadler, the host, as he has honest and thought-provoking conversations with friends he has met along the way. Each Wednesday, listen to the encouraging true stories of people, like you and me, who are learning compassion through hard times. For more information and show notes, go to mercycast.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Let My People Go
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    MercyCast

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