Happy Wednesday!

This week we’re joined by special guest Shelli Strickland, along with four of our co-hosts—Ana, Cailee, Sarah, and Frankie.

Shelli shares her powerful testimony of coming to faith and how what she calls “the gift of desperation” ultimately led her to Jesus. Through reaching a breaking point, she was able to fully surrender and invite God into the deepest, most broken areas of her life.

Her story is one of healing, redemption, and identity. While she’s incredibly grateful for the ways the Lord has restored her, what means the most is knowing who she is now—a daughter of the living King.

We pray this episode encourages you and reminds you that even in your lowest moments, God is working, pursuing, and restoring.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

About Shelli Strickland

Shelli Strickland is a Christian speaker, author, and mentor who leads the ministry Graced For More. She is passionate about sharing the gospel and helping others experience healing, freedom, and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Her personal story is rooted in transformation—having been delivered from addiction, bondage, and brokenness, she now uses her testimony to encourage others that God can redeem any situation. Her ministry focuses on guiding people out of shame and into identity, freedom, and purpose in Christ.

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LINKS

Graced For More

How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story

I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp

The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen

The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman

Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday!

We are so excited to introduce one of our co-hosts, Cailee, on today’s episode!

Cailee is truly a light—she loves deeply, cares genuinely, and reflects the heart of Christ in the way she lives. Though she’s been a Christian her whole life, she opens up about the real and honest struggles she faces—like discerning God’s will and feeling confident in defending the faith she believes in.

In this episode, Cailee shares parts of her personal story, including what it was like growing up with large age gaps between her and her siblings, often feeling like an only child, and navigating life without a close relationship with her dad. Through it all, her story is marked by resilience, faith, and a desire to grow.

You’ll also hear about her friendship with fellow co-host Katelyn, who is not a Christian, and how Cailee has faithfully shown the love of Christ through her actions and relationship. It’s a powerful example of living out your faith in a genuine and impactful way.

We hope you love Cailee as much as we do!

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LINKS

I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp

The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen

The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman

Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday!

We’re back with another episode, and this week we’re joined by special guest Mary Jo Sharp, along with our co-host Sarah.

Mary Jo shares her powerful testimony of once trying to disprove Christianity—setting out to prove atheism was true—but instead encountering the truth of Jesus in a life-changing way. What began as skepticism turned into a deep conviction, and now she dedicates her life to defending and speaking on behalf of the Christian faith.

In this episode, we dive into the importance of apologetics and why understanding why we believe matters. Mary Jo reminds us that while intellectual answers are important, they’re meant to move from the head to the heart. When both our mind and heart work together, it shapes us to become more like Christ.

This conversation is both thoughtful and encouraging, whether you’re wrestling with questions or looking to grow deeper in your faith.

We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!

About Mary Jo Sharp

Mary Jo Sharp is a Christian apologist, speaker, and author known for her passion for helping people understand and defend the truth of the Christian faith. After coming to faith in Christ from a background of skepticism and atheism, she developed a deep commitment to exploring life’s hardest questions and equipping others to do the same.

She is the founder of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry and serves as an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University. Mary Jo has written several books, including Why I Still Believe and Defending the Faith, where she addresses doubts, cultural challenges, and the intellectual side of Christianity.

Through her teaching, writing, and speaking, Mary Jo encourages believers to engage their faith with both heart and mind, offering thoughtful responses to tough questions and helping others build confidence in what they believe.

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LINKS

The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen

The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman

Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday! We’re back with another episode, and we’re so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests—Brant Hansen! We’re also joined by our co-hosts, Cailee and Sarah, for a powerful and honest conversation.

Brant is the author of Unoffendable, a book we absolutely love here on the podcast. He has a unique gift of being unapologetically himself while sharing his faith in a real and relatable way. In this episode, Brant opens up about his journey as a skeptic and how he’s often drawn to outcasts—because that’s where he feels he connects most with people.

Together, we dive into what it really means to live in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom isn’t something that starts someday in heaven—it’s available right now. While many believe following Jesus is difficult, we talk about how the opposite is actually true. The cost of not following Him is far greater. The invitation to the Kingdom is right in front of us—if we’re willing to accept it.

We hope this conversation encourages you, challenges you, and reminds you of the beauty of walking with Jesus today. Enjoy this week’s episode!

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LINKS

www.branthansen.com

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO4Y5McDc3BX7pQknsiG3WV7TKbb3WaC8&si=2QGmt-q7U7MVT1Fu

The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman

Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood

Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood

Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday! 🎙️

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Adam and Candice Coltman—and we’re so excited to have them with us!

Not only do they bring incredible wisdom and authenticity to this conversation, but they’ll also be joining us in person for a special event this June (stay tuned for more details 👀).

In this episode, we dive into the importance of apologetics and what it truly means to boldly share your faith. We talk about how the Gospel, while sometimes offensive, is ultimately necessary—and how we’re called to stand firm in truth as followers of Christ.

We’re so grateful for Adam and Candice, their honesty, and the powerful insight they bring.

We hope this episode encourages and challenges you. 🤍

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LINKS

MAVEN

Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood

Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood

Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday!

This week, we’re excited to welcome back Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, joined by co-hosts Ana and Sarah, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on forgiveness.

Drawing from her latest book, Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear, Amy challenges the way our culture often views forgiveness—as weakness, avoidance, or even injustice. Instead, she reframes it as an act of strength, courage, and deep spiritual power. In a world shaped by outrage and cancel culture, this episode explores how true forgiveness can lead to healing, reconciliation, and freedom from bitterness.

Together, we unpack what it really means to forgive without minimizing pain or ignoring justice. Amy shares how forgiveness doesn’t erase wrongdoing but releases the burden of personal vengeance, pointing instead to a greater, ultimate justice. She describes forgiveness as a “superpower”—a beautiful and compelling force that can restore broken relationships, families, and communities.

Whether you’re wrestling with hurt, seeking peace, or simply curious about the deeper meaning of forgiveness, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a fresh perspective rooted in Christian principles.

We hope you enjoy this meaningful episode!

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LINKS

https://amyorr-ewing.com/

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood

Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood

Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday!

We are thrilled to be sharing Sarah’s story this week.

Sarah reached out to Janell around this time last year. She was wrestling with questions and had doubts about Christianity. She shared her story and let Janell know she would love to be part of the podcast. Fast forward to now, she's played a crucial part of Finding Something Real.

Sarah has been a rockstar for Season 8. She is one of the most devoted co-hosts we've had. Sarah's been to most podcast recordings and always comes with incredible questions and wisdom. She shows great humility and grace as she walks through making her faith her own.

Even in just this short year, her faith has blossomed into something beautiful. We are so proud of her and grateful she gets to be part of this ministry. Watching her faith grow this season has been an honor to watch.

We hope you enjoy listening to her story.

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LINKS

Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

Happy Wednesday!

This week we are joined by Allen Crostic. Allen has been on the podcast before and we are thrilled to have him back on the podcast. Three of our co-host are joining us as well - Ana, Sarah, and Jeanine.

Suffering has been a topic our co-hosts this season are really interested in getting more answers on. Two of our co-host deal with chronic pain and other co-hosts that have someone in their life dealing with chronic suffering or someone who didn't get healed.

Allen has a powerful testimony! He shares his story of getting miraculously healed. He had an encounter with God that he could not deny that he was healed. However, within the last couple years, he started having health issues again.

Now, he’s left wrestling with those hard questions. “Did I actually get healed?” and “Does my suffering have any meaning?”

We are so grateful for his insight on suffering and choosing to honor God even when it’s painful.

This is one of our favorite episodes! We hope you enjoy listening.

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LINKS

How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly

I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen

How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way

Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story

I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood

Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood

Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister

Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

www.janellmwood.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: finding_something_real

Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal