Confidence and Coffee

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything you're supposed to do as a Christian, yet somehow still feel disconnected from God?You're praying. You're listening to sermons. You're reading devotionals. You're showing up. But somewhere along the way, your faith has started to feel more like another responsibility than a relationship.What if God isn't asking you to do more? What if He's inviting you to come closer?In this episode of Confidence and Coffee, Ashley Henriott sits down with Pastor Allen Ratta, author of Spiritual Simplicity: The Great Commandment, the Lord's Prayer, and the Way Home, for a conversation that challenges everything we've come to associate with spiritual growth.After decades of pastoring, leading ministries, and experiencing a deeply painful personal crisis, Pastor Allen discovered that knowing more about God isn't the same as truly knowing Him.Together, we explore spiritual exhaustion, religious performance, the pressure to constantly be productive, and why so many Christians lose the joy and passion they once had for Jesus.We also dive into the story of Mary and Martha, the surprising depth of the Lord's Prayer, and what it actually looks like to slow down and make Jesus the center of our lives again.In this episode:Why you can be doing everything for God and still feel far from HimThe difference between consuming Christian content and growing spirituallyWhy following Jesus was never meant to become another exhausting to-do listWhat Mary and Martha teach us about spiritual busynessHow to rediscover your first love and passion for JesusWhy the Lord's Prayer is more powerful than we often realizeHow slowing down can help us reconnect with GodPractical ways to build lasting rhythms of prayer and spiritual growthOne of my favorite reminders from this conversation comes from Pastor Allen:"God's never in a hurry. You've got to slow down to catch up with Him."Maybe you don't need another sermon, another book, or another thing to check off your spiritual to-do list.Maybe you simply need to come closer.CONNECT WITH PASTOR ALLEN RATTAExplore his book Spiritual Simplicity, companion journal, free guided prayers, children's resources, and spiritual journeys:https://spiritualsimplicity.comResources for pastors and ministry leaders:https://spiritualprogress.comCONNECT WITH ASHLEY HENRIOTTAshley Henriott is the host of Confidence and Coffee and author of Confidence Is an Inside Job.Join Ashley for conversations about faith, confidence, healing, personal growth, and becoming who God created you to be.If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs this reminder. Subscribe to Confidence and Coffee and leave a rating or review. Every review helps these conversations reach more people.Because faith was never meant to be about performing for God. It's about knowing Him.

What happens when you've survived the trauma, but you're still carrying it into every relationship, decision, and season of your life?This week on Confidence & Coffee, I'm joined by clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma, Dr. Edith Shiro, for an honest conversation about what it really means to heal.We talk about the patterns we unknowingly repeat, the wounds we carry from childhood, and why healing isn't always as simple as forgiving someone or moving on.Dr. Edith shares how trauma can shape our beliefs about ourselves and others, why we sometimes remain in survival mode long after the danger has passed, and how post-traumatic growth can help us find meaning and purpose beyond what we've experienced.I also open up about my own journey, how motherhood and faith changed the way I saw myself, and why I believe healing requires both compassion and accountability.One of my favorite parts of this conversation is when we discuss learning to meet ourselves where we are. Not with shame. Not with judgment. But with the same grace and compassion we're so often encouraged to extend to everyone else.We also talk about forgiveness, boundaries, generational trauma, cancel culture, church hurt, and why acknowledging someone's pain doesn't mean excusing their behavior.If you've ever wondered why you keep repeating the same patterns, why certain situations still trigger you, or whether it's possible to become more than what you've been through, this conversation is for you.In this episode:• Understanding post-traumatic growth• Breaking unhealthy relationship patterns• Moving from survival mode into healing• Forgiveness, compassion, and healthy boundaries• Recognizing and interrupting generational trauma• Radical acceptance and rebuilding your identity• Finding purpose and faith through painful experiencesConnect with Dr. Edith Shiro:Website: https://www.dredithshiro.comBook: The Unexpected Gift of TraumaWorkbook: The Unexpected Gift of Trauma WorkbookThank you for being here and being part of this community. If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it and leave a rating or review to help more people discover Confidence & Coffee.Remember, you are more than what happened to you. Your story isn't over.With love,Ashley

What if what your family watches is shaping more than just your entertainment?In this episode of Confidence and Coffee, Ashley sits down with Chevonne O’Shaughnessy, founder of American Cinema Inspires, to talk about faith, family friendly films, clean entertainment, and why uplifting stories still matter.Chevonne shares how she unexpectedly found her way into the film industry, how one moment with her daughter changed the direction of her career, and why she believes families need more content that brings hope, joy, and connection.This conversation is for the mom who cares about what her kids are watching, the creator who wants to build something meaningful, and the woman who believes goodness still has a place in culture.In this episode, we talk about:• How Chevonne accidentally entered the film industry• The movie that gave her daughter anxiety and changed her career• Why clean and uplifting content still matters• What families are craving in entertainment• Why goodness still sells• The business side of faith and family films• What independent filmmakers often miss• How social media has changed film marketing• Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries and where families can watchLinks:Listen to Confidence and Coffee:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/confidenceandcoffeeAshley Henriott:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/Ashley’s Book:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/bookCoaching with Ashley:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/coachingAmerican Cinema Inspires:https://americancinemainspires.com/ACI On The Go:https://www.youtube.com/c/ACIOnTheGoChevonne on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chevonneinspires/Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries:https://americancinemainspires.com/sugarcreek

What happens when the place that was supposed to feel safe becomes the source of your pain?In this episode, Ashley sits down with trauma therapist Veronica Thompson to talk about church hurt, sexual abuse, trauma, and healing through faith.This conversation explores how trauma impacts the brain, why so many people feel silenced in the church, and what it really looks like to bring darkness into the light and begin healing.If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your faith with your past… this episode will meet you there.What We Talk AboutChurch trauma and abuseTrauma responses and emotional shutdownWhy abuse often goes unaddressedPower, silence, and control in church systemsBreaking generational cyclesHealing, boundaries, and faithWhat it costs to speak the truthHow God uses your story for redemptionKey TakeawayHealing is not staying silent.Healing is bringing truth into the light, even when it costs you something.Links🎧 Podcast:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/confidenceandcoffee🌐 Website:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/📖 Book:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/book💌 Coaching:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/coaching👩‍⚕️ Veronica Thompson:https://veronicathompson.com

What do you do when life falls apart… and God doesn’t fix it the way you expected?In this episode of Confidence and Coffee, Ashley sits down with author, speaker, and podcast host Kirby Kelly to talk about grief, suffering, and what it really looks like to hold onto hope when life feels out of control.Kirby shares her story of loss, walking through addiction in her family, and how those experiences shaped her faith and her new book The Fabric of Hope.This conversation will challenge how you see suffering, strengthen your faith, and remind you that hope is not denial, it is rooted in who God is.☕ What We Talk AboutHolding onto faith in hard seasonsGrief, loss, and unexpected sufferingWhy God doesn’t always remove painThe difference between hope and denialTrusting God’s character over your circumstancesWhy you are not too far gone for redemption💬 Key TakeawayGod’s goodness is not based on your circumstances, it is rooted in who He is.🔗 Main Links🎧 Listen to the podcast:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/confidenceandcoffee🌐 Ashley Henriott:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/📘 Get Ashley’s book:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/book💌 Coaching with Ashley:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/coaching📘 Kirby Kelly’s book (The Fabric of Hope):https://fabricofhopebook.com🎙 Subscribe + FollowNew episodes of Confidence and Coffee every Tuesday.If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope right now.

What if the reason you feel exhausted…is not your life, but the people you're allowing into it?In this episode of Confidence and Coffee, Ashley sits down with relationship coach and author Daniel Ratner to unpack emotional vampires, narcissistic tendencies, and why so many women stay in relationships that slowly drain them.This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and deeply relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt confused in a relationship that looked good… but didn’t feel right.☕ What We Talk About:What an emotional vampire actually isThe difference between narcissism and narcissistic tendenciesWhy empaths attract draining relationshipsEmotional safety vs surface-level “good behavior”The real reason you stay longer than you shouldThe “keeper vs drainer” frameworkBoundaries, self-esteem, and discernment in relationships💬 Standout Moment:“You’re not tired… you’re drained by the people you’re calling love.”📖 About Daniel RatnerDaniel Ratner is a relationship coach, speaker, and author focused on helping people build emotionally healthy relationships through self-awareness, boundaries, and emotional intelligence.Books mentioned:Emotional VampiresSunscreen LoveNever Feeling Loved AgainConnect with Daniel:https://coachratner.com/✨ Connect with Ashley🌐 Website:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/📖 Book:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/book🎧 Podcast:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/confidenceandcoffee💌 Coaching:https://www.ashleyhenriott.com/coaching📺 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgrgyXXzLZqeFaGTsxrkjQ📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ashley.henriott🎵 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyhenriott🧵 Threads:https://www.threads.net/@ashley.henriott

What really happened after the New Testament?In this episode of Confidence and Coffee, Ashley Henriott sits down with Dr. Ward Sanford, hydrogeologist and author of the historical fiction series Cry for Jerusalem, to explore the fascinating history surrounding the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and the events that shaped early Christianity.Dr. Sanford shares how historical fiction can bring biblical history to life by blending real historical events, prophecy, genealogy, and the voices of men and women who lived during one of the most dramatic periods in Jewish and Christian history.His Cry for Jerusalem series explores the years 63–70 CE leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and Herod’s Temple, events documented by eyewitness historian Josephus.This conversation explores the historical context of the New Testament, why genealogy and prophecy matter in biblical storytelling, and how historical fiction can help modern readers better understand the Bible.Guest LinksCry for Jerusalem Official Websitehttps://www.cryforjerusalem.comAuthor Page – Ward Sanfordhttps://www.cryforjerusalem.com/authorCry for Jerusalem Book 1 – Resisting Tyrannyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QG3D5PFGoodreads Author Pagehttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19200906.Ward_Sanford

What does real surrender look like in a world obsessed with comfort?In this episode, Ashley talks with Bishop Daniel Timotheos Yohannan, president of GFA World, about missions, persecution, prayer, and what it means to truly know God rather than just know about Him.Bishop Daniel shares stories of national missionaries serving in some of the hardest places in Africa and Asia, explains why local missionaries are often the most effective way to reach unreached communities, and challenges the Western church to recover repentance, prayer, and simplicity.This conversation is honest, convicting, and deeply needed for anyone who feels the tension between comfort and calling.What you’ll hear in this episode– The story behind GFA World– Why millions still have little or no access to the Gospel– A powerful story of a missionary who returned after being threatened– Why persecution often clarifies faith– The difference between intellectual Christianity and truly knowing God– How prayer, repentance, and worship actually change us– Practical ways believers can support missions nowResources and linksBishop Daniel official websitehttps://bishopdaniel.orgGFA Worldhttps://www.gfa.orgBishop Daniel biohttps://www.gfa.org/about/danieltimotheos/Official GFA World contact and ministry pagehttps://www.gfa.org/about/danieltimotheos/Share this episodeIf this episode encouraged or challenged you, send it to a friend, share it on social media, and tag Ashley so she can celebrate with you.

What if intimacy isn’t something you “get back”… but something you rebuild?In today’s episode of Confidence and Coffee, I’m joined by Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, who share their powerful story of healing after betrayal, recovering trust, and learning how to build true intimacy again.They introduce the concept of the Intimacy Pyramid, showing that intimacy isn’t just physical, it’s a thriving connection built on honesty, safety, trust, vulnerability, and only then, real intimacy.If you’ve been walking through betrayal, marriage pain, or rebuilding after broken trust, this conversation is full of truth, grace, and practical hope.What you’ll learn in this episodeWhy intimacy is a thriving connection that brings lifeThe Intimacy Pyramid and why honesty is the foundationHow betrayal damages safety and trustWhy shame and guilt block healingWhat rebuilding trust actually requires (not just promises)The role of vulnerability in restorationWhy individual healing matters for relationship healingHow grace makes room for recovery and forgivenessKey Quotes“Intimacy is a thriving connection.”“Hope is possible even after betrayal.”“Trust is built through consistent, trustworthy actions.”Episode Keywordsintimacy, relationships, healing, betrayal, honesty, trust, recovery, marriage, communication, graceChapters00:00 The Power of Connection and Intimacy 04:52 Understanding the Intimacy Pyramid 10:42 Facing Addiction and Shame 16:29 The Impact of Honesty on Relationships 22:28 Healing Through Vulnerability 31:58 The Gift of Being Chosen 37:01 The Importance of Individual Responsibility 47:00 The Journey of Healing and Restoration 53:58 The Power of Hope and Grace 01:01:40 OutroIf this episode encouraged you, leave a review and tell me what part spoke to you, I read them and they matter more than you know 🤍Support the showIf this encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube. It helps more women find hope, healing, and bold faith.DisclaimerConfidence and Coffee is a Christian centered podcast. All conversations are approached through a faith based lens that honors Jesus and biblical truth.Connect with Ashley:Order Ashley's New Book Confidence Is An Inside JobApply for Coaching with AshleyConnect with Ashley to be your Next Speaker!Subscribe to Confidence and Coffee here

 Bravery is not the absence of fear, it’s obedience while your hands are shaking. Today I’m joined by missionary and author Heidi Nicole Elizarraraz, who shares how God called her to Mexico, how fear tried to stop her, and what it looks like to keep saying yes to Jesus anyway.Heidi and her husband founded Open Arms Mexico, a Christ centered nonprofit fighting to keep families together by providing no cost childcare to vulnerable families so kids stay out of orphanages and off the streets. In this episode we talk about: • Why you can be brave and still be afraid • How disobedience can quiet God’s voice, and how obedience restores peace • The David and Goliath mindset, your ending is not here • Practical biblical guidance to overcome fear • How the Church can actually protect families, and what sponsorship can doLinks and resources • Open Arms Mexico, learn more and get involved • About Open Arms mission and work: openarmsmexico.org/who-we-are-copy • Heidi’s book on Amazon: Unleash Your Bravery: Saying Yes to Jesus Even When You’re Afraid Call to action If this episode challenged you, leave a review and tell me what brave thing you’re doing this week. I read them, and we celebrate them.SEO keywords for the episode field Christian bravery, faith over fear, overcoming fear as a Christian, obedience to God, hearing God’s voice, Christian confidence, saying yes to Jesus, missionary story, faith and courage, Christian women podcast, breaking fear, trusting GodSupport the showIf this encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube. It helps more women find hope, healing, and bold faith. Disclaimer Confidence and Coffee is a Christian centered podcast. All conversations are approached through a faith based lens that honors Jesus and biblical truth. Connect with Ashley:Order Ashley's New Book Confidence Is An Inside JobApply for Coaching with Ashley Connect with Ashley to be your Next Speaker!Subscribe to Confidence and Coffee here