Does God Want Me to Be Happy? with Tauren Wells

Hey True Crew! Welcome back to another episode of Stay True Podcast! Friendship can be one of the most rewarding parts of life—but it can also be complicated, painful, and confusing. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Madi sits down with author, blogger, speaker, and podcast host Grace Valentine to discuss her new book, The Better Friend: 12 Truths to Shift from Shallow and One-Sided Connections to Vibrant Friendships. Together, they unpack what it really means to build lasting, meaningful friendships in a world full of comparison and competition. Whether you're healing from a broken friendship, struggling to find your people, or simply wanting to grow in the way you show up for others, this episode offers encouragement, truth, and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss. Tune in for an encouraging, truth-filled episode that will leave you challenged, comforted, and convicted. Stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - How do we stop comparing ourselves to our friends—and start celebrating them instead? - Can friendships be recovered back after conflict—or is it okay to walk away? - Why vulnerability is the key to deeper connection—and how to practice it safely - Signs of a life-giving friendship - How to you heal from past friendship wounds and learn to trust again - Practical tips for making and keeping friendships AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 The Better Friend: 12 Truths to Shift from Shallow and One-Sided Connections to Vibrant Friendships by Grace Valentine: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Friend-One-Sided-Connections-Friendships/dp/0593601378 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Connect with Stay True! 💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast 💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast 💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew 💙 Follow Grace | @thegracevalentine

Welcome back to another episode of Stay True Podcast! Okay… we’re going there today. Porn. Masturbation. Sexual sin. The stuff no one really talks about—but so many people struggle with. In this episode, Madi gets real about something people often stay silent on. If you’ve ever felt stuck in shame, afraid to be honest, or wondered if freedom is even possible… you’re not alone. And you don’t have to stay stuck. This convo is raw, honest, full of grace, and practical truths that will help you get free. It’s time to stop hiding and start healing. Don’t forget to stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - Is masturbation a sin? - What does God really say about purity and passion? - How far is too far? - Can I be a Christian and watch porn? - Tools to fight temptation in everyday life - What to do when you’ve messed up AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Go to carawayhome.com/STAYTRUE or use code STAYTRUE at checkout for 10% off! Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew

Hey True Crew! Welcome back to another episode of Stay True Podcast! Join Madi and award-winning songwriter, worship leader at Elevation Church, and friend Tiffany Hudson as they dive into the heart of true worship– what it really means to worship God beyond just music. In this powerful conversation, they explore how worship shapes our identity, transforms our daily lives, and draws us closer to the presence of God. Together, Madi and Tiffany unpack the difference between performance and passion, how worship fuels our faith, and why worship is a lifestyle– not just an event.  Whether you’re in a season of celebration or struggle, this episode encourages you to cultivate a worship that’s authentic, raw, and rooted in surrender.  Always stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - What does true worship look like in everyday life?  - How can we worship God authentically when we don’t “feel” it? - The difference between worship as performance vs. worship as surrender - How worship shapes our identity and spiritual growth  - Practical ways to cultivate a heart of worship outside of church  - Stories of how worship has transformed Madi and Tiffany’s faith journeys  AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow Tiffany | @tiffanyhudson

Welcome back to Stay True Podcast! Today, Madi and Grant are joined by Grammy-nominated artist, pastor, and friend Tauren Wells for a powerful conversation all about finding true joy in Christ. Many of us have wondered and asked the questions, “Does God want me to be happy?” And “Will I ever be happy again?” In this podcast we will answer those questions and talk about what it means to experience, receive, and live with REAL joy– not a feeling based on emotions, but a deep, unshakable confidence in who God is. In a world that promises happiness in success, fame, and followers, how do we root ourselves in joy that doesn’t fade when circumstances change? This episode will leave you encouraged and full of hope.  Always stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - What is true joy and where does it come from? - How to have joy in a hopeless situation - The difference between happiness and joy - Does God care about our happiness?  AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus's Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life by Tauren Wells: https://a.co/d/duB28hq Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Connect with Stay True! 💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast 💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast 💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew 💙 Follow Grant | @grant_troutt 💙 Follow Tauren | @taurenwells

Welcome back to Stay True Podcast! Today, Madi is joined by one of her best friends, Courtney Slovenski! What does it actually mean to make disciples in real life– not just in church, but in your home, your neighborhood, and your everyday relationships? Madi and Courtney break it all down. Whether you’re a parent trying to raise Jesus-loving kids, a college student figuring out how to stand strong in your faith, or someone who wants to walk out their true calling, this episode is for you. You don’t need a perfect plan or a fancy platform to make an impact. You just need a heart that’s willing to say “yes” to Jesus and show up for the people around you. Don’t forget to stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - What is a discipleship? - How to make disciples  - Ways to live on mission in your every day life - How to disciple your kids - How to raise kids who love Jesus  - Tips to memorize Scripture - Small steps of faith that make a big difference AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Go to carawayhome.com/STAYTRUE or use code STAYTRUE at checkout for 10% off! Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow Courtney | @sunshineslovenski 💙 Follow Steve | @furniturebysteve

Welcome back to another episode of Stay True Podcast! In this eye-opening episode, Madi sits down with pastor, prophecy expert, and bestselling author Jimmy Evans to unpack some of the most mysterious and controversial topics in Scripture: the end times, the rapture, the antichrist, the mark of the beast, and what happens after we die. Whether you’ve grown up hearing about the end of the world or are hearing these terms for the first time, this episode will challenge what you think, deepen your understanding, and most of all– give you peace. This isn’t about fear. It’s about truth. Jimmy and Madi explore how to recognize the times we’re living in, how to prepare your heart for Jesus’ return, and why the end isn’t something to dread– but something to look forward to. Stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - What does the Bible say about the rapture? - Are we living in the end times right now? - Who is the antichrist and what will he do? - What is the mark of the beast and should we be worried about it? - What happens when we die? - How can we prepare for the return of Jesus? AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Tipping Point by Jimmy Evans: https://a.co/d/2j79BZa Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow Jimmy | @psjimmyevans

Welcome back to Stay True Podcast! We all face seasons where it feels like life is on pause, prayers feel unanswered, and dreams feel delayed. In today’s episode, Madi sits down with pastor, author, and friend DawnCheré Wilkerson to talk all about what to do in waiting seasons and how to wait well. If you’re in a season of waiting– on a relationship, a breakthrough, your purpose, or a promise from God– this episode is for you. Madi and DawnCheré share powerful biblical truth and personal stories that will remind you that God is never late, and the waiting is never wasted. They explore how to trust God’s timing, find peace in the unknown, and embrace the purpose hidden in the in between. Always remember to stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - What do I do if I’m waiting on God? - How do I keep hope when my prayers seem unanswered? - Can I still have peace when my timeline looks nothing like I imagined? - How can I wait well and not grow bitter or doubtful?  - Why does God make us wait sometimes? - How do I hold onto joy when the waiting gets long and lonely? AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Slowburn by DawnCheré Wilkerson: https://a.co/d/6vStRnS Dare To Be True: Defeat The Lies That Bind You and Live Out The Truth That Frees You by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow DawnCheré | @dawnchere

Welcome back to Stay True Podcast! Have you ever felt like everyone else seems to know their purpose and you're still trying to figure it out? You're not alone. In today’s episode, Madi and Grant sit down with pastors, leaders, authors, and podcasters Earl and Oneka McClellan to dive deep into the question so many of us are asking: What is my calling? Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed by options, or scared you're missing what God has for you, this conversation will breathe fresh courage into your journey. Madi, Grant, Earl, and Oneka break down how to navigate seasons of uncertainty, trust God's timing, and step boldly into the unique calling on your life. After this episode you will be ready to step confidently into your God-given purpose even when the path isn't clear yet. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to say "yes" to the next step. Don’t forget to stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - What is God’s purpose and calling for my life? - Practical steps to discover your calling - What to do when you feel like you don’t have a purpose - How comparison can kill your calling - Encouragement for seasons when you feel stuck or unseen AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Get Your Spirit Back by Earl McClellan: https://a.co/d/g4y0jg5 Born Royal by Oneka McClellan: https://a.co/d/9x04r7I Dare To Be Made for This Moment by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/0GK2Oy0 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Download Glorify for FREE: glorify-app.com/staytrue  Go to carawayhome.com/STAYTRUE or use code STAYTRUE at checkout for 10% off! Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow Grant | @grant_troutt  💙 Follow Earl | @earlmcclellan  💙 Follow Oneka | @onekamcclellan

Welcome back to Stay True Podcast! We are living in a time when connection has never been more accessible, yet so many of us still feel painfully alone. In today’s episode, Madi sits down with her mentor, author, speaker, and founder of IF:Gathering, Jennie Allen, to answer: how do we truly defeat loneliness? If you’ve ever felt isolated, stuck in surface-level relationships, or have struggled to build meaningful community, this episode is for you. Jennie and Madi share practical wisdom and biblical truth that will encourage you to stop waiting for connection and start building it. Let’s explore how God designed us for relationships and why strong, godly friendships are essential for a joy-filled life. This conversation will remind you that in Christ, you are never truly alone. Always remember to stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - How to make friends - Why we feel so lonely  - Practical ways to fight loneliness  - How to go from surface level friendships to deep friendships -What to do when your friends say they are Christians but aren’t acting like it - How to be the friend you want to have - Practical ways to start building a circle of people who can actually make you better and push you toward Jesus  AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: Find Your People by Jennie Allen: https://a.co/d/4AWcKlU The Love Everybody Wants by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/36EkEhT Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow Jennie | @jennieallen

Welcome back to Stay True Podcast! In a world that constantly tries to define us by what we do, what we look like, or what we've been through—how do we discover who we really are? In today’s episode, Madi and Grant dive deep into the question: who am I, really? If you've ever felt lost, longed for acceptance from others, insecure, or unsure of your true identity, this conversation is for you. You were created on purpose, with purpose, by a God who calls you chosen, loved, and known. This episode will remind you of the unshakable truth of who God says you are. Stay you and stay true! Questions/topics discussed and answered: - Who am I, really? - How do I break free from the need for approval and acceptance? - The consequences of placing our identity in relationships, appearance, or achievements - What does God’s Word say about my worth and purpose? - How do I break free from the labels the world has put on me? Or that I’ve put on myself? - Truths to declare over your life when you feel low and lost  AND SO MUCH MORE! Helpful Resources: The Love Everybody Wants by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/36EkEhT Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Download Glorify for FREE: glorify-app.com/staytrue Connect with Stay True!  💙 Instagram | @staytruepodcast  💙 TikTok | @staytrue_podcast  💙 Follow Madison | @madiprew  💙 Follow Grant | @grant_troutt