#353: Can I Unplug Without Coming Unglued? With Carlos Whittaker

Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even tear up a little as we spill the beans LIVE from a Fresh Grounded Faith event in Bloomington, Illinois! My good friends Margaret Feinberg and Michael O’Brien joined me, and what an honest, hope-filled conversation we had in answering questions from the audience. We talked about the best way to handle stress and worry, how to know if God is calling you to step back in ministry, and what to do when grief knocks the wind out of you. Michael opens up about how his identity took a hit when he left the band, NewSong, and Margaret tells a hilarious (and slightly horrifying) story about showing up to an event without her pants. Yep, it happened! Today, we’re answering your big questions, sharing our most embarrassing moments, and reminding you that God is present—even in the hard stuff. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/357  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

In this episode of the 4:13, we’re heading back across the pond to chat with Rev. Chris Lee—an English vicar whose sixty-second sermons on Instagram have resonated with millions of people around the world.  Why? Because with all of the constant noise and distractions that keep us from entering the presence of God, his sermons are a timely invitation to pause, breathe, and remember who you are before God—something our entire 4:13 family needs to do.  So today, I’ve asked Rev. Chris to lead the charge!  He’ll teach you to step back from the chaos, quiet your soul, and remember you are God’s beloved. And, my friend, what a difference it makes when you are still before God, focus on His promises, and ponder His incredible love for you! So, let’s do it! Settle in, take a deep breath, and turn your gaze to God. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/356  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Today on the 4:13, bestselling author and beloved mentor Sally Clarkson will show you how God’s grace empowers you to write a beautiful story with your life. With rich insights and heartfelt guidance, Sally shares what it means to lead a life well-lived. She’ll help you discern what truly matters and give you practical ways to cultivate joy, step out in faith, and influence the world around you—even when you feel unqualified.  You’ll discover the incredible things that could happen when you say “yes” to God and live each day with purpose and intentionality, starting right where you are. So, whether you’re in a season of flourishing or wondering if it’s too late to change, listen in! This conversation will assure you it's possible to live well, love others, and leave a lasting legacy. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/355   Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

The storms of life can leave you feeling weary and weak. So how do you keep going when there seems to be no end to the storms that hit? Well today, author and pastor Justin Kendrick will teach you how to build spiritual resilience in the face of hardship. He’ll start by reframing your understanding of suffering through a biblical lens as well as unpack how an accurate view of God and His love can transform your ability to endure.  Plus, this may surprise you, but Justin reveals why weakness isn’t something to avoid. It’s the very starting point of true spiritual strength. Get ready, my friend! This conversation will set you on a path toward lasting peace—not by escaping life’s storms, but by equipping you to persevere in the middle of them. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/354 Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Most of us are so used to notifications and alerts, pings and rings that even if we don't want to be on our phones so much, we don't know how to change it. Yet the constant flow of information is actually harming our brains, relationships, and emotional well-being, even if we don’t realize it. Today’s guest, author and podcaster Carlos Whittaker, made a radical decision to disconnect from screens for two whole months, and what he learned will blow you away!  He shares what tech is really doing to our brains, the benefits of getting lost and being bored, and how disconnecting leads to reconnecting. Don’t worry—he’s not suggesting you go off-grid like he did, but explains how it’s possible to find balance. So, whether you’re feeling burned out, overstimulated, or just curious about how to be more mindful with your screen time, listen in! This conversation will give you practical, actionable steps to help you reset and reconnect—with others and with God. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/353  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest choices we face—but it’s also one of the most powerful. Today’s guest, author Debbie Barr, reveals how forgiving others isn’t just an act of obedience to God—it’s a gift to ourselves. Many people don’t realize this, but we pay a high price to our overall health when we cling to resentment, bitterness, and thoughts of revenge. So, through a blend of science, psychology, and Scripture, Debbie unpacks the life-changing benefits of forgiveness. Plus, she'll give you practical steps to start moving forward, helping you understand why “forgive and forget” is a myth, what to do when painful memories resurface, and why waiting for the “right emotions” before forgiving is a mistake.  So, if you’re struggling to forgive, wondering if you’ve truly forgiven, or simply need encouragement on your journey, listen in! You're about to get a taste of the freedom that comes with forgiveness. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/352  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Have you ever heard of FOMO? It’s the “fear of missing out,” and it’s something we all experience in different seasons for different reasons. But what if you’re not missing out at all? What if—even if you’re not quite where you want to be—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be? In this episode, Meghan Ryan Asbury will help you see that the life you have is the life you actually want. She’ll equip you to cast off the pressures of comparison, mitigate the disappointment that comes with unmet expectations, and embrace the in-between of where you are and where you want to be. Spoiler Alert: You might be surprised by how much joy is available to you on this day, in this season! So, if you’ve ever felt like life is passing you by and you’re falling behind, listen in, and get ready to build a life you love with the one you already have. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/351  Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

On average, most people engage their phones around 2600 times a day. That’s a staggering number! Evidence shows we turn to our devices whenever we feel alone, tired, or in need of affirmation. Yet after scrolling, we only find ourselves overstimulated, depleted, and exhausted. So, what happens when we unplug—and is that even possible when technology is so central to how we live nowadays? Well today, Author Hannah Brencher will show you how to recognize the warning signs of phone over-reliance. She’ll help you mitigate your fear of missing out and give you small, practical steps toward disconnecting that can actually connect you to what matters most.  Believe it or not, balance is possible! This isn't about ditching technology entirely. After all, good things can happen online. This is about the wonderful things that can happen to us when we untether ourselves from our devices and choose to live a life more present. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/350  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

“Church hurt” has become such a common phrase that it trends on social media, makes headlines, and is even the subject of a few documentaries. Yet within the church, we often struggle to talk openly about it. Not because we don’t care, but because we don’t always know how. Well, if you’re one of the precious many who have been touched by church hurt, you’ll be encouraged by this honest and insightful conversation. Today’s guest, Pastor Joe Dobbins, brings compassion, wisdom, and practical advice to help you understand the nature of church hurt, begin the journey of healing, and find the courage to re-engage in a faith community. He also shares how we, as the body of Christ, can be part of the solution—without church bashing. The pain of church hurt is real, my friend, but so is the hope of healing—healing that can begin today! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/349  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

Calling all Bible study geeks—or anyone who’s ever been curious about the Bible! On this episode of the 4:13, Bible teacher Mikella Van Dyke joins us to break down common misconceptions and reservations so many of us have about studying Scripture. Spoiler Alert: You don’t need a seminary degree to understand the Bible—you just need an open heart! Mikella will teach you the Inductive Bible Study Method, which is a practical, empowering way to engage with Scripture. Plus, she’ll answer some common questions about Bible study, including what translations can be trusted, how prayer plays a role in studying Scripture, and what resources are available to help you along. So, if you’ve ever felt intimidated by Bible study, this episode will equip and encourage you. Open your heart … and let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/348 Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.