Trapped in Diet Prison for F-O-R-T-Y YEARS: How This Therapist Found Freedom and True Worthiness at 54

Have you ever wrestled with that nagging voice that whispers, “You’re not enough”? Maybe it tells you you’re not smart enough, pretty enough, or even spiritual enough. Or perhaps it sneaks into specific areas of your life—your relationships, your work, or even your faith—and leaves you feeling unworthy. In this episode of What’s God Got to Do With It?, we’re tackling the lies of unworthiness head-on and replacing them with the truth of God’s Word. Leanne explores what the Bible says about your worth, why it’s rooted in grace (not performance), and how to stop striving for approval and start resting in the freedom that comes from knowing who you are in Christ. We’ll dive into powerful scriptures like Ephesians 2:8-9, Psalm 139:14, and Romans 8:38-39, unpacking how they speak directly to our struggles with self-worth. You’ll hear personal stories from Leanne's own journey, along with insights from women she's walked alongside who’ve faced the same lies. If you’ve ever felt like you’re hustling for worthiness or doubting your value, this episode is for you.  HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered, Does God really care about my relationship with food? Isn’t He more concerned with bigger, more spiritual things? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In this episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, we’re tackling a topic that hits closer to home than most of us realize: our relationship with food—and why God cares about it. This isn’t a conversation about diets, calories, or “good” vs. “bad” foods. Instead, we’re digging deeper to explore how your relationship with food is tied to your beliefs, emotions, and self-image—and how those things affect your connection with God. In this episode we talk about: Why God cares about your struggles with food and body image.How guilt, shame, and control can weigh down not just your body but your spirit.Steps to invite God into this area of your life and find freedom through His grace. With Scripture, personal stories, and practical steps, this episode is your invitation to lay down the chains of guilt, shame, and perfectionism and walk into the peace and freedom God has for you. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I Was Afraid of All Food—Whether It Was a Piece of Celery or a Cookie” Meet Susan. She’s an occupational therapist, a wife, and a mom. And for 40 years, she lived in a self-imposed “diet prison”. F-O-R-T-Y Y-E-A-R-S. Every diet promised freedom, but instead, it left her feeling more trapped—more consumed by guilt, shame, and the constant battle with food and her body. Susan started to believe that this was just her reality. “This is how it’s always going to be,” she told herself. But deep down, she wasn’t okay with it. Her obsession with food and her body was taking a toll—not just on herself but on the people she loved most. Missed moments, crushing guilt, and the feeling of “never enough” became her daily norm. “I felt like I was failing,” Susan confessed. “Not just as a woman, but as a wife, a mom, and even a therapist. How could I help others when I couldn’t even get this part of my life together?” And yet, Susan knew there had to be another way. Her turning point came when she decided to stop fighting food and her body. She made the bold choice to let go of dieting altogether and instead commit to healing her relationship with herself. Now, Susan joins me to share her remarkable story of transformation. How she overcame decades of food obsession and fear to finally find peace.Why it’s never too late to rewrite your story—no matter how long you’ve been stuck.The steps she took to release shame, heal her body, and reconnect with herself, her loved ones, and even her faith. Susan’s story is proof that healing is possible—even after 40 years. No matter where you are or how long you’ve struggled, freedom is waiting for you, too. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode of What’s God Got to Do With It? we’re diving deep into a struggle we’ve all faced: comparison. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, seeing someone else’s success, or feeling like you’re falling short in your own faith walk, comparison is a sneaky thief that steals our joy, gratitude, and connection to God. Leanne explores the real cost of comparison—how it can plant seeds of envy and even make us question God’s goodness—and explore practical, faith-filled steps to break free. From practicing radical gratitude (and the neuroscience behind how it rewires your brain!) to celebrating others without comparison, we’ll learn how to turn jealousy into connection and curiosity. Most importantly, we’ll anchor ourselves in God’s truth, reminding ourselves of the unique and beautiful plans He has for each of us. If you’re ready to stop letting comparison steal your peace and start walking confidently in your own God-given path, this episode is for you, because What God has for you is yours. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we tackle a challenge that so many of us face but don’t always talk about: how to find true peace in a world overflowing with noise and overstimulation. From the constant pings of our phones and the never-ending news cycle to the mental chatter that never seems to quiet down, it feels like we’re surrounded by chaos. And even when life demands us to be present, the pressure of endless stimulation makes it nearly impossible to find the stillness our souls crave. Join Leanne as we dive into the reality of navigating this noise. She shares her personal journey of learning to silence the external chaos and reconnect with the present, as well as stories from clients who’ve faced similar battles. Together, we’ll explore practical steps to turn down the volume of life’s distractions and create moments of stillness where we can reconnect with ourselves and hear God’s whisper amidst the noise. Because peace isn’t about removing all the noise—it’s about finding calm and connection even when life is anything but quiet. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply exhausted by life’s constant demands, this episode will help you reclaim your peace and find sacred spaces in your everyday life, so you can turn up the volume on what truly matters. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re tackling a topic that many shy away from but is so essential: the feeling of being angry at God. Yep, we’re going there. It's time to have  an honest conversation about those moments when life deals you such a hard blow that you find yourself looking up at the sky and asking, “Why, God? Why would You let this happen?” If you’ve ever been in a place where disappointment turned into frustration, or frustration turned into full-blown anger at God, this episode is for you. Maybe you’ve wondered if feeling this way makes you less faithful or if admitting your hurt somehow betrays your beliefs. We're here to tell you that it doesn’t. God is big enough to handle your anger, your questions, and your doubts. He invites you to bring your real, raw emotions to Him—because true intimacy with God is built on honesty. In this episode, Leanne shares her personal experience with feeling abandoned by God and how learning to be open with my emotions deepened her relationship with Him. We’ll look at examples from the Bible and explore practical steps on how to approach God in your hurt without shame. So, if you’re wrestling with anger, confusion, or doubt, join us as we talk about finding peace in God’s unchanging character and how being honest with Him is not a sign of weak faith but an act of true trust. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne welcomes the iconic Candace Cameron Bure—beloved actress, producer, bestselling author, and CEO—to share an intimate look at her journey of faith, purpose, and self-discovery. With two highly anticipated holiday films, A Christmas Less Traveled and Home Sweet Christmas, Candace gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of Christmas storytelling and how the themes of healing and finding unexpected purpose resonate deeply in her own life. But this episode goes far beyond the screen. Candace opens up about the challenges of wearing so many hats in her career and how her unshakable faith has guided her through it all. In a powerful discussion about self-worth and identity, she shares candid reflections on navigating Hollywood’s pressures, embracing her relationship with God, and living boldly in her faith—even in the face of societal expectations. Packed with encouragement and wisdom, this conversation with Candace Cameron Bure will leave you inspired to stand firm in your values, find purpose in the unexpected, and embrace your worth in a world that often tells you otherwise. Whether you’re a fan of her holiday films or seeking a fresh perspective on faith and self-love, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. GUEST: Candace Cameron Bure // @candacecbure Listen to Candace's Podcast by clicking HERE! Get your tickets to the Great American Family Christmas Festival HERE!  HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellingtonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us: why it sometimes feels like our prayers are going unanswered. Have you ever found yourself pleading with God, pouring out your heart for a breakthrough or a change, only to be met with silence? Maybe you’re asking for healing, clarity, or relief from a burden, but despite your faith and persistence, nothing seems to shift. We’ll explore what it truly means when God’s response is “Wait” or even “No,” and how these answers are not signs of indifference, but rather expressions of His love and wisdom. Through stories of real-life challengesfrom Leanne and her clients, we’ll uncover how God’s timing and decisions often lead to outcomes far greater than we can envision. And while waiting or facing rejection can feel painful and confusing, there is a deeper trust and peace available when we lean into His plan. Join us as we break down the steps to find hope and faith during those seasons of waiting and learn to see God’s “No” as a powerful redirection rather than rejection. Because even in His silence, He is working—moving on your behalf in ways you can’t yet see.  HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I met Carley, she felt like she had tried everything under the sun -- and she was so sick of all the black/white, "should"/"shouldn't" rules that were causing her to obsess over food, and eventually cave and binge. And....she was also (at the time) the YOUNGEST woman to come through the Stressless Eating program.Desperate for change and feeling imprisoned by thoughts of food—whether it was obsessing over dieting or feeling like a failure for not sticking with anything long-term—Carley reached out for help, knowing that the path she was on was only worsening her struggles.There was so much information out there, and she was so overwhelmed and tired of thinking about it all, but she knew she had to do SOMETHING radically different. She knew that the problem was in her BRAIN.Carley dives into the details of her challenges, the journey to overcoming them, and the steps that led her to lasting freedom. She also shares how, by transforming her relationship with her self-image, food, and her body, she unexpectedly deepened her relationship with God. Most importantly, Carley reveals why making these changes in her 20s was crucial, ensuring she didn't carry these battles into her future. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this follow-up episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, I’m joined by Colton Shannon, the founder and clinical director of the Voice of the Heart Center, for an in-depth conversation about the profound impact of understanding and embracing our emotions. Colton shares his journey into emotional health and what inspired him to establish the center dedicated to this transformative work. We explore the uniqueness of Chip Dodd’s The Voice of the Heart and why it stands out among books on emotional wellness. Colton gives listeners a powerful overview of the eight core emotions outlined in The Voice of the Heart, discussing their importance for both emotional and spiritual health. We chat about the real-life challenges people face when trying to reconnect with these emotions and how embracing them can lead to breakthroughs and deeper self-awareness. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode provides insights and practical wisdom to help you listen to your own “voice of the heart” and live a more connected, authentic life. GUEST: Colton Shannon of https://www.vothcenter.com/@vothcenter You can order your copy of The Voice of the Heart: A Call To Full Living HERE! HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.