Ask the God Pod: "How Do I Break Free From Toxic Thoughts?"

We are so excited to bring you the first official crossover series of the "What’s God Got To Do With It?" and Outweigh podcasts. If you have been listening to Outweigh, you know that THAT podcast is all about helping women break themselves out of the food and body prison, end the dieting madness, and take control of their health for good, but without all that restriction, obsession, and shame…and without dragging it out for years to address it. And if you’ve been listening to "What’s God Got To Do With It?", you know that it's all about the fusion of where science meets Faith and where faith meets transformation and miracles. So this crossover series is a beautiful opportunity to talk about the crossover of where science meets food…& body image… & self image struggles…AND where THAT intersects FAITH (or what’s God got to do with allll of that?) And that’s exactly what this 6 part series is all about: Part 1 is an introduction and setting up this massive topic. Part 2 is all about the big picture of where faith meets science meets food & body image. Part 3 goes deep into the self image and identity that you need to actually step into the version of you that would have THAT health, that would have THAT relationship with food and her body, who would actually be at peace and feel free….…and of course how that fuses with this faith-brain conversation. Part 4 dives deeper into What God has to do with (what Leanne calls) your ‘food brain’ and disordered eating patterns, and filling voids in your head, heart, and spirit with food (or whatever your drug of choice is)…and it’s a hole that will never be filled by those things. Part 5 dives into the complicated relationship that women have with their bodies and their body image (and physical pain – a topic often avoided), and how to heal all of that from a faith-meets-science perspective.... AND invite God into the conversation. And then wrapping it up in part 6, we get into the strategy side of things. As in, what does it look like to use what you’ve learned about neuroscience and faith and healing your relationship with food and your body image to go create a winning game plan that sets you up to win AND one that your brain just learns so you can go live your life, food can be food, and you can feel comfortable in your skin and free from the chains of restricting or punishing your body. So let’s dive in! Enjoy Part 1.   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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second episode titled "God In the Good," we pick up as Mattie Jackson continues sharing her transformative journey after losing her 28-year-old husband to a traumatic brain injury three weeks shy of their first wedding anniversary. She shared an inside peek behind her own healing process, and how God helped her shift her focus from everything she lost to everything she still had. In the midst of unthinkable tragedy, Mattie shares how she faced the challenges of moving beyond survival, facing grief, sorrow, and trauma, and rebuilding life with hope.But God showed her life beyond this tragedy -- one that she could have never imagined....until she was ready for it.  She eventually found purpose in her grief, and shared the power of turning "your mess into your message" and finding fulfillment in impacting others who are struggling in similar ways. Through her work with Nashville (the non-profit she co-founded to support widows and orphans) and writing a memoir, Mattie found purpose, honoring her late husband's legacy and demonstrating the transformative potential of choosing joy amid pain. She also shares about her journey to finding love again after the death of her husband. As she delves into her own redemption story, Mattieie shares how God not only redeemed her personal life but also her purpose-filled professional life, and now she truly believes in the coexistence of pain and joy, sharing her belief that when one has the courage to delve into the depths of pain, joy's well gets deeper   GUEST: @mattiejackson Mattie's Website: https://www.mattiejackson.net/ Mattie's Podcast: In Joy Life Podcast Mattie's Book: Lemons on Friday 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born and raised in a quintessential “country music family”, as the oldest daughter of country music super star Alan Jackson, Mattie Jackson is as down-to-earth and open-hearted as they come. But that doesn't mean she's immune to tragedy and a curveball that could never have been predicted. Three weeks before her first wedding anniversary, Mattie experienced an unimaginable tragedy and lost her husband to a sudden brain injury. She candidly shares how her life was suddenly turned upside down, and the intense emotional rollercoaster of hope, despair, and ultimately, unimaginable loss that followed. .Mattie's raw emotions included everything from anger to disappointment to hopelessness, and the struggle to reconcile her prayers that she feared would be left unanswered. Amidst the heartbreak, she shares how she navigated through grief and the quest for meaning in the midst of so much chaos. The answer was no other than: God. She leaned on God and her faith to guide her through the darkest times.Mattie courageously bares her soul and lays it all out for us to hear in this interview for The God Pod, and I have no doubt that this episode  will inspire you to live life with more appreciation, courage, and purpose.   GUEST: @mattiejackson Mattie's Website: https://www.mattiejackson.net/ Mattie's Podcast: In Joy Life Podcast Mattie's Book: Lemons on Friday 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back with Rachel Joy Baribeau, an award-winning storyteller, inspirational speaker, and transformative coach for Part 2 of this captivating interview. In Part 1, we explored how God saved her. Now she shares how God redeemed her story, and set her up to pour into the lives of those that need her most. He saved her, and now he's using her...in the most extraordinary ways. If you've ever wondered how to turn YOUR mess into your message, buckle up as Rachel Joy shares this full-circle story of how #ImChangingtheNarrative was born, and how she passionately helps others discover their purpose and freedom. Her remarkable story is encapsulated in her book, "Relentless Joy," offering a beacon of hope to those navigating their own path to joy and fulfillment.This interview will make you laugh, cry, and want to jump up for joy at the kinds of miracles God performs when you surrender your past (and your future) over to him. GUEST: @rachelbaribeau https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ Book: Relentless Joy: Finding Freedom, Passion, and Happiness (Even When You Have to Fight for It) HHOST: 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Joy Baribeau, an award-winning storyteller, inspirational speaker, and transformative coach, bares the depths of her past in this candid interview on The God Pod. Struggling with cocaine addiction and pursuing unfulfilling idols, she found herself at a crossroads. Yet, it was in the midst of her darkest days that God worked miraculously to save her. Rachel Joy's journey from the lows of addiction to becoming an acclaimed sportscaster and the first female SiriusXM ESPNU host is a testament to divine intervention. But it's what happened AFTER that where she gives God all the glory. Rachel Joy did not hold back in Part 1 of this interview, as she shares all the "dark" and lonely places that caused her to keep coming back to God -- the one constant in her life amidst the ungodly amount of grief she faced.If you've ever felt lost, fargone, or caught in the throes of addiction, listen in as she shares the pivotal  awarenesses, realizations, and experiences that shaped who she is today in the midst of all the darkness. GUEST: @rachelbaribeau https://www.rachelbaribeau.com/ Book: Relentless Joy: Finding Freedom, Passion, and Happiness (Even When You Have to Fight for It) 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Leanne explores the question: “What would it look like to trust God with my body?” Drawing from her personal journey and the experiences of many women, Leanne delves into the idea that trusting God with our bodies isn't about achieving perfection but about surrendering control and embracing our God-given worth. Leanne outlines five transformative shifts that can lead to healing: ceasing the pursuit of worthiness through self-fixing, discerning God's voice over shame, moving from control to stewardship, partnering with God in our journey, and anchoring our identity in Christ rather than our reflection. This episode serves as a compassionate guide for those seeking freedom from body image struggles, reminding them that peace and healing are possible through a partnership with God 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Leanne explores the question: “Is my obsession with food a spiritual battle?” Drawing from her personal journey and the experiences of countless women, Leanne delves into the idea that struggles with food and body image are not merely about willpower or discipline but are deeply rooted in spiritual warfare, and how the enemy often uses lies and shame to keep us trapped in cycles of obsession and self-condemnation.  Leanne offers a compassionate and faith-filled perspective, encouraging listeners to shift from self-condemnation to curiosity, to take their thoughts captive, and to invite God into their healing journey. She underscores the importance of recognizing food as a gift from God, not a master, and our bodies as temples to be honored, not projects to be perfected. Through practical steps and biblical truths, this episode serves as a guide for those seeking freedom from food obsession, reminding them that they are not alone and that true healing is possible through partnership with God. 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on What’s God Got To Do With It?, we’re talking about something that’s often avoided in church spaces—but deeply needed: sex, intimacy, and God’s true vision for marriage. I’m so excited to welcome Sheila and Keith Gregoire to the podcast. Sheila is the voice behind BareMarriage.com and the author of over 11 books, including the eye-opening The Great Sex Rescue and her latest release, The Marriage You Want. Together, Sheila and Keith have been helping couples move past shame, harmful theology, and broken intimacy scripts to build marriages rooted in mutuality, emotional safety, and real connection. If you've ever struggled with what you were taught about sex, submission, or showing up in your marriage—this conversation is for you. And because there’s so much to unpack, we’ve split it into two powerful parts.  In Part 2, we explore how to heal the emotional and sexual wounds that hold couples back—and what it really takes to rebuild intimacy through safety, connection, and faith. Sheila & Keith also share practical tools for transforming conflict, communication, and closeness in a way that honors both God and each other.  This episode is all about going deeper into what happens when your marriage has experienced hurt, disconnection, or mistrust—and how to rebuild intimacy from the inside out. GUEST: @sheilagregoire Check out Sheila & Keith's website: baremarriage.com Listen to the Bare Marriage Podcast 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on What’s God Got To Do With It?, we’re talking about something that’s often avoided in church spaces—but deeply needed: sex, intimacy, and God’s true vision for marriage. I’m so excited to welcome Sheila and Keith Gregoire to the podcast. Sheila is the voice behind BareMarriage.com and the author of over 11 books, including the eye-opening The Great Sex Rescue and her latest release, The Marriage You Want. Together, Sheila and Keith have been helping couples move past shame, harmful theology, and broken intimacy scripts to build marriages rooted in mutuality, emotional safety, and real connection. If you've ever struggled with what you were taught about sex, submission, or showing up in your marriage—this conversation is for you. And because there’s so much to unpack, we’ve split it into two powerful parts.  In Part 1, we unpack the harmful marriage messages many women were taught in the name of faith—and how they often distort God’s true design for intimacy. Sheila & Keith help us reimagine a more sacred, emotionally safe, and God-honoring view of marriage built on mutuality, connection, and truth. This episode is all about unlearning what’s not serving us—and making space for a new, life-giving vision of marriage. GUEST: @sheilagregoire Check out Sheila & Keith's website: baremarriage.com Listen to the Bare Marriage Podcast 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, fear, or anxiety, this episode is for you. Leanne walks through what it really looks like to take your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and how both Scripture and neuroscience give us the tools to renew our minds. You’ll learn practical steps to identify toxic thought patterns, replace lies with truth, and rewire your brain to align with God’s peace and purpose for your life. This isn’t about “thinking positive” or faking it till you make it—it’s about getting honest with your thought life and letting God transform it from the inside out. 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.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.