Intro to Season 9

Happy Wednesday!   In this episode, Janell talks with Audrey, who shares how her understanding of the Gospel has grown and transformed her relationship with Jesus.   Although Audrey grew up in a Christian home and believed in Jesus from a young age, it wasn't until her college years as a nursing student during COVID that she encountered the Gospel in a new and deeply personal way.   She began to recognize the depth of God's unconditional love and the beautiful truth that there is nothing she could ever do to earn or deserve it. This realization truly transformed Audrey's life, deepening her love for God's character and shaping the way she loves those around her.   As she joins this season of FSR, Audrey is excited to talk about God's faithfulness in her own life while learning from the stories and experiences of future guests.   Throughout the season, she hopes to hear more about the guests' personal testimonies, what it looks like to love and pursue God through moments of vulnerability, and how to engage in meaningful conversations about faith with those who hold different beliefs!   -- -- LINKS   Season 9 Introduction   I Believe in a Higher Power - Ava's Story   I Did Not Want to Be a Woman - Hailey's Story   Are Christianity and Catholicism the Same? - Lu's Story   Christian, But Struggling to Be Bold - Olivia's Story   My Life Is Pretty Good Right Now - Leonie's Story   A Devoted Muslim After the Truth - Amani's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   In this episode, Janell has a conversation with Amani, a 21-year-old Muslim with a heart for seeking truth and a passion for exploring theology & different religions.   Through her interactions with other cohosts this season, Amani shares how she has been met with kindness, love, and a genuine willingness to engage in meaningful conversations about faith. As they have exchanged questions and perspectives, these encounters have created space for deeper understanding of both Christianity and Islam. Throughout today's conversation, Amani shares some of the foundational beliefs of Islam, how they relate to the personhood of Jesus, and the nature of God. She also brings questions about key differences between Christianity and Islam. If God has established His oneness throughout Scripture, how do Christians understand the Trinity? Why is Jesus' death necessary for the forgiveness of sins? And how do Christians truly perceive Muslims?   Join Janell and Amani for an honest and thoughtful conversation!   -- -- LINKS   Season 9 Introduction   I Believe in a Higher Power - Ava's Story   I Did Not Want to Be a Woman - Hailey's Story   Are Christianity and Catholicism the Same? - Lu's Story   Christian, But Struggling to Be Bold - Olivia's Story   My Life Is Pretty Good Right Now - Leonie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   In this episode, Janell engages in an honest conversation with Leonie, her former exchange daughter from Germany!   Growing up in a non-religious household, Leonie was familiar with Jesus as a historical figure, but a personal relationship with Him was not something she had experienced or seen modeled.   However, when she came to America as an 18-year-old exchange student, she experienced what it looked like to live in a Christian home for the first time.   Together, Janell and Leonie reflect on the cultural differences surrounding faith, what Leonie learned about Christianity during her time in America, and the questions she is still wrestling with today. How can we know God exists if we cannot see Him? And if God is good, why is there so much suffering and cruelty in the world?   While Leonie isn't sure she's ready to embrace a personal relationship with Jesus, she remains curious about the possibility of a higher power and the claims of Christ's divinity.   -- -- LINKS   Season 9 Introduction   I Believe in a Higher Power - Ava's Story   I Did Not Want to Be a Woman - Hailey's Story   Are Christianity and Catholicism the Same? - Lu's Story   Christian, But Struggling to Be Bold - Olivia's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   Today, Janell sits down with Olivia, a young woman with deep love for Jesus! At a young age, Olivia made the decision to follow Christ & since then, she has continued to pursue the Lord and grow deeper in her faith. Even through seasons of experiencing real hurt within the church, Olivia has remained steadfast in her relationship with Jesus, leaning on Him as her ultimate sustainer. Through it all, she has witnessed God's faithfulness and goodness firsthand, and she desires for others to experience that same goodness in their own lives! During this season of the podcast, Olivia is excited to deepen her own understanding and to become better equipped to share her faith with others.   As an EMT, she is particularly interested in exploring the intersection of faith and medicine, understanding God's presence in the midst of suffering, and navigating the relationship between His justice and mercy. Join us as we hear Olivia's story and her heart for continuing to know Jesus more deeply and make Him known!   -- -- LINKS   Season 9 Introduction   I Believe in a Higher Power - Ava's Story   I Did Not Want to Be a Woman - Hailey's Story   Are Christianity and Catholicism the Same? - Lu's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   In this episode, Janell sits down for an incredible conversation with Lu, an archaeologist from Italy. Growing up attending a Catholic church with her family, Lu was surrounded by cultural religion.   But as she got older, she began to wrestle with some of the beliefs she had been taught. Today, while she doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, she remains curious and is willing to dig deeper into what Christianity actually claims and what the Bible truly teaches.   Lu also raises some honest and challenging questions that will continue to be explored in later episodes!   If Christianity follows a God of love, why can Christians sometimes be so judgmental or put on a facade? What do Christians believe about homosexuality? What are the core differences between Catholicism and Christianity? This conversation is just the beginning!     -- -- LINKS   Season 9 Introduction   I Believe in a Higher Power - Ava's Story   I Did Not Want to Be a Woman - Hailey's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   We are excited to be introducing our next co-host, Hailey!   In this vulnerable episode, Hailey opens up about her journey of faith and the experiences that ultimately led her to a passionate, personal relationship with Jesus.   She shares about growing up surrounded by legalism, walking through abuse, spiritual warfare, and wrestling with a distorted view of womanhood and gender identity.   Through it all, Hailey began to discover the intimacy and love of Jesus. She shares that her relationship with Christ brought healing and transformation to areas of her life that had once been marked by confusion & fear.   Today, Hailey walks in freedom, and her story is a powerful testimony of the restoration that is possible through a genuine relationship with Jesus.   Hailey also shares some of the questions she is still curious about, from difficult Old Testament passages and questions about God’s judgment, to what happens in the spiritual realm and the mysteries of Scripture.   We hope you love Hailey as much as we do!     LINKS   Season 9 Introduction   I Believe in a Higher Power - Ava's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday! 🤍   We’re so excited to officially introduce one of our Season 9 co-hosts, Ava!   Two weeks ago, we shared the first part of Ava’s story when she joined Frankie for an episode where they opened up about their friendship and the conversations they’ve had around faith. In this episode, Ava shares more about her own story, upbringing, and where she currently stands in her beliefs.   Ava didn’t grow up in a Christian home. She believes there is some kind of higher power, but she’s still exploring what that means and what she believes about God.   We’re so grateful Ava said yes to being a co-host this season. We’re excited to hear her perspective, ask honest questions, and continue this journey of Finding Something Real with her. 🤍     LINKS   Season 9 Introduction     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday! 🤍   We’re so excited to officially begin Season 9 of Finding Something Real!    In this episode, we’re joined by Janell and Ana, our Season 8 co-host and media manager, for a look back at our live recording and retreat. We’re sharing a little behind the scenes of how it all came together and, most importantly, introducing you to our new co-hosts for this season!   Season 9 is bringing new voices, new conversations, and plenty of honest questions as we continue seeking truth together.   We’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait for you to come along for the ride! 🤍     --   Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   findingsomethingreal.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday! 🤍   We’re so excited to introduce you to one of our new Season 9 co-hosts, Ava!   Ava and Frankie have been close friends since they were six years old, and their friendship has continued to grow through the years. While Frankie is a Christian and Ava is agnostic, their friendship has always made room for honest conversations about faith, religion, and the questions that come with it.   We’re so grateful Ava said yes to being part of this season’s cohort. In this episode, we get to know her a little better and begin exploring what it looks like to seek truth together—even when we don’t all start from the same place.   We hope you enjoy getting to know Ava and join us as we continue Finding Something Real.

Happy Wednesday! 🤍   We’re back with our recap series, and today we’re joined by the person who makes all the videos happen—Reina!   Reina is our amazing video editor and was also a co-host alongside Ana for Season 8. These two girls are a huge part of what makes Finding Something Real happen. From working behind the scenes to creating content, editing videos, and helping bring the ministry to life, they’ve both poured so much into making this podcast what it is today.   We hope you enjoy hearing from these two and getting a little glimpse into the people behind Finding Something Real.    We’re so grateful for everything they bring to this ministry and hope you enjoy the wisdom and stories they share in this episode!