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Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your day-to-day, do big existential questions ever pop in- you know- things like, “Why am I here? How did all this get here? What happens after I die?” “Is there a God and is there really meaning to all this?” ”What’s so special about Jesus Christ?”
We’ve all experienced deep longing for something this world can’t seem to satisfy.
Even someone as wildly successful as Taylor Swift knows that to be true. “I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time...” She said, “and I remember thinking afterwards, ’Oh my god, that was all you wanted!... That was all you focused on. You get to the mountaintop and look around and you’re like... what now?”
If you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the different voices yelling for your affections- telling you what to go after- whether it be success, beauty, the perfect partner, social media followers, money, or power… only to leave you let down and unsatisfied, searching for more… Maybe like my friends and me, you’re after finding something REAL.
Every week, join me (Janell Wood), special co-hosts and guests as we ask questions, look for answers, and search for the source of something REAL: Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love. I believe those things can ultimately be found in relationship with Jesus Christ, but don’t take my word for it. Listen to our conversations for yourself and go on a journey with us: Is Jesus the REAL thing?
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Jan 10, 2024
Hello everyone! In January and February we will be replaying a few of our favorite episodes from 2023 as we prepare to launch season 7 in March! We hope you enjoy!
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Another Wednesday, another episode! We are excited to bring you a new episode of the Finding Something REAL Podcast! In today's episode, Gaia shares some of her current feelings about faith and how her Journey is going so far. We are also excited to introduce Lindsey Ponder. Lindsey talks about her personal faith journey and a bit about The Bible Project. Then the group has a discussion about the Bible and seek to answer questions such as; Why should we read the Bible? How can we trust the Old and New Testaments? They also chat about authoritative vs submission issues, sin, and more. We hope you enjoy the episode!
About Lindsey
Lindsey Ponder is a teacher and author passionate about understanding the Bible in its original context so that we can glean its wisdom for our own. A producer at BibleProject, Lindsey helps manage the organization’s internationally acclaimed podcast. Lindsey is part of the family at Kessid Church, where she serves as a member of the teaching team and as a worship leader. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Lindsey is currently in pursuit of a Masters of Divinity at Western Seminary. When she’s not studying or teaching, Lindsey enjoys hiking with her beloved dog and hearing someone’s story over (copious amounts of) coffee.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
FSR: Gaia’s Intro
FSR: Gaia & Dr. Erik Thoennes
FSR Gaia & Robby
FSR: Gaia and Zach
FSR March 2021 with Brenna Blain
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The Bible Project | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
Bible Project Paradigm Series: Who Wrote the Bible?
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Kessid Church (Vancouver WA)
Moody Bible Institute
Western Seminary
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Hello everyone! In January and February we will be replaying a few of our favorite episodes from 2023 as we prepare to launch season 7 in March! We hope you enjoy!
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“Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine- oh what a foretaste of glory divine. Rich conversation about evidence for the resurrection, the problem with missing the mark or going against the way God designed human beings to be- fascinating- challenging new ideas- even the answer he gave to our signature final question- just had me thinking afterwards... ” ~Janell
Happy Wednesday!
Today on the Finding Something REAL podcast, Janell sits down with Robby Lashua, one the speakers with Stand to Reason. Janell and Robby talk a little about STR and the definition of Apologetics, then Robby shares about his pursuit of truth within his own faith journey, his desire to understand how and why people believe what they believe, and more. They have a great conversation about evidence for the resurrection, the character of Jesus, and more!
Quite a bit of this episode deals with the topics of sin and evil. Robby defines sin and discusses moral law, the definition, of evil, and the freedom we have to make choices. They also talk about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and more! We hope you enjoy this episode!
About Robby
Robby is an apologist with Stand to Reason. Formerly, Robby was the Pastor of Apologetics at Desert Springs Community Church in Goodyear, AZ, an Associate Professor at Mission Bible Institute, and host of Christ, Culture & Coffee, a weekly apologetics podcast. Having earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona Christian University, a Master’s of Divinity from Phoenix Seminary, and a Master’s Degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, Robby has a passion for equipping the church with good reasons to believe in classical Christianity. Most importantly, Robby has been married to his wonderful wife, Kelly, for over 13 years. Together they are raising four amazing kids to love and serve Jesus.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
FSR: Gaia’s Intro
FSR: Gaia & Dr. Erik Thoennes
FSR: Frank Turek
Robby Lashua's podcast
Stand to Reason
Discovering the REAL Jesus Bible - Rebecca Pippert
Crazy Love book by Francis Chan
Tom Gilson
Michael Licona
St. Augustine
Sunday Dec 31, 2023
Sunday Dec 31, 2023
Hey Everyone!
We are pleased to welcome Rick Allan to the podcast! Rick shares how he went from being an agnostic to being a Christian as an adult. He talks about his three year journey towards God, the moral dilemma that caused him to think about his faith, and the point where he surrendered to God. Rick then shares about his passion for ministry and reaching out to those who are similar journeys as his. He defines apologetics and shares a few resources for those who are skeptical about Christ.
We hope you enjoy!
About Rick
Rick Allan is a former atheist turned Christian. After undergoing his own faith journey, he is committed to presenting the information that helped him to others.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
FSR: Josh White (August 2020)
FSR: Josh White (April 2021)
FSR: Josh White (December 2022)
FSR: March 2021 with Lucrezia
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Rick Allan’s Website
Deep Faith Questions Resource
Cross Examined Instructor’s Academy
MAVENtruth.org
Life Action Group
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The Lazy Approach to Evangelism - Eric Hernandez
Tactics by Greg Koukl
Person of Interest - J Warner Wallace
Cold Case Christianity - J Warner Wallace
Letters to a Skeptic - Dr. Gregory A. Boyd
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Lee Strobel
Frank Turek
CS Lewis
Alister McGrath
Justin Brierley
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Six Reason Young Christians Leave Church - Barna Group
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1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Hey Everyone!
Today, we welcome Kelsey O’Connor to the podcast. Kelsey shares her faith journey and a bit about her viral commencement video. She shares what it was like for her to choose to trust God when things didn’t go as planned and shares a bit about why she chose to stay with Jesus. Kelsey comments on how her faith affected her relationships with her peers, how we see people differently because of Christ, and more!
We hope you enjoy!
About Kelsey
Kelsey is a motivational speaker, former D1 student-athlete, and recent social work graduate from North Carolina State University. Kelsey shares her story in hopes of inspiring others to see themselves, and each other, beyond their labels. Because her message focuses on life beyond labels: Kelsey prefers to be described as a positive, accepting, and kind human being!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
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FSR August 2023 - Signe’s Intro
FSR August 2023 - Signe & Abdu
FSR August 2023 - Signe & Claudia
FSR August 2023 - Signe & Frank
FSR: Josh White (August 2020)
FSR: Josh White (April 2021)
FSR: Josh White (December 2022)
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Kelsey on tiktok
Kelsey's O'Connor's Commencement Talk
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Tim Keller
Issac Newton
Karl Barth
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Romans 1:16
”For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
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John 14:6
”Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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John 17:3
”Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Hey Everyone!
Today, we welcome back Abdu Murray and our previous co-host Signe. Signe shares a bit about the cultural differences between Denmark (where she grew up) and the United Stsates. Abdu shares his own faith journey and his personal experience wrestling with the idea of coming to Jesus. He talks about why we cannot trust ourselves, changing cultures, Christian pragmatism, Christian worship, and more.
We hope you enjoy!
About Abdu
Abdu Murray offers the credibility of the gospel message as a speaker and writer with Embrace the Truth. He has authored several books including Saving Truth, Grand Central Question, Apocalypse Later, and the forthcoming More than a White Man’s Religion. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim until a nine-year historical, philosophical, theological, and scientific investigation pointed him to the Christian faith.
Abdu has spoken to diverse international audiences and has participated in debates and dialogues across the globe.
Abdu holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Abdu lives in the Detroit, Michigan area with his wife and their three children.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
A Christian Responce to a Viral Deconversion Post - Natasha Crain
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Happy Wednesday!
Today on the podcast, we welcome back Robby Lashua. Robby chats about his work as an apologist with Stand to Reason, how he responds to current cultural criticism, and why he talks about sensitive topics like abortion.
Robby shares arguments for the pro-choice movements and talks about why he is pro-life. He shares why he chooses to defend the pro-life position through science and philosophy and shares a bit about ethical dilemmas that come up in conversations about abortion. They chat about why the cultural position on abortion has shifted so much, why the end-goal of this life isn’t happiness, how Christians can stand up for the Christian pro-life position, and so much more.
Enjoy!
About Robby
Robby Lashua is the newest Apologist at Stand to Reason. Formerly, Robby was the Pastor of Apologetics at Desert Springs Community Church in Goodyear, AZ, an Associate Professor at Mission Bible Institute, and host of Christ, Culture & Coffee, a weekly apologetics podcast. Having earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona Christian University, a Master’s of Divinity from Phoenix Seminary, and a Master’s Degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, Robby has a passion for equipping the church with good reasons to believe in classical Christianity. Most importantly, Robby has been married to his wonderful wife, Kelly, for over 13 years. Together they are raising four amazing kids to love and serve Jesus.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
FSR August 2023 - Signe’s Intro
FSR August 2023 - Signe & Abdu
FSR August 2023 - Signe & Claudia
FSR August 2023 - Signe & Frank
FSR April 2023 with Robby
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Stand to Reason
Biola
The Reality Conference
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Alyssa Milano
October Baby
Surrendering the Secret
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Proverbs 15:1
”A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger”
1 Corinthians 13:6
”Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
John 10:10
”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Happy Wednesday!
Today on the podcast, we welcome Michael McClymond. He shares about his faith journey as well as his new book. He talks a bit about why the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes played a part in his search for meaning. Then, he chats about Universalism— what it is, why it is a personal topic for him, and the theological consequences of embracing it.
They also chat a bit about Richard Rohr (one of those who made the Enneagram popular) and his theology, self-oriented spirituality, mental health & social media, and a not-often discussed part of the Gospel message.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
About Michael
Michael McClymond is professor of modern Christianity at Saint Louis University and author of The Devil’s Redemption: A New History and Interpretation of Christian Universalism, which was chosen as a winner in The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 book awards. He earned his MDiv from Yale University and PhD in Theology from University of Chicago. He had held teaching or research appointments at Wheaton college, The University of California- San Diego, Emory, Yale, and the Universities of Birmingham in the UK and Berlin in Germany. He has written or edited a dozen volumes that treat Christian theology, North American religion, world Christianity, Comparative religions and Biblical Studies.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.
To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
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FSR November 2023 - Nora’s Intro
FSR November 2023 with Jon
FSR November 2023 with Dr. Ioana
FSR November 2023 with Dr. Amy
FSR October 2023 - Rachel’s Intro
FSR October 2023 with Paul
FSR October 2023 with Doug
FSR October 2023 with Alexis
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Michael McClymond on Academia.edu
The Devil’s Redemption - Michael McClymond
Martyrs, Monks, & Mystics - Michael McClymond
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Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy - Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
The Stranger - Albert Camus
Strange Rites -Tara Burton
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Ian Barclay
Jonathan Edwards
Francis of Assisi
John Wesley
Thomas Aquinas
CS Lewis
JRR Tolkien
Frank Turek
Karl Barth
Rob Bell
Mother Teresa
Billy Graham
Origen
Carl Marx
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Today, Janell hops on the podcast to share her heart. She shares the story of how Finding Something REAL came to be and her experience going from blogger to podcaster.
Lastly, she shares an invitation to you, the listener. She shares reasons why you may consider becoming a Finding Something REAL Co-Host. In the show notes below, you can find more information.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.
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To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!
If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
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FSR November 2023 - Nora’s Intro
FSR October 2023 - Rachel’s Intro
FSR September 2023 - Alice’s Intro
FSR August 2023 -S Signe’s Intro
FSR May 2023 - Ljuca’s Intro
FSR April 2023 - Gaia’s Intro
FSR March 2023 -Grayce’s Intro