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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

Jul 21, 2021
Jul 21, 2021
43 min
On today’s episode of the Finding Something REAL podcast, Janell talks with Abigail Houston about her scripture memorization ministry called Melodically Memorizing. Abigail talks about her passion for Jesus Christ and discusses the message of the Gospel. We hope you enjoy this episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friends Brian & Jill Wilson. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
Melodically Memorizing on Instagram
Abigail Houston on Spotify
Lord We Need You
Keith & Kristyn Getty
When I Don’t Desire God - John Piper
Ask Pastor John with John Piper
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jul 14, 2021
Jul 14, 2021
1 hr 42 sec
On today’s episode of the Finding Something REAL podcast, Janell has a great conversation with Molly Oswald and Isaiah Guerero. They discuss the frustrations about attending college during a pandemic and the challenges of building community during the pandemic. They also talk about dating during the pandemic, how their faith has been impacted during COVID, and more! We hope you enjoy this episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friends Brian & Jill Wilson. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
FSR s2e4 with Molly & Isaiah
FSR s43e2 with Josh White
FSR s4e8 with Drew Berryessa
Northwest University (Kirkland WA)
Cannon Beach Conference Center
Kim Meeder
Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom
Stop & Think - Francis Chan
Turn your eyes upon Jesus - Youtube Song
Proverbs 27:17 “ As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
John 20:21 “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it, I see everything else.” - Weight of Glory (C.S. Lewis)

Jul 7, 2021
Jul 7, 2021
42 min
Today, Janell has a great conversation with Tiffini Hawkins. Tiffini is a recent college grad who is passionate about serving in ministry. Recently and very unexpectedly, she lost her father. In this podcast episode, she and Janell talk about grief, having grace for people, pressing into vulnerability, finding your people, and more! We hope you enjoy!
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This episode of the Finding Something REAL podcast is sponsored by Laurel Denise. Handmade with love in Charlottesville, VA since 2005. Check out her beautiful meaningful jewelry here!
We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friends Brian & Jill Wilson. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
Resonate Church
Bridgetown church
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong
Rick Warren loses son (CNN interview)
Love Does by Bob Goff
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer
A Grief Observed - C. S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters by - C.S. Lewis
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Jun 30, 2021
Jun 30, 2021
1 hr 6 min
This week, we end our journey with Mariah with a spatular conversation with Rebeca Metzler! Rebeca shares a little about her faith journey, what it’s like being involved with a counter cultural movement, and how the pandemic changed church life. They talk about finding a Christian community and Rebeca shares about her ministry called Resonate. We hope you enjoy this episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friends Brian & Jill Wilson. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
FSR s4e21 with Mariah
Made for This Podcast - Jennie Allen
Crazy Love - Francis Chan
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Gay Girl Good God - Jackie Hill Perry
about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
Mentioned in this Episode
Drew Berryessa
Are We There Yet? - Drew Berryessa
Sit, Walk, Stand - Watchman Nee
The Hound of Heaven - Francis Thompson
FSR s4e21 with Mariah
FSR s4e10 with Brenna Blain
FSR s4e8 with Drew Berryessa

Jun 23, 2021
Jun 23, 2021
1 hr 44 min
Today, Janell and Mariah sit down with Drew Berryessa. Drew shares about his ministry and some of the challenges he has faced, his experience with sexuality and the Biblical position on it, and more! They also talk about the Gospel and living for Christ requires sacrifice. We hope you enjoy this episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friend, Michele Tupen. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
Mentioned in this Episode
Drew Berryessa
Are We There Yet? - Drew Berryessa
Sit, Walk, Stand - Watchman Nee
The Hound of Heaven - Francis Thompson
FSR s4e21 with Mariah
FSR s4e10 with Brenna Blain
FSR s4e8 with Drew Berryessa

Jun 16, 2021
Jun 16, 2021
1 hr 32 min
Today, we’re sharing a wonderful conversation between Janell, Mariah, and apologist Alycia Wood. Alycia talks about what Apologetics is and why she is passionate. Then they talk about suffering, how a good God could allow bad things to happen, free will, the character of God, and more! This is truly an edifying conversation.
There may also be mention of eating cicadas… but you’ll have to listen to find out!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friend, Michele Tupen. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
FSR s3e19 with Alycia Wood
FSR s3e2 with Josh White
Cicada Information (CNN)
Cicada Recipes (literally :P )
Chilli Recipe
Pico de Gallo recipe
The Hound of Heaven - Francis Thompson
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." ~ Brennan Manning
Scriptures:
Hebrews 11:1-2
Galatians 3:6
Matthew 5:45
Romans 3:10
Acts 8

Jun 9, 2021
Jun 9, 2021
1 hr 3 min
In this episode of the Finding Something REAL podcast, Janell and Mariah sit down with Zach Verritt. Zach shares his story of pursuing perfection, discovering his brokenness and finding grace. He shares his story of growing up in a christian home, being same sex attracted, and shares how pornography has effected hsi life. He shares a powerful story of how his sexuality has actually helped him be honest before God and how it has brought him closer to Jesus Christ.
They also talk about how humility and repentance needs to influence the church’s response to homosexuality and how the church needs to encourage the idea of the brother/sister relationship.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friend, Michele Tupen. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode

Jun 2, 2021
Jun 2, 2021
50 min
New Month, New Co-Host! Today Janell sits down with Mariah. Mariah is kind enough to share her faith journey and a few questions that she has about Jesus Christ and Christianity.
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This episode of the Finding Something REAL podcast is sponsored by Laurel Denise. Handmade with love in Charlottesville, VA since 2005. Check out her beautiful meaningful jewelry here!
We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! Special thanks to our friend, Michele Tupen. To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Mentioned in this Episode
