Episodes

What keeps your faith steady when the people you worship with let you down? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Navy veteran, former combat medic, author, and mentor Lee Freeberg for an honest conversation about church hurt, spiritual growth, and choosing to follow Jesus daily. Adopted into a Christian family as a newborn, Lee accepted Christ at a young age. Yet growing up around church did not automatically prepare him for a personal, everyday walk with God. During eight years in the Navy, he lived largely on his own terms—even as he experienced moments he now recognizes as God’s protection, including a dangerous battlefield rescue. Leaving the military brought questions about identity, work, and what came next. Through family transitions, closed doors, and painful church experiences, Lee began pursuing a deeper relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and daily walks spent talking with Him. Lee shares how those experiences shaped his desire to…

What if the work you have done for years has been preparing you for a calling you never expected? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Bill Nienhuis of Childcare Worldwide for an encouraging conversation about faith, unexpected opportunities, and making yourself available to God. Bill shares how losing a close cousin during his teenage years deepened his personal faith, and how God’s presence sustained his family through difficult seasons, including his daughter’s struggle with addiction and journey into recovery. After twenty-five years at Logos Bible Software, Bill assumed his future would remain in technology. But wise counsel, a mentor, and an invitation to serve on a nonprofit board opened a different path: leading a ministry that introduces children to Jesus through partnerships with local churches. Bill explains how his business experience prepared him for that responsibility—and how his wife’s years of Bible study equipped her to write lessons th…

What changes when we begin putting Jesus’ teachings into practice in our everyday relationships? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Bible teacher and The Bible Speaks to You podcast host James Early for a thoughtful conversation about forgiveness, compassion, and learning to think, pray, and love more like Jesus. James shares how a Scripture about loving your brother challenged him as a teenager to change the way he treated his younger sibling. That decision became an early lesson in making faith personal and putting it into action. Years later, leading Bible studies at a federal prison deepened that lesson. James discovered a community where honest questions, different perspectives, and shared study could open doors to renewed faith. He recounts how one woman, initially angry at God and estranged from her family, found acceptance and hope through that community. James also shares a memorable encounter with a man carrying decades of guilt—and an occasi…

How do you keep trusting God when the miracle you prayed for does not come the way you hoped? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author Rachel Kerr Schneider for a heartfelt conversation about caregiving, grief, and finding hope after devastating loss. When her husband, John, was diagnosed with ALS, Rachel prayed wholeheartedly for his healing. After twenty-four years of marriage, his death at fifty left her raising two boys, ages ten and fourteen, while grieving the future they had imagined together. Rachel speaks honestly about disappointment, the heartbreak of watching her husband lose physical abilities, and the faith that sustained her through moments when she could barely find words to pray. She shares how she came to describe her life as “hopefully ever after”—a life still open to love, purpose, and God’s care. Together, David and Rachel discuss the importance of community, spending time in Scripture, encouraging one another through testimony, a…

Words spoken in childhood can shape how we see ourselves—and even how we believe God sees us. In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author and spiritual director Jessica Morris for an honest conversation about childhood abuse, addiction recovery, forgiveness, and discovering her worth in God’s love. Growing up as a minister’s daughter in a home affected by alcoholism, Jessica learned to keep painful secrets. When her father told her she was a mistake, she carried those words into adulthood, trying to prove her value while struggling with food and alcohol. Jessica shares how counseling, a twelve-step recovery community, and the persistent kindness of others helped her begin telling the truth about her struggles. Over more than twenty-six years in recovery, daily gratitude, trauma work, and a deepening relationship with Jesus have helped her build a different life. Together, David and Jessica explore surrender as a daily practice, the gradual work of forgiv…

Losing his mother at seven and his father at thirteen changed Oluwole Babatunde’s childhood. Grief remains part of his story, but so do faith, perseverance, and a desire to help others. In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes psychiatrist and author Dr. Oluwole Babatunde for an encouraging conversation about facing adversity and moving forward one day at a time. Born and raised in Nigeria, Oluwole shares how prayer, Scripture, and a growing personal relationship with Jesus sustained him through loss and uncertainty. His journey eventually brought him to the United States for further education and into a career caring for people experiencing serious mental health challenges. Drawing from his life and his book, Adapt and Advance, he explains a practical approach to difficult seasons: acknowledge that the situation is hard, then consider the next step you can take. Together, David and Oluwole discuss spiritual growth, caring for body, soul, and spirit, and fin…

Have you ever sat in church wishing someone would explain the background behind the Bible stories everyone else seems to understand? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Cassian Bellino, host of Biblically Speaking, for a candid conversation about asking questions, understanding Scripture, and finding the courage to follow God when you feel unqualified. Raised in a Christian family, Cassian knew church life well. As a young adult living in Bangkok, however, she realized she wanted a deeper understanding of the Bible’s people, history, and context. Her search for an approachable podcast where scholars answered honest questions eventually inspired her to create one herself. Cassian shares how encouragement from her sister, unexpected connections, and a memorable encounter with a pastor helped her move past fear and finally press record. Asking questions publicly connected her with listeners who had quietly wondered about the same things. Together, David an…

What if the God you feared is the loving Father you have been longing to know? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author and speaker Rosemary Fisher for a candid conversation about childhood trauma, church hurt, alcoholism, and discovering God’s love. Raised in a home marked by alcohol abuse and domestic violence, Rosemary lost her father at nine and her mother to suicide at sixteen. Painful religious experiences deepened her belief that God was harsh and ready to punish her. Outwardly, she built a working life in radio, advertising, and fashion. Privately, she struggled with grief, loneliness, and destructive drinking. A friend’s loving honesty helped her begin attending Alcoholics Anonymous, where hearing others’ stories opened a door to hope. Rosemary shares how faith in Jesus and the work of recovery helped her begin rebuilding her life, making amends, and learning to trust. Together, David and Rosemary explore the difference between saying sorry a…

When life feels like a wilderness, how do you hold on to the truth that God loves you? In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Tom Anderson for a heartfelt conversation about enduring faith, marriage, and discovering an identity grounded in God’s love. Tom shares how childhood insecurity and people-pleasing followed him into adulthood. He dreamed of a perfect marriage, but the early years brought financial pressure, emotional struggles, and the painful realization that good intentions alone could not create the relationship he hoped for. Through prayer, supportive friendships, and a growing dependence on God, Tom and his wife, Nancy, began experiencing change. Looking back over more than fifty years of marriage, he reflects on how God continues to deepen their relationship and teach them to love and serve. Together, David and Tom explore finding strength in weakness, remaining rooted in Christ during trials, and allowing relationships to become places of gr…

What happens when years of searching—and even the applause of an audience—cannot quiet the loneliness inside? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes Laurette Willis for an honest conversation about addiction, spiritual searching, and the love of God that changed her life. An actress and comedian, Laurette knew how to entertain others while privately struggling with alcohol, emotional eating, and a longing for belonging. After losing her mother to suicide and her father two years later, she continued searching for answers through travel and New Age practices. At twenty-nine, a question she believes came from God challenged everything: Would she surrender what she thought she knew to discover the truth? Laurette shares how turning to Jesus brought peace and, in her experience, an immediate freedom from the desire to drink. Today, through her coaching and PraiseMoves, a Scripture-centered exercise ministry, she helps others explore renewing their minds and …

One ordinary Sunday changed Tim Malm’s life. His faith continues to give him strength for the journey that followed. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes Tim for a heartfelt conversation about living with a traumatic brain injury, persevering through recovery, and finding purpose amid lasting challenges. In June 2010, a horseback roping accident left Tim with a serious brain injury. Two weeks in intensive care and nearly four months in rehabilitation marked the beginning of a long recovery. Already a Christian before the accident, Tim describes how his relationship with Jesus became more personal through the struggle. He continues working toward greater strength and independence while sharing his testimony at rodeo churches and encouraging others through his writing. Tim also introduces his coffee business, Stronger 413, and two books: *In His Time*, drawn from his mother’s journals and compiled by his aunt, and *The Battlefield*, his devotional based …

Doreen Virtue spent decades teaching others how to find spiritual answers. Then studying the Bible challenged the beliefs behind her entire career. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes Doreen for a candid conversation about leaving New Age teaching, discovering the gospel, and learning to trust Jesus. Raised in Christian Science, Doreen believed she was a Christian while understanding Jesus very differently than she does today. Her career took her from counseling and self-help books to international speaking, angel readings, and a prominent role in the New Age movement. Doreen shares how becoming a Christian in 2017 changed her understanding of God, her identity, and her life’s work. Daily Bible study and later seminary training helped her examine teachings she had once promoted and begin pointing people toward faith in Christ. Together, David and Doreen discuss spiritual discernment, evaluating beliefs through Scripture, and speaking honestly with lov…

When the voice inside keeps reminding you of your failures, how do you begin to see yourself differently? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes licensed counselor, marriage and family therapist, author, and Army veteran Healey Ikerd for a thoughtful conversation about anxiety, negative self-talk, and knowing your worth in Christ. Healey shares how her parents’ divorce before her senior year of high school left her struggling to cope. Although she knew Jesus and attended church, she had not yet developed a strong foundation in Scripture. Years later, a Bible study on Romans became a turning point. The call to be transformed through the renewing of her mind changed how she understood faith and began shaping her everyday choices. Drawing from her counseling work, Healey explores how harsh beliefs about ourselves can deepen emotional struggles. She discusses recognizing strengths alongside weaknesses, approaching growth with hope, and learning to manage emo…

How do you keep your heart open when life gives you reasons to close it? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes author Debra Griffin for a heartfelt conversation about trusting God through illness, releasing hurt, and choosing kindness in everyday life. Debra shares how her faith sustained her through breast cancer in 1989 and thyroid cancer in 2005. She reflects on learning to listen for God’s guidance, pray honestly, and trust Him when the next step is unclear. Her commitment to kindness began early. As a young student, Debra noticed classmates who could not afford lunch and found ways to share her food and milk. That same desire—to leave people better than she found them—continues to shape her outlook. Together, David and Debra explore accepting God’s forgiveness, letting go of self-condemnation, and resisting the urge to keep replaying painful encounters. Debra describes how her response to others’ hurtful behavior has changed as she has grown in fai…

Your past does not have to disqualify you from making a difference in someone else’s future. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes writer, speaker, and youth ministry leader Ahmard Vital for an honest conversation about returning to faith, serving others, and investing in the next generation. Raised with a foundation in Christianity, Ahmard spent more than a decade pursuing life on his own terms. A painful relationship breakdown prompted him to seek a different direction. His journey eventually brought him to a church where studying Scripture and serving young people became central to his life. Drawing on his background in sports journalism and youth ministry, Ahmard discusses the pressures teenagers face—from comparison and insecurity to isolation and the expectation of instant results. He shares why patient mentoring, genuine connection, and opportunities to serve can help young people develop a faith of their own. David and Ahmard also explore what l…

You can spend years earning a living while still wondering what you were meant to do. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes Christian men’s mentor, speaker, podcaster, and author Mike Van Pelt for a conversation about identity, purpose, and developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Mike grew up attending church, but for many years his faith lacked the closeness he later discovered in Christ. His career paid the bills without bringing fulfillment, leaving him questioning where his life was headed. An unexpected reminder of his calling sits on his desk: a letter from a college basketball coach, written in response to fifteen-year-old Mike’s dream of becoming a coach himself. The letter described the joy of helping young men become strong adults. Although Mike’s path took a different direction, he now recognizes that same purpose in his work mentoring men. Together, David and Mike explore the influence of teachers and mentors, the daily challenges of …

Mick Weinholt survived an avalanche at nineteen. Years later, a loss he could not fix brought him to a different kind of surrender. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes Mick, host of the *When You Look* podcast, for a deeply personal conversation about pride, grief, and discovering a relationship with Jesus. Raised with Christian teaching, Mick knew about God but wanted to run his own life. During a solo climb in Colorado, an avalanche swept him down a mountain, leaving him with severe head injuries. A stranger named Steve helped him reach the hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery. Mick recognized his survival as miraculous, yet continued pursuing life largely on his own terms. Then, one week before their first son’s due date, Mick and his wife learned that baby Luke no longer had a heartbeat. Overwhelmed by grief, Mick prayed three words: “I need you.” He shares how honest prayers through sorrow, anger, and unanswered questions becam…

When the work that defines you disappears, how do you rediscover who you are? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes author Brad Church for an honest conversation about business loss, divorce, single fatherhood, and the love of God that sustained him through rebuilding. Brad first believed in Jesus as a child, but his teenage years took him into drugs and partying. Returning to faith brought a new direction, though growth and freedom from old habits came over time. Years later, the collapse of his manufacturing business cost him more than financial security. It shook his identity. Returning to Oregon and taking a warehouse job for six dollars an hour began a difficult season that gradually deepened his faith and compassion for others. Brad also shares how divorce and a painful custody battle led to raising his daughter as a single dad. A church community offered prayer, connection, and room to heal—including an unexpected encounter with a six-inch nail t…

Calvin Bagley grew up believing he was less capable than other people. What he lacked was opportunity—not intelligence. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes entrepreneur and author Calvin Bagley for a candid conversation about childhood isolation, overcoming shame, and rebuilding a faith rooted in love rather than fear. The seventh of nine children, Calvin was raised in rural Utah by parents whose extreme religious beliefs led them to withhold formal education and restrict contact with the outside world. His sister taught him to read, but the gaps in his education left him feeling inadequate and afraid of being discovered. Serving a mission in Brazil and learning Portuguese helped Calvin recognize his ability to learn. Back home, he earned his GED, faced repeated college rejections, and—with encouragement and practical help—eventually entered the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Eleven years later, he graduated with a business degree. Calvin shares how…

What happens when the people who teach you about God also make you afraid of Him? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes podcaster and speaker Mr Whisky for an honest conversation about religious trauma, spiritual identity, and discovering a personal relationship with Jesus. Growing up, Mr Whisky experienced faith as a system of demands rather than a relationship nurtured through love. Hurtful experiences at home and school left him questioning Christianity and struggling to separate God’s character from the behavior of people claiming to represent Him. Military service brought further challenges, including isolation, difficult leadership experiences, and questions about his worth and purpose. During that season, he began turning more deeply toward prayer and Scripture. He shares how a vivid dream he understood as an encounter with Jesus prompted him to explore the Bible more fully. Reading its connected story helped reshape his understanding of God’s me…

You do not have to wait until your struggles are over to receive hope—or share it with someone else. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes minister, author, and podcaster Paul Granger for a heartfelt conversation about trusting God through hardship and creating places where hurting people belong. Paul speaks honestly about seasons marked by pregnancy loss, a painful ministry environment, job loss, and family mental health challenges. His story explores how God’s comfort can meet us within difficulties that remain unresolved. Through a community Bible study he helps facilitate, Paul has learned that loving people sometimes means setting aside the lesson plan and listening. He shares the moving story of Joyce, a woman living with dementia whose repeated interruptions became an invitation for the whole group to practice the love they were studying. Together, David and Paul discuss serving with limited strength, trusting the Holy Spirit, and recognizing the…

When your worth depends on keeping everyone else okay, who cares for the hurt inside you? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes minister and author Steve Rotermund for a deeply personal conversation about childhood trauma, codependency, and learning to receive God’s love. Steve shares how abandonment, childhood sexual abuse, and painful family messages shaped his belief that he was never good enough. Later, while serving as a pastor and raising three sons, he struggled privately with his wife’s addiction and his determination to fix their family. Exhausted and angry, Steve stepped away from ministry. A counselor’s unexpected observation—that he needed help with codependency—became the beginning of years of healing and honest reflection. Through counseling and a deeper understanding of his identity in Christ, Steve began recognizing how much he had relied on being needed to feel valuable. He also confronted the guilt he carried over his parenting and his…

What do you do when the Jesus you trust does not answer the way you hoped? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes author and former mental health counselor Constance Hastings for an honest conversation about grief, unanswered questions, and discovering grace when faith feels difficult. Raised outside a religious household, Constance encountered Christianity through teachers whose love helped her understand the forgiveness Jesus offered. Her journey eventually led from teaching into an eighteen-year counseling practice and later into writing. But faith did not spare her from painful questions. As her father lay dying after a massive stroke, her church was also reeling from financial betrayal and conflict. Constance shares how an unexpected conversation with a nurse allowed her to tell her salvation story beside her father’s bed—a moment that brought her comfort and a deeper appreciation of grace. She also recalls how congregations supported her father-in-…

After years of military service, Ryan Reichert faced a battle he could no longer manage on his own: addiction, lost purpose, and relationships strained by painful choices. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes retired Army leader and author Ryan Reichert for an honest conversation about recovery, personal responsibility, and discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus. Growing up in North Dakota, Ryan dreamed of military service. Despite a serious football injury that initially blocked his plans, he eventually joined the Army and built a career. But injuries, chronic pain, and struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs followed him into retirement. A corporate paycheck could not replace the sense of purpose he had lost. In November 2023, Ryan took his last drink and attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting the following day. He shares how recovery meetings, church involvement, the Alpha course, and a men’s Bible study helped him develop meani…