Binge-watching, sugar cravings, people-pleasing, control, work—when does a habit become an addiction? In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I talk with Steve Ward, founder of Steps Ministries (https://lifeimprovementsteps.com), about high-functioning addiction, compulsive habits, and the hidden “chains” that can quietly shape our lives. From alcohol and porn addiction to everyday coping patterns, we explore how addiction forms in both the brain and the heart, how to recognize the true cost of unhealthy habits, and how to begin the journey of addiction recovery without shame. You’ll walk away with practical insight, encouragement, and clear next steps toward healing, community, and freedom in Christ. –––––––––––––– Honest Christian Conversations is a Christian podcast creating space for honest conversations about faith, spiritual growth, biblical truth, and real-life struggles, helping believers walk in healing, freedom, and a deeper relationship with Jesus. If something in this episode of Honest Christian Conversations encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Go deeper with the "Retrain Your Brain" Series (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/fadeefcb94) If you're walking through struggles with habits, addiction, or spiritual strongholds, I also host a private podcast focused on recovery, healing, and freedom in Christ. It’s a more personal, prayerful space as we walk through the journey of transformation together. 👉 Join the Faith for the Week newsletter (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Receive a weekly Bible verse, a simple challenge to help you grow spiritually, and personal reflections for encouragement — plus access to monthly prayer gatherings. 👉 Stay connected with podcast updates (https://podcast.ausha.co/honest-christian-conversations-10?s=1) Get simple episode alerts so you never miss a conversation about faith, spiritual growth, and biblical truth. 👉 Need prayer? I'd love to pray for you (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website to submit a prayer request. This is a safe place to share your struggles and bring them honestly before God. 👉 Support the show (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) If this podcast has encouraged you, your support helps keep these conversations going and allows this space to grow. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why am I changing Honest Christian Conversations? In this episode, I’m sharing the heart behind some important shifts happening to the podcast and how God has been reshaping my understanding of Christian discernment, leadership, and direction over the past season. Season 6 stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. Stepping outside my comfort zone, hosting conversations with people who think differently, and navigating uncomfortable topics didn’t just challenge listeners — it changed me. What began as an experiment in dialogue became a deeper lesson in humility, critical thinking, and trusting God with the outcome. Listen to Season Six episodes/Minisodes (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/categories/season-6-stepping-out-of-our-comfort-zones-hard-conversations-seo-description-season-6/) –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it really mean to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Many Christians want to share the gospel but feel unsure where to start. In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, we talk about what it looks like to live out our faith in everyday life—through simple acts of love, courage, and obedience to Christ. Sharing the good news isn’t always about having the perfect words or a dramatic moment. Often, it begins with being willing to show compassion, speak truth with gentleness, and allow God to use ordinary moments to point people toward Jesus. In this short reflection, we explore how believers can step forward in faith and represent Christ in their daily interactions with others. If you’ve ever wondered how to share your faith in a natural and authentic way, this conversation is for you. Listen to How To Share the Gospel Without Fear: Practical Tips for Christians (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/how-to-share-gospel-without-fear/) –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you want to share your faith but feel nervous, awkward, or afraid of being rejected? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing God because of it. In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I’m joined by James Moffitt, who became a Christian at seventeen and spent over ten years doing street witnessing. Through real-life conversations, mistakes, and growth, James learned what actually helps Christians share the gospel in a way that’s loving, natural, and grounded in trust—not pressure or performance. This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought: “I don’t know enough.” “I’m too shy.” “What if they reject me?” Together, we explore how to move past fear and step into faith with humility and confidence. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How to share the gospel without fear Why feeling unprepared doesn’t disqualify you from sharing your faith What street evangelism taught James about real human connection Practical tips for Christians who want to talk about Jesus naturally How to handle rejection with grace Why obedience doesn’t mean perfection If you’ve ever wanted to talk about your faith but felt intimidated, unsure what to say, or afraid of how people might respond, this episode will encourage you and give you practical next steps to begin sharing the gospel with confidence and compassion. Visit James' YouTube Channel: @jamesmoffitt Listen to his podcast: https://www.parentingadultchildren.org –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Pride can close us off to correction and differing opinions. This minisode explores judging people by their past, their beliefs, and our own biases, and how humility opens the door to growth. Listen to the whole episode with (Anne) A.M. Geever (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/judging-others-faith-questions/) –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever judged someone based on how they look, what they believe, or the assumptions you made about them—only to realize later that you were wrong? In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I step outside my comfort zone and sit down for a thoughtful, honest conversation with a writer whose beliefs and background differ from my own. What begins as a discussion about storytelling, imagination, and post-apocalyptic fiction slowly opens into deeper territory—faith journeys, doubt, theology, and what it really looks like to listen to someone you don’t fully agree with. We talk about how easy it is to label people, how assumptions can block connection, and why meaningful conversations require humility, curiosity, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. This episode isn’t about winning an argument or changing someone’s mind. It’s about learning how to engage with people as people—without compromising your convictions, but also without shutting down dialogue. We explore what it means to wrestle with faith questions, how personal experiences shape belief, and why honest conversations can lead to greater understanding, even when agreement isn’t the outcome. If you’ve ever struggled with judgment, felt uneasy talking with people who see faith differently, or wondered how to have respectful conversations across differences, this episode is for you. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to listen more deeply, ask better questions, and step outside your comfort zone with grace and courage. Check out Anne's literary works: https://www.amgeever.com –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you avoid confrontation? Do you shrink back when you know someone disagrees with you—especially about faith, politics, or truth? In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I reflect on how stepping into uncomfortable conversations can grow your confidence, deepen your faith, and stretch you spiritually. After a powerful and unexpected conversation with former CNN journalist John DeDakis, I share how God used discomfort to challenge my biases, expand my perspective, and remind me that we don’t have to “win” every conversation to walk in truth. This episode is an encouragement for Christians who feel nervous about engaging people with different views but sense God nudging them to step out of their comfort zone with grace and courage. 👉 Want to go deeper? Listen to the full conversation that inspired this minisode: Faith, Politics, and Truth: A Conversation with a Former CNN Journalist (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/faith-politics-and-truth-a-conversation-with-a-former-cnn-journalist/) –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today’s episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I sit down with John Dedakis, a former journalist who spent decades in the media world, including time working at CNN and as a White House correspondent for Christian Broadcasting Network. This conversation goes beyond political talking points and into something deeper: truth, discernment, and Christian responsibility in an increasingly polarized culture. We discuss the difference between journalism that informs versus media that persuades, the dangers of placing political loyalty above faith, and how Christians can seek facts without sacrificing biblical values. John shares insights from his years in journalism, explaining how media bias develops, why trusted news sources matter, and how fear and power can distort both politics and faith. We also wrestle honestly with uncomfortable questions many believers face today: Can Christians disagree politically and still honor Christ? What happens when political leaders are treated like saviors? How do we stay grounded in Scripture while navigating modern media? This episode is not about telling you how to vote — it’s about encouraging you to think critically, seek truth faithfully, and place your hope in Christ above all else. Take a look at John's novels: https://johndedakis.com/ (https://johndedakis.com/) –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when God answers your prayer… but not in the way you expected? In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I share a real-life moment of asking God for patience—and then walking straight into a day full of slow drivers, tech issues, parenting meltdowns, and emotional exhaustion. The answer to my prayer came through pressure, not peace. This short episode explores why spiritual growth often comes through frustration, how to process anger toward God in a healthy way, and why honest faith means bringing your real emotions to Him—even when you’re irritated, tired, or overwhelmed. You’ll hear encouragement to release your anger without letting bitterness take root and a reminder that God can handle your honesty. I also reflect on my powerful conversation with Weston Brandon, who walked through deep grief after losing his wife and wrestled with God through his pain. His story is a reminder that even in heartbreak and unanswered questions, growth is possible—and faith can survive seasons of anger. If you’ve ever prayed for change and then felt overwhelmed by the process, this minisode will encourage you to see frustration as part of growth—not proof that God has abandoned you. 🎧 Want to go deeper? Listen to the full conversation with Weston Brandon (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/angry-with-god-after-tragedy/) –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is it okay to be angry with God after tragedy? In this deeply moving episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I step out of my comfort zone by speaking with Weston Brandon, a member of the LDS Church, about grief, faith, and healing after unimaginable loss. Weston shares the heartbreaking story of losing his wife just weeks after the birth of their son—and the anger, questions, and raw prayers that followed. Together, we explore what honest prayer looks like in seasons of pain, whether faith can survive deep anger toward God, and how healing can begin even when answers never come. This conversation also touches on widower grief, finding love again without guilt, navigating faith differences, and trusting God through life-altering tragedy. If you’ve ever felt angry with God, struggled with grief after loss, or wondered if faith can coexist with heartbreak, this episode offers hope, honesty, and encouragement. –––––––––––––– Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you? If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I’m really grateful you spent this time with me. Here’s how you can take the next step 👇 👉 Leave a comment (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) or write a quick review (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/) It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life. –––––––––––––– Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations: 👉 Join the mailing list (https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70) Get updates, monthly prayer gatherings, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection on what God is teaching me as I walk this journey of faith. 👉 Support the show financially (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/) Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life. 👉 Submit a prayer request (https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/) Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly. Thank you for being part of this community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.