<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Ana Murby: Honest Christian Conversations]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honest Christian Conversations is a Christian podcast exploring spiritual growth, discernment, addiction patterns, biblical truth, and real-life faith through honest, Scripture-grounded conversations.

Learn to think clearly, discern truth, grow in confidence in your faith, and stop blindly trusting so-called Christian sources.]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/s/honest-christian-conversations</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!JsUW!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F607b157c-1945-4c7b-a9df-f8c75a29de52_1280x1280.png</url><title>Ana Murby: Honest Christian Conversations</title><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/s/honest-christian-conversations</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 13:58:49 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[anamurby@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[anamurby@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[anamurby@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[anamurby@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Why You Keep Falling Into the Same Sin]]></title><description><![CDATA[Addiction Cycle Explained]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 12:03:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d7583126-6acf-421c-94f3-9cfac563374f_1200x630.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;7b1cdf57-a307-41ba-9dee-e9e50cd90d56&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:698.9584,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p><strong>Why do I keep repeating the behaviors I hate?</strong></p><p>Why do I promise myself: <em>&#8220;This is the last time&#8221;</em>&#8230;only to find myself right back in the same cycle days later? </p><p>I know that cycle well, and I hate it too. </p><p>When I wrestle with these questions, <em><strong>Romans 7:15-20</strong></em> often comes to mind. Maybe you are familiar with it.</p><div class="pullquote"><p>I don&#8217;t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don&#8217;t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can&#8217;t. I want to do what is good, but I don&#8217;t. I don&#8217;t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don&#8217;t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. </p></div><p>You may have read that verse and felt a little like you were reading a Dr. Seuss book. I get it, it seems repetitive and maybe a little long-winded, but the message seems clear to me.</p><p>Did you catch it?</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p>The sin nature is what keeps us on a perpetual hamster wheel of sinful behavior.</p></div><p>Don&#8217;t let this discourage you, though. </p><p>Today, I hope to start you on a journey toward freedom from the burden of guilt and shame that comes from patterns of repeated sin.</p><p>I&#8217;m Ana Murby, and this is Honest Christian Conversations, minisode edition. I&#8217;m all too familiar with unhealthy behavior patterns, being a former porn addict for 17 years. During my sobriety journey, I learned a lot about myself and what makes me tick, and I hope today I can help you uncover some things about yourself that will change the trajectory of your life, as mine did.</p><p>Let&#8217;s get to it.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png" width="1200" height="630" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:630,&quot;width&quot;:1200,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:450479,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/i/198429543?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GwHK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4d2d94f-b6e4-42d5-b8d4-3582b14fcd63_1200x630.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Here is an example of the vicious cycle of addiction:</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p><strong>trigger &#8594; behavior &#8594; shame &#8594; repeat</strong></p></div><p>Does this cycle seem to be relevant to your struggle?</p><p>I resonate with it, not just with my former porn addiction, but all other addictive behaviors I have or once had.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Take a moment and list out three behaviors you repeat and how they make you feel.</strong></p></blockquote><p>Do you find yourself in the cycle above? </p><p>If so, stay here and let&#8217;s walk through together how to overcome the flesh.</p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Overcoming triggers:</strong></h3><p>The 17 years I was stuck in porn addiction were the darkest and most miserable years of my life. I was constantly full of guilt, shame, hypocrisy, and self-loathing.</p><p>I have been blessed to share my story on many podcasts, and one question they usually ask me is, &#8220;What were your triggers?&#8221;</p><p>This is a fun, humbling, and eye-opening question that any addict, or former addict, should answer honestly.</p><p><strong>These were mine:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Negative emotions (mostly anger)</p></li><li><p>Insecurity</p></li><li><p>A temporary emotional escape from negative emotions or a lack of intimacy with my spouse</p></li><li><p>Curiosity</p><p></p></li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>List out some of your own triggers.</strong></p></blockquote><p>Do you see a pattern emerging between both our lists?</p><p>They are, on the surface, self-centered drives. </p><p>Now, if you are like me, you just heard me say, <em>&#8220;You are selfish.&#8221;</em> </p><p>That is <strong>not </strong>at all what I am saying, so please don&#8217;t hear that<strong> lie</strong>. </p><p>What I am saying is that our desires may stem from trauma, unmet needs, or life experiences that train us to look <strong>inward for relief.</strong></p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p>Triggers remind us that we are human with needs, and they make us feel that if those needs aren&#8217;t met, we will never be okay until we fulfill what the trigger craves.</p><p>But we will be okay.</p></div><p>It takes time, energy, and daily surrender to stop the cravings.</p><p>It won&#8217;t be easy, but it will be worth it when you can finally overcome your urges, rather than them overcoming you.</p><p>Stay with me as I walk you through how to spot addictive behaviors and what to do about them.</p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Overcoming Behaviors:</strong></h3><p>The triggers I mentioned earlier always brought me to pornography for &#8220;relief&#8221; from my life.</p><blockquote><p><strong>What do your triggers always draw you back to, whether you like it or not?</strong></p></blockquote><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If you are feeling inspired to encourage and equip someone you love with the truths in this article, please share the post.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p>Behavior patterns are a funny thing.</p><p>What do kids do once they find a movie, song, or book they love? </p><p>They replay it over and over until you&#8217;re ready to scream. Or is that just my children?</p><p><em>The truth is that it&#8217;s not just kids who get this way. Adults aren&#8217;t that different, are we?</em></p><blockquote><p><strong>Think of a song you love and try to count how many times you&#8217;ve listened to it. </strong></p><p><strong>Tell me what your favorite movie is and how many times you&#8217;ve seen it.</strong></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">Pride and Prejudice (the Keira Knightley version) is mine. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I lost track of how many times I have seen it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>If you hate small talk, you will <strong>love</strong> the <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=ooRFVUthKPiAcgOD&amp;v=iOes8sJ-L4Q&amp;feature=youtu.be">awkwardness of this clip from my favorite scene.</a></strong></em></p><div><hr></div><p>The patterns we repeat may seem harmless, but what we repeatedly consume shapes our worldview, habits, and desires over time.</p><p>Not all bad behaviors look nefarious, either. </p><p>On its surface, working out and eating healthy aren&#8217;t bad, until it becomes your all-consuming goal in life.</p><p>Even doing Christian things could become a <em>sinful habit</em>. </p><p>Don&#8217;t believe me? </p><blockquote><p><strong>Why are you serving at church?</strong> For Validation? <em>To occupy your time? Church obligation?</em></p><p><strong>Why do you do every bible study you can? </strong><em>To seem overly spiritual? To catch a feeling? Because you think it will get you to heaven?</em></p></blockquote><p><strong>Your motives matter</strong>: if they stop being about God and become about self, even these wholesome endeavors can become driven by sinful motives. </p><p>Check your motives every day to see whether they are positive or negative.</p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Overcoming Guilt and Shame:</strong></h3><p>This one is hard. </p><p>I won&#8217;t lie.</p><p>Guilt and shame are Satan&#8217;s greatest tools to keep you in bondage to your repeated sin.</p><p>This is where you need to know who you are in Christ.</p><p>If you call yourself a Christian, then you are a <strong>child of God. </strong></p><p>That should be a big boost in your ability to overcome guilt and shame for repeatedly sinning because you know that your Heavenly Father, even if he has to discipline you, still loves you <strong>unconditionally.</strong></p><p>If you aren&#8217;t a believer or you have fallen away from the faith, this step won&#8217;t be as easy to achieve, because lasting transformation is found <strong>only in Christ</strong>. </p><p>Surrendering to Him will be a big step in walking a path of true overcoming.</p><p>I encourage you to take a look at all the passages in the bible where God talks about how he loves you. </p><p>Find the verses that talk about being a child of God and what power comes with that.</p><p>Here is a truth that I hope will set you free from your prison of guilt and shame for repeated sins:</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p>God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. </p><p><strong>All of them</strong>. </p><p>Even the repeated ones. </p><p>Because Jesus obeyed that call and rose from the grave, you now have access to God through Christ. </p><p>Which means, when you struggle again and again, you can rest assured that when you ask for forgiveness and repent, you will be forgiven if you are His child.</p></div><p><strong>You don&#8217;t need to clean up your act to come to Christ</strong>; you need to believe and then allow the Holy Spirit to change you through time. </p><p>It could be a short time or a longer one, but you will see a change.</p><p>The temptation to sin will always be there, as Paul wrote in our opening verse; it&#8217;s our <em>sinful nature</em> warring inside us. <strong>But in Christ, you have the power to overcome.</strong></p><div class="pullquote"><p style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)</p></div><h3><strong>Overcoming the Repeat:</strong></h3><p>Now that you understand your triggers, what behaviors they draw you to, and how to combat guilt and shame, let&#8217;s learn how to stop the repeat cycle of these bad behaviors. </p><p>Too bad there isn&#8217;t a button to click to turn off the repeat, like there is on your favorite music app, am I right?</p><p><em>This step will take intentionality and determination.</em></p><p>Overcoming patterns and habits you&#8217;ve lived in for years won&#8217;t be a walk in the park. Well, maybe a walk through Jurassic Park. Yes, I know that was cheesy.</p><p><em>It will be tough and irritating, and it might even make you cry.</em></p><p><strong>That&#8217;s okay, let it out to God, share your frustrations with him. </strong></p><p><strong>He loves you, and he wants to help you become free more than anyone else.</strong></p><p><strong>Take it a day and behavior at a time. </strong></p><p><strong>It&#8217;s a slow process, not a sprint.</strong></p><p>Before I end this, if you need more help on this journey to making healthier habits, I created the <em><strong>Retrain Your Brain</strong></em> series. </p><p>It was birthed out of my desire to see people stuck in addictive patterns set free from them, using God&#8217;s word as our ultimate source of overcoming. </p><p>I encourage you to walk through the 12-week Retrain Your Brain series at your own pace.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/fadeefcb94&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;I'm ready to retrain my brain&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/fadeefcb94"><span>I'm ready to retrain my brain</span></a></p><p></p><p>Thank you for joining me today. If something in this article encouraged or challenged you, I would love to hear from you.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-you-keep-falling-into-the-same/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">I look forward to our next conversation.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hidden Side of Addiction]]></title><description><![CDATA[How codependency quietly fuels addiction]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-hidden-side-of-addiction</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-hidden-side-of-addiction</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 17:26:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Look back on your life. Have you ever taken someone else&#8217;s behavior personally and assumed it was your fault?</h3><p>If you can&#8217;t think of a time, let&#8217;s jog your memory by using some examples from my own life.</p><p>In high school, I had some close friends, and we did almost everything together&#8230;<em>almost.</em> Several times, they had gone to movies with other friends without inviting me. I found this out because the next day we hung out, they would be talking about the movie and who was there, in front of me. </p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p>After this situation, I found myself pulling away to guard myself from future hurt, while also still craving closeness. It was a war inside me to keep people at a distance, but also to be who they wanted me to be, so they would like me.</p></div><p>Another example is whenever my children don&#8217;t want to read the bible, don&#8217;t eat what I cook, say something awful to a sibling, or throw a tantrum, I take it personally. I would think: &#8220;This is all my fault. I am a bad mom.&#8221; &#8220;Maybe they don&#8217;t love me, and that&#8217;s why they disrespect me.&#8221;</p><p><strong>Are you starting to think of your own life examples now? I have plenty more examples, but here is one more.</strong></p><p>My husband isn&#8217;t a big talker. Most days it&#8217;s fine with me. My love language is quality time, so if he just sits with me, I am good 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time, I think, &#8220;What did I do wrong now?&#8221; &#8220;Maybe he is angry with me for something.&#8221; Worse yet, &#8220;Why doesn&#8217;t he want to make time for me? Maybe he doesn&#8217;t love me anymore.&#8221;</p><p><strong>What do you think? Any of these examples hit home for you?</strong></p><p>I am a recovering people pleaser and codependent. To this day, in my forties, I am still trying to figure out who I am apart from the noise of everyone in my life.</p><p>Can you relate?</p><p>Have you heard the saying: <em>You are the sum of the five people you hang out with?</em></p><p>Why do you think that is?</p><p><strong>I think it&#8217;s because we unintentionally believe their opinions matter more than what God says about us.</strong></p><p>If you are feeling convicted right now, you aren&#8217;t alone. Remember, I said I was a <em>recovering codependent</em>. We come by this thought pattern honestly. The world tells you various conflicting ideas: </p><ul><li><p>You can&#8217;t trust people, so depend on yourself. </p></li><li><p>Women are told not to depend on a man for anything, but also to find their soul mate. </p></li><li><p>Men and women are both sold this lie: that a woman&#8217;s value is found in her looks.</p></li></ul><p>As a Christian, you need to be fully dependent on Christ. </p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p>But if you struggle with what a healthy human dependency is, how are you to have a healthy dependency on Christ?</p></div><p>It can all be overwhelming, right?</p><p>How should you handle all this tension?</p><p>Glad you asked.</p><p>I had a heart-to-heart conversation with a man whose family was turned upside down when he discovered his wife&#8217;s empty bag of pharmaceutical drug bottles behind the couch.</p><p>After trying to confront her about it and getting nowhere, his codependency started to kick in, and he tried to become her savior, which only fueled the fire of her addiction.</p><p><em>Steve Rotermund</em> is a former pastor and the founder of <em>Walk Right Ministries</em>, which he started after his own journey through codependency.</p><p>Steve was very vulnerable with me about how his wife&#8217;s addiction affected him and his family.</p><p>He also shared valuable information for learning the signs of an unhealthy versus a healthy relationship.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic" width="664" height="348.6" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!lJCM!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009bc232-4f6e-4eed-b97d-368033cfef3f_1200x630.heic 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h3>If you have ever felt an intense desire to make everyone like you, felt a sense of inadequacy fluctuating according to a spouse&#8217;s mood, tried to be your addicted loved one&#8217;s savior, or let your children&#8217;s choices determine your parenting success, this episode is for you!</h3><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;f06a7949-264c-408b-9874-1f0db9ca16ec&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:3554.3772,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If this post resonates with you, subscribe for more honest conversations.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p style="text-align: center;">After you listen, please share your thoughts with me. </p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-hidden-side-of-addiction/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-hidden-side-of-addiction/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are You Addicted and Don’t Know It? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (8 mins) | Hidden Addiction Signs You Might Be Ignoring (Minisode)]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-and-dont-know-it-d8f</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-and-dont-know-it-d8f</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915166/15366088e54629b12c6081d04c29554b.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, <strong>I&#8217;m talking about something most people never think to call addiction:</strong> the hidden patterns that don't seem that harmful on the outside. From control and perfectionism to people-pleasing and the pursuit of validation, some of the habits we excuse can quietly take hold of our hearts.</p><p>In this episode, I open up about my own struggle with control, how hidden patterns can form without us realizing it, and why addiction is often more subtle than we think.</p><p>You&#8217;ll also hear practical self-reflection questions to help you uncover what may be driving your habits, along with encouragement for how to begin walking in freedom without shame.</p><p>If you&#8217;ve ever felt stuck in people-pleasing, emotional dependence, perfectionism, or hidden habits you can&#8217;t quite explain, this episode is for you.</p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong><br>&#8226; Hidden addiction signs most people miss<br>&#8226; The connection between control, validation, and emotional dependency<br>&#8226; Why people-pleasing can become addictive<br>&#8226; Practical questions to help you identify unhealthy patterns<br>&#8226; How to begin breaking free through honesty, repentance, and truth</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Want to go deeper?</strong><br>Check out my conversation with <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/are-you-addicted-to-something-high-functioning-addiction-compulsive-habits-spiritual-freedom/">Steve Ward of STEPS Ministries</a></strong>, where we unpack subtle addictions and why uncovering your &#8220;why&#8221; matters.</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128073; If you&#8217;re walking through struggles with habits, addiction, or spiritual strongholds, I also host a private podcast focused on recovery, healing, and freedom in Christ.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/fadeefcb94&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Retrain Your Brain&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/fadeefcb94"><span>Retrain Your Brain</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p>&#128073;If something in this minisode encouraged, challenged, or helped you take a step forward in your faith. I would love to hear about it.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-and-dont-know-it-d8f/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-and-dont-know-it-d8f/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><div><hr></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Want to stay connected with podcast updates and blog posts?</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are You Addicted to Something? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (56 mins) | High-Functioning Addiction, Compulsive Habits & Spiritual Freedom]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-to-something-high-01a</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-to-something-high-01a</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915167/fb3b5d2fa190c0030b879699173c68ac.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Binge-watching, sugar cravings, people-pleasing, control, work&#8212;when does a habit become an addiction?</strong></p><p>In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I talk with Steve Ward, founder of <strong><a href="https://lifeimprovementsteps.com">Steps Ministries</a></strong>, about high-functioning addiction, compulsive habits, and the hidden &#8220;chains&#8221; that can quietly shape our lives.</p><p>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.</p><p>You&#8217;ll walk away with practical insight, encouragement, and clear next steps toward healing, community, and freedom in Christ.</p><div><hr></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If something in this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take a step forward in your faith, make sure you don&#8217;t miss content anymore.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/fadeefcb94">Go deeper with the "Retrain Your Brain" Series</a></strong><br>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.</p><p><strong>What impacted you the most from this episode?</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-to-something-high-01a/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-addicted-to-something-high-01a/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I’m Changing Honest Christian Conversations]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (13 mins) | Christian Discernment & A New Direction]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-im-changing-honest-christian-fc2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/why-im-changing-honest-christian-fc2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915168/c7e8dc4800c70f32cde512e0be9d8bdd.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Why am I changing </strong><em><strong>Honest Christian Conversations</strong></em><strong>?</strong></p><p>In this episode, I&#8217;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.</p><p>Season 6 stretched me in ways I didn&#8217;t expect. Stepping outside my comfort zone, hosting conversations with people who think differently, and navigating uncomfortable topics didn&#8217;t just challenge listeners; it changed me.</p><p>What began as an experiment in dialogue became a deeper lesson in humility, critical thinking, and trusting God with the outcome.</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If something in this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take a step forward in your faith, consider subscribing so you don&#8217;t miss future content.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (9 mins) | Sharing the Gospel in Everyday Life (Minisode)]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/be-the-hands-and-feet-of-jesus-sharing-c7b</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/be-the-hands-and-feet-of-jesus-sharing-c7b</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:41:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915169/bb8722eba17cb45038909105b202e868.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>What does it really mean to be the </strong><em><strong>hands and feet of Jesus</strong></em><strong>?</strong></p><p>Many Christians want to share the gospel but feel unsure where to start. In this minisode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, we talk about what it looks like to live out our faith in everyday life&#8212;through simple acts of love, courage, and obedience to Christ.</p><p>Sharing the good news isn&#8217;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.</p><p>In this short reflection, we explore how believers can step forward in faith and represent Christ in their daily interactions with others.</p><p><strong>If you&#8217;ve ever wondered how to share your faith in a natural and authentic way, this conversation is for you.</strong></p><p>Listen to <em><strong><a href="https://anamurby.substack.com/p/how-to-share-the-gospel-without-fear-dda">How To Share the Gospel Without Fear: Practical Tips for Christians</a></strong></em></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/be-the-hands-and-feet-of-jesus-sharing-c7b/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/be-the-hands-and-feet-of-jesus-sharing-c7b/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Share the Gospel Without Fear]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (43 mins) | Practical Tips for Christians]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/how-to-share-the-gospel-without-fear-dda</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/how-to-share-the-gospel-without-fear-dda</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915170/e0d372da3738db69d9277ab982a8efe5.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Do you want to share your faith but feel nervous, awkward, or afraid of being rejected?</strong> You&#8217;re not alone&#8212;and you&#8217;re not failing God because of it.</p><p>In this episode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, I&#8217;m joined by <strong>James Moffitt</strong>, 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&#8217;s loving, natural, and grounded in trust&#8212;not pressure or performance.</p><p>This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought:<br>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know enough.&#8221;<br>&#8220;I&#8217;m too shy.&#8221;<br>&#8220;What if they reject me?&#8221;</p><p>Together, we explore how to move past fear and step into faith with humility and confidence.</p><p>In this episode, you&#8217;ll hear about:</p><ul><li><p>How to share the gospel without fear</p></li><li><p>Why feeling unprepared doesn&#8217;t disqualify you from sharing your faith</p></li><li><p>What street evangelism taught James about real human connection</p></li><li><p>Practical tips for Christians who want to talk about Jesus naturally</p></li><li><p>How to handle rejection with grace</p></li><li><p>Why obedience doesn&#8217;t mean perfection</p></li></ul><p>If you&#8217;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.</p><p>Visit James' YouTube Channel: <strong>@jamesmoffitt</strong></p><p>Listen to his podcast: <a href="https://www.parentingadultchildren.org">https://www.parentingadultchildren.org</a></p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/how-to-share-the-gospel-without-fear-dda/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/how-to-share-the-gospel-without-fear-dda/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Sin of Pride]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (10 mins) | When We Refuse to Listen (Minisode)]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-sin-of-pride-when-we-refuse-to-eaf</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-sin-of-pride-when-we-refuse-to-eaf</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915171/1c7dad2aec1103fa74f4663d0e0256d4.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Pride can close us off to correction and differing opinions. </strong>This minisode explores judging people by their past and beliefs, the role of our own biases, and how humility opens the door to growth.</p><p>Listen to the whole episode with <strong><a href="https://anamurby.substack.com/p/judging-others-faith-questions-and-6ee">(Anne) A.M. Geever</a></strong></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-sin-of-pride-when-we-refuse-to-eaf/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/the-sin-of-pride-when-we-refuse-to-eaf/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If this content resonates with you, consider subscribing so you never miss future posts.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Judging Others, Faith Questions, and Meaningful Conversations]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (50 mins) | Have you ever judged someone based on how they look, what they believe, or the assumptions you made about them&#8212;only to realize later that you were wrong?]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/judging-others-faith-questions-and-6ee</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/judging-others-faith-questions-and-6ee</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915172/afbf8916c520d380df8a4e538daad100.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Have you ever judged someone based on how they look, what they believe, or the assumptions you made about them&#8212;only to realize later that you were wrong?</strong></p><p>In this episode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, 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.</p><p>What begins as a discussion about storytelling, imagination, and post-apocalyptic fiction slowly opens into deeper territory&#8212;faith journeys, doubt, theology, and what it really looks like to listen to someone you don&#8217;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.</p><p>This episode isn&#8217;t about winning an argument or changing someone&#8217;s mind. It&#8217;s about learning how to engage with people as people&#8212;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&#8217;t the outcome.</p><p>If you&#8217;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.</p><p>Check out Anne's literary works: <a href="https://www.amgeever.com">https://www.amgeever.com</a></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/judging-others-faith-questions-and-6ee/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/judging-others-faith-questions-and-6ee/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Step Out of Your Comfort Zone]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (8 mins) | How Hard Conversations Grow Your Faith (Minisode)]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/step-out-of-your-comfort-zone-how-ca1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/step-out-of-your-comfort-zone-how-ca1</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915173/00e7974c17f5067d35391d5b91655aaf.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Do you avoid confrontation? Do you shrink back when you know someone disagrees with you&#8212;especially about faith, politics, or truth?</strong></p><p>In this minisode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, 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 <em>John DeDakis</em>, I share how God used discomfort to challenge my biases, expand my perspective, and remind me that we don&#8217;t have to &#8220;win&#8221; every conversation to walk in truth.</p><p>This episode is an encouragement for Christians who feel nervous about engaging with people who hold different views but sense God nudging them to step out of their comfort zone with grace and courage.</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Want to go deeper?</strong><br>Listen to the full conversation that inspired this minisode:<br><strong><a href="https://anamurby.substack.com/p/faith-politics-and-truth-a-conversation-e81">Faith, Politics, and Truth: A Conversation with a Former CNN Journalist</a></strong></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><div class="directMessage button" data-attrs="{&quot;userId&quot;:351896282,&quot;userName&quot;:&quot;Ana Murby&quot;,&quot;canDm&quot;:null,&quot;dmUpgradeOptions&quot;:null,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}" data-component-name="DirectMessageToDOM"></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing so you don&#8217;t miss future content.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Faith, Politics, and Truth]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (65 mins) | A Conversation with a Former CNN Journalist]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/faith-politics-and-truth-a-conversation-e81</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/faith-politics-and-truth-a-conversation-e81</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915174/ada5752cb3d78865ed9538eaa8d6e7fd.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In today&#8217;s episode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, I sit down with <strong>John Dedakis</strong>, a former journalist who spent decades in the media world, including time working at <strong>CNN</strong> and as a White House correspondent for Christian Broadcasting Network.</p><p>This conversation goes beyond political talking points and into something deeper: <strong>truth, discernment, and Christian responsibility</strong> 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.</p><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>Can Christians disagree politically and still honor Christ?</p></li><li><p>What happens when political leaders are treated like saviors?</p></li><li><p>How do we stay grounded in Scripture while navigating modern media?</p></li></ul><p>This episode is not about telling you how to vote &#8212; it&#8217;s about encouraging you to <strong>think critically, seek truth faithfully, and place your hope in Christ above all else</strong>.</p><p><em>Take a look at John's novels: <a href="https://johndedakis.com/">https://johndedakis.com/</a></em></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><div class="directMessage button" data-attrs="{&quot;userId&quot;:351896282,&quot;userName&quot;:&quot;Ana Murby&quot;,&quot;canDm&quot;:null,&quot;dmUpgradeOptions&quot;:null,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}" data-component-name="DirectMessageToDOM"></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[When God Answers Your Prayer the Hard Way]]></title><description><![CDATA[Listen now (8 mins) | Anger, Growth & Honest Faith (Minisode)]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/when-god-answers-your-prayer-the-d90</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/when-god-answers-your-prayer-the-d90</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915175/f4b89f9bea476be9198f98882a78c596.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>What happens when God answers your prayer&#8230; but not in the way you expected?</strong> In this minisode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, I share a real-life moment of asking God for patience&#8212;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.</p><p>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&#8212;even when you&#8217;re irritated, tired, or overwhelmed. You&#8217;ll hear encouragement to release your anger without letting bitterness take root and a reminder that God can handle your honesty.</p><p>I also reflect on my powerful conversation with <em><strong>Weston Brandon</strong></em>, 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&#8212;and faith can survive seasons of anger.</p><p>If you&#8217;ve ever prayed for change and then felt overwhelmed by the process, this minisode will encourage you to see frustration as part of growth&#8212;not proof that God has abandoned you.</p><p>&#127911; Want to go deeper?<br>Listen to the full conversation with <strong><a href="https://anamurby.substack.com/p/is-it-okay-to-be-angry-with-god-after-f6c">Weston Brandon</a></strong></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/when-god-answers-your-prayer-the-d90/comments&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Leave a comment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/when-god-answers-your-prayer-the-d90/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is It Okay to Be Angry With God After Tragedy? A Story of Loss, Faith, and Healing]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 unimaginab...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/is-it-okay-to-be-angry-with-god-after-f6c</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/is-it-okay-to-be-angry-with-god-after-f6c</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915176/00f19babd007033e348b5a0627fcf626.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Is it okay to be angry with God after tragedy?</strong> In this deeply moving episode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, I&nbsp;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&#8212;and the anger, questions, and raw prayers that followed.</p><p>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.</p><p>If you&#8217;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.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Obedience Isn’t a Dirty Word: Don’t Miss What God Wants to Do Through You (Minisode)]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you hear the word obedience, do you cringe? You&#8217;re not alone. In this Season 6 minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I unpack why obedience to Christ isn&#8217;t about control&#8212;it&#8217;s about freedom. Inspired by my conversation with Scott Mocha, I ch...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/obedience-isnt-a-dirty-word-dont-3ff</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/obedience-isnt-a-dirty-word-dont-3ff</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915177/77a05abdfb8272a10512609c856dc695.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>When you hear the word </strong><em><strong>obedience</strong></em><strong>, do you cringe?</strong> You&#8217;re not alone. In this Season 6 minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I unpack why obedience to Christ isn&#8217;t about control&#8212;it&#8217;s about freedom. Inspired by my conversation with Scott Mocha, I challenge the fear of sharing the gospel and introduce a new kind of FOMO: fear of missing what God wants to do through you. This episode encourages believers to step out of their comfort zones, model faith through action, and allow their children to encounter Jesus in real, personal ways.</p><p>If you&#8217;ve ever hesitated when God nudged you to love someone others avoid, this minisode is for you.</p><p>&#128073; This minisode only scratches the surface. My full conversation with Scott Mocha was deeply encouraging and challenged how I think about loving people. <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/responding-to-gods-call/">Listen to that episode here</a></strong></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Respond When God Calls You to Love the People Others Avoid]]></title><description><![CDATA[What do you do when God nudges you to speak to someone you&#8217;d rather avoid? In this powerful episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I sit down with Scott Mocha to explore how God often calls us to love the very people society overlooks. Scott share...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/how-to-respond-when-god-calls-you-716</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/how-to-respond-when-god-calls-you-716</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915178/f37bcafd099cffb06bb8449bccfd643d.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>What do you do when God nudges you to speak to someone you&#8217;d rather avoid?</strong><br>In this powerful episode of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>, I sit down with Scott Mocha to explore how God often calls us to love the very people society overlooks.</p><p>Scott shares his remarkable journey&#8212;from addiction to experiencing radical transformation through unconditional love. Together, Scott and I unpack what it really looks like to respond when God calls you in the moment&#8212;without fear, judgment, or pressure to &#8220;get it right.&#8221;</p><p>This conversation challenges believers to move past comfort, religious performance, and excuses, and instead reflect the heart of Christ through genuine connection, compassion, and obedience.</p><p>If you&#8217;ve ever wondered how to share your faith naturally, love people who don&#8217;t believe like you, or respond when God places someone on your heart, this episode will encourage and equip you.</p><p>Listen to <em><strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-row-with-two-chairs-creating-a-life-worth-saving/id1851581158">Scott's Memoir</a></strong></em></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Repentance Bring Healing? (January Revisit – 3-Minute Clip)]]></title><description><![CDATA[January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again Throughout January, I&#8217;m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations&#8212;moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate. Today&#8217;s minisode features a 3-minute clip...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/can-repentance-bring-healing-january-2bd</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/can-repentance-bring-healing-january-2bd</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915179/6c3cbeea102c9f0467466303f2bcacae.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again</strong></p><p>Throughout January, I&#8217;m sharing short clips from past episodes of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>&#8212;moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.</p><p>Today&#8217;s minisode features a <strong>3-minute clip</strong> from Part Two of a two-part conversation centered on repentance, healing, and spiritual freedom. In this episode, I speak with Beatty Carmichael as we explore the power of strategic repentance and how confronting past sin can lead to profound healing and newfound peace, inspired by Proverbs 28:13.</p><p>Because this conversation unfolds over two episodes, I strongly encourage you to listen to <strong>Part One</strong> first, followed by the <strong>full episode of Part Two</strong>, to fully grasp the depth and heart of this message.</p><p>Whether this is your first time hearing this discussion or a reminder of a truth you&#8217;ve encountered before, I invite you to revisit both episodes prayerfully.</p><p>Sometimes God uses a familiar call to repentance to bring lasting healing and freedom.</p><p><strong>&#127911; Original Episodes:</strong><br>&#8226; <em><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/challenge-your-beliefs/">Can Repentance Bring Healing? &#8212; Part One</a></em><br>&#8226; <em><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/can-repentance-bring-healing/">Can Repentance Bring Healing? &#8212; Part Two</a></em></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Peace Beyond Religious Legalism (January Revisit – 3-Minute Clip)]]></title><description><![CDATA[January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again Throughout January, I&#8217;m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations&#8212;moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate. Today&#8217;s minisode features a 3-minute clip...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/finding-peace-beyond-religious-legalism-577</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/finding-peace-beyond-religious-legalism-577</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915180/59e9c6dad771b7ccd9516768c01e5a25.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again</strong></p><p>Throughout January, I&#8217;m sharing short clips from past episodes of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>&#8212;moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.</p><p>Today&#8217;s minisode features a <strong>3-minute clip</strong> from a previous episode centered on breaking free from religious legalism and finding true peace in Christ. For many years, I was personally steeped in legalism, and the aftermath was painful and lasting.</p><p>In the original episode, I speak with Desiree Taylor, author of <em>Created to Relate</em>, as she shares her powerful testimony of breaking free from the chains of legalism and discovering authentic freedom and peace in Christ.</p><p>Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or a reminder of truth you&#8217;ve already encountered, I invite you to go back and listen to the full episode.</p><p>Sometimes God uses a familiar message to gently lead us into deeper freedom.</p><p><strong>&#127911; Original Episode:</strong> <em><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/finding-peace-beyond-religious-legalism/">Finding Peace Beyond Religious Legalism</a></em></p><p><em>Buy Desiree&#8217;s <a href="https://indiepubs.com/products/created-to-relate?fbclid=PAVERFWAPdsyVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacCSHkFdXvDNIaYAPy7FgyNdtknKFU5Jc6aERtyFv1fsG64-_3ftASG8Y-A3Q_aem_GCE9RlpoC_5wg2snhfRckg">book</a></em></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[My Takeaway from the Quiet On The Set Documentary (January Revisit – 3-Minute Clip)]]></title><description><![CDATA[January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again Throughout January, I&#8217;m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations&#8212;moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate. Today&#8217;s minisode features a 3-minute clip...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/my-takeaway-from-the-quiet-on-the-1a2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/my-takeaway-from-the-quiet-on-the-1a2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915181/6e90eb7aee389edb88a955b7225d84f6.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again</strong></p><p>Throughout January, I&#8217;m sharing short clips from past episodes of <em>Honest Christian Conversations</em>&#8212;moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.</p><p>Today&#8217;s minisode features a <strong>3-minute clip</strong> from a previous episode where I share my spiritual reflections on the <em>Quiet on the Set </em>documentary and the hidden abuses within the 1990s&#8211;2000s Nickelodeon studio.</p><p>Whether this is your first time listening or a reminder of a conversation you&#8217;ve already heard, I invite you to go back and listen to the full episode.</p><p>Sometimes God uses a familiar message to speak to us in a brand-new way.</p><p><strong>&#127911; Original Episode:</strong> <em><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/my-takeaway-from-the-quiet-on-the-set-documentary/">My Takeaway from the Quiet On The Set Documentary</a></em></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A New Year, A New Direction: Letting God Stretch Our Faith Through Honest Conversations]]></title><description><![CDATA[As we step into a new year, I&#8217;m sharing some significant changes coming to Honest Christian Conversations&#8212;and the personal journey God has been leading me through to get here. After a season of deep reflection, conviction, and prayer, I realized I nee...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/a-new-year-a-new-direction-letting-328</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/a-new-year-a-new-direction-letting-328</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915182/ca77b8d8fe540eea4bf8fa0f23c97cc5.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As we step into a new year, I&#8217;m sharing some significant changes coming to <strong>Honest Christian Conversations</strong>&#8212;and the personal journey God has been leading me through to get here.</p><p>After a season of deep reflection, conviction, and prayer, I realized I needed to grow in boldness, humility, and love&#8212;especially when it comes to engaging with people I disagree with. This episode is an honest look at what it means to let God stretch our faith, challenge our comfort zones, and call us into deeper obedience.</p><p>If you&#8217;re entering this year sensing that God is calling you to grow, change, or step into something uncomfortable, you are not alone. Let&#8217;s walk this journey together and allow Him to transform us.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are You Following the Real Jesus? Intimacy, Scripture, and the Cost of Knowing Him (Minisode)]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the year comes to a close, I invite listeners to examine whether they are following the real Jesus or an airbrushed version shaped by culture and assumptions. This minisode unpacks true biblical intimacy&#8212;being fully known and still chosen&#8212;and why S...]]></description><link>https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-following-the-real-jesus-808</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/p/are-you-following-the-real-jesus-808</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ana Murby]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195915183/bad67dc331b8f5f32f477bca2d4d6f51.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the year comes to a close, I invite listeners to examine whether they are following the real Jesus or an airbrushed version shaped by culture and assumptions. This minisode unpacks true biblical intimacy&#8212;being fully known and still chosen&#8212;and why Scripture is essential to knowing who Jesus really is. A sobering, hope-filled call to begin the new year rooted in God&#8217;s Word.</p><p><em>Looking to see how you can discern the true Jesus from the airbrushed?</em> <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/pastor-phill-tague-real-jesus-faith-conversation/">Listen to Phill Tague's episode</a></strong></p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Was this episode of Honest Christian Conversations meaningful to you?</strong></p><p>If something here encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you take one small step forward in your faith, I&#8217;m really grateful you spent this time with me.</p><p>Here&#8217;s how you can take the next step &#128071;</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Leave a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">comment</a> or write a <a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/reviews/new/">quick review</a></strong></p><p>It helps this show reach others who are also looking for honest, thoughtful conversations rooted in Scripture and real life.</p><p>&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;&#8211;</p><p><strong>Other ways to connect with Honest Christian Conversations:</strong></p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://honestchristianconversations.kit.com/0b88515b70">Join the mailing list</a></strong></p><p>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.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/support/">Support the show financially</a></strong></p><p>Your support helps keep this space going and allows for more honest conversations about healing, freedom, and following Jesus in everyday life.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://www.honestchristianconversations.com/contact/">Submit a prayer request</a></strong></p><p>Visit the website and let me pray with you. This is a safe place for questions, struggles, and taking things to God honestly.</p><p><strong>Thank you for being part of this community.</strong></p><p>Hosted on Ausha. See <a href="https://ausha.co/privacy-policy">ausha.co/privacy-policy</a> for more information.</p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>