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"I'm not sure I want to be a part of a church that's not full of misfits."

Many churches work hard to create welcoming environments, yet countless families still feel unseen, isolated, or unsure if there is truly a place for them.

In this episode, Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate, author, speaker, and mother of eight, shares what she has learned through years of caring for a son with profound disabilities and supporting other caregiving families.

Together, we explore:

• Why so many caregivers feel invisible in church communities
• The unique challenges faced by families navigating disability and chronic care needs
• What churches often misunderstand about belonging and support
• Why vulnerability creates deeper community than polished appearances
• The importance of making room for people whose lives don't fit neatly into the program
• How caregiving can reshape our understanding of discipleship and service
• What it means to be truly seen, known, and supported
• Why some of the people Jesus gravitated toward would have been considered "misfits"

This conversation is ultimately about more than caregiving. It's about the kind of community we're building and whether there's room for people whose lives are messy, complicated, and difficult to explain.

Learn more about Jess and her work:

• thelucasproject.org
• jessronne.com
• Unseen: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It Matters

If you care about Christian communication done with more creativity and integrity, come see what we’re building at contrarytopopular.com.

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How do you help people grow without making them dependent on you?

That question sits underneath every sermon, podcast, book, Bible study, and ministry platform.

Christian leaders are called to guide people, encourage people, and point them toward truth. But healthy influence requires more than gathering an audience. It requires helping people develop their own discernment, wrestle with Scripture for themselves, and build a faith that can stand on its own.

In this episode, literary agent Stephanie Alton joins Julianne Rhodes for a conversation about influence, platform-building, discernment, and the responsibility that comes with having people's attention.

Together, they explore:

• What healthy influence looks like in Christian spaces
• Why discernment cannot be outsourced to pastors, authors, or influencers
• The difference between building a platform and building dependency
• How Christian communicators can point people back to God rather than themselves
• Why knowledge alone does not produce spiritual maturity
• The role of personal responsibility in faith development
• How readers and listeners can evaluate the voices they follow
• The importance of testing ideas against Scripture and seeking God directly

Whether you're leading a ministry, writing a book, hosting a podcast, teaching a Bible study, or simply trying to grow in your faith, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how influence can remain both effective and healthy.

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Learn more about Stephanie Alton and the Blythe Daniel Agency:

https://theblythedanielagency.com

If you care about Christian communication done with more creativity and integrity, come see what we’re building at contrarytopopular.com.

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❝ I felt like I missed out on the good Christian gene. ❞

A lot of Christians wonder if something is wrong with them spiritually. Why does everyone else seem confident, connected to God, and certain of His voice… while they still feel stuck, numb, anxious, or unsure if they can trust themselves?

In this episode, Dr. Sherri of Mindset of the Redeemed joins Julianne Rhodes for a conversation about shame, emotions, discernment, and spiritual confidence.

Together, they explore:

• Why many believers feel spiritually defective or “behind”
• The difference between emotional experiences and spiritual maturity
• Why constantly chasing feelings can create instability in faith
• How shame distorts discernment and identity
• What it means to stop outsourcing spiritual confidence
• Why faith requires honesty, not performance
• The role of the Holy Spirit in developing discernment
• How leaders can point people back to God, rather than try to control

This conversation is especially for Christians who feel exhausted from trying to “get it right” spiritually and are longing for a more grounded, honest relationship with God.

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👉🏼 Get Biblical Encouragement from Dr. Sherri

Learn more about Dr. Sherri and Mindset of the Redeemed (MOR) at mindsetoftheredeemed.com

If you care about Christian communication done with more creativity and integrity, come see what we’re building at contrarytopopular.com.