For many believers, recent conversations around church leadership, prophetic ministry, and spiritual authority haven't just felt theological — they've felt deeply personal.

In this episode, Spencer Robbins and Josh Straub sit down to talk honestly about what surfaces when trust is broken, leaders fall, and faith feels shaken — especially in light of the growing discussion around Shawn Bolz and Bethel Church.

This isn't a reaction episode or an online takedown. It's a grounded, compassionate conversation about how to walk through church hurt, leadership disappointment, and spiritual grief without partnering with cynicism, accusation, or walking away from God altogether.

Together, they explore why we place leaders on pedestals, how wounds quietly shape our view of God, and what it looks like to hold justice and compassion at the same time. They also share practical ways to grieve well, rebuild trust, and process pain honestly instead of spiritually bypassing it.

This episode is for anyone who:

• Feels unsettled or faith-shaken by recent events
• Has experienced church hurt or leadership betrayal
• Wants healthy discernment without becoming cynical
• Is carrying anger, confusion, or grief beneath the surface
• Desires to reconnect with God after disappointment

At its heart, this conversation invites you to bring your pain into the light, remove people from pedestals, and rediscover a faith rooted in relationship — not performance or platforms.

To find freedom, healing, and emotional wholeness, check out the Alive & Free Collective:
👉 www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

To become a life coach and learn how to help people get free emotionally while building a meaningful business, watch our Coach Training:
👉 www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

Many Christians long for freedom, healing, and intimacy with God—yet remain exhausted, anxious, or stuck in cycles of striving and self-effort.

In this episode, Spencer Robbins and Josh Straub explore what happens when faith quietly shifts from relationship to performance. They talk honestly about burnout, the hidden addiction to significance, and why shame—not sin—is often the real barrier to transformation.

Together, they unpack the difference between guilt and shame, why grace must come before truth can be lived, and how control disguises itself as faithfulness. This conversation invites listeners to examine whether they are pursuing freedom—or merely managing behavior to feel safe.

This episode is for anyone who:

• Feels tired of trying harder spiritually

• Struggles with shame or fear of being exposed

• Knows the gospel intellectually but doesn't feel free emotionally

• Wants a faith rooted in union, not performance

At its core, this is an invitation to trade control for trust—and discover the freedom that comes from being loved before you change.

To find freedom, healing, and emotional wholeness, check out the Alive & Free Collective:
👉 www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

To become a life coach and learn how to help people get free emotionally while building a meaningful business, watch our Coach Training:
👉 www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

You might call it ambition. Work ethic. Faithfulness. Discipline.
But sometimes "busy" is just pain avoidance with better branding.

In this episode, Spencer and Sammi unpack what they call hustloin—the cycle where hustle and busyness become a way to outrun what you don't know how to feel. From the tension of motherhood and autonomy, to entrepreneurship, provision pressure, and the subtle addiction to significance… we get honest about what's really driving you when you can't slow down.

We talk about:

• The difference between purposeful work and pain-driven hustle

• How "I have to do it all" creates chronic overwhelm

• Why you can't problem-solve well while you're triggered (and what to do first)

• The motherhood tension: impact and autonomy vs presence and slow living

• The "10x version of you" high—and how it can become a form of self-medication

• Integrity, impostor syndrome, and why connection has to come first

If you've been calling it productivity but it feels like pressure… this conversation will put language to what's happening inside you—and give you a path back to peace without quitting your life.

If this hit home, share it with a friend who's "always busy."
And if you want to go deeper into emotional health, wholeness, and building a life from connection, stay close—we're bringing you into the real conversation.

See all of our resources at www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

What do you do when you're convinced you've heard from God—and everything falls apart? In this episode, Spencer and Sammi Robbins share stories of confusing dreams, missed signals, and the longing for divine direction that so often leads us into pain or shame. They unpack the subtle ways our desires and fears can shape what we think God is saying, and why it's so important to hold space for uncertainty, humility, and curiosity in our relationship with Him. Instead of formulas or guarantees, discover a grace-centered approach to hearing God's voice—one that's rooted in intimacy, not control. Whether you're wrestling with disappointment, searching for clarity, or simply longing to connect with God in a real way, you'll find hope, wisdom, and practical tools for your journey here.

Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & the longing to hear God
03:45 Sammy's stories of God, desire, and confusion
21:40 Disappointment and shame: when you think you missed it
28:03 Taking risks, risking failure, and the heart-lifting shift
36:35 Direction vs. intimacy: what matters more
49:16 How certainty (and desperation) can become its own idol
59:41 Learning to rest in mystery, humility, and connection

Learn more, find resources, or get in touch at: www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

Out of margin? Whether you're navigating a new baby, a demanding job, a strained relationship, grief, or a big transition, this conversation gives you practical ways to stay grounded when life won't slow down. We share Romi's birth story and the grief that unexpectedly opened the door to peace, unpack why people "borrow" each other's nervous systems, and walk through simple, repeatable practices to regulate in real time—without perfection or spiritual jargon.

Who This Is For (and Why It Helps)

• Parents and caregivers feeling stretched thin and reactive—learn how to co-regulate and repair.

• Singles and married couples without kids facing career pressure, loneliness, or change—use micro-practices to steady your inner world.

• Leaders, pastors, and coaches who carry others' emotions—discover how presence resets a room better than control.

• Anyone in transition or grief—see why honest sorrow can become the doorway to peace rather than a detour.

You'll walk away with language for what's happening in your body, a kinder way to meet your triggers, and small steps that create real change.

What You'll Learn

• How grief can make space for breakthrough (Romi's story)

• The pain–fear–tension loop and how to break it

• "Borrowed nervous systems": why your presence matters more than perfect words

• A clarifying question that transforms reactivity: "Why does this bother me?"

• Zero-margin tools: two breaths + one sentence, name the wave, orient to good, rhythm over rules, repair over perfection

Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 When life feels unmanageable (why margin matters)
03:20 Grieving what's ending and how it made room (Romi's birth)
10:10 Pain–fear–tension: what bracing does to your body
16:45 Borrowed nervous systems: presence over control
23:00 The belief beneath the reaction: "Why does this bother me?"
31:15 Micro-practices for zero-margin moments (step-by-step)
38:00 Being parented by God so we can lead from peace

Learn more, find resources, or get in touch at: www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by CLICKING HERE.

To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, go to our training video.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Navigating the intricacies of relationships has been a journey of growth and understanding for us. Initially, the contrast between Spencer's love for stability and my craving for spontaneity seemed insurmountable. Yet, it was through embracing these differences that we discovered a deeper connection. Join us as we recount personal stories from our marriage, showcasing how embracing each other's passions enriched our lives, and why identical interests aren't a prerequisite for meaningful connections.

As we transitioned from the honeymoon phase to a more mature relationship, challenges inevitably arose. From balancing Spencer's focus on a stable future with my desire for adventure, to addressing unmet needs and differing priorities, our marriage has seen its fair share of struggles. Through open communication and mutual understanding, we've tackled issues of humor, attraction, and perceived rejection, navigating the complex journey of aligning our individual identities within our partnership. Our experiences underscore the importance of independence and self-fulfillment, allowing us to appreciate personal growth within the marriage.

Marriage, for us, has been a vehicle for personal growth rather than just fulfilling personal preferences. We've learned the value of supporting each other's desires while maintaining our independence, fostering a connected yet secure partnership. By tackling personal triggers and emotions, we emphasize the importance of character and resilience in sustaining relationships. Our episode encourages listeners to explore their own triggers and embrace a higher power to meet their needs, fostering love and connection in their relationships.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Navigating Differences in Relationships

(0:12:55) - Navigating Challenges in Marriage

(0:20:54) - Navigating Growth and Unity in Marriage

(0:30:07) - Navigating Relationships Through Growth and Connection

(0:36:42) - Supporting Free Content Through Sharing

EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS

(0:00:00) - Navigating Differences in Relationships

Relationship dynamics, embracing differences, and misconceptions about compatibility in genuine connections.

(0:12:55) - Navigating Challenges in Marriage

Evolution of a relationship from infatuation to married life, navigating differences, challenges, and struggles with identity within the marriage.

(0:20:54) - Navigating Growth and Unity in Marriage

Independence, communication, and mutual understanding are crucial for a fulfilling marriage, as discussed through personal experiences and parental triggers.

(0:30:07) - Navigating Relationships Through Growth and Connection

Embracing love and openness in relationships for personal growth, character, and resilience, relying on a higher power.

(0:36:42) - Supporting Free Content Through Sharing

Support free content by sharing on social media, join Alive and Free Collective, and new program for men.

To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by CLICKING HERE.

To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, go to our training video to learn more.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Growing up, I often struggled with the idea of sharing my true self with others. Vulnerability seemed intimidating, and knowing when to open up or hold back was a constant battle. Join us as we dissect the complex nature of vulnerability in relationships, exploring the delicate balance between fostering intimacy and safeguarding our inner worlds. We acknowledge the critical role vulnerability plays in forming meaningful connections, and yet, we recognize the potential risks involved when we share too much with the wrong people.

Throughout this episode, we navigate the intricate dance of finding safe spaces and safe people to express our vulnerability. We tackle tough questions about how certain environments, like some church communities, might inadvertently stifle openness and explore the importance of cultivating supportive circles. With practical advice on identifying safe people, and emphasizing the value of having mentors or counselors, we encourage listeners to build environments that invite vulnerability.

Our conversation underscores the need for unconditional love and compassion in these spaces, while also promoting a strong relationship with God as a source of unwavering support.
We also confront the challenges of forming deep connections, whether in new environments or long-distance relationships, emphasizing the significance of finding individuals with shared values. By examining our own attachment styles, we learn how to better understand and connect with others. Ultimately, we aim to empower listeners to ground themselves in God's love, allowing them to become beacons of hope and support in their communities. Join us as we embark on a journey to bring a piece of heaven to earth through authentic, vulnerable relationships.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships

(0:03:45) - The Meaning of True Vulnerability

(0:16:03) - Nurturing Deep Relationships Through Vulnerability

(0:27:04) - Exploring Depth in Vulnerable Relationships

(0:36:35) - Finding God's Love in Relationships

EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS

(0:00:00) - Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships

Vulnerability in relationships is complex and nuanced, essential for intimacy but must be navigated carefully.

(0:03:45) - The Meaning of True Vulnerability

Vulnerability is often misunderstood and safe spaces are needed for expressing it with unconditional love and compassion.

(0:16:03) - Nurturing Deep Relationships Through Vulnerability

Vulnerability is crucial in relationships, as personal time with God and experiencing His love through human connections are equally important.

(0:27:04) - Exploring Depth in Vulnerable Relationships

Vulnerability, attachment styles, and faith are discussed in relation to building safe and supportive communities.

(0:36:35) - Finding God's Love in Relationships

Being rooted in God's love helps us overcome relationship challenges and bring divine love to others.

To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by CLICKING HERE.

To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, go to our training video to learn more.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

Discover the art of turning life's unpredictable challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. Join us as we explore how emotional regulation can be a powerful tool for fostering healthy relationships and enhancing decision-making skills. Through intimate stories and counseling insights, we'll uncover how maintaining character amid adversity can lay the groundwork for future blessings, even in moments of grief and loss. Engage with us in a transformative journey that connects personal resilience with spiritual fulfillment.

What if you could harness the power of faith to find peace during life's storms? We unravel this potent theme by drawing inspiration from biblical figures and personal anecdotes, showing how internal strength often outshines external circumstances. Hear tales of business trials and successes, such as the journey of launching a jewelry brand, Goldie Kai, where spiritual alignment led to serendipitous opportunities. We emphasize the importance of seeking divine wisdom over worldly allure, fostering a deeper connection with spirituality to achieve genuine success

Explore the profound intersection of emotional health and faith, as we reflect on the vital role of divine wisdom in navigating life's pivots. From parenting with love and grace to embracing entrepreneurial challenges, our stories illustrate the power of surrender and trust in God. As we share insights from courses like Jim Baker's "Wealth with God," you'll witness how spiritual guidance can coincide with significant breakthroughs. This episode promises to illuminate the path to resilience, joy, and peace through a regulated mindset and unwavering faith.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Navigating Life's Pivots and Resilience

(0:13:28) - Emotional Regulation for Healthy Relationships

(0:18:06) - Unshakeable Faith Amid Adversity

(0:21:02) - Integrating Faith and Emotional Health

(0:27:03) - Healing Shame, Embracing Love

(0:39:30) - Entrepreneurial Pivots and Divine Wisdom

(0:44:40) - Navigating Life's Challenges With Faith

EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS

(0:00:00) - Navigating Life's Pivots and Resilience
Resilience, character, and growth through life's pivots, finding God in hardship, and shutting down a business for purpose alignment.

(0:13:28) - Emotional Regulation for Healthy Relationships
Emotional regulation impacts relationships and decision-making, and processing emotions can prevent regrettable exchanges and foster resilience.

(0:18:06) - Unshakeable Faith Amid Adversity
Faith's transformative power in adversity, contrast between external challenges and internal resilience, seeking divine guidance over worldly advice.

(0:21:02) - Integrating Faith and Emotional Health
Connecting with God for internal peace and growth, surrendering to Him, embracing emotions, and seeking mentorship and community support.

(0:27:03) - Healing Shame, Embracing Love
Parenting complexities, secure attachment, regulating emotions, autonomy, shame, love and grace, biblical stories, God's influence, compassion and understanding.

(0:39:30) - Entrepreneurial Pivots and Divine Wisdom
Entrepreneurship, personal growth, seeking divine guidance, financial breakthrough, and the power of wisdom and faith.

(0:44:40) - Navigating Life's Challenges With Faith
Receiving unexpected financial blessings can solve immediate problems, but true success comes from spiritual fulfillment and purpose, not material gain.