Episodes

  • Focusing On the Eternal: Real-Life Faith with Shari Jones

    Focusing On the Eternal: Real-Life Faith with Shari Jones
    17 Oct 2026

    In this episode of the Soul Friend Podcast, host Jodi Meiter welcomes one of her dearest friends, Shari Jones, for a rich, honest conversation about faith, motherhood, foster care, and adoption.

    Shari and her husband thought their family was complete with five children, until God put foster care on their hearts. They adopted two sisters, and today their home is full with seven kids, from a 10-year-old to adult children. Shari shares how raising biological, foster, and adopted children has revealed her own daily need for a Savior and how God's grace meets her in the middle of the mess.

    Together, Jodi and Shari explore:

    - Why a 6:30 a.m. 'spat' between the kids is a gentle reminder: "I need the Savior — I can't manage this apart from Him"
    - 2 Corinthians 12:9 in real life: His power perfected in a mom's weakness, and grace that is always sufficient
    - How foster care and adoption sanctified Shari, her marriage, and even her biological kids — two of whom now serve as leaders at a foster camp
    - The morning rhythm that anchors their home: Dad reads a chapter of the Bible, everyone picks a verse, and he prays for each one before work
    - Delighting in your children and receiving God's delight first: "Jesus died for 100% of my sins, not 50%"
    - A Father to the fatherless: growing up in a broken home, the godly mentors God gave her, and how she now identifies with her adopted girls
    - Modeling repentance, fighting sin alongside your kids, and letting kindness, not shame, lead them to repentance
    - How patient God is when He has to repeat Himself with us
    - "If I could change their hearts through my many words, Jesus wouldn't have had to die" — praying Scripture over her kids instead of lecturing them
    - Losing her mom on hospice and singing hymns at her bedside, and loving her 86-year-old dad and her stepmom (battling cancer) from a distance with gentle, "salty" truth
    - Shari's encouragement to moms: "Focus on what really is eternal — and the rest is gravy"

    The Soul Friend Podcast is a space for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and deeper connection. It is for those who are seeking to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and walk boldly in their purpose.

    Connect with Jodi Meiter
    Contact information:
    Jodi.Meiter@gmail.com
    9325 S Rural Rd
    Tempe, AZ 85284
    Ascension Hospice
    Outreach Chaplain
    www.ascensionhospice.com
    www.az.church
    IG @jodimeiter
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    35 min
  • Healing the Body, Mind, and Soul Through Christ: Episode with Dr. Allen Maxwell

    Healing the Body, Mind, and Soul Through Christ: Episode with Dr. Allen Maxwell
    10 Oct 2026

    In this episode of the Soul Friend Podcast, host Jodi Meiter sits down with her friend and doctor, Dr. Allen Maxwell of AW Health Institute in Tempe, Arizona, for a powerful conversation on the deep connection between spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

    Dr. Maxwell shares his remarkable story — raised by a father who held chiropractic, naturopathic, and medical degrees and pioneered holistic care in Mexico — and how that legacy shaped his calling as a naturopathic doctor.

    Together, Jodi and Dr. Maxwell explore:

    - Why unforgiveness may be the number one driver of disease — and what both science and Scripture say about it
    - How our bodies are temples of God, and how emotional and spiritual resistance can block His healing light
    - The stunning science of light: DNA as a fractal antenna, and why Scripture calls us to reflect His glory
    - How to heal deep wounds — trauma, betrayal, grief — by bringing them before the Lord, shifting perspective, and extending grace
    - Practical hope for seniors: regenerative injections for chronic pain and the gentle power of homeopathy
    - Dr. Maxwell's morning ritual: ceremonial cacao with ashwagandha and maca instead of coffee

    The Soul Friend Podcast is a space for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and deeper connection. It is for those who are seeking to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and walk boldly in their purpose.

    Connect with Jodi Meiter
    Contact information:
    Jodi.Meiter@gmail.com
    9325 S Rural Rd
    Tempe, AZ 85284
    Ascension Hospice
    Outreach Chaplain
    www.ascensionhospice.com
    www.az.church
    IG @jodimeiter
    Show more Show less
    32 min
  • Shepherding Souls: Why We Need Community with Pastor Bill

    Shepherding Souls: Why We Need Community with Pastor Bill
    3 Oct 2026

    In this special episode of the Soul Friend Podcast, host Jodi Meiter welcomes her best friend and husband of almost 30 years — Pastor Bill Meiter, lead pastor of Arizona Community Church — for an honest conversation on shepherding souls.

    How do you care for other people's souls while caring for your own? Pastor Bill shares why no pastor can be the perfect shepherd for everyone — and why the body of Christ is absolutely essential. Together, Jodi and Bill explore:

    - Why "I don't need church, I have a personal relationship with Jesus" misses the point — and what Hebrews 10 says about gathering together.
    - The danger of watching church online with a consumer mindset vs. showing up to give: to worship the Lord and bless His Church with your gifts.
    - How your simple presence on a Sunday morning bears the spiritual fruit of encouragement — more than you know.
    - Assurance of salvation: why you can't lose it, and how to know your faith is genuine (with wisdom from R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur).
    - Bill's own story of coming to faith in 1987 — and the immediate fruit that proved his heart had changed.
    - What to do if you discover your love for God is only sentimental: cry out for a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26).
    - The idols that rival Christ in American life — from youth sports to physical fitness — and the daily battle to hold everything loosely.
    - Why vulnerability from the pulpit disciples more deeply than perfection ever could.
    - A pastoral word for those facing the end of life: your security rests in Christ's righteousness, not your own.

    Whether you're in ministry, parenthood, marriage, singleness, joy, or hardship, this episode will challenge you to stop watching and start giving — and to run your race with Jesus in a way that leaves you arriving in heaven exhausted.

    The Soul Friend Podcast is a space for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and deeper connection. It is for those who are seeking to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and walk boldly in their purpose.

    Connect with Jodi Meiter
    Contact information:
    Jodi.Meiter@gmail.com
    9325 S Rural Rd
    Tempe, AZ 85284
    Ascension Hospice
    Outreach Chaplain
    www.ascensionhospice.com
    www.az.church
    IG @jodimeiter
    Show more Show less
    36 min
  • Caregiver Advocate: Helping Families Find Their Way

    Caregiver Advocate: Helping Families Find Their Way
    3 Sep 2026
    In this episode of The Soul Friend Podcast, host Jodi Meiter sits down with Trish from Case and Care Management for a heartfelt conversation about caregiving, advocacy, family dynamics, and the emotional challenges that come with caring for an aging loved one.Trish shares the deeply personal story of caring for her father from the age of 15 through his final years. After his passing, she turned the lessons from her own experience into a mission to help families who may not know where to turn or what questions to ask.Today, Trish and her team help families coordinate care, communicate with healthcare providers, understand medical needs, organize appointments and medications, and create personalized care plans while keeping the senior involved in their own decisions.Jodi and Trish also discuss the importance of emotional and spiritual support, family communication, maintaining independence, understanding dementia and other diagnoses, and knowing when to bring in additional resources such as chaplains and community organizations.The conversation also introduces Senior Connection, a growing network designed to connect seniors, families, and professionals with trusted resources and support.At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder: you don't know what you don't know, and asking for help can make all the difference.About the GuestFor the past 17 years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside patients and families during some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of their lives. My journey into healthcare advocacy began when I was just 15 years old, caring for my father. That experience changed the course of my life.At such a young age, I witnessed firsthand how overwhelming the healthcare system can be for families. I saw the gaps in communication, unanswered questions, and uncertainty families face while trying to do what is best for someone they love. I learned that sometimes what a patient needs most is someone willing to listen, ask difficult questions, speak up, and make sure their voice is heard.That experience became my calling.My career led me to serve as a Director of Social Services in a skilled nursing facility, where I continued to see the profound need for compassionate advocacy and meaningful support. After losing my father in 2018, I knew there was more I wanted to do. I felt called to take my experience beyond hospitals and facilities and into the lives of families who needed someone in their corner.Today, as a Care Manager and Patient Advocate, my mission is simple but deeply personal: to make sure patients and families do not have to navigate healthcare alone.I advocate for individuals who want answers, feel unheard, or are facing difficult healthcare decisions. I help families understand their options, identify resources, navigate complex care, and ensure their loved ones receive the dignity, respect, and support they deserve.Just as importantly, I believe advocacy is about helping families remain families.When a loved one is facing illness, aging, or complex care needs, family members can quickly become caregivers, coordinators, researchers, and decision-makers. My goal is to step into that space with them, to provide guidance, support, and a voice when they may not have the time, energy, or knowledge to advocate for themselves.I want every family to know: there are options, there are resources, and there is someone who can help you find your way forward.My journey has also come full circle. I am incredibly grateful that my path has allowed me to continue supporting my own mother, who is still living in a supportive care environment. Watching my daughters grow up understanding the importance of advocacy, compassion, having a voice, and supporting those who may be less fortunate has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.Healthcare advocacy isn't simply my profession,it is part of who I am.My hope is to empower families to ask questions, understand their choices, and feel confident that their loved ones are receiving the care they deserve. Whether you are searching for answers, navigating a difficult transition, or simply need someone beside you who understands the system, I am here to listen, advocate, and walk the journey with you.Trish SunioCare Manager | Patient Advocate480-431-970 trish@kaizencaremanagement.com#SoulFriendPodcast #JodiMeiter #Caregiving #SeniorCare #AgingParents #CaregiverSupport #SeniorAdvocacy #FamilyCaregiving #FaithAndLife #SpiritualGrowthThe Soul Friend Podcast is a space for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and deeper connection. It is for those who are seeking to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and walk boldly in their purpose.Connect with Jodi Meiter Contact information: Jodi.Meiter@gmail.com9325 S Rural RdTempe, AZ 85284Ascension Hospice Outreach Chaplainwww.ascensionhospice.comwww.az.church IG @jodimeiter
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    22 min
  • Bringing Faith Into the Workplace: Leadership, Purpose, and Teamwork

    Bringing Faith Into the Workplace: Leadership, Purpose, and Teamwork
    27 Aug 2026

    What does it look like to bring your faith into the workplace and lead with Christ at the center?

    In this episode of The Soul Friend Podcast, host Jodi Meiter welcomes her first guest and friend, Lori Jennett, for a meaningful conversation about faith, leadership, teamwork, and creating a workplace culture rooted in love, service, and purpose.

    Lori shares how her relationship with Christ has transformed the way she leads, serves her employees, and responds to challenges. Together, Jodi and Lori explore what it means to lead with a servant heart, empower others to grow, and create a culture where people feel seen, heard, supported, and valued.

    They also discuss bringing prayer into the workplace, responding instead of reacting, listening before speaking, embracing different perspectives, and using the Fruits of the Spirit to guide everyday leadership.

    At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: great leadership is not about being the best person in the room. It is about helping others become their best.

    If you are a Christian leader, business owner, professional, or someone looking for ways to bring faith into everyday life, this episode offers encouragement and practical insight for leading with purpose and living out your faith wherever God has placed you.

    In this episode, Jodi and Lori discuss:

    • Bringing faith into the workplace
    • Leading with a servant heart
    • Christian leadership and discipleship
    • Building stronger teams through trust and empowerment
    • Creating a culture of prayer and encouragement
    • Responding instead of reacting
    • The importance of listening and understanding different perspectives
    • Using the Fruits of the Spirit in leadership
    • Supporting employees through difficult seasons
    • Building a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and valued
    • Why empowering others creates stronger leaders

    About the Guest

    Lori Jennett
    Director of Nursing, Lori Jennett had the blessing of coming into the hospice world fifteen years ago, working initially in an inpatient setting and then having the opportunity to come alongside patients and their loved ones in their home environments for ten years as an RN Case Manager.

    The experience of loving and caring for these beautiful families, providing support and comfort measures, and working with an amazing team prepared the way for her role as the Director of Nursing at Ascension Hospice.

    As Director of Nursing, Lori's heart and goal is to create an environment of support, kindness, and love to an exceptional group of individuals who are providing the kind of care that goes beyond expectations. She absolutely loves her job and the people she gets to see and care for every day. Lori is incredibly grateful for her wonderful family including her husband and two adult children.

    602-325-6630
    ljennett@ascensionhospice.com

    About Your Host

    Jodi Meiter is the host of The Soul Friend Podcast, a space created for spiritual growth, encouragement, and honest conversations rooted in faith. Through each episode, Jodi invites listeners to reconnect with what they are called to do and walk more fully with Christ.

    Listen to The Soul Friend Podcast and pull up a chair. You are now a soul friend.

    #SoulFriendPodcast #JodiMeiter #ChristianLeadership #FaithAtWork #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #WomenOfFaith #ChristianLiving #WorkplaceFaith #SpiritualGrowth

    The Soul Friend Podcast is a space for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and deeper connection. It is for those who are seeking to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and walk boldly in their purpose.

    Connect with Jodi Meiter
    Contact information:
    Jodi.Meiter@gmail.com
    9325 S Rural Rd
    Tempe, AZ 85284
    Ascension Hospice
    Outreach Chaplain
    www.ascensionhospice.com
    www.az.church
    IG @jodimeiter
    Show more Show less
    23 min
  • Welcome to The Soul Friend Podcast with Jodi Meiter

    Welcome to The Soul Friend Podcast with Jodi Meiter
    5 Aug 2026

    Welcome to The Soul Friend Podcast with your host, Jodi Meiter.

    Enjoy this podcast intro, created from the heart behind the podcast and the powerful mission it carries. Jodi has a passion for cultivating deep, meaningful spiritual friendships that strengthen faith, encourage growth, and walk alongside one another through every season of life.

    Jodi Meiter is a devoted wife to the love of her life, Pastor Bill Meiter, and a proud mom to three adult children, Amberly, Jonah, and Benjamin. Together, Jodi and Bill have been faithfully shepherding the congregation at Arizona Community Church in Tempe, Arizona since 2002. Their journey began at Talbot Seminary, where Jodi earned her Master’s degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling and Bill received his Master of Divinity.

    With a heart for connection and discipleship, Jodi has led ministries that bring people closer to God and to one another. From launching MOPS to leading worship, biblical counseling, and small group discipleship, her calling has always centered around building authentic relationships rooted in faith. Since 2014, she has hosted Soul Friend retreats designed to foster spiritual growth and create iron sharpens iron friendships that last a lifetime.

    In addition to her church leadership, Jodi serves as the Outreach Chaplain at Ascension Hospice. Stepping into this role expanded her mission in a deeply meaningful way, as she now supports seniors and their loved ones through end of life journeys with compassion, emotional care, and spiritual guidance. She brings hope, light, and the love of Jesus into communities through Bible studies and support groups.

    The Soul Friend Podcast is a space for honest conversations, spiritual encouragement, and deeper connection. It is for those who are seeking to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and walk boldly in their purpose.

    Connect with Jodi Meiter
    Contact information:
    Jodi.Meiter@gmail.com
    9325 S Rural Rd
    Tempe, AZ 85284
    Ascension Hospice
    Outreach Chaplain
    www.ascensionhospice.com
    www.az.church
    IG @jodimeiter
    Show more Show less
    1 min