If you’ve ever wondered whether faith and science belong in the same conversation—this episode is for you.

We talk about:

* Why gratitude and anxiety can’t coexist in the brain—just as Paul says in Philippians 4:6

* How prayer and meditation physically reshape your mind

* What’s really happening when you struggle with intrusive thoughts

* How God designed your brain, body, and spirit to work together—and why we shouldn’t ignore it

This conversation is both deeply practical and incredibly hope-filled. If you’ve ever felt stuck in anxiety, negative thinking, or patterns you can’t seem to break—there is a way forward.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Intro: When science catches up to Scripture

03:07 – Church & prayer: the impact on your brain

04:50 – Intrusive thoughts: don’t empty your mind—fill it

07:30 – What happens when you fill your mind with Scripture

10:45 – Manifesting sounds good…so what’s wrong with it?

14:30 – What God’s love does to your brain

15:58 – You’re not stuck: the power of neuroplasticity

20:06 – “Holistic” isn’t new age—it’s biblical

RESOURCES + LINKS:

* The Faith Filled Therapist on Instagram

* The Faith Filled Therapy Podcast

* Jo’s website, faithfilledtherapy.com

SCRIPTURE SPOTLIGHT

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23

About Fulfilled:

Are you ready to deepen your faith and grow closer to God?

Fulfilled is a podcast exploring faith through Scripture and culture—through the lens of a Jewish believer who found fulfillment in Christ.

Each episode is designed to inspire and equip you to live out your faith in everyday life. We dive into Scripture, hear powerful stories of gospel-driven action, and engage the cultural questions shaping our world—all through the truth of God’s Word.

And if this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend!

Jason shares his journey from a Jewish upbringing to a life-changing encounter with Jesus, and why following Him didn’t make him less Jewish—but more.

They unpack powerful connections between the Old and New Testaments, from Passover to Pentecost, and discuss Messianic Judaism, Israel, and why these ancient traditions still matter today.

Rabbi Jason also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his work on The Chosen—including the show's powerful impact on cast members, and what it’s like to have Jonathan Roumie join your Passover seder!

The conversation also touches on Israel and end times prophecy, what Messianic Judaism actually is (and isn’t), and why Rabbi Jason believes the Jewish holidays aren’t just for Jewish people — they’re an invitation for all believers to step into the full inheritance of their faith.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing part of the story, the connections revealed in this episode will help you see God’s salvation story more clearly—and as Rabbi Jason likes to say, bring Jesus in high-definition.

CHAPTERS:

01:04 | Rabbi Jason’s Journey: From Jewish Roots to Jesus

05:25 | Jewish Holidays That Point to Jesus

08:41 | Messianic Judaism Explained

13:25 | Passover, the Last Supper, and Jesus

20:02 | Linking the Old and New Testaments

25:36 | The Chosen: Behind the Scenes

31:33 | Replacement Theology: Is There a ‘New Israel’?

34:52 | End Times Prophecy Explained

47:09 | Joseph’s Story & God’s Master Plan

RESOURCES + LINKS:

FusionGlobal.org

RabbiJasonSobel.com

Transformed by the Messiah (Rabbi Jason’s newest book)

The Torah Portion Guide (free weekly commentary)

Rabbi Jason’s Seder Guide and other Messianic Passover Resources

We explore how their calling to write songs from the Bible grew from local church life into projects that bring the story of God alive for listeners around the world. From Lent performances to a song for every Psalm (yes, all 150 of them), they share the creative and spiritual inspiration behind their work, and the profound ways music can help us memorize, meditate on, and experience God’s Word.

You’ll hear about:

· Writing music straight from Scripture and why the Word itself remains their guide

· The making of Golgotha — a musical journey through the Stations of the Cross

· How their Psalm project became a lifeline during COVID and continues to bless listeners globally

· Performing for underserved communities, including prisons, and why those moments are often the most moving

· Innovative ways they help children and students internalize Scripture through song

CHAPTERS:

01:03 | Intro & Origin of Poor Bishop Hooper name

04:37 | Experiencing Lent through Music

07:32 | Performing in Prisons

09:20 | The Benefits of Singing Scripture

12:45 | The Story Behind the Iconic Genealogy Song, “Christ”

16:42 | Every Psalm Project

22:12 | Inspiring Stories of God’s Timing

27:18 | How the New Testament Informs their Old Testament Songwriting

29:34 | The Impact of Internalizing the Psalms

31:10 | What’s Next for Poor Bishop Hooper

Resources & Links:

· Poor Bishop Hooper: Listen to their music

· Leah Roberts’ Genealogy Study Resource

· A Meal of Remembrance: Poor Bishop Hooper’s Passover Seder Guide

And you can listen to songs played in the episode here.

Note: This is Part 2 of my conversation with Poor Bishop Hooper. If you missed Part 1 on their Advent music (and a few fun musings on the Christmas season) you can find it here.

Aaron shares his journey from growing up culturally Jewish to becoming convinced—through historical evidence and Scripture—that Jesus truly is the Messiah. Together, Rebecca and Aaron explore why belief in Jesus is often such a difficult and emotional step for Jewish people, including the lasting impact of antisemitism and painful chapters of history.

They also unpack one of the most common questions Jewish believers wrestle with:

Can you follow Jesus and still honor your Jewish heritage?

This episode is especially meaningful for anyone who wants to better understand the Jewish roots of Christianity—and for those who care about sharing Jesus with Jewish friends in a way marked by humility, truth, and genuine love.

CHAPTERS:

01:01 | Aaron’s journey from Judaism to Jesus

05:16 | Evidence that Jesus rose from the dead

06:48 | Why most Jewish people struggle with Jesus

13:27 | Torah, tradition, and Jewish identity today

15:14 | Can you follow Jesus and still keep Jewish practices?

18:32 | God’s covenants and the promise of a Messiah

24:00 | Passover, Jesus, and divine timing

28:27 | How to read the Old Testament without getting stuck

Discover how to:

-Shift from willpower and external motivation to heart-centered, God-rooted habits

-Overcome shame, guilt, and vanity around your body

-Align your spiritual, emotional, and physical health in practical ways

-Use journaling, breathwork, and movement as tools for growth

-Create a New Year reset that actually lasts

Whether you’re starting—or restarting—healthy habits, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and actionable steps to honor your body, mind, and spirit as God intended.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 | Welcome & New Year Reflections

02:00 | Alisa’s Journey to Faith-Based Wellness

05:21 | The Birth of Revelation Wellness

09:40 | Body, Flesh, and Spirit: Why Shame Isn’t God’s Design

13:15 | Overcoming Shame Through God’s Love

17:46 | Why Willpower Fails: Motivation Rooted in Christ

32:33 | Caring for Your Body Without Vanity

35:55 | Practical Tools for Healthy Habits + Redirecting Temptation

42:42 | Abraham’s Faith: A God-Sized Vision for Health and Trust

Resources + links:

Check out Revelation Wellness’ website

Follow Alisa Keeton on Instagram

We explore how their album Firstborn structures songs around the Advent themes of Hope, Joy, Peace, Love, each from the perspective of key figures including Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zechariah. From first-person storytelling to creative musical interpretation, their music invites listeners to pause, reflect, and experience the anticipation and wonder of Christ’s arrival in new ways.

We also dive into their unique genealogy song, Christ, the intentionality behind their recording process, and how their music can help families pause and redirect their hearts toward the real meaning of the season.

If you’re overwhelmed by holiday chaos or longing to experience Advent more deeply, you’ll enjoy this discussion about music that points to the coming of Christ. Plus, hear about their new album Hymns IV, now available for listening.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Intro02:15 — The unique POV and structure of Poor Bishop Hooper’s Firstborn Advent album05:22 — What sets this apart from traditional Christmas music07:27 — Turning Christ’s genealogy into a Christmas song13:30 — Poor Bishop Hooper’s other Advent projects16:00 — Keeping meaning in a commercialized season19:58 — What’s next for Poor Bishop Hooper21:53 — Closing Scripture and conclusion

This week on Fulfilled, Rebecca sits down with Pastor Mark Buchanan, author of The Rest of God, to explore practical ways for modern, busy people to practice keeping the sabbath, as a way to experience real, God-given rest in the midst of this busy time of year and beyond.

Learn practical ways to:

🌿 Slow down and receive Sabbath instead of chasing productivity

🌿 Reconnect with God, your family, and yourself

🌿 Unplug from screens and reclaim space for stillness

Mark shares simple, actionable practices—from guilt-free naps to mindful walks—that anyone can try, no matter how busy life gets.

Discover how Sabbath can refresh your faith, restore your soul, and bring calm to your holiday season.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

02:58 – Sabbath: God’s Underrated Gift

04:09 – The Power of a Nap

04:40 – Learning Attentiveness (and Why It Reduces Regret)

06:28 – When Productivity Becomes an Idol

08:35 – Rest as an Act of Trust

12:00 – Your Phone vs. Sabbath

14:13 – Common Misconceptions

15:03 – Sabbath for Busy Weekends

18:02 – Closing

This episode tells the remarkable story of Brooks and Nina Buser—who brought Scripture to a tribe of former cannibals that had never heard (or read) the name of Jesus.

Over the course of a decade, they learned the language from scratch, developed a written alphabet, taught literacy for the first time, and translated the Bible—culminating in the birth of the YembiYembi church as the Gospel took root.

After years in the jungle, Brooks now leads Radius International—a training ground often called “the Navy SEALs of missionaries.” In this episode, he joins Rebecca to share what he learned from bringing God’s Word to the unreached.

It’s a story of courage, endurance, and the unstoppable power of God’s Word to reach even the ends of the earth.

CHAPTERS00:00 — From SoCal Comfort to a Remote Tribe in Papua New Guinea3:58 — The YembiYembi People & Their World8:55 — Bringing the Gospel to an Unwritten Language12:04 — Why Reading Scripture Matters13:05 — The Lasting Legacy of Faith in YembiYembi15:55 — Translating the Bible from Scratch19:06 — The Challenges of Missionary Life21:55 — Training for the Field: Radius International25:28 — A Historic Moment: The First Bible in YembiYembi26:49 — Counting the Cost: The Theology of Suffering34:35 — Feeling Called? Next Steps Toward Missions36:40 — Closing Reflections

Joining the conversation is Amy Davison from Mama Bear Apologetics. She's a seminary graduate and Christian apologist who shares unique insights from her own experience dabbling in Wicca as a teen. Together, Amy and host Rebecca Sheehan unpack cultural myths, ghost-hunting shows, and popular media portrayals—and highlight the biblical truths about spirits, angels, and the demonic realm. In the end, Scripture is clearer on this topic than many might expect.

As C.S. Lewis warned, there are two equal and opposite errors about the supernatural: to disbelieve it entirely, or to be overly fascinated by it. This episode helps you avoid both—and approach Halloween with wisdom, confidence, and light.

📖 Check out relevant Scripture on the supernatural here.

In this episode of Fulfilled, Rebecca Sheehan talks with Todd Nettleton from Voice of the Martyrs about the reality of Christian persecution around the world — from China’s underground church to Nigeria’s danger zones to believers standing strong in Benin’s voodoo culture.

Todd shares powerful stories of courage, prayer, and hope from the frontlines — and reminds us that the persecuted church isn’t just “over there.” It’s part of our family.

If you’ve ever wondered how to pray, help, or simply understand what faith under fire really looks like, this conversation will inspire you to reflect on your own walk with Christ, and strengthen those suffering for their faith.

Watch/Listen to Chapters:

0:00 – Why Governments Fear Christianity

12:30 - Inside the Church Crackdown in China

17:55 - What Americans Learn From Persecuted Christians

21:56 - The Impact of Charlie Kirk’s Martyrdom

25:41 - Lack of News Coverage on Christian Martyrdom / Persecution in Nigeria

29:02 - Reasons for Persecution

32:43 - Spiritual Warfare & Voodoo in Benin

34:57 - How to Help Persecuted Christians Today

38:08 Writing Letters to Persecuted Christians in Prison

41:35 The International Day of Prayer (Nov 2)

43:02 The Power of Communion and Rejoicing Through Suffering

45:45 Final Reflections: Faith That Endures

You can learn more about Voice of the Martyrs here.

Visit prisoneralert.com for information on writing encouraging letters to Christians imprisoned for their faith.

Todd Nettleton’s book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Halloween can be one of the most confusing holidays for Christian families. In this episode, Amy Davison of Mama Bear Apologetics joins host Rebecca Sheehan to unpack the history, cultural meaning and spiritual concerns around Halloween. From pumpkins and trick-or-treating to the realities of the demonic realm, we explore how believers can navigate October 31st with both wisdom and grace.

Whether you choose to avoid Halloween or partake in the festivities, this conversation will equip you to approach the day with confidence, clarity, and a gospel-centered perspective.

In this intriguing episode of Fulfilled, The First Hymn documentary filmmaker Dr. John Dickson shares how he stumbled upon the world’s oldest surviving Christian hymn, decoded its original tune, and ultimately, with the help of singer/songwriters Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding, transformed it into a modern-day hymn that’s already being sung in churches worldwide.

Hear how a song written nearly 1,800 years ago proclaims the same theology we still confess today—and even dismantles the long held skeptic’s claim that the Trinity was a later invention. At a moment when the church longs for unity, discover how music can bind believers across centuries, as a new generation lifts up the very hymn sung by the earliest Christians.

The First Hymn documentary will begin streaming on major platforms in October. If you’d like to watch it now, the full documentary is available on the film’s website.

Listen to Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding's modern version of 'The First Hymn' on Spotify.

The Wheaton College Choir rendition of The First Hymn provided courtesy of The First Hymn documentary.

This week on Fulfilled, I sat down with John—bestselling author, speaker, and executive producer of Soul on Fire (in theaters October 10). Through faith, family, and the love of “ordinary angels,” he not only survived but has gone on to inspire millions.

We dive into several faith takeaways, including lessons from apostle Andrew’s only Bible quote, taking prayerful action when few others would, and experiencing God’s perfect timing in life’s toughest moments.

We also talk about his movie—down to the smallest details, like Masey McLain (playing John’s wife) wearing his wife’s actual wedding dress. And yes, no St. Louis story is complete without Cardinals baseball: famed broadcaster Jack Buck played a key role in John’s recovery, brilliantly portrayed by William H. Macy.

Bonus fun fact: my son had a tiny role in the film as John’s middle son. The casting was so spot-on that I remember thinking he looked more like his movie family than his real one!

Tune in for this heartfelt conversation; it's a moving reminder of God’s presence in our deepest trials and how God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

School isn’t just about math and reading—it’s where kids encounter new ideas, worldviews, and challenges to their faith. In this timely back-to-school episode, Rebecca continues her conversation with Amy Davison of Mama Bear Apologetics, digging into how parents can equip kids with the tools of apologetics.

From teaching them to think critically, to helping them see that Christianity is both reasonable and beautiful, this conversation will encourage you to prepare your kids not just for the classroom, but for life. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, you’ll walk away with practical ways to raise kids who stand strong in truth.

You’ll learn:

• Why apologetics isn’t just for adults—but crucial for kids heading back to school

• Practical ways to help children and teens recognize truth from lies in today’s culture

• How to equip the next generation with both confidence and compassion when sharing their faith

Useful links

Learn more about Mama Bear Apologetics:

📚 Explore Mama Bear Apologetics’ books and other resources

📲 Follow the Mama Bears on Instagram @mamabearapologetics

Other books recommended in the episode:

📚 Why Does God Allow Evil? Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions by Clay Jones

📝 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

🙏 Keeping Your Kids on God's Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build a Lasting Faith by Natasha Crain

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share with any other 'mama bears' (papa bears, grandparents and caregivers, too) who might appreciate it!

They also explore whether there's really a spiritual shift happening in tech culture, what it means to be “formed into Christlikeness” in an age of distraction, and how Christians can reclaim attention, presence, and purpose in a world of algorithms.

Jay also reflects on the subtle religious revival happening in Silicon Valley, and why intentionality is the key to staying rooted in faith amidst a world of distraction.

Key Topics:

How AI mimics—but can’t replicate—human experience

The best and worst ways churches are utilizing AI

Why the future of spiritual formation is still analog

A Silicon Valley pastor’s take on the so-called tech revival

Guardrails for Christians navigating the digital world

📚 Explore Jay’s books at jaykimthinks.com📲 Follow Jay on Instagram @jaykimthinks

About Fulfilled:

Are you ready to deepen your faith and grow closer to God?

The goal of each episode is to inspire and equip you to deepen your relationship with God and live out your faith in everyday life. We'll dive into Scripture, hear powerful stories of gospel-driven action, and tackle cultural challenges through the lens of God's word.

Please hit subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts—or subscribe on Substack —to never miss an episode.

And if this episode resonated with you, please pass it along!

In this episode of Fulfilled, Rebecca Sheehan sits down with Worship Historian Lester Ruth and Sacred Music Professor Swee Hong Lim to explore the rich history and evolving landscape of worship music.

From the theological depth of traditional hymns to the emotional power of contemporary praise songs, they unpack how worship music shapes our relationship with God, binds us in community, and invites our faith to go deeper.

The conversation dives into the commercialization of worship music, songwriting trends, and how churches can thoughtfully blend both genres in their services to engage hearts and minds.

Whether you love modern worship or prefer classic hymns, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the music that shapes how we experience God today.

EPISODE LINKS:

Check out Fulfilled's worship playlist on Spotify!

Access bios and links to our guests' published books, music, and essays below:

* Worship Music Historian Lester Ruth, Duke Divinity School

* Sacred Music Professor Swee Hong Lim, Emmanuel College

Music featured in this episode: “The First Hymn” by Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding. Used with permission. You can watch the documentary about the discovery and revival of the First Hymn here.

If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and pass it along!

In this episode of Fulfilled, we visit the Ark Encounter, a massive life-sized replica in Williamstown, Kentucky. There we explore how a story often dismissed as a children’s tale has become ground zero in a larger clash over biblical authority, evolution, and the age of the earth.

Is the Ark a powerful symbol of judgment and redemption—or a flashpoint for pseudoscience and religious literalism? We unpack the theology behind the attraction, the controversy it stirs, and what it reveals about how modern Christians navigate truth in a skeptical age.

Therapist and author Tabitha Panariso joins host Rebecca Sheehan to talk about healing from deep wounds—rejection, betrayal, and abandonment—through Christ-centered therapy. They explore why Jesus’ resurrection—not just his death—changes how we heal, forgive, and engage with those who’ve wounded us.

Drawing from her own story and her new book Loyal in His Love, Tabitha shares how the gospel speaks into our suffering, why self-reflection isn’t self-indulgent, and how God’s love meets us in our trauma, but doesn’t leave us there.

Because the cross wasn't the end—and neither is your pain.

🕊 Loyal in His Love is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

📲 Follow Tabitha @tabithapanariso on Instagram + Substack.

From Brooke’s raw and redemptive testimony—complete with a stolen Bible, unexpected rainstorms, and a reluctant yes to God—to deep theological insights on embodiment, yoking, and sanctified movement, this episode is both provocative and pastoral.

Whether you think Christian yoga is a sacred practice or spiritual treason, this conversation invites curiosity, compassion, and maybe even a new way to worship with your whole self—mind, body, heart and soul.

In this special Holy Week episode, host Rebecca Sheehan is joined by Amy Davison of Mama Bear Apologetics to break down myths and explore how Christian families can enjoy the fun—while keeping Christ at the center of the celebration.

They also take a deep dive into how parents can equip their children with a confident, evidence-based Christian faith—especially around Easter. The conversation explores how to gently but firmly teach truth in a culture leaning toward relativism, and how to help kids lovingly explain their beliefs to friends who don’t celebrate Easter the same way.

Whether you're frosting hot cross buns or wondering if Cadbury eggs are a distraction from Christ, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded—and maybe a little hungry.

You can check out the Mama Bear Apologetics resources, including their Easter Guide, here.

In this episode of Fulfilled, Rebecca Sheehan and West Hills Church Pastor DuVal dive into how social justice issues are splitting the church. DuVal shares his eye-opening experience at a prestigious divinity school, where he was shocked to find Wiccan, atheist, and LGBTQ+ groups on campus. He explains how progressive theology in academia is not only impacting seminaries but also reshaping the wider church in America. 

This episode also tackles the rise of “deconstruction” and the “exvangelical” movement, where people are leaving the church and rejecting traditional beliefs. DuVal shares his personal journey through doubt and skepticism, showing that God’s grace can redeem those who struggle. His own experiences have made him more passionate than ever about reaching out to those questioning their faith, offering them the love and truth of Christ.

Rebecca's story is a bit unconventional—she grew up Jewish but always felt Jesus in her heart. Ultimately, her journey to Christianity has been incredibly rewarding, despite the challenges she's faced along the way.

What you can expect from this podcast: future episodes will delve into Scripture, tell powerful stories of gospel-driven action, and tackle cultural challenges through the lens of God's word...all with the goal of helping you strengthen your faith and live it out every day.