Podcast
Honestly, Though
Hosted by Rebecca Carrell · EN
Honestly, Though: Real Talk. Real Life. Real Faith.
Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding welcome you to the table to share in "faith conversations for life transformation." All three have Master's degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and teach the Bible in their respective ministry spheres. Rebecca spent over two decades in radio in the Dallas/Fort Worth area before "retiring" to take a position at DTS. Liz serves as the Director of Women's Ministry and Guest Services at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Nika sits as Resident Theologian at St. Jude Oak Cliff Church in Dallas.
They tackle everything from sexuality to gender to culture to bizarre coffee drinks and always point you back to Christ. Honestly, Though exists to have faith conversations for life transformation.
Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding welcome you to the table to share in "faith conversations for life transformation." All three have Master's degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and teach the Bible in their respective ministry spheres. Rebecca spent over two decades in radio in the Dallas/Fort Worth area before "retiring" to take a position at DTS. Liz serves as the Director of Women's Ministry and Guest Services at Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Nika sits as Resident Theologian at St. Jude Oak Cliff Church in Dallas.
They tackle everything from sexuality to gender to culture to bizarre coffee drinks and always point you back to Christ. Honestly, Though exists to have faith conversations for life transformation.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 173 | When God Goes Silent | Guest: Tiffany Stein
2w ago01:00:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca and Liz sit down with Tiffany Stein to explore the profound truth about grief, suffering, and God's nearness. Tiffany shares her personal journey through the devastating loss of her son, revealing how grief shapes our understanding of God's character and invites us into deeper faith. Resources:Mourning God: Grieving Loss, Wrestling with God, and Finding Your Way Back to LifeDallas Theological SeminaryHarney & Sons Hot Cinnamon TeaJohn Mark Comer on Biblical HopeConnect with Tiffany:InstagramWebsiteWe love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.
Transcribe →Episode 172 | When Christians Suffer Depression | Guest: Chris Morris
4w ago00:49:09Tap to summarizeContent Note: This episode includes discussion of depression and suicidality. Please listen with care, and consider sharing or listening alongside someone you trust if this is a sensitive topic for you.On this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding sit down with author and mental health advocate Chris Morris to talk about his powerful book Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression. Chris shares candidly from his own lifelong battle with depression and suicidality, offering a deeply personal and faith-filled perspective on what it means to follow God in the midst of ongoing mental health struggles. His story challenges the misconception that faith automatically eliminates suffering—and instead points to a God who is present even in the darkest places. Together, we explore the intersection of theology and mental health, the stigma surrounding these conversations in the church, and what it looks like to pursue healing without shame. This episode is honest, compassionate, and full of hope for anyone who has struggled—or loves someone who has.About the Book:Resilient and Redeemed weaves together biblical truth, personal story, and practical insight to help readers navigate depression and suicidality with honesty and hope. Drawing from his own experiences, Chris offers encouragement for those facing shame, misunderstanding, and long-term mental health battles—reminding readers that God has not abandoned them.Connect with Chris Morris: Website/Blog: https://chrismorriswrites.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismorriswrites Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismorriswrites X: https://x.com/chrismorriswriteMore from Chris Morris:Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and DepressionBy Faith: Strength and Hope for Life’s ChallengesResources:If you or someone you love is struggling: Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people find hope-filled conversations like this one.
Transcribe →Episode 171 | How Much Is Enough? | Guest: Taylor Standridge
Apr 2700:58:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Honestly, Though: Real Talk. Real Life. Real Faith," Liz and Rebecca welcome Taylor Standridge to explore the biblical and theological foundations of contentment, stewardship, and the elusive concept of "enough." If you're tired of chasing more and want to discover the freedom Christ offers in trusting God's provision, this conversation is for you.Resources & Links:Find FaithFi: Faith and Finance at https://www.faithfi.com/We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.
Transcribe →Episode 170 | Detangling Toxic Relationships | Guest: Dr. Christine M. Crawford
Apr 2000:43:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Honestly, Though: Real Talk. Real Life. Real Faith," Rebecca Carrell sits down with Dr. Christine M. Crawford and Dr. Kelley Matthews to unpack the pain of toxic relationships, the importance of truth, and what biblical love really looks like. This candid conversation explores the harmful theology that's often embedded in Christian culture and offers encouragement for women seeking healing and wholeness in Christ.Resources & LinksThe Holy Shift PodcastKelly Matthews on SubstackBooks by Christine CrawfordDallas Theological SeminaryHouston Christian UniversityConnect with Christine Crawford:InstagramWebsite
Transcribe →Episode 169 | Loving Your Iranian Neighbor | Guest: Dr. Carmen Imes
Apr 1300:42:22Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Honestly, Though, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Rebecca Carrell and guest co-host Dr. Kelley Mathews for a timely conversation about loving our Iranian neighbors in the midst of national conflict. Together, they reframe the tension by reminding us that every nation is filled with image-bearers of God—and that our true struggle is not against people but against the spiritual forces at work behind the scenes. With pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, Carmen invites us to stay attentive to the Spirit’s leading, looking for everyday opportunities to extend the love of Christ across cultural and political divides.Resources & Links:Carmen Imes’ Books: Bearing God's Name, Being God's Image, Becoming God's FamilyKelly Matthews’ Books and ArticlesExodus: An Archaeological PerspectiveLogos Bible SoftwareThe Well (Online Theology & Resources)Connect with our guests:Kelly Matthews - Twitter, LinkedInCarmen Imes - Website, TwitterLast Words:Friends, as we close, let’s remember that our sharing, listening, and small acts of kindness can be powerful tools to cultivate God’s kingdom here on earth. Commitment to scripture fuels us to answer every question and navigate every challenge with hope rooted in Christ. Always seek to act with compassion, humility, and grace—because in doing so, we reflect Jesus to a hurting world.
Transcribe →Episode 168 | The Stuff That Matters | Guest: Cynthia Yanof
Apr 700:58:14Tap to summarizeIn a world full of noise and distraction, it’s easy to miss what matters most. In this episode, Rebecca and Liz welcome Cynthia Yanof to discuss her new book, How’d I Miss That? Through humor, storytelling, and hard-won wisdom, Cynthia explores how we overlook God’s work in our everyday lives—and how we can begin to notice Him again. This conversation is both lighthearted and deeply meaningful, inviting listeners to slow down and pay attention. Find out more about Cynthia Yanof HERE.Buy How'd I Miss That? HERE.We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.
Transcribe →Episode 167 | Rethinking Funerals | Guest: Dr. Matt Love
Mar 900:57:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with pastor Matt Love to rethink the way Christians approach funerals. Drawing from his Christianity Today article, Love explores how American culture often gives grief only “two weeks and a casserole” while many services quietly remove the gospel from the moment it’s needed most. Together they discuss the place of lament, the hope of resurrection, and how the church can proclaim Christ even in the shadow of death.Matthew D. Love, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Harding School of Theology, where he trains and mentors the next generation of preachers and church leaders. He holds a PhD in preaching from Baylor University, along with an MDiv from Harding School of Theology and a BA in Bible from Harding University. In addition to his academic work, Love has spent many years in congregational ministry and preaching, including serving as preaching minister for the Beebe Church of Christ in Arkansas. His writing focuses on preaching, pastoral theology, and the life of the church, and his work has appeared in outlets such as Christianity Today.Read his article, The Death of a Eulogy, HERE.We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us.Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.
Transcribe →Episode 166 | The Divine Scandal: Understanding Tamar and Judah | Guest: Chad Bird
Mar 201:04:10Tap to summarizeGenesis 38 interrupts Joseph’s story with a scandal. Or so we’ve been told.But what if Tamar isn’t a seductress? What if she isn’t a vixen, a manipulator, or a cautionary tale? What if she is the most righteous person in the room? In this episode, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with theologian Chad Bird to take a fresh look at Judah and Tamar. Tamar refuses to quietly disappear when Judah withholds justice. She refuses to let the covenant line die. And in doing so, she becomes the catalyst for Judah’s transformation—the very man whose tribe would carry the scepter, and whose descendant would be Jesus Himself. This is not a story about scandal. It’s a story about courage. About righteousness. About a woman who would not be erased. If you’ve ever wrestled with the uncomfortable corners of Scripture, this conversation will remind you: sometimes the women we’ve misunderstood are the very ones moving redemption forward.Chad Bird is a biblical scholar and theologian who serves with 1517.org, where he writes, teaches, and hosts podcasts focused on the riches of Scripture and the heart of the gospel. A former professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Chad is known for his Christ-centered approach to the Old Testament and his ability to make complex biblical theology accessible and deeply pastoral. He is the author of several books, including The Christ Key and Unveiling Mercy, and is passionate about helping readers see Jesus woven throughout the entire biblical narrative.Find out more about 1517.org HERE. Find Chad online HERE.We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.
Transcribe →Episode 165 | Aging and the New Resistance | Guest: Kate Boyd
Feb 2300:45:21Tap to summarizeExperts predict the anti-aging industry will rake in over 80 billion dollars this year, and the industry almost exclusively targets women. Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with author and podcaster Kate Boyd to discuss the motive underneath the movement: WHY is youth so highly prized, and what do women stand to gain if they simply let themselves age? Welcome to @HonestlyThough_ThePodcast , where we have faith conversations for life transformation!Find Kate Boyd's Substack HEREFind Kate's blog HEREFind Kate's website HEREFind Kate on Instagram at @kateboyd.coWe love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.
Transcribe →Episode 164 | Christians and Taylor Swift | Guest: Sarah Griffith
Feb 1601:10:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the podcast, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez welcome Sarah Griffith, ThM, to explore how God can use anything to redeem our deepest struggles. Griffith examines the influence of Taylor Swift's music on a culture desperate for honesty and authenticity and asks, "Why are so many drawn to her lyrics?" One word: lament. Resources & Links:Book: "Lament for a Son" by Nicholas WolterstorffConnect with Sarah Griffith: https://skgriffith.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsInstagram: @sarahkgriffiWebsite: https://skgriffith.com/We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook CarrellLiz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidasWe have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at taylorstandridge1@gmail.com.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------No matter what you’re facing today, remember that God is not distant from your pain. He meets us in our lament, uses all things for good, and loves us beyond measure. Whatever cultural idol or struggle you’re wrestling with, His grace is bigger still. Turn to Him honestly and rest in His sovereignty.And as always, don’t forget—the ultimate story of redemption is found in Christ. His love invites us into life abundant, even amid suffering. Last words: look to Jesus, trust His love, and walk in freedom and truth.
Transcribe →