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.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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 →Episode 163 | Jesus and the Tabernacle
Feb 900:43:14Tap to summarizeFrom Eden to eternity, God’s heart has always been to dwell with His people. In this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding explore the beauty and meaning of the Tabernacle. Far more than a structure, the tent and everything in it present a stunning foreshadowing of Christ. Jesus was always the plan, and every detail of the Tabernacle points to His presence among us. Join us as we uncover the breathtaking unity of Scripture and learn to see the beauty of Christ on every page.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 162 | The Proverbs 31 Woman: Friend or Foe?
Jan 2600:46:03Tap to summarizeIs the Proverbs 31 woman an impossible ideal—or a gift we’ve misunderstood? On this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez peel back the pressure and expectations surrounding this famous passage and rediscover the beauty of the woman of noble character. It’s an honest, hope-filled conversation that invites women to see Proverbs 31 not as a burden, but as a blessing.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 161 | Rethinking Alcohol | Guest: Ericka Andersen
Jan 1900:59:00Tap to summarizeWhile several branches of Christianity insist on abstaining from alcohol, the biblical authors offer no such prohibitions. Indeed, Jesus changed water to wine, and Isaiah encourages Israel to look forward to the day when they eat the choice meat and drink the best wine at the Lord's table (John 2; Isaiah 25:6). And yet, alcohol can present a tremendous stumbling block for Christians seeking to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Author Ericka Andersen sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez for a frank discussion on her decision to quit drinking and the freedom she found in the process.Order Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith HERE.Connect with Ericka HERE.LET'S CONNECT!Honestly, Though is now on YouTube! Like and subscribe HERE to get the video version of our podcasts!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 160 | The Restless Heart | Guest: Rev. Dr. Ryan P. Tinetti
Dec 2200:55:40Tap to summarizeThe human heart struggles to rest. Why is contentment elusive? This week on Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with pastor and theologian Rev. Dr. Ryan P. Tinetti to talk about his latest book, The Quiet Ambition. In a culture that prizes hustle, visibility, and spiritual achievement, Ryan invites us to consider a deeply countercultural vision rooted in Paul’s words: “Make it your ambition to live quietly.” Together, we explore how faithfulness in ordinary life—unseen work, small callings, and everyday obedience—can free us from restless striving and anchor us in the grace of Christ. If you’ve ever wondered whether the small things really matter to God, this conversation is for you.Find Ryan's book HERE. Connect with Ryan HERE: https://www.preachingbyheart.com/what-we-doWe 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.
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