Joel Osteen Podcast: "Who's In Your Ear?" - Detailed Summary

Episode Information

• Title: Who's In Your Ear?
• Host: Joel Osteen, SiriusXM
• Release Date: May 19, 2025

Overview In this empowering episode of the Joel Osteen Daily Podcast, Joel Osteen delves into the profound impact of the voices we allow to influence our lives. Titled "Who's In Your Ear?", the episode explores the significance of discerning the sources of our advice and the consequences of internalizing negative versus positive influences. Through relatable anecdotes, biblical references, and practical advice, Joel guides listeners toward making conscious choices about who they listen to, ultimately steering them closer to their God-given destiny.

Introduction to the Topic

At the core of this episode is the concept of "Who's In Your Ear?"—a metaphor for the voices and influences that shape our decisions and life paths. Joel emphasizes the importance of being selective about whose counsel we heed, highlighting how the wrong influences can derail our potential.

Notable Quote:

• "Today I will be taught the word of God, I boldly confess My mind is alert, my heart is receptive I will never be the same." ([01:23])

Identifying Positive and Negative Influences

Joel begins by distinguishing between "dream stealers" and "dream releasers." Dream stealers are those who discourage, spread negativity, and sow discord, while dream releasers uplift, encourage, and support our aspirations.

Key Points:

• Negative Influences: Friends who gossip, coworkers who fuel workplace drama, and family members who bring unnecessary stress.
• Positive Influences: Individuals who speak faith, abundance, and victory, igniting and nurturing one's dreams.

Notable Quote:

• "Wrong voices lead to wrong choices. Be careful of people that try to stir you up." ([07:15])

Biblical Illustrations

Joel uses several biblical stories to underline his message, illustrating the consequences of heeding the wrong voices and the benefits of following divine guidance.

1. Rehoboam’s Decision (1 Kings 12):

   • Rehoboam sought advice from both his older counselors, who advocated for compassion, and his young friends, who encouraged a harsh response.
   • Choosing the latter led to rebellion and the division of his kingdom.

   Notable Quote:

   • "Wrong voices lead to wrong choices. He surrounded himself with people that didn't honor God." ([13:45])

2. David and Goliath:

   • Despite skepticism from his father and King Saul, David trusted in God's plan and succeeded in defeating Goliath.

   Notable Quote:

   • "The enemy would love to use people to discourage you, talk you out of your dreams." ([19:10])

3. Abigail’s Intervention:

   • Abigail’s wise and peacemaking approach prevented David from taking vengeance, showcasing the importance of discernment.

   Notable Quote:

   • "David had a spirit of discernment. Something on the inside said, listen to her." ([16:30])

4. Prophet’s Obedience (1 Kings 13):

   • A prophet ignored God’s command by trusting another prophet, leading to dire consequences.

   Notable Quote:

   • "Don't let people talk you out of what God told you." ([24:50])

Practical Advice for Listeners

Joel offers actionable steps to help listeners manage and discern the influences in their lives:

1. Evaluate the Source:

   • Consider the track record, character, and integrity of those offering advice.
   • "Do they have credibility? Do they have good character? Integrity?" ([05:45])

2. Seek Divine Guidance:

   • Prioritize listening to God through prayer and the Holy Spirit over worldly opinions.
   • "God will not speak to other people about your life without speaking to you." ([08:20])

3. Tune Out Negativity:

   • Actively remove or distance oneself from negative influences to prevent stress and poor decision-making.
   • "You have to get rid of the wrong voices. Then you'll hear the right voices." ([10:10])

4. Cultivate Discernment:

   • Ask God for wisdom to distinguish between helpful and harmful advice.
   • "Lord, help me to have a discerning mind." ([27:30])

5. Surround Yourself with Encouragers:

   • Engage with people who inspire, uplift, and align with your faith and goals.
   • "Dream releasers... ignite your dreams, that lift you, encourage you and build you up." ([25:50])

Personal Anecdotes and Illustrations

Joel shares personal stories to illustrate his points:

• Basketball Bench Incident:

  • Joel recounts a moment when his friend’s over-the-top reaction to a bad call led to unnecessary trouble, highlighting the dangers of letting the wrong voices influence actions.

  Notable Quote:

  • "If you allow negative voices to continue, you can't do it. It's too big, you'll never get well." ([12:40])

• Legal Team Experience:

  • Describing a meeting with a negative attorney, Joel emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with optimistic and supportive individuals.

  Notable Quote:

  • "If you allow negative voices to continue, you can't do it. It's too big, you'll never get well." ([20:15])

Conclusion and Call to Action

Joel wraps up the episode by reinforcing the necessity of being cautious about whose advice we follow. He invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and identify the influences they are allowing.

Notable Quote:

• "If you'll get rid of the wrong voices, the right voices will show up every morning." ([28:00])

Invitation: Joel encourages listeners to embrace their true identity in Christ and to surround themselves with voices that support their divine purpose.

Final Encouragement

In his closing remarks, Joel offers a heartfelt prayer and invitation for listeners to deepen their relationship with God, emphasizing the transformative power of aligning one's life with divine guidance.

Notable Quote:

• "Your future is bright. When you get in agreement with God and declare his promises, you'll rise higher and become all you were created to be." ([28:50])

Additional Resources Mentioned:

• Book Offer: "101 Great Things That God Says About You" – A resource to help discover and embrace one's true identity.
• Faith Reminders: "101 Things God says about you, Faith Reminders when You Need Them Most." – Available for free with donations.

Closing Thoughts "Who's In Your Ear?" serves as a compelling reminder to critically assess the influences in our lives. By prioritizing divine guidance and surrounding ourselves with positive, faith-driven individuals, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and purpose. Joel Osteen's message resonates with the timeless wisdom of discerning counsel, encouraging listeners to strive toward their highest potential by listening to the right voices.