The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast: "What Does it Really Mean to Protect Your Heart?" Featuring Jonathan Pokluda Release Date: July 15, 2025

In the poignant episode titled "What Does it Really Mean to Protect Your Heart?" hosted by Candace Cameron Bure and featuring Pastor Jonathan Pokluda and Lev Beret, listeners are guided through an introspective exploration of spiritual resilience, community, and the profound concept of guarding one's heart in the Christian life.

1. Embracing the Christian Life Amidst Challenges

Timestamp: [00:00]

Candace opens the conversation by reflecting on recent events—the LA fires—and how such crises test and reveal the Christian calling to care for others. She emphasizes that the Christian journey is invariably a blend of good and bad days, but its true essence shines when experienced collectively.

Candace Cameron Bure: "When the LA fires happened... That's the life of the Christian life all the time."

Lev interjects with a light-hearted remark, setting a relatable and sincere tone for the discussion.

2. Navigating Nervousness in Public Speaking and Ministry

Timestamp: [04:17] - [07:26]

The trio delves into personal experiences with nervousness, particularly in public speaking and preaching. Candace shares her feelings of "foggy brain" during moments of anxiety, highlighting the struggle between maintaining composure and the desire to effectively convey her message.

Candace Cameron Bure: "Like, if I'm really nervous, it's like I'm trying to hold a thought. What do I want to say here?"

Jonathan relates by discussing his own nervous reactions, such as dry mouth, and underscores the importance of relying on faith to overcome these challenges.

Jonathan Pakluda: "Once I'm 30 seconds into it, I'm like, oh, I got this."

Lev adds his perspective, mentioning physical manifestations of anxiety like sweating.

3. The Importance of Community in Strengthening Faith

Timestamp: [08:24] - [11:30]

Jonathan shares insights from his pastor, Dudley Rutherford, about rotating pastoral leadership across multiple church campuses. This approach aims to prevent congregants from becoming overly attached to a single leader, fostering a deeper reliance on God's word rather than individual personalities.

Jonathan Pakluda: "He really doesn't want you to come here for me. I want you to come to hear God's word."

Candace echoes this sentiment, cautioning against "consumerism Christianity" where church attendance becomes transactional. She advocates for active participation and service within the church community to build a strong, interconnected faith family.

Candace Cameron Bure: "Church is not something you go to. It's something you are."

4. Guarding the Heart: Biblical Foundations and Practical Applications

Timestamp: [12:18] - [34:22]

The core theme of the episode revolves around the biblical imperative to "guard your heart," drawing from Proverbs 4:23 and Hebrews 12:1-2. Lev reads Hebrews 12:1-2, emphasizing perseverance and fixation on Jesus as the ultimate guide.

Lev Beret: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus..."

Candace elaborates on the deceptive nature of the heart, arguing against the common saying "the heart wants what it wants." She posits that the heart's desires are shaped by what we feed it—be it positive influences or toxic inputs like pornography.

Candace Cameron Bure: "The heart wants what it's fed... Your heart's like a bloodhound and it gets on a scent and it wants more of what you look for."

Jonathan discusses the importance of scripture in combating deceitful desires, likening the word of God to a powerful tool against temptation.

Jonathan Pakluda: "The only offensive weapon there is the sword of the spirit..."

5. Resisting Temptation Through Spiritual Disciplines

Timestamp: [35:28] - [36:23]

Candace shares her personal journey with fasting as a discipline to strengthen her resolve against temptation. She recounts an experience where a well-intentioned act from an accountability partner nearly derailed her fasting commitment, illustrating the subtle ways temptation can manifest.

Candace Cameron Bure: "That's how the enemy works... lays it in front of you."

The conversation underscores the necessity of spiritual disciplines like fasting and scripture memorization in maintaining spiritual integrity.

6. Mentorship and the Influence of Spiritual Leaders

Timestamp: [36:23] - [42:17]

The hosts turn their attention to the role of mentors and spiritual leaders in their lives. Lev expresses gratitude for mentors at Harris Creek Baptist Church and acknowledges the profound impact of leaders like Gabrielle McCullough and Cooper.

Lev Beret: "It's incredible how the spirit will move when there's God fearing people leading a congregation."

Candace honors her own mentors, including Todd Wagner, Louie Giglio, Craig Groeschel, and Gabe Lyons, highlighting their contributions to her spiritual and leadership development.

Candace Cameron Bure: "They sharpened and shaped my leadership in ways I'm really grateful for."

7. Listener Engagement: Addressing Anxiety in Children

Timestamp: [43:46] - [46:24]

In response to a listener question from Crystal, the hosts offer compassionate advice for parents dealing with anxious children. Candace emphasizes patience, prayer, and the importance of surrounding children with supportive, faith-driven individuals.

Candace Cameron Bure: "If your kids are struggling with anxiety, be patient... He's the creator of the heavens... He loves them even more than you do."

Jonathan reinforces the significance of trusting God's plan and allowing children to navigate their anxieties with faith as their anchor.

8. Concluding Prayers and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [46:33] - [48:26]

The episode concludes with heartfelt prayers, wherein Candace prays for the listeners, the guests, and the broader community. She invokes blessings of grace, protection, and spiritual growth, encapsulating the episode's themes of faith, resilience, and communal support.

Candace Cameron Bure: "I pray that you would supernaturally bless all of those people... Would you bless it in Jesus' name? Amen."

Lev and Jonathan echo the sentiments, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared faith among the hosts and listeners.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Over Consumerism: Emphasizing active participation and service within the church to foster a strong faith community.
• Guarding the Heart: Understanding that what we feed our hearts shapes our desires and actions. It's crucial to align our hearts with biblical truths to resist deception.
• Spiritual Disciplines: Practices like fasting and scripture memorization are essential tools in combating temptation and strengthening faith.
• Mentorship: The influence of spiritual mentors plays a pivotal role in personal and spiritual growth.
• Parental Guidance: Patience, prayer, and faith are vital in helping children navigate anxiety and build trust in God's plan.

Notable Quotes:

• Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." [Lev Beret at 15:09]

• Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows out of it." [Candace Cameron Bure at 22:26]

• Lev Beret: "The most powerful thing you can do is deny yourself." [Jonathan Pakluda at 21:50]

This episode serves as a profound reminder of the importance of guarding one’s heart through faith, community, and disciplined spiritual practices. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Candace, Jonathan, and Lev offer listeners actionable insights and heartfelt encouragement to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.