Podcast
The Mamapologist
Hosted by Jennifer DeFrates · EN
The Mamapologist is where apologetics meets discipleship. Here is a safe place for your doubts. Join me as we learn to think biblically about how to walk through this life as believers struggling with tough questions, seeking hope, and finding answers together.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Beyond the Diagnosis: Choosing Life and Love Over Fear | with Ashley Ashcraft
3w ago00:59:15Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when a prenatal diagnosis changes everything you thought your future would look like? In this powerful episode of The Mamapologist, I sit down with author of Mission Ready Marriage, military wife, homeschool mom, and Down syndrome advocate Ashley Ashcraft to discuss the life-changing phone call that informed her there was a high likelihood her unborn daughter had Down syndrome. Ashley shares the fear, uncertainty, and grief she initially experienced, the lack of professional support she received in those early moments, and how God used that journey to transform her family's life. Ashley and her husband later welcomed their daughter, Finley, who was born prematurely with significant medical challenges, including an 88-day NICU stay—but what began as a diagnosis they never expected became one of their family's greatest blessings. Together, we discuss the realities of prenatal diagnoses, the misconceptions surrounding Down syndrome, the pressures many families face after receiving difficult medical news, and why every human life has inherent value and dignity. Ashley also shares how faith, community, and a deeper understanding of God's purposes helped her move from fear to hope. Today, she is passionate about encouraging families facing similar diagnoses and advocating for children with Down syndrome. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, medical professional, pro-life advocate, or someone wrestling with questions about suffering, disability, and human worth, this conversation will challenge you to see beyond a diagnosis and recognize the beauty, purpose, and joy that can be found in unexpected places.
Transcribe →The Lazy Approach to Evangelism with Eric Hernandez
May 1801:15:57Tap to summarizeWhat if evangelism doesn’t have to be intimidating? This week on The Mamapologist, I’m joined by Eric Hernandez (ehmapologetics.org), author of The Lazy Approach to Evangelism (https://amzn.to/43do2NV), for a practical and encouraging conversation about sharing your faith without fear, pressure, or feeling like you need to have every answer memorized.We talk about:Why so many Christians feel nervous about evangelismHow asking good questions can open meaningful conversationsThe role apologetics plays in everyday witnessingHow to speak truth with both confidence and compassionSimple ways ordinary believers can engage friends, coworkers, and family members about faithEric shares practical tools to help Christians move from fear to confidence and reminds us that evangelism is often less about winning arguments and more about faithfully planting seeds.If you’ve ever felt unqualified, overwhelmed, or afraid to share your faith, this episode will encourage and equip you to start having gospel conversations right where you are.Because sometimes the most effective evangelism begins not with having all the answers—but with being willing to ask the right questions.
Transcribe →The Top 3 Ways to Destroy Motherhood
May 1000:17:23Tap to summarizeMotherhood is beautiful—but it can also become discouraging, exhausting, and overwhelming when we lose sight of what God designed it to be. In this episode of The Mamapologist, we talk about three powerful ways we can allow modern culture and wrong expectations to quietly destroy motherhood. From expecting perfection from ourselves and our children, to constantly focusing on how hard motherhood is, to ultimately missing the true purpose behind it all—we explore how Scripture reframes the calling of motherhood through humility, sanctification, and service to Christ.Using passages like Philippians 2:3–4, James 1:2–4, and Colossians 3:23–24, we discuss how motherhood exposes our selfishness, stretches our faith, and becomes one of God’s greatest tools to make us more like Jesus. This episode is an encouragement to tired moms who need the reminder that the hard moments are not meaningless—and that God sees every sacrifice, every sleepless night, and every act of love done for His glory.
Transcribe →The Truth About the New Abortion Pill Ruling
May 400:32:30Tap to summarizeA new federal appeals court ruling on the abortion pill has sparked headlines—but what actually changed, and why does it matter?In this episode of The Mamapologist, we break down the truth about the latest mifepristone ruling—what the court decided, what it didn’t, and how it affects real women right now. This isn’t just about law or politics. It’s about safety, accountability, and the kind of care women truly deserve.We’ll walk through:What the ruling actually says (not just the headlines)How abortion pills are currently being prescribed and distributedThe concerns raised about medical oversight and patient safetyWhy this issue matters if we genuinely care about protecting women—not just accessThis episode invites you to think deeper:Are we prioritizing convenience over care? And what does real compassion look like in this conversation?As always, this is a space to ask tough questions, seek truth, and think biblically about the world around us.
Transcribe →The Cultural Crisis Behind Abortion (and why we're losing!)
Apr 2800:28:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we explore the growing mental health crisis and how it reflects a deeper cultural issue—the loss of purpose which leads to the devaluing of human life as hope fades, anxiety and despair rise. As Christians, we are called not just to recognize the problem, but to respond by sharing the truth, hope, and identity found in the gospel.
Transcribe →The Shroud of Turin: My Perspective and a Christian Response
Apr 2100:29:42Tap to summarizeIs the Shroud of Turin real—or is it a medieval forgery? And more importantly… how should Christians think about it?In this episode of the Mamapologist, we take a thoughtful, evidence-based look at one of the most debated artifacts in Christian history. We explore the scientific claims, historical questions, and theological implications surrounding the Shroud—and separate what’s compelling from what’s uncertain.But this episode isn’t just about the Shroud. It’s about how Christians should approach evidence, tradition, and truth without losing sight of the Gospel.Does the Shroud strengthen the case for the resurrection?Should Christians rely on artifacts like this?What does Scripture say about where our faith should rest?Join me as we think biblically, evaluate the evidence, and respond with both confidence and discernment.
Transcribe →The Crazy Thing Christians Believe (and why I think it's true)
Apr 1300:40:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we examine the most unbelievable claim in Christianity and the evidence behind it. Looking at widely accepted historical facts, we explore what even skeptical scholars agree happened—and then test the most common explanations to come to a conclusion.
Transcribe →From Prophecy to Passion: The Case for Holy Week
Mar 3000:24:18Tap to summarizeWhat makes Holy Week the most important week in human history?In this episode of the Mamapologist, we walk step-by-step through the final week of Jesus’ life—from Palm Sunday to the crucifixion—and explore how each moment fulfills specific Old Testament prophecies with stunning precision. Was it all coincidence… or was it divinely orchestrated?
Transcribe →Should Christians use Marijuana?
Mar 2300:33:47Tap to summarizeHow should Christians think about marijuana? Is it ever okay to smoke weed? And is it really the same as alcohol?In this episode of The Mamapologist, we take a biblical look at one of today’s most common and controversial questions: marijuana use. As legalization spreads across the U.S., many believers are asking how to think about THC, sobriety, and personal freedom through a biblical lens.This episode isn’t about legalism—it’s about thinking biblically, living wisely, and honoring Christ with our bodies and minds.Whether this is a personal struggle or just a question you’ve wondered about, this conversation will help you navigate it with clarity and conviction.
Transcribe →Answering Questions about Mormonism
Mar 1601:20:59Tap to summarizeWhat do Latter-day Saints actually believe—and how does that compare to historic Christianity?This week on the Mamapologist, Jennifer is joined by Kyle Beshears to explore the key differences between traditional Christian theology and the teachings of the LDS Church. Together they unpack important questions about scripture, revelation, and salvation, and why these differences matter.In this episode we discuss:• The LDS view of scripture—including the Book of Mormon and other writings alongside the Bible• The concept of continuing revelation and the role of a modern prophet in the LDS Church• How the LDS understanding of salvation and exaltation compares with the biblical gospel of grace• Why historic Christianity holds to the closed canon of Scripture• Practical ways Christians can have thoughtful, respectful conversations with Latter-day SaintsWhether you’ve had missionaries knock on your door, have LDS friends or family, or simply want to understand the theological differences, this episode will help you think clearly and engage the conversation with both truth and compassion.Listen in as we ask: Are these two traditions simply different denominations—or fundamentally different gospels?
Transcribe →