WHOA That’s Good Podcast:

"The Internet Tried To Steal My Confidence…Jesus Won It Back"

Guest: Emma Mae McDaniel
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Date: Nov 10, 2025

Overview

In this heartfelt and deeply vulnerable episode, Sadie Robertson Huff welcomes back her longtime friend and role model, Emma Mae McDaniel, to discuss Emma’s brand-new book, The Girl in the Middle. Spanning stories of brutal online bullying as a teenager, the journey of healing and faith, and Emma’s recent personal grief and joy in motherhood, this conversation wrestles honestly with how followers of Christ can find their identity, resilience, and joy solely in Jesus while navigating the harsh critique, opinion, and pain the world brings. Both Sadie and Emma share their “middle moments” and the truths that grounded them when insecurity, comparison, or tragedy threatened to pull them under.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Lifelong Friendship, Influence, and Seasons of Change

[01:07–04:38] — Friendship Origins
Sadie and Emma reminisce about meeting as young girls—Emma was best friends with Sadie’s cousin, Macy. Their relationship grew deeper as Emma’s faith matured and Sadie, in turn, was inspired by her example.
[04:38–08:36] — New Seasons and Slowed Pace
Emma reflects on her life now: married for over four years, mom to a toddler, and expecting a second child. She speaks about God’s calling to trust Him both “in the work and in the rest,” learning the value of slowing down and trusting that “God works while you rest.”

“It’s by His work, it’s by His grace, it’s by His presence that I’m stepping into a season where our pace is slowing down.” — Emma [08:06]

The Book: "The Girl in the Middle" — Backstory and Message

[08:36–11:15] — The Story’s Hard Beginning
Sadie introduces Emma’s new book and confesses her sadness at the origin—a painful bullying incident involving Sadie’s own circle ten years earlier.

“And now to have a book literally called ‘The Girl in the Middle’ is like… just the ultimate redemption, the ultimate fight back to the enemy’s face.” — Sadie [10:37]
[11:15–15:12] — Why Tell the Story Now?
Emma didn’t intend to wait ten years to share, but realized God’s timing is perfect. She reflects on past attempts to share her heart—rejected book proposals, God’s slow “yes,” and finally the release of this story just when it could have the most impact.

“Sometimes it’s a lot slower than how we view the right pace, but it’s the perfect pace.” — Emma [12:15]
[15:12–18:24] — The Origin of "Girl in the Middle"
Emma recounts the pivotal incident: in high school, a photo with Sadie was posted online. A boy from her school commented, “Who is that ugly girl in the middle?”—and set off a bullying storm online fixated on Emma’s appearance, worth, and even faith.

“I ended up finding out that the person who originally commented that was a guy from my high school… so there was a different color cut there too, because… it made it a little bit more personal.” — Emma [18:15]

Choosing Confidence in Christ Over Fear of Opinions

[18:24–23:21] — Wrestling with Identity and Truth
Emma describes the immediate inner battle: shrink her presence to avoid bullying, or live boldly in her God-given identity. She chose to “let the words of God, not the words of people, shape my identity.”

“We’re all the girl in the middle… every single day we sit in the middle of a decision to make: am I going to let fear, excuses, my comfort zone call the shots? Or am I going to go with Him even when it’s costly, even when it’s unpopular?” — Emma [22:40]

Sadie’s Parallel Story: Public Scrutiny Online

[23:21–28:49] — Sadie’s Experience with Comparison and Bullying Sadie vulnerably recalls being called “the ugliest person to ever date an SEC quarterback” online, alongside a side-by-side of her and other girlfriends. She shares how public embarrassment sharpened her resolve to “live original,” not conform to the world’s approval.
[31:11–34:18] — Building a Foundation in God’s Word and Support Both discuss the practical importance of supportive family and friends (“it matters who your close circle is”), setting healthy boundaries with online comments, and anchoring their identity in scripture.

“My dad would quote [Psalm 1] over us all the time… It matters whose advice you’re taking… that is a big factor in how I was able to continue to submit to the authority of God’s Word and not the words of people.” — Emma [31:13]

Wisdom on Coping, Boundaries, and Community

[34:18–38:07] — Safe Habits and the Power of Scripture They discuss resisting the temptation to read negative comments, how that curiosity can be a “dangerous trap,” and the “elevation” that trusting God brings—allowing you to rise above ground-level critique.

“The fear of man is like a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord is a safe place… He helps me set my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” — Emma [34:20]

Anchoring themselves in God’s unchangeable voice (“He is not like the shifting shadows… He anchors me.”) allowed them both to move forward despite criticism and trials.
[38:07–43:04] — Living the Word, Not Just Knowing It For Emma, bullying was the crucible where scripture moved from head-knowledge to deepest conviction and heart-truth.

“It’s one thing to know the Word and be able to spout it off… but whenever I’m questioning my identity, is it what I’m leaning on? I chose to run in that lane… that changed my life.” — Emma [37:43]

The “Middle” Moments Continue

[43:04–49:54] — Not Just High School: Finding Faith Amid Adult Grief Now in adulthood, Emma shares about walking through miscarriage and profound grief, and how the same truths about God’s presence and faithfulness are sustaining her.

“The difference in those two stories (the house on the rock or sand) is not that one experienced a storm and the other didn’t… It’s what they were building their house on.” — Emma [44:23] “We lost our baby… that grief will never go away until He returns… But going back to the Word of God… He’s here when I am confused, when I feel like I have no more tears left to cry.” — Emma [45:41]
Emma urges listeners: “Whether you carried your baby for four weeks or four months… your grief is not less valid… you have full permission to cry and the Lord cries with you.” [46:12]

Real-Life Worship and Lived Faith

[50:04–54:37] — The Power of Ancient Truths and Worship Sadie and Emma discuss the power of hymns and “singing scripture” over themselves and their children. Faith is built not on feeling happy, but on the joy and steadiness of Jesus as the rock.

“It is messy and it is imperfect, but it is on the solid rock of Christ.” — Sadie [53:35]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"To work really hard and to rest both require trust… God works while you rest, just as the laundry is going while you go to sleep." — Emma [04:38]
"God reveals things to redeem things." — Sadie [10:47]
"We’re all the girl in the middle… we sit in the middle of a decision: will we choose fear or go with God?" — Emma [22:40]
"I want to be the light of the world. I want to live original… sometimes that’s going to come with being misunderstood." — Sadie [29:24]
"It matters whose advice you’re taking… that’s how I was able to submit to the authority of God’s Word and not the words of people." — Emma [31:13]
"The fear of man is like a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord is a safe place." — Emma [34:20]
"It’s one thing to know the Word… another when you’re put in the fire. Is it the lane I’m running in?" — Emma [37:43]
"The difference… is not that the storm doesn’t come, but what you build your house on." — Emma [44:23]
"Where else would I go? You’ve proven yourself so faithful, that even though this storm is brutal, where else would I go?" — Emma [49:35]

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:07 — Introduction, friendship history, Emma’s influence in Sadie’s life
04:38 — Emma reflects on her current season: marriage, motherhood, learning to rest
08:36 — The challenge of trusting God in slowing down
10:37 — The heartbreak and hope behind The Girl in the Middle
11:15 — Why Emma didn’t share this story until now
15:12 — Story behind “the girl in the middle” photo and online bullying
22:40 — Choosing to stand in God’s truth, not fear
23:21 — Sadie’s own online bullying experience, remaining “original”
31:13 — The irreplaceable role of godly community/family
34:20 — On resisting curiosity about what people say online
37:43 — Difference between knowing and living the Word, found in hardship
43:04 — Applying this truth in adulthood, grief, faith during miscarriage
49:35 — “Where else would I go?” anchored faith
53:35 — Home built on the “solid rock of Christ”
54:37 — Emma plugs her Compelled ministry and podcast

Resources & Follow-Up

Emma’s Book: The Girl in the Middle (Amazon, major retailers)
Emma’s Podcast: Compelled Podcast
Emma’s Ministry: Compelled (monthly gatherings NWA, online)
Instagram: @emmamaemcdaniel, @liveoriginal

This episode is deeply encouraging for anyone feeling insecure, misunderstood, or in a “middle” place—whether in high school, online, or facing grown-up trials. Emma and Sadie offer truth, empathy, and practical wisdom for building a life and confidence on Jesus alone.

WHOA That’s Good Podcast:

"The Internet Tried To Steal My Confidence…Jesus Won It Back"

Guest: Emma Mae McDaniel
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Date: Nov 10, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Lifelong Friendship, Influence, and Seasons of Change

[01:07–04:38] — Friendship Origins
Sadie and Emma reminisce about meeting as young girls—Emma was best friends with Sadie’s cousin, Macy. Their relationship grew deeper as Emma’s faith matured and Sadie, in turn, was inspired by her example.
[04:38–08:36] — New Seasons and Slowed Pace
Emma reflects on her life now: married for over four years, mom to a toddler, and expecting a second child. She speaks about God’s calling to trust Him both “in the work and in the rest,” learning the value of slowing down and trusting that “God works while you rest.”

“It’s by His work, it’s by His grace, it’s by His presence that I’m stepping into a season where our pace is slowing down.” — Emma [08:06]

The Book: "The Girl in the Middle" — Backstory and Message

[08:36–11:15] — The Story’s Hard Beginning
Sadie introduces Emma’s new book and confesses her sadness at the origin—a painful bullying incident involving Sadie’s own circle ten years earlier.

“And now to have a book literally called ‘The Girl in the Middle’ is like… just the ultimate redemption, the ultimate fight back to the enemy’s face.” — Sadie [10:37]
[11:15–15:12] — Why Tell the Story Now?
Emma didn’t intend to wait ten years to share, but realized God’s timing is perfect. She reflects on past attempts to share her heart—rejected book proposals, God’s slow “yes,” and finally the release of this story just when it could have the most impact.

“Sometimes it’s a lot slower than how we view the right pace, but it’s the perfect pace.” — Emma [12:15]
[15:12–18:24] — The Origin of "Girl in the Middle"
Emma recounts the pivotal incident: in high school, a photo with Sadie was posted online. A boy from her school commented, “Who is that ugly girl in the middle?”—and set off a bullying storm online fixated on Emma’s appearance, worth, and even faith.

“I ended up finding out that the person who originally commented that was a guy from my high school… so there was a different color cut there too, because… it made it a little bit more personal.” — Emma [18:15]

Choosing Confidence in Christ Over Fear of Opinions

[18:24–23:21] — Wrestling with Identity and Truth
Emma describes the immediate inner battle: shrink her presence to avoid bullying, or live boldly in her God-given identity. She chose to “let the words of God, not the words of people, shape my identity.”

“We’re all the girl in the middle… every single day we sit in the middle of a decision to make: am I going to let fear, excuses, my comfort zone call the shots? Or am I going to go with Him even when it’s costly, even when it’s unpopular?” — Emma [22:40]

Sadie’s Parallel Story: Public Scrutiny Online

[23:21–28:49] — Sadie’s Experience with Comparison and Bullying Sadie vulnerably recalls being called “the ugliest person to ever date an SEC quarterback” online, alongside a side-by-side of her and other girlfriends. She shares how public embarrassment sharpened her resolve to “live original,” not conform to the world’s approval.
[31:11–34:18] — Building a Foundation in God’s Word and Support Both discuss the practical importance of supportive family and friends (“it matters who your close circle is”), setting healthy boundaries with online comments, and anchoring their identity in scripture.

“My dad would quote [Psalm 1] over us all the time… It matters whose advice you’re taking… that is a big factor in how I was able to continue to submit to the authority of God’s Word and not the words of people.” — Emma [31:13]

Wisdom on Coping, Boundaries, and Community

[34:18–38:07] — Safe Habits and the Power of Scripture They discuss resisting the temptation to read negative comments, how that curiosity can be a “dangerous trap,” and the “elevation” that trusting God brings—allowing you to rise above ground-level critique.

“The fear of man is like a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord is a safe place… He helps me set my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” — Emma [34:20]

Anchoring themselves in God’s unchangeable voice (“He is not like the shifting shadows… He anchors me.”) allowed them both to move forward despite criticism and trials.
[38:07–43:04] — Living the Word, Not Just Knowing It For Emma, bullying was the crucible where scripture moved from head-knowledge to deepest conviction and heart-truth.

“It’s one thing to know the Word and be able to spout it off… but whenever I’m questioning my identity, is it what I’m leaning on? I chose to run in that lane… that changed my life.” — Emma [37:43]

The “Middle” Moments Continue

[43:04–49:54] — Not Just High School: Finding Faith Amid Adult Grief Now in adulthood, Emma shares about walking through miscarriage and profound grief, and how the same truths about God’s presence and faithfulness are sustaining her.

“The difference in those two stories (the house on the rock or sand) is not that one experienced a storm and the other didn’t… It’s what they were building their house on.” — Emma [44:23] “We lost our baby… that grief will never go away until He returns… But going back to the Word of God… He’s here when I am confused, when I feel like I have no more tears left to cry.” — Emma [45:41]
Emma urges listeners: “Whether you carried your baby for four weeks or four months… your grief is not less valid… you have full permission to cry and the Lord cries with you.” [46:12]

Real-Life Worship and Lived Faith

[50:04–54:37] — The Power of Ancient Truths and Worship Sadie and Emma discuss the power of hymns and “singing scripture” over themselves and their children. Faith is built not on feeling happy, but on the joy and steadiness of Jesus as the rock.

“It is messy and it is imperfect, but it is on the solid rock of Christ.” — Sadie [53:35]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"To work really hard and to rest both require trust… God works while you rest, just as the laundry is going while you go to sleep." — Emma [04:38]
"God reveals things to redeem things." — Sadie [10:47]
"We’re all the girl in the middle… we sit in the middle of a decision: will we choose fear or go with God?" — Emma [22:40]
"I want to be the light of the world. I want to live original… sometimes that’s going to come with being misunderstood." — Sadie [29:24]
"It matters whose advice you’re taking… that’s how I was able to submit to the authority of God’s Word and not the words of people." — Emma [31:13]
"The fear of man is like a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord is a safe place." — Emma [34:20]
"It’s one thing to know the Word… another when you’re put in the fire. Is it the lane I’m running in?" — Emma [37:43]
"The difference… is not that the storm doesn’t come, but what you build your house on." — Emma [44:23]
"Where else would I go? You’ve proven yourself so faithful, that even though this storm is brutal, where else would I go?" — Emma [49:35]

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:07 — Introduction, friendship history, Emma’s influence in Sadie’s life
04:38 — Emma reflects on her current season: marriage, motherhood, learning to rest
08:36 — The challenge of trusting God in slowing down
10:37 — The heartbreak and hope behind The Girl in the Middle
11:15 — Why Emma didn’t share this story until now
15:12 — Story behind “the girl in the middle” photo and online bullying
22:40 — Choosing to stand in God’s truth, not fear
23:21 — Sadie’s own online bullying experience, remaining “original”
31:13 — The irreplaceable role of godly community/family
34:20 — On resisting curiosity about what people say online
37:43 — Difference between knowing and living the Word, found in hardship
43:04 — Applying this truth in adulthood, grief, faith during miscarriage
49:35 — “Where else would I go?” anchored faith
53:35 — Home built on the “solid rock of Christ”
54:37 — Emma plugs her Compelled ministry and podcast

Resources & Follow-Up

Emma’s Book: The Girl in the Middle (Amazon, major retailers)
Emma’s Podcast: Compelled Podcast
Emma’s Ministry: Compelled (monthly gatherings NWA, online)
Instagram: @emmamaemcdaniel, @liveoriginal

This episode is deeply encouraging for anyone feeling insecure, misunderstood, or in a “middle” place—whether in high school, online, or facing grown-up trials. Emma and Sadie offer truth, empathy, and practical wisdom for building a life and confidence on Jesus alone.

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The Internet Tried To Steal My Confidence…Jesus Won It Back | Sadie Robertson Huff & Emma Mae McDaniel

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Summary

WHOA That’s Good Podcast:

"The Internet Tried To Steal My Confidence…Jesus Won It Back"

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Lifelong Friendship, Influence, and Seasons of Change

The Book: "The Girl in the Middle" — Backstory and Message

Choosing Confidence in Christ Over Fear of Opinions

Sadie’s Parallel Story: Public Scrutiny Online

Wisdom on Coping, Boundaries, and Community

The “Middle” Moments Continue

Real-Life Worship and Lived Faith

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Resources & Follow-Up

This episode is deeply encouraging for anyone feeling insecure, misunderstood, or in a “middle” place—whether in high school, online, or facing grown-up trials. Emma and Sadie offer truth, empathy, and practical wisdom for building a life and confidence on Jesus alone.

Summary

WHOA That’s Good Podcast:

"The Internet Tried To Steal My Confidence…Jesus Won It Back"

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Lifelong Friendship, Influence, and Seasons of Change

The Book: "The Girl in the Middle" — Backstory and Message

Choosing Confidence in Christ Over Fear of Opinions

Sadie’s Parallel Story: Public Scrutiny Online

Wisdom on Coping, Boundaries, and Community

The “Middle” Moments Continue

Real-Life Worship and Lived Faith

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Resources & Follow-Up

This episode is deeply encouraging for anyone feeling insecure, misunderstood, or in a “middle” place—whether in high school, online, or facing grown-up trials. Emma and Sadie offer truth, empathy, and practical wisdom for building a life and confidence on Jesus alone.