We’ve got an episode today that’s going to stop you in your tracks. You’re going to meet Joel Sheagren, an award-winning filmmaker whose story feels like a movie itself, only this one’s real, raw, and full of God’s fingerprints.

Joel grew up in a funeral home, had demonic encounters as a kid, found himself guiding canoes in the wilderness as an agnostic teen, and somehow, through a horror movie of all things, found his way to Christ. But that was only the beginning.

What happens when the bottom falls out of your career, your faith gets tested through years of anxiety, and you’re suddenly raising two adopted children, one with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and you realize God’s been writing a redemption story through it all?

In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear how Joel turned his pain into purpose through prayer, perseverance, and creativity. His story will help you see your own trials differently. Because sometimes, what feels like chaos is actually the setup for your calling.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:38] Topic and Guest Introduction

[04:24] The Awakening: From Agnosticism to Faith

[13:00] The Long Path: Growth Through Trials

[19:48] Learning Patience When God’s Timing Feels Slow

[22:45] Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Trust

[25:25] The Moment Joel and His Wife Said “Yes” to Adoption

[28:00] The Miraculous Two-Month Adoption Story

[30:00] Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

[34:30] Navigating Parenting Challenges with FASD

[36:48] How God Used Filmmaking to Raise Awareness for FASD

[40:07] Teaching Neuroplasticity and Renewing the Mind

[43:05] Spiritual Breakthroughs and Mindset Shifts

[47:21] About the Embracing Hope Caregiver Guide

[49:35] Final Encouragement and Where to Find Joel’s Resources

Resources mentioned:

Embracing Hope Book

Guest's bio:

Joel Sheagren is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller whose greatest inspiration comes from home—raising two children, one of whom lives with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

His incredible journey from agnosticism to faith began in the most unexpected places—a canoe in the wilderness and a night watching The Exorcist—moments that led him into a lifelong pursuit of telling redemptive stories through the lens of God’s grace.

Joel is the founder of Sam in a Can Productions (named after his son) and the visionary behind The Embrace Movement, a media-driven initiative shedding light on the hidden link between prenatal alcohol exposure and societal issues like homelessness, trafficking, and fatherlessness.

Through his films, books, and caregiver resources, Joel equips families, churches, and communities to better understand and support neurodiversity while bringing hope to those navigating life’s challenges.

He and his wife continue to walk in faith—turning pain into purpose and using their story to help families find strength, healing, and breakthrough through Christ.

Call to action:

Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.

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Episode 173: Adoption, FASD, & Faith: How Joel Sheagren Turned Family Struggles into a God-Given Mission