Bleeding Daylight

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, Rodney Olsen speaks with Rebecca Medina Stewart, a resilient author and trauma survivor whose journey from sexual assault victim to hope-filled advocate is transforming lives. After growing up in a fire-and-brimstone church that taught her to fear an angry God, Rebecca experienced a horrific sexual assault in college that led to 20 years of depression and spiritual darkness. Through her raw and honest testimony, she reveals how she finally found healing through returning to faith, discovering God's tenderness, and embracing spiritual disciplines that therapy alone couldn't provide.
 
Rebecca's 60-day devotional "Seen: Experiencing God's Tenderness After Brokenness" offers practical tools for trauma survivors seeking to get unstuck from dysfunction and pain. Her message resonates with anyone who has experienced trauma, loss, or mental health struggles, as she shares not only her own story but also accounts of others who have found healing in their darkest moments. This episode offers hope that even the deepest wounds can become platforms for spiritual transformation when we take that first step of faith.
 
WEBLINKSRebecca Medina Stewart’s WebsiteRebecca Medina Stewart on FacebookRebecca Medina Stewart on InstagramSeen on Amazon

In this illuminating episode of Bleeding Daylight, Rodney Olsen speaks with Dea Irby, a community-building expert whose journey includes owning a tea room, becoming a successful realtor, raising eight children, and authoring multiple books. Dea shares her powerful CLAIM framework (Chosen, Loved, Acknowledged, Invested in, Matter) for building authentic communities where people feel they truly belong, whether in business settings or personal relationships.
 
Drawing from her faith and diverse life experiences, Dea explores the tension between our individualistic tendencies and our innate desire for connection. She offers practical wisdom for creating safe spaces where people can be their authentic selves, discusses the challenges of church hurt, and explains how the principles of community building reflect God's own trinitarian nature. This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to build stronger, more meaningful connections in any area of life.
 
WEBLINKS Dea’s LinktreeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTEDx TalkDea Irby on AmazonDea Irby on AlignableHear Where You Belong PodcastHear Where You Belong Podcast on YouTube
 
 

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, Reverend Dr. Alvin Sanders shares his transformative approach to urban ministry as President of World Impact. Drawing from personal experience with poverty and three decades in ministry, Sanders challenges traditional church models by advocating for a "neighbourhood-as-parish" approach where churches become institutional assets to their communities. He reveals how World Impact's "glocally urban" strategy equips untrained pastors in 19 countries through innovative programs like their "seminary in a backpack."
 
Sanders unpacks the true nature of poverty beyond finances and outlines practical strategies for churches to engage their communities authentically. From creating "third spaces" that combat loneliness to implementing Asset-Based Community Development models, he demonstrates how churches can move beyond paternalistic charity to foster genuine community flourishing. His stories of transformation—from Cincinnati neighbourhoods to closed countries experiencing revival—illustrate how trained urban leaders can catalyse lasting change when churches approach ministry with humility, genuine care, and a commitment to meeting people at their point of need.
 
WEBLINKS World ImpactWorld Impact Facebook Alvin’s LinkedIn

In this episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen speaks with Cathy Garland, co-author of "Revelationship – Transformative Intimacy with Christ." Cathy shares profound insights about building an authentic relationship with God through His revelations in Scripture, suffering, and everyday experiences. She explores theological concepts like God's holiness, omnipresence, and the balance between divine order and human structure in faith communities.
 
Through her personal journey of relationship struggles, miscarriages, and physical injury, Cathy reveals how suffering became a powerful teacher in her spiritual walk. She challenges listeners to move beyond religious routine into genuine intimacy with God, explaining how effective prayer and discipleship can transform anxiety and renew our first love for Christ. This conversation offers both theological depth and practical application for believers at any stage of their faith journey.
 
WEBLINKSRevelationship WebsiteRevelationship (Book)Revelationship on InstagramCathy on InstagramRevelationship on FacebookCathy on FacebookRevelationhip on Threads Revelationship on YouTube

In this enlightening episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen speaks with Sara Dangerfield, pastor, author, and passionate advocate for discipleship. Sara shares insights from her over two decades in ministry, including her experiences serving in oil boom communities where she observed Christians hesitant to share their faith with those who needed it most.
 
Sara discusses practical approaches to everyday evangelism, challenging the notion that we need to know everything before sharing our faith. She emphasizes the importance of one-on-one discipleship, the power of every believer's story, and how simple intentionality can transform casual relationships into opportunities for spiritual conversations. Her book "Leading Spiritual Hoarders: Creating a Culture of Disciples Who Make Disciples" offers church leaders a roadmap for cultivating authentic disciple-making movements.
 
WEBLINKSSara’s WebsiteFacebookInstagramThreadsZume.training

In this compelling episode of Bleeding Daylight, Rodney Olsen speaks with Kari Hunnicutt, a passionate advocate for international missions and author of "Dormant Faith." Kari shares her transformative journey from simply sponsoring a child to becoming deeply involved with Christian education in Senegal through Go On The Mission. Her experiences witnessing persecuted believers' unwavering commitment contrasted sharply with Western Christianity's struggles to move beyond passive church attendance.
 
Kari challenges listeners to examine their own spiritual lives, discussing how modern distractions create what one Iranian believer called a "satanic lullaby" that dulls Western Christians' spiritual senses. Through personal stories of witnessing the Holy Spirit's power in remote African villages and her own family's busy life balancing four children and multiple passions, Kari offers practical insights for keeping faith active and responsive to God's invitations in our hectic world.
 
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Devoted ExplorerDormant Faith (Book)Go On the Mission

In this raw and powerful episode, author Karen Dittman shares her family's harrowing journey through addiction, abandonment, and unexpected grace. When her daughter disappeared into drug addiction, leaving behind a young child, Karen faced impossible choices while simultaneously caring for her sick husband during the early pandemic. Through it all, she discovered a deeper understanding of God's grace as "His power at work in the world, overcoming the impossible to accomplish His purposes."
 
Karen's story doesn't end with neat resolutions but continues as an ongoing testimony to healing and hope. Now the author of "Thriving in Grace" and "The Fruit of Gratitude," she translates her painful experiences into practical wisdom for others facing life's hurricanes. Her insights on gratitude, wellness, and experiencing God's love from the inside out offer a refreshing alternative to the "try harder" message that leaves so many Christians defeated.
 
WEBLINKSKaren Dittman’s WebsiteKaren Dittman on AmazonFacebookYouTube
 

In this illuminating episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen speaks with Amy Lykosh, founder of Workplace Prayer, about transforming our approach to prayer. Raised in a home deeply committed to international missions, Amy shares her journey from stepping away from prayer due to fear and pressure, to rediscovering its power through simple daily practices and eventually building a ministry that provides professional prayer coverage for businesses and organizations.
 
Amy offers practical wisdom on developing a sustainable prayer life, finding grace in imperfection, and recognizing God's presence in everyday moments. She challenges conventional thinking about the relationship between prayer and business, sharing remarkable stories of transformation while honestly addressing the limitations and ethical considerations of professional intercessory prayer. This conversation will inspire listeners to reimagine their own prayer practices while offering fresh perspectives on integrating faith with work.
 
WEBLINKSWorkplace Prayer Website Make Prayer Beautiful Podcast

In this compelling episode of Bleeding Daylight, author and storyteller Andy Buckwalter shares his transformative journey from being trapped in anger and negativity to discovering authentic joy. Through candid conversation, Andy reveals how a simple gratitude practice became the catalyst for profound change in his life, marriage, and parenting. His story demonstrates that joy isn't just for naturally optimistic people - it's available to anyone willing to put in the work.
Andy's new book "The Joy Journey" emerged from his personal struggle to find happiness, leading him to explore the deeper meaning of joy rooted in faith, gratitude, and intentional living. He discusses the crucial differences between happiness and joy, the importance of rest in cultivating joy, and how embracing humility can transform our perspective on life's challenges. This episode offers practical insights and hope for anyone seeking to discover more joy in their daily life.
 
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Andy Buckwalter WebsiteAndy Buckwalter FacebookAndy Buckwalter TikTokAndy Buckwalter InstagramThe Joy Journey (Amazon)

In this episode of Bleeding Daylight, storyteller and author Taylor Lyall shares his 13-year journey of waiting on a dream to serve in South Africa. After spending a transformative year teaching in a township and working with orphans, Taylor felt called to return permanently. However, that door has remained closed for over a decade, leading to profound lessons about faith, purpose, and divine timing.
 
Through his story and his book "I Can't Wait," Taylor explores the challenges and unexpected blessings found in seasons of waiting. From learning to put down roots in Chicago to discovering ministry opportunities right where he is, his journey offers hope and wisdom for anyone experiencing their own period of waiting. Taylor's experience reminds us that sometimes our detours are actually destinations, and that God is actively working even in our seasons of pause.
 
WEBLINKSTaylor Lyall’s WebsiteFacebookInstagramX
 

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, global city transformation expert Hugh Brandt challenges traditional views of faith and work, revealing how professionals across all sectors can meaningfully contribute to community flourishing. Brandt discusses the importance of understanding one's work as a critical part of God's larger kingdom narrative, emphasizing that every profession—from dentistry to cybersecurity—can be a platform for positive cultural transformation.
Drawing from his decades of international experience, Brandt explores the concept of “tzadikim” (righteous leaders) working collaboratively across seven societal spheres to bring about systemic change. He shares inspiring examples from cities like Abidjan, Denver, and Worcester, where Christians are moving beyond individual focus to create tangible improvements in education, healthcare, economic mobility, and community development, ultimately demonstrating that the gospel is both proclaimed and lived.
 
WEBLINKSCities Project GlobalThe Intersection: Faith, Work, and Life (Book)

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, Heather Bradley shares her transformative journey through the unimaginable loss of her infant son, Brennan. Facing profound grief, Heather discovered a deep spiritual renewal, turning her tragedy into a ministry of hope and healing through her work with Truth Freedom Ministry and her podcast, Leaving the Shallows.
 
Heather discusses how surrendering her pain to God became a catalyst for personal transformation and a mission to help others navigate their own challenging experiences. Her story illuminates the potential for spiritual growth through suffering, emphasizing that with faith, even the most devastating moments can become pathways to purpose, resilience, and a deeper connection with Jesus Christ.
WEBLINKSTruth Freedom MinistryFacebookInstagramLeaving the Shallows Podcast

In this episode of Bleeding Daylight, Lena Bjorna shares her remarkable journey from the Arctic Circle to Los Angeles, where she now leads a thriving evangelism ministry. After achieving significant success as an online marketing entrepreneur, Lena experienced a dramatic loss of both her business and marriage that led her to redirect her talents toward faith-based work. Her story demonstrates how God can use life's detours and difficulties to guide us toward our true calling.
 
The conversation takes an especially powerful turn as Lena shares the story of becoming a bonus mom to three sons, including Christopher, who has severe autism. Their family witnessed what they call the "chocolate milk miracle" during Christopher's recovery from a life-threatening swallowing disorder, culminating in a remarkable Easter Sunday healing. Through her ministry work at her local church's food bank, her Christian inspirational blog, and her outreach to maximum security prisons in Mexico, Lena's story illustrates how God can transform our greatest challenges into opportunities for meaningful impact.
 
WEBLINKSLena Bjorna’s Website Lena on Facebook Lena on Instagram

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, author Lori Ann Wood shares her extraordinary journey from being declared exceptionally healthy to fighting for her life with just 6% heart function. Three weeks after praying about an exciting new chapter in her empty-nest life, Wood found herself in cardiac ICU, facing a diagnosis that would transform not just her physical health, but her entire approach to faith and purpose.
 
Through her book "Divine Detour" and her candid conversation with host Rodney Olsen, Wood reveals how her experience with chronic heart failure led to unexpected ministry opportunities and deeper spiritual insights. Her story challenges conventional views of faith, healing, and God's presence in times of crisis, while offering hope and perspective to anyone facing life's unexpected detours. Wood's journey from college instructor to inspirational author demonstrates how life's greatest challenges can become pathways to profound purpose and meaning.WEBLINKSLori Ann Wood’s WebsiteLori Ann Wood on YouTubeLori Ann Wood’s InstagramDivinely Detoured FacebookLori Ann Wood’s FacebookLori Ann Wood on ThreadsLori Ann Wood on Pinterest

In a world that rushes toward quick fixes and instant solutions, Taryn Marchena offers a refreshing perspective on the healing journey. Drawing from her personal experiences with trauma and trust issues, Taryn shares profound insights about rebuilding relationships, including her remarkable story of reconciliation with her husband after a decade apart. Her wisdom on distinguishing between fear and genuine discernment provides practical guidance for those navigating their own path to healing.
 
Through honest discussion about faith, forgiveness, and personal growth, Taryn explains how understanding God's personal love for us can transform our approach to healing. She addresses common struggles like people-pleasing, self-betrayal, and the challenges of authentic faith, while offering hope for those who feel stuck in their journey. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to deepen their relationships with both God and others, while learning to embrace the gentle pace of authentic healing.WEBLINKSTaryn’s Facebook CommunityTaryn on FacebookTaryn on Instagram

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, we meet Stephanie Jordan, an author and speaker whose journey through marriage, divorce, widowhood, and single motherhood has become a beacon of hope for others. From her early days as the only Christian in the local punk rock scene to becoming a successful business owner and mother of five, Stephanie's story is a testament to resilience and unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming challenges.
 
After experiencing a miraculous restoration of her marriage, Stephanie's world was shattered when her husband Jay suddenly passed away, leaving her with five children. Her raw honesty about wrestling with God's goodness in the midst of tragedy, and her eventual path to healing and purpose, offers profound insights for anyone navigating loss or questioning their faith. Through her book "The Death Tsunami" and her ministry work, Stephanie continues to transform her painful experiences into hope for others, showing how God can use our deepest wounds to help others heal.WEBLINKSStephanie’s WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTubeAmazon

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, David Lutes shares his extraordinary journey from a performance-driven small-town teenager to a passionate advocate for authentic faith. What began as a reluctant trip to a Christian youth camp in South Africa transformed into a life-changing encounter that would reshape his entire understanding of spirituality. David's story is a remarkable testament to how a single moment of genuine connection can completely alter one's life trajectory.
 
Through candid and inspiring stories, David challenges listeners to move beyond religious formality and embrace a life of genuine availability to God. He illustrates how meaningful spiritual impact happens not through grand gestures or polished performances, but through simple, authentic interactions in everyday moments - whether in a Walmart checkout line, on an airplane, or in a parking lot. His message is clear: when we make ourselves available and live transparently, God can use us to bring light into people's lives in unexpected and profound ways.WEBLINKS
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In this captivating episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen sits down with Craig Dehut, co-founder of Appian Media, to explore the transformative power of digital storytelling in bringing biblical narratives to life. Since 2015, Craig and his team have been on a mission to create high-quality, historically accurate media content that helps viewers reimagine and reconnect with biblical stories. Through projects like "Following the Messiah," "Searching for a King," and "Out of Egypt," Appian Media has developed documentaries that not only showcase biblical locations but also aim to deepen viewers' understanding and faith.
 
The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of faith-based media, highlighting how technological advancements have democratized content creation and opened new avenues for digital evangelism. Craig passionately discusses the importance of using modern media tools to engage audiences, particularly younger generations, and to help people see biblical narratives as real historical events. From using smartphones to capture authentic moments to exploring future possibilities like 360-degree video and virtual reality experiences, Craig encourages Christians to embrace creativity and storytelling as powerful means of sharing the Gospel. As a non-profit organization, Appian Media relies on donations and a commitment to making their content freely available, inviting listeners to join their mission of bringing biblical stories to life.
 
WEBLINKSAppian MediaCraig on LinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTube

In this inspiring episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen sits down with Michelle Nezat, the host of the More Than a Song podcast and author of "A Seat at the Table". Michelle shares her deeply personal journey of faith, tracing the roots of her biblical knowledge back to her grandparents who instilled in her a love for Scripture from a very young age. Through her experiences with Bible quiz competitions, mentorship, and a desire to help others connect with God's word, Michelle developed a passion for revealing the deeper biblical foundations behind Christian music lyrics.
 
The conversation explores Michelle's unique approach to engaging with Scripture, emphasizing the importance of seeing the Bible as God's unified story rather than a self-help manual. She discusses her podcast, which has over 500 episodes exploring the biblical roots of popular Christian music, and her novel, which aims to introduce people to the God of the Bible in an accessible and compelling way. Michelle passionately advocates for developing biblical literacy, encouraging listeners to start with God, understand His holiness, and view Scripture as a revelation of who God is, rather than focusing solely on personal application.
 
WEBLINKSMichelle’s WebsiteMichelle’s BookUnlock Bonuses from MichelleMore Than a Song PodcastFacebookInstagram

From TV news anchor to pastor, Mike Manuel's journey into ministry wasn't what he expected. Mike discovered that God doesn't call the qualified - He qualifies the called. Now an international speaker and author, Mike combines his media background with over two decades of pastoral experience to help people break free from spiritual bondage and find abundant life in Christ.
 
In this episode of Bleeding Daylight, Mike discusses his latest book "Breaking Up with the Enemy: How to Defeat the Devil's Deceit and Reclaim Peace, Hope and Joy." He reveals how cultural Christianity can actually take us further from God, explains why many Christians struggle to find peace despite their faith, and shares practical insights about spiritual warfare. Mike's approach to deliverance ministry helps believers understand how unwitting agreements with the enemy can open doors to anxiety and fear, and offers biblical solutions for closing those doors and enforcing the victory Christ has already won. His message brings hope to those trapped in religious obligation, showing them the path to authentic relationship with Jesus.
 
WEBLINKSMOTA Ministries WebsiteBreaking Up with the Enemy on Amazon