This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Tricia Thornton, author of the brand-new book Beyond Blessed Parenting: Embrace These Seven Principles and Experience Authentic Connection.

Tricia brings both professional and personal wisdom into this conversation. She’s a licensed therapist, wife, and mom of two, and she knows firsthand the weight that parents are carrying in today’s world. In this episode, we talk about:

• Her own story of finding freedom after childhood trauma and how it shaped her calling

• The power of silence, listening, forgiveness, and balance in parenting

• Why authentic connection—not perfection—is what every child really needs

• How fear can imprint on us and how faith anchors us through it

• Practical tools for parents (and really, for anyone) to create connection in a noisy, distracted world

Even if you’re not a parent, you’ll find encouragement here. Tricia reminds us that we can choose presence over perfection and lean into God’s promises when life feels overwhelming.

Bio:

Tricia Thornton is a native of Atlanta, GA. She completed her B.S. in Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University. Upon earning her M.A. in Counseling at Denver Seminary, she went on to become a certified School Counselor K-12, also from Vanderbilt University. Tricia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and owns a private practice serving children and parents. She also is a public speaker to various groups. While not writing and working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their white German Shepherd in Nashville, TN.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 91:4

Connect with Tricia:

Website: https://www.triciathornton.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/triciathorntontherapy

FB: https://m.facebook.com/triciathorntontherapy/

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on this Saturday will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ General Admission $25, $10 for afternoon session only, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Rachael Groll is back on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast! The last time she joined us was September 7, 2021, and today she returns with a brand-new book: Knowing God’s Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting and Obeying God (releasing today!).

In this conversation, Rachael shares how God has been moving in her life since her last visit, including her daughter’s new season of global missions, the call to release and trust, and her passion for helping women discern the voice of God in a noisy world.

We dive into:

• Why it matters to study the female prophets of the Bible

• The difference between conviction and condemnation when it comes to hearing God

• How obedience sharpens our ability to recognize God’s voice

• Rachael’s new ministry opportunities, including a unique Bible study experience in Rome

• The vulnerability of writing a book and trusting God with the words He gives

This episode will encourage you to lean into God’s presence, recognize His leading, and walk boldly in obedience.

Bio:

Rachael Groll is an author, certified life coach, missionary, and podcaster with a heart for sharing Jesus with anyone who will listen. She has served in various full-time ministry capacities both locally and globally, including starting outreach programs for women, creating curriculum, teaching, and speaking. Her podcast, Hearing Jesus, has remained on the Top 30 list for Christian Podcasts in the US for the last year and ranks in the top 0.5% percent of all podcasts globally. She holds a BA in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University and an MA in Bible exposition/theology from Biola University/Talbot School of Theology.

Anchor Verse:

John 17:3

Matthew 28: 18-20

Connect with Rachael:

Website: https://www.rachaelgroll.com

Bible Study Live Trip: https://shehears.org/bsl

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hearing-jesus-bible-study-daily-devotional-scripture/id1615623952

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16vDRjWeoh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: rachael@shehears.org

Previous ABTS episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anchored-by-the-sword/id1556212826?i=1000534523947

💥 Bonus: We only have a few extra goodies left for people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Elena Huggins, author of Untwist Me: Uncomplicated Life-Hacks for Mental & Emotional Liberation, to explore her incredible journey of healing, freedom, and finding God in the midst of trauma. Elena, originally from Ukraine, experienced a life of emotional and mental struggles that ultimately led her to rediscover God in a radical way.

From living a wild life and battling deep depression in her youth, to overcoming sexual assault, narcissistic abuse, and even a traumatic divorce, Elena shares how God met her in her darkest moments. After battling with new age practices and feeling stuck, she encountered God's life-changing freedom in an unexpected way — during a 21-day fast in her living room.

Elena's story is not only about surviving trauma, but how her pursuit of Jesus led her to be completely transformed. In this episode, we talk about:

• How her healing journey led to the writing of her book
• The importance of facing our trauma and going through the wilderness with God
• The spiritual, mental, and emotional connections that lead to lasting freedom
• Practical life-hacks for mental and emotional health rooted in Biblical truth
• How to break free from toxic cycles and embrace God's transforming power

Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to walk in the freedom God has for you.

Bio:

Elena Huggins is a passionate communicator who desires to inspire, challenge, and empower her audience to make the changes they need to live better lives. She is a lover of Jesus, a musician, and an entrepreneur.

Over the last eighteen years, Elena has spoken across a variety of stages to different audiences using a straightforward approach, unapologetic challenges, and biblical truths.

She is devoted to the Gospel and seeing God's people strengthened, free and more in love with Jesus.

She has had much experience in the area of mental and emotional health, with her journey to overcoming trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Her experience includes: working with trafficked victims, working at the rape crisis center, endless one-on-one coaching sessions, and pastoral care.

She resides in the mountains with her two beautiful daughters.

Anchor Verses:

Isaiah 60: 1-2 (AMP)

Connect with Elena:

Website: https://www.elenahuggins.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/itselenahuggins/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Elenatalks

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

I’m so excited for today’s conversation with Sophia Ruffin-Wilson! Her brand-new book, It Will Be God: Live in the Jaw-Dropping Realities of God’s Goodness, just released today, and she came by the podcast to share her powerful story and the heart behind this message.

Sophia knows what it means to be radically transformed by Jesus. From a past marked by brokenness to a life filled with purpose and freedom, she has experienced God’s deliverance and goodness firsthand. In this episode, we talk about:

• How God brought her out of darkness into freedom back in 2003
• Her journey of identity restoration and deliverance
• The “Comeback Kid” seasons of her life and what they taught her about resilience
• The deep faith that carried her through family loss and hard decisions
• Why she wrote It Will Be God and what she hopes readers take away
• Breaking generational patterns and living anchored in God’s promises
• How to walk confidently in your calling with authenticity

Sophia reminds us that even in the hardest valleys, God is faithful — and His goodness will always have the final say.

📚 Grab It Will Be God today wherever books are sold!

Bio:

Sophia Ruffin-Wilson is an influencer, author, creator, and prophetic voice whose message of deliverance and transformation has resonated powerfully around the world. Under the leadership of John Eckhardt, she is the founder of the CBK (Comeback Kid) Squad, CCL (Company of Copacetic Leaders), Speaker Speak, and Ready Writer Connection. A popular keynote speaker and media guest, she speaks extensively around the world and has appeared on The 700 Club, The Word Network, TCT network, and more. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Anchor Verse:

Romans 8:28

Psalm 139:16

Connect with Sophia:

Website: https://sophiaruffin.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yagirl_soph

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaRuffinGlobal/

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

This week on Anchored by the Sword, I’m joined by Jody Allen, author of the book, Hidden Heartache. Jody bravely shares her story of walking through her husband’s pornography addiction, a painful separation, and ultimately divorce — and how God met her in the middle of her deepest heartbreak.

We talk about:

• Growing up in the church but having to discover real freedom for herself
• How she faced the devastating reality of pornography in her marriage
• The long, painful road of counseling, treatment, separation, and divorce
• Where she saw God’s presence in the middle of her darkest days
• Why she wrote Hidden Heartache to help women find freedom from shame and silence
• Encouragement for women who feel stuck, isolated, or afraid to share their story

Jody reminds us that God can redeem even the stories we never wanted to live, and that wholeness is possible no matter how broken your heart has been.

Bio:

Jody is a North Carolina girl who enjoys board games, peanut butter, Sunday naps, and a good mystery. She’s the mom of young adult twins and a geriatric black lab named Lucy. Whether writing or speaking, Jody considers it a privilege to use her words to speak into the lives of others. She serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at her church, where she offers hope and a little dose of humor to women in her church and community.

Jody released her first book, Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, in 2024. In her decade of ministry, she has taught workshops, led small groups, spoken at women’s events, and walked alongside women in crisis. Jody’s goal is to point people to Jesus in a relatable and authentic way.

Jody enjoys Sunday afternoon naps, a good laugh, mint chocolate chip ice cream and home cooked meals that someone else cooks. Most days you can find her procrastinating or still trying to master the skill of parking her car straight.

Anchor Verses:

Jeremiah 29:11

Proverbs 3:5

Romans 8:1

Connect with Jody:

Website: jodyallenwrites.com

Order Hidden Heartache on Amazon here.

First four chapters of Hidden Heartache.

Facebook: Jody Allen Writes

Instagram: Jody Allen Writes

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this special episode of the Anchored by the Sword podcast, Christa Crookston returns to share an update on her powerful story. Since her last visit, Christa has walked through the unimaginable—becoming a widow and facing her fourth cancer diagnosis.

Yet, in the middle of grief, physical battles, and uncertainty, Christa continues to hold onto her faith in a God who never lets go.

You’ll hear:

• How Christa has found hope and strength in the face of repeated trials

• What she’s learned about trusting God when the pain doesn’t stop

• A sneak peek of what she’ll be sharing at the Anchored in Hope: Finding Your Purpose in Your Pain women’s workshop on Saturday, September 20, 2025

Christa’s story is raw, real, and overflowing with the reminder that God’s light can still break through the darkest seasons.

Bio:

Christa Crookston, a beacon of resilience and faith, has faced adversity with unwavering determination. As a four-time cancer survivor and widow of her beloved husband Dave, she draws strength from her role as a mother of six. Embracing holistic healing approaches, Christa navigates her journey with hope and resilience, guided by her unwavering faith in God. Alongside her late husband, she co-founded Crookston Candles, a testament to their shared passion for craftsmanship and beauty. Through her personal journey and business endeavors, Christa inspires others to find hope, reminding us all that faith and love can conquer any challenge.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 121: 1-2

Psalm 23

Connect with Christa:

Website: https://a-crookston-creation.company.site

IG: https://www.instagram.com/crookston_candles/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089513095430

🎟 Join us at the Anchored in Hope Workshop

📅 September 20, 2025 | 📍 The One Center for Leadership, Canton, OH

Tickets & details: https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

On today’s episode of Anchored by the Sword, Jessica Kastner joins us to talk candidly about walking through divorce, single motherhood, faith after heartache, and how Jesus has brought her into deeper healing and freedom. As a published author, speaker, and co-host of the “Free Failing” podcast, Jessica is no stranger to the messy middle of life — and she’s sharing it all with humor, honesty, and hope.

Jessica opens up about being a mom of three boys, navigating life after divorce, and finding intimacy with the Lord like never before. She shares how she overcame guilt, shame, and years of unhealthy attachment, and why she believes God truly gives us beauty for ashes.

If you've ever felt like your story disqualifies you — or if you're in the thick of rebuilding after brokenness — this one’s for you.

Topics Discussed:

• Jessica’s prodigal journey and how pregnancy led her to God
• Freedom found in Christ through two divorces
• Christian culture’s harmful narratives around marriage and purity
• Therapy, boundaries, and breaking cycles
• Parenting boys, co-parenting challenges, and choosing peace
• Why your divorce doesn’t disqualify you from abundant life
• The power of securely attaching to God
• Why we must normalize healing and mental health in the church

Key Quote:
"Your divorce is not your identity. It’s just part of your testimony. And God wastes nothing."

Bio:

Jessica Kastner is a published author, “Free Failing” podcast co-host, and a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. As a publicity manager at Penguin Random House’s Christian division, Jess brings a wealth of hands-on industry expertise in helping authors such as John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Tasha Cobbs Leonard spread messages of God’s love on a global scale.

When she’s not shuttling her mildly grateful teens around town, she shares her gritty, honest commentary at Jessicakastner.com. Her first book, “Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet: Finding Grace and Laughter, When Motherhood Gets Real,” by David C Cook, released July 2017.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 112

Connect with Jessica:

Website: https://jessicakastner.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/authorJessicakastner

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***