In this episode of the Making Peace and Beyond Podcast, host Jamie Norton welcomes Scott Lessing to explore the journey of true transformation. They discuss the power of vulnerability, breaking free from shame, and how God’s healing work reshapes our identity. From overcoming addiction to learning to trust again, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and victories of spiritual restoration. Join in as they unpack the beauty of grace, community, and the ongoing process of becoming who God created us to be.

How do we connect with today’s teenagers in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of Making Peace and Beyond, host Jamie Norton sits down with Valerie O’Brian, founder of Aspen, to discuss the challenges of engaging with the next generation. From youth ministry to parenting, they explore the questions young people are actually asking—about faith, pain, identity, and even dinosaurs—and how we, as adults, can better listen, love, and lead with authenticity. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or youth worker, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to build meaningful connections that point young people to the hope of Jesus.

How do we live with integrity in a world that often values image over authenticity? In this episode of the Making Peace and Beyond Podcast, host Jamie Norton sits down with her son-in-law, Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer, pastor of Grace Church and a leader in the Alliance movement. Together, they explore the power of living in truth, the necessity of transparency for healing, and the role of integrity in relationships, leadership, and faith.

From personal stories to biblical wisdom, Jamie and Jonathan discuss why honesty is essential for growth, how forgiveness and reconciliation differ, and why being fully known is the key to being fully loved. Whether you’ve struggled with past wounds, faced relational challenges, or simply long to walk in greater freedom, this conversation will inspire you to embrace truth as the foundation of a life well-lived.

As you listen, you'll hear the answers to all of these questions:

✔️ Is integrity more than just telling the truth?

✔️ How does vulnerability foster healing and deepen relationships?

✔️ What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?

✔️ What are some practical ways to cultivate a life of authenticity?

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Jamie sits down with Danny for a heartfelt conversation about faith, struggles, and the journey toward true connection with God. Despite their generational differences—Jamie, 81 and Danny, 21—they share a common pursuit: discovering what it means to live in the joy and freedom Christ offers.

Together, they talk about personal transformation, the impact of social media on relationships, and the importance of authentic community. Through honest storytelling and reflections on God’s redemptive work, this episode reminds us that no matter where we come from, there’s always a way back to Him.

Join us as we explore the power of vulnerability, the beauty of grace, and the joy of finding a faith-filled community.

Listen now and discover how God turns our mess into a message!

Is singleness a problem to solve or an opportunity to thrive? In this episode, Jamie sits down with Isabella to explore the challenges and blessings of being single in today’s world. They discuss how society pressures women to seek completion in relationships and how to break free from the myth that marriage defines identity or success.

Isabella shares her personal journey of heartbreak, rediscovery, and learning to find her identity in Christ rather than in a relationship. Together, they highlight the beauty of becoming “independently mature enough to be maturely dependent” and the freedom of living a full, Christ-centered life—whether single or married.

This episode is a refreshing reminder that true joy and purpose come from God, not from other people. If you’re navigating singleness or simply want to embrace your worth in Christ, this conversation is for you.

How do the wounds of our past shape us? And how can God’s grace bring healing where we least expect it? In this heartfelt episode, Jamie Norton welcomes one of her oldest friends, Chris Meekins, to talk about the power of sharing your scars and the freedom found in vulnerability.

Chris shares his journey of sobriety, recovery, and discovering peace after years of struggle. Together, they dive into the importance of authentic community, the courage it takes to tell your story, and how our scars become badges of honor when transformed by grace.

Whether you’re seeking hope, healing, or simply the courage to be real, this episode reminds us that God doesn’t waste pain—He redeems it.

What happens when the life you’ve built falls apart—again and again...and again? Pete and Joni Romito share their raw and powerful testimony of how God stepped into their brokenness and did what they couldn’t: rebuild their marriage.

From the struggles of blending a family to confronting childhood trauma and wrestling with control, Pete and Joni's journey reveals the beauty of surrendering to God’s plan. They open up about their cycles of separation, the hard lessons learned, and the moment everything changed when they invited God to truly take over.

It's a story of grace, redemption, and the freedom found in letting go. Whether you’re fighting for your marriage, recovering from pain, or seeking hope, Pete and Joni's story will remind you that God is in the business of restoration.

One third of households in the U.S. (nearly 13.6 million) are single parent families. Being a parent is hard enough but being a single parent can be grueling. There is little social recognition of the complexities of raising children alone and almost no community/church support. In this episode, Jamie meets with Ginny Persons to discuss their experience of being single parents and the inevitable trials and struggles associated with raising children alone. Both Ginny and Jamie became single parents when their children were very young. With openness and vulnerability, they examine multiple issues including divorce, children, social issues, and discuss the differences in how they attempted to find a life for themselves and their children. Jamie and Ginny encourage the church and the community to have compassion for the ever-growing number of single parents and offer suggestions for support and inclusion.