In this vulnerable and wisdom-packed episode of Rooted, Josie and Simone welcome Josh Loy—licensed mental health counselor, founder of New Ground Counseling, and a pastor at Reach Church in Seattle. With over 2,000 clients served, Josh brings profound insights into mental health, healing from shame, sexual struggles, and the intersection of faith and counseling. Josh shares his personal journey—from a pastor in a high-demand church environment to experiencing burnout, deep shame, and ultimately healing through counseling. He talks candidly about why safe spaces matter, why many Christians carry secret shame (especially around sexuality), and how true transformation happens when we’re fully known and still fully loved. This episode offers life-giving truth for anyone feeling stuck in cycles of guilt, fear, or performance—and invites listeners to experience the grace of Jesus in their most vulnerable places.

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[02:00] – Growing up in a ministry family + early compassion for others

[07:00] – The unique safety of counseling vs. the church

[09:00] – Breaking myths about counseling & why men often avoid it

[12:00] – Integrating faith into mental health work

[16:00] – Learning to see clients the way Jesus does

[17:00] – Most common struggles today: anxiety, depression, and sexual shame

[19:00] – Shocking porn stats & why the church must talk about sexual sin

[21:00] – How safe spaces break the power of shame

[26:00] – Josh’s personal story of rejection, failure, and healing

[33:00] – Group therapy + being fully seen and fully loved

[36:00] – What true transformation looks like in counseling

[39:00] – Knowing God's love vs. experiencing His love

[48:00] – To be fully known and fully loved—that is the gospel.

—----------------------

“To be fully known and fully loved—that’s the gospel.”

“Shame says, ‘You are uniquely broken.’ Grace says, ‘You are deeply loved.’”

“Jesus isn’t surprised by your struggle—He wants to meet you in it.”

“Healing begins when we bring the hardest things into the safest spaces.”

“We talk about grace, but many of us still live like we have to earn love.”

“Transformation happens in relationships—especially the safe ones.”

“So many Christians are drowning in shame and silence. We need to open the conversation.”

“People don’t just need theology—they need a lived experience of being loved.”

“Your sexual story is part of your human story—and it deserves grace too.”

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• https://www.newgroundcounseling.com/
• https://reachchurch.cc/

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In this episode of Rooted, Josie and Symone welcome the ever-joyful and deeply wise Heather Flies—a seasoned junior high pastor, national speaker, and author with more than 30 years in youth ministry. Heather brings her signature honesty, humor, and biblical depth to this conversation about finding identity in Christ, healing from past wounds, and walking in joy regardless of circumstance. Heather opens up about growing up in a conservative church where women weren’t pastors, how she discovered her calling through youth ministry, and how abuse, bullying, and heartbreak shaped her—but never defined her. She speaks powerfully on how to walk through forgiveness, how to place Jesus at the center, and why the valley seasons often bring the most growth. Whether you’re a student, leader, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, Heather’s testimony is filled with laughter, authenticity, and life-changing truths.

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• [00:00] – Christmas music 12 months a year
• [03:00] – Heather’s dream job and passion for junior high ministry
• [06:00] – National speaking
• [10:00] – Longevity in ministry
• [14:00] – Struggles with bullying and who God made her to be
• [17:00] – What it means to have your identity rooted in Christ
• [21:00] – Keeping Jesus on the throne daily
• [25:00] – Boundaries, toxic friendships, and forgiveness
• [29:00] – Daily forgiveness and the cost of bitterness
• [35:00] – God using your pain for purpose
• [38:00] – Growth in the valleys
• [42:00] – Heather’s current season
• [44:00] – God has more than you can imagine

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1. “God doesn’t want to be number one in your life. He wants to be at the center.”
2. “The valleys are where the growth happens—don’t be afraid of them.”
3. “Your past affects you, but it doesn’t define you.”
4. “Forgiveness isn’t for them—it’s for you. Bitterness gives someone power they don’t deserve.”
5. “God is for you and has more than you could ask or imagine.”
6. “Celebrate how God made you—and give others permission to do the same.”
7. “Don’t settle for a counterfeit identity rooted in performance, appearance, or relationships.”
8. “The world lures us into false identities. Jesus invites us into freedom.”
9. “Sometimes God makes you lie down in green pastures for your good—rest is holy too.”

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• Scripture References: Psalm 23, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, Philippians 3
• Website: wooddale.org
• Book: https://a.co/d/6j5yqC6
• Instagram: @heatherflies

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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In this unforgettable episode of Rooted, Josie and Simone sit down with Ruth Ann, an 84-year-old woman whose life story is woven with the unshakable power of prayer, radical forgiveness, and deep joy in the face of tragedy. From growing up in a Christian home during the 1940s to experiencing deep rebellion, grief, and loss—including being hit by a train just like her mother—Ruth Ann has seen God’s hand in every season. She shares how a foundation of daily prayer, Scripture, and God’s steadfast love helped her through devastating moments—like her mother’s sudden death, a broken marriage, and the painful loss of her daughter. Her words will make you laugh, cry, and pause in awe of God’s grace. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to finish the race with joy, this episode is a front-row seat to a life rooted in faith.

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• [01:00] — Holy jeans, humor, and growing up in the 1940s
• [03:00] — A Christian childhood marked by daily prayer
• [06:00] — Rebellion in high school, sneaking out, and early marriage at seventeen
• [08:00] — Tragic death of her mother in a train accident
• [10:00] — Becoming a young single mom, finding love again
• [14:00] — Struggling to forgive and learning to pray for enemies
• [17:00] — Her husband’s quiet transformation through prayer
• [18:00] — God’s protection during her own train accident
• [20:00] — Living each day with the mission to encourage someone
• [22:00] — How to start praying if you don’t know how
• [26:00] — Losing her husband and daughter—and still choosing joy
• [28:00] — Loving people without loving what they do
• [29:00] — Final encouragement: Stay rooted in God’s love and keep smiling

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1. "I thought I was going to see Jesus… and somehow I walked away from the train."
2. "Keep praying. You may not see it yet—but one day you will."
3. "I never stopped believing. Even through rebellion, grief, and loss—Jesus never left me."
4. "You don’t need long prayers. Just be consistent and keep talking to God."
5. "My mother’s prayers are why I’m still here."
6. "When you can’t forgive someone, start praying for them. The rest will come."
7. "Stay in the Word. That’s where the joy comes from."
8. "If anyone asks why I’m smiling—it’s because I have Jesus in my heart."

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• Psalm 91 – Ruth Ann often prays this chapter over others
• Scripture for prayer encouragement – "Call those things that be not as though they are" (Romans 4:17)
• Worship Prayer – "This is the day that the Lord has made…" (Psalm 118:24)
• Song Mentioned – Keep on Praying (artist not specified, but referenced by theme)

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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In this compelling episode of Rooted, Josie and Symone sit down with Emily Cox, a psychology major at Bethel University, to hear her powerful story of redemption. Emily vulnerably shares how she grew up in a strong Christian home but was slowly pulled away by New Age practices like manifestation, crystals, and astrology—believing she could find fulfillment apart from Christ. Through her testimony, Emily describes the spiritual emptiness she experienced and the moment God lovingly drew her back to Himself. She explains how deception often comes disguised as "light" and how true peace, identity, and joy are found only in Jesus. If you’ve ever struggled with discerning truth or wondered how subtle lies can creep in, this episode will speak deeply to you. Emily's journey reminds us that no sin is bigger than the blood of Jesus and that God is always ready to welcome us home.

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• [00:00] — Introduction: Meet Emily Cox from Bethel University
• [04:00] — High school years: TikTok, Covid, and the slow pull into New Age practices
• [06:00] — Manifestation, crystals, and chasing counterfeit fruits of the Spirit
• [08:00] — Why New Age practices left her more anxious and empty
• [10:00] — The spiritual dangers of astrology and manifestation culture
• [15:00] — The turning point: Exposure, conviction, and the kindness of God
• [20:00] — Recognizing the power of the spiritual realm and the armor of God
• [22:00] — Building new community and confessing struggles for the first time
• [26:00] — Emily’s final encouragement: No sin is bigger than Jesus' blood

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1. "No sin is bigger than the blood of Jesus."
2. "The enemy counterfeits God's truth just enough to look appealing—but it's still a lie."
3. "Manifestation might promise fulfillment, but it leaves you more empty than before."
4. "Darkness only thrives in secrecy; freedom comes when we bring it into the light."
5. "I thought I could manifest joy, but true joy is a fruit of the Spirit."
6. "Even when I ran away, Jesus was waiting with open arms."
7. "Spiritual deception often enters through doors we think are harmless."
8. "We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."
9. "True love isn’t a feeling or a trend—it’s a person: Jesus."

—----------------------

• Ephesians 6:12 — "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood..."
• Revelation 12:11 — "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony."

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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In this heart-opening episode of Rooted, Christian recording artist and storyteller Jason Gray joins Josie and Symone for a deeply personal conversation about vulnerability, forgiveness, and how God uses our brokenness. Jason shares about his childhood, the absence of his father, the painful journey through divorce, and how these experiences shaped his relationship with God—and his music. We talk about how his speech impediment became one of the most powerful tools of his ministry, the healing power of language, and how “bringing it all” to Jesus changes everything. This episode is packed with rich insights about grief, joy, songwriting, and learning to listen to the Holy Spirit in the present moment. Jason also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book and children’s project—and throws in a few laughs (prosthetic leg air violin, anyone?). Don’t miss this one!

—----------------------

[00:00] — Intro to Jason Gray and connection with Josie and Symone

[03:00] — Devotional story: worship through our actions

[07:00] — Relationship with his earthly father

[15:00] — Learning to forgive through suffering and failure

[20:00] — Writing songs from pain, compassion, and healing

[27:00] — Healing language & learning to speak kindly to ourselves

[31:00] — Backstory of “Bring It All” and using weaknesses in ministry

[35:00] — Overcoming insecurity in early performances

[38:00] — Why people connect more with our weaknesses than our strengths

[41:00] — Writing music for every door: joy, grief, vulnerability

[50:00] — Lightning Round: favorite song, weirdest concert moment, hidden talent

[54:00] — Final encouragement: the Holy Spirit speaks in the now

—----------------------

• “God doesn’t use me in spite of my weakness. He uses me because of it.”
• “The Holy Spirit only speaks in real time. You have to be present to hear Him.”
• “Wisdom is healed pain.”
• “Our worship has more to do with how we treat people than the songs we sing.”
• “If you bring your brokenness to God, He will make something beautiful out of it.”
• “Our language matters—what we say to ourselves shapes how we see God and others.”
• “Clichés become clichés because they are so true they can’t be ignored.”
• “People admire your strengths, but they connect to your weaknesses.”
• “Be rooted in the Holy Now—that’s where the Spirit speaks.”

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• Jason's SongsSongs Referenced: “The Wound is Where the Light Gets In” | “Bring It All” | “Celebrate” | “Good to Be Alive” | “Laugh Out Loud” | “Glory Days”
• Jason's Devotional Book-in-Progress
• Jason's Children’s Book: Sparrows
• People Mentioned: Frederick Buechner | Elizabeth Kübler-Ross | Craig Groeschel

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

-------------------

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In this powerful episode of Rooted, we sit down with Jill Koopman, a woman of unwavering faith who has walked through addiction, deep grief, and illness—only to emerge with an unshakable joy in Jesus. Jill shares her 16-year sobriety journey, how she found Christ through a friend’s worship, and how Celebrate Recovery played a crucial role in her transformation. She also opens up about the devastating loss of her brother to suicide, her battle with breast cancer, and how God’s comfort sustained her through it all. Jill reminds us that forgiveness leads to freedom, that joy in Christ is not circumstantial, and that God truly is faithful in every season. Whether you're struggling with addiction, grief, or just need encouragement in your faith walk, Jill’s testimony will inspire you to keep trusting in God’s faithfulness. Don’t miss this life-changing conversation!

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[00:00] - Introduction to Jill Koopman

[02:00] - Jill’s passion for art and creativity

[04:00] - Her journey through alcoholism & finding Christ

[08:00] - Identity in Christ vs. addiction labels

[10:00] - How she protects herself from temptation

[12:00] - The tragic loss of her brother to suicide

[14:00] - Navigating deep grief and seeking therapy

[16:00] - God’s quiet presence during suffering

[18:00] - Being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after losing her brother

[20:00] - Running a 10K after cancer & a powerful divine appointment

[23:00] - Forgiveness as the key to healing

[26:00] - The difference between temporary happiness & unshakable joy in Jesus

[30:00] - Jill’s advice: Make the Bible your best friend

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1. "I used to think alcohol was fun, but freedom in Christ is true joy."
2. "God wasn’t absent in my suffering—He was holding me the entire time."
3. "Forgiveness isn’t for them—it’s for you. It sets you free."
4. "God answered every one of my prayers—just not in the way I expected."
5. "Satan will use anything to pull you back into addiction, which is why we must stay on guard."
6. "Celebrate Recovery pointed me back to God. Every. Single. Day."
7. "Jesus didn’t take away my pain—He walked me through it."
8. "Joy in Christ is unshakable. It’s not about circumstances, it’s about knowing Jesus."
9. "Make the Bible your best friend. There is a verse for everything you’re going through."

—-----------------------

• Celebrate Recovery – Christ-centered recovery program: celebraterecovery.com
• Alcoholics Annonymous - www.aa.org

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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In this episode of Rooted, we sit down with Temi Agbaje, the Associate Director of Salt Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, to talk about faith, evangelism, and how to live out the gospel daily. Temi shares his journey from growing up in a Nigerian household to his calling in ministry, the impact of his mother’s unwavering faith, and the lessons he's learned about self-righteousness, humility, and trusting in God’s faithfulness.

He also shares personal stories—including a stage dive gone wrong—and offers practical advice on staying rooted in God’s Word, deepening your prayer life, and overcoming insecurity when stepping into leadership. Whether you're new to faith or looking for encouragement in your walk with Jesus, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humor, and powerful insights.

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[00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guest, Temi Agbaje

[01:00] - What is Salt Company? The mission behind this college ministry

[03:00] - Temi’s journey from Nigeria to Iowa to Minnesota

[05:00] - How Temi came to faith as a child & the role his mother played

[07:00] - Learning faith through hardship: Losing his father at a young age

[09:00] - The importance of knowing and reminding yourself of the gospel daily

[12:00] - How to practically live a life rooted in faith

[14:00] - The discipline of spending time with God (prayer, scripture, community)

[18:00] - The difference between listening to Christian content & engaging with scripture

[20:00] - Personal faith lessons from the book of Job

[21:00] - Fighting self-righteousness and the lessons from the Prodigal Son

[25:00] - Why we must understand God’s love before we can truly love others

[27:00] - Temi’s early struggles with preaching & overcoming insecurity

[29:00] - The infamous stage dive story & how God’s comfort shows up in trials

[32:00] - Final words of encouragement: Trusting in God’s faithfulness

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1. "God is faithful. He never leaves you nor forsakes you."
2. "You can't love others if you don’t first understand that you are loved by God."
3. "We need the gospel every single day—not just once when we get saved."
4. "If you want to grow in faith, spend time with Jesus. You can’t love what you don’t know."
5. "Christianity isn't about performance. It's about knowing God and being transformed by Him."
6. "Self-righteousness sneaks in when we start comparing ourselves to others instead of looking at Jesus."
7. "Fear of man and insecurity can hold you back from stepping into your calling—trust that God has equipped you."
8. "The gospel isn’t just about getting to heaven—it’s about being set free in this life, too."
9. "God comforts us in our suffering so that we can comfort others in theirs."

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• Salt Company - https://www.salttc.com/
• Book of John - Recommended as a starting point for anyone new to reading the Bible - https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.1.NIV
• Job 38 - The passage where God reminds Job of His power and sovereignty - https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JOB.38.NIV

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In this powerful episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone Harms sit down with counselor and psychotherapist Tiffany Bose to explore the connection between faith, mental health, and true healing. Tiffany shares her journey into counseling, practical strategies for overcoming anxiety, and the importance of leaving our burdens at Jesus’ feet. From social media’s impact on mental health to how therapy can help reshape our thought patterns, this conversation is packed with biblical wisdom and professional insight. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, doubt, or carrying emotional burdens, this episode is for you.

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• Welcome & Introduction: Meet Tiffany Bose
• Tiffany’s Journey: How She Got into Christian Counseling
• What is Psychotherapy? Understanding the Role of Therapy in Mental Health
• The Burdens We Carry: The Log Analogy & Surrendering to God
• How to Recognize When You Need Therapy
• The Impact of Social Media on Anxiety & Mental Health
• Breaking the Cycle: How to Retrain Your Mind & Overcome Anxiety
• The Power of Prayer & Meditation in Mental Health
• How to Support Loved Ones Struggling with Anxiety or Depression
• Tiffany’s Favorite Resources for Mental Wellness & Christian Counseling
• Final Encouragement: Staying Rooted in Joy & Christ

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1. "The Lord is asking us to set our burdens down at His feet, but we struggle to leave them there."
2. "Healing isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about allowing God to transform you."
3. "Anxiety and depression don’t come from the Lord—He calls us to peace and trust in Him."
4. "Therapy and faith are not separate—true healing happens when we integrate both."
5. "Your thoughts shape your reality. What are you feeding your mind?"
6. "Social media can be a major source of anxiety. We must be mindful of what we consume."
7. "It takes humility to seek counseling, but it’s one of the bravest steps toward healing."
8. "Mindfulness in prayer isn’t just talking to God—it’s listening to Him too."
9. "God is bigger than our struggles, and He is faithful to walk us through them."
10. "The enemy is always after our joy, but when we are rooted in Christ, we can stand firm."

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• Tiffany Bose Profile – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tiffany-bose-slayton-mn/943057
• Tiffany's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therapy.tiff?igsh=MTBidTR5bnZ0aTBuMQ==
• Elizabeth Elliot Podcast – Timeless wisdom on faith and perseverance
• The Reason Motherhood Podcast – Encouragement for Christian moms
• Now That We’re a Family Podcast – Biblical marriage and family insights
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical guide to habit change

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