In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the GOA Speakers Podcast, Abigail and Greg sit down with comedian, author, and mixed media artist JJ Barrows for a vulnerable, funny, and deeply encouraging conversation.

JJ shares how an improv class she took as a “cheaper alternative to therapy” accidentally launched her stand-up career, how comedy became a lifeline in seasons of depression and relapse, and why telling the truth about your insecurities can be one of the most healing things you ever do.

She also opens up about her journey through rehab, navigating an eating disorder and severe depression, growing up as the granddaughter of legendary worship leader Cliff Barrows (Billy Graham’s longtime music leader), and how she reconciled the cost of ministry with the impact it had on her family.

Now a mom, JJ talks about how motherhood has reshaped her art, her comedy, and her sense of calling, and shares her dream for a “Mom Brain Comedy Tour” that helps parents laugh from a place of real-life experience and solidarity.

If you’ve ever wrestled with mental health, faith, calling, or parenting, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that there is hope, help, and even humor in the process.

Timed highlights:
0:00 – Welcome to the GOA Speakers Podcast
0:06 – Meet JJ Barrows: comedian, author, mixed media artist, and mom
1:06 – What is a mixed media artist, really?
2:01 – From still life to abstract: how JJ fell in love with the process of painting
3:30 – Etsy shops, pipe cleaners, and party headpieces
4:14 – Art, motherhood, and creativity with a toddler in the craft room
5:22 – How searching for “alternatives to therapy” led JJ to a stand-up class
7:55 – “I just needed therapy and couldn’t afford it” – when honesty becomes comedy
10:18 – Why truth-based humor connects so deeply
13:52 – Seeing God’s hand in an “accidental” comedy career
17:04 – The pressure of being a clean comic and a woman comedian, especially in church spaces
19:09 – Facing audiences who show up thinking “prove you’re funny”
19:51 – Rehab at 23: depression, eating disorders, and being tired of waking up
21:40 – The Chicago flight, “Da Bears,” and a surprising spark of hope
25:59 – Why most healing is not a one-night miracle
27:55 – Making room in the church for therapy, medication, and slow journeys
28:30 – Growing up as Cliff Barrows’ granddaughter and a pastor’s kid
29:50 – The hidden cost of global ministry on family life
33:42 – A teddy bear in rehab and a breakthrough in feeling seen
36:03 – The woman hiding behind a neighbor’s house, a violent home, and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
38:40 – Letting go of resentment and embracing a complicated legacy
39:47 – The changing stigma around therapy and mental health in the church
41:36 – Why asking for help is actually a sign of strength
42:12 – How JJ’s ministry and motherhood are shaped by her family story
42:37 – Labor, delivery, and discovering how universal “mom stories” really are
44:12 – The vision for the Mom Brain Comedy Tour
45:40 – Why parents laugh hardest at what they have lived through
47:47 – Final encouragements and where to find JJ online

More about JJ: https://goaspeakers.com/speakers/jj-barrows/

Follow along with the GOA Speakers Podcast at www.goaspeakers.com

In this debut episode of the GOA Speakers Podcast, Greg Oliver and Abigail Garrett sit down with American Ninja Warrior legend Travis Rosen, known as the “Ageless Wonder” and “Mr. Consistency.” Travis shares how an eight–year break from competition, a late start at age 35, and a devastating foot injury all became part of a bigger story about faith, perseverance, and overcoming life’s obstacles.

From training like an elite gymnast in his 40s to praying mid–course on national television, Travis gives an honest, behind–the–scenes look at Ninja Warrior, talks about turning the show into a mission field, and explains how every person can impact others right where they are.

Timed Highlights:

0:00 – Welcome to the GOA Speakers Podcast and introduction of Travis Rosen

1:45 – From retired gymnast and couch potato to Ninja Warrior hopeful

3:30 – Getting on Season 2 and the early days of American Ninja Warrior

5:00 – Competing as one of the oldest athletes and earning the “Ageless Wonder” nickname

7:10 – Inside Travis’s diverse and intense training regimen

9:00 – No practice runs allowed and competing before ninja gyms existed

11:15 – How faith led Travis into Ninja Warrior and kept him going

14:00 – The Season 10 Vegas finals injury and wrestling with “God, why?”

17:50 – Turning adversity into impact and inspiring others through recovery

20:10 – A mid–course prayer that changed everything on a brutal obstacle

22:50 – Treating the show as a mission field and praying with injured competitors

25:20 – Pre–competition prayer huddles and surprising responses from non–believers

28:40 – The long–awaited “ninja book” Travis is writing

30:10 – Pull up numbers, new injuries, and aging as a former elite athlete

33:00 – Why you do not need a TV show to make a real impact on people

More about Travis: https://goaspeakers.com/speakers/travis-rosen/

Follow along with the GOA Speakers Podcast at www.goaspeakers.com