What happens when you love Jesus, but your story is still messy?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Raz and Mike sit down with longtime friend John Palazzolo for an honest conversation about faith, addiction, ministry, failure, community, and a God who simply refuses to give up on us.

John shares his journey from growing up Catholic and struggling with drugs and alcohol at a young age to a remarkable encounter with Jesus at 14. Years later, God began pursuing him again through a series of experiences that eventually brought him and his family to the Vineyard, where his life and ministry would take some unexpected turns.

Along the way, John found himself leading servant evangelism, becoming a senior pastor, stepping away from ministry, struggling again with addiction, and eventually rediscovering God's call on his life.

Through it all, one theme keeps surfacing: God is incredibly patient with broken people.

John talks openly about why trying harder wasn't enough, how authentic community and accountability helped him find freedom, and why being honest about our struggles matters. He also shares how God has led him and his wife into a new season of ministry through a simple microchurch community focused on Scripture, discipleship, serving others, and multiplication.

Raz, Mike, and John also look back at their years together doing servant evangelism and how something as simple as cleaning a gas station bathroom, handing someone a cold drink, or paying for a load of laundry can become an opportunity to show someone the love of Jesus.

John leaves us with a simple challenge: Slow down. Listen. Abide in Jesus. And when He speaks, obey.

Because following Jesus isn't about finally getting everything right. It's about learning to live life with Him.

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Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

#WithHim #FollowingJesus #ChristianTestimony #AddictionRecovery #Discipleship #ChristianCommunity #Faith #ChristianPodcast #MariemontChurch

What if evangelism wasn’t something intimidating or awkward, but an adventure you get to experience with Jesus?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Raz and Jamie talk about making evangelism a natural part of everyday life. Drawing from their recent Kingdom Lab experience with Jason Scott, they explore a simple idea: you don’t have to be responsible for someone’s entire journey toward Jesus. Sometimes God is simply inviting you to help someone take one step closer.

Using the Engel Scale as a framework, Raz and Jamie discuss how God may be at work in someone’s life long before they make a decision to follow Jesus. A conversation, an encouraging word, an offer to pray, or simply experiencing the love of Jesus through one of His followers can all be part of that journey.

They also share some great stories from taking the Kingdom Lab interns into the community to actually put this into practice, including conversations with complete strangers, moments of rejection, unexpected opportunities to pray, and seeing how God can sovereignly arrange an encounter.

The challenge is simple: What might happen if we started each day asking Jesus to show us where He is already at work and how we can join Him?

Evangelism doesn’t have to be forced. It doesn’t require having all the answers. It can simply be listening to the person in front of you, listening to Jesus, and being willing to take the next step with Him.

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Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
Explore the "With Him" Podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
Mariemont Church

Jamie’s Website & Writing:
JamieMoore.org

Jamie’s book, Friendship with God:
Friendship with God on Amazon

#WithHim #EverydayEvangelism #Evangelism #FollowingJesus #HolySpirit #ChristianPodcast #KingdomOfGod #MariemontChurch

What does it actually look like to live a naturally supernatural life with Jesus?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Jamie and Raz talk about healing, faith, and what it means to live as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom in everyday life. They explore why Jesus still invites ordinary people to participate in His work, why praying for someone doesn’t have to be complicated or weird, and how our fear of looking foolish can sometimes keep us from stepping into what God may be doing.

Raz also shares some powerful stories of ordinary moments where a simple act of obedience opened the door for God to move.

You don’t have to have all the answers, perfect faith, or the right technique. Sometimes it simply starts with making a little space for the King to break in.

Book Resources mentioned:

1. https://a.co/d/0fUtSQaf
2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060695412?lv=shuf&channelId=510&plpRedirect=mhFallback
3. https://www.amazon.com/John-Wimber-Way-Was-Carol/dp/1674424752/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A8NKSV2LK59Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jHPB_vZeF35bQeK27EEc6rylJmqlNIQ66rf-7GzM_OjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.oBS3UttQSmGhPx2Mv0pInCoNEN15ZJJo2rBciBuYILw&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+way+it+was+carol+wimber&qid=1785866542&s=books&sprefix=the+way+it+was+carol+wimbe%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1

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👉 https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/su...

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-...

Resources & Contact Info

📧 Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

⛪ Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org

📖 Jamie's Website & Writing:
👉 https://www.jamiemoore.org

📚 Friendship with God by Jamie Moore:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

Can faith and modern trauma therapy work together?

This week on …with Him, Jamie and Raz welcome licensed trauma therapist Kristen Wooten for a fascinating conversation about healing from trauma through both evidence-based counseling and a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

Kristen shares her personal testimony, explains how God led her into counseling, and discusses how therapies like EMDR, neurofeedback, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help people process painful experiences that seem impossible to move beyond.

Along the way, the conversation explores how trauma affects the brain, why we often believe lies about ourselves after difficult experiences, and how God's truth brings lasting freedom. You'll also hear practical insights about identity, hearing God's voice, emotional health, and the beautiful ways neuroscience continues to reveal the wisdom of God's design.

If you've ever wondered whether faith and psychology belong together, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:

• Kristen's faith story
• EMDR explained
• Trauma and the brain
• Neurofeedback and healing
• Lies versus God's truth
• Identity in Christ
• Hearing God's voice
• Faith-integrated counseling

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a little hope today.

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Therapist Search with filters

Sozo Healing:

Book: Sozo by Dawna DeSilva

Internal Family Systems Theory by Dick Schwartz

Book: No Bad Parts

Internal Family Systems Theory, a Christian Perspective by Jenna Riemersma

Book: Altogether You

Book: Mere Christianity by CS Lewis

Book: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

EMDR Explainer Video

Neurofeedback Explainer Video

Functional Medicine Doctors I listen to and follow:

Dr. Daniel Amen

Dr Mark Hyman

Dr David Jockers

Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Andrew Huberman

Some local Functional Medicine Doctors

Dr. Gary Huber

Dr. Dorothy Schaffer

Dr. Stephan Amois

Jodi Westfall NP

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Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
👉 https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

📧 Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

⛪ Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org

📖 Jamie's Website & Writing:
👉 https://www.jamiemoore.org

📚 Friendship with God by Jamie Moore:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

Jamie and Raz explore the story of King Josiah and ask a fascinating question: Why did one man develop such a tender heart for God while an entire nation remained spiritually hardened?

As they unpack Josiah's discovery of the Book of the Law, the conversation moves beyond simple obedience to reveal a much bigger story. Josiah's reforms couldn't change the hearts of God's people, pointing instead to our need for a greater King, Jesus Christ, who not only calls us to follow Him but gives us a new heart through the Holy Spirit.

Along the way they discuss how God renews our minds, the surprising connection between Scripture, neuroscience, and spiritual formation, why spending time "with Him" naturally transforms us, and how asking for God's perspective can change the way we see difficult people and everyday situations.

This episode is an invitation to stop striving through formulas and instead walk with Jesus, allowing Him to soften our hearts, renew our minds, and shape us into His likeness one day at a time.

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
👉 https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

📧 Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

⛪ Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org

📖 Jamie's Website & Writing:
👉 https://www.jamiemoore.org

📚 Friendship with God by Jamie Moore:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

What kind of leader are you becoming, and where is that leadership actually coming from?

This week on the ...with Him podcast, Jamie and Raz pull back the curtain on one of the most important leadership conversations we can have: the difference between leading from an orphan mindset and leading from the secure identity of being a son or daughter of God.

Drawing from their Kingdom Lab internship discussions, they explore how insecurity, comparison, control, and the need for affirmation can quietly shape the way we lead. They also share how the Father's love transforms our identity and frees us to lead from a place of security, humility, and service.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What an "orphan spirit" looks like in leadership
• Why secure leaders serve while insecure leaders consume
• How comparison and the need for approval can derail us
• Practical ways to identify the lies we're believing about ourselves
• Why our growth into Christlikeness is something we do with Him

Whether you're leading in ministry, business, your family, or simply influencing the people around you, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to lead from your true identity in Christ.

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
👉 https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

📧 Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

⛪ Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org

📖 Jamie's Website & Writing:
👉 https://www.jamiemoore.org

📚 Friendship with God by Jamie Moore:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

This week, Jamie and Raz sit down with Anderson High School teacher Bailey Schaaf for a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and powerful reminders of God's faithfulness.

Bailey shares her journey of growing up in church, finding Jesus in the middle of a difficult childhood, and learning that God is truly "the God who sees." From riding her bike to church as a middle schooler, to an unexpected adventure in Panama, to discovering her calling as a teacher, her story is one of God's protection and guidance every step of the way.

The conversation also explores:

• How God leads us through life's big decisions
• Why we don't have to fear missing God's "one perfect plan"
• The impact caring teachers can have on students' lives
• Trusting God during seasons of waiting and unanswered prayers
• Learning to be honest with God in the desert seasons of life

Whether you're an educator, a parent, someone waiting on God's timing, or simply needing a reminder that He sees and knows you, this episode will encourage you to trust His faithfulness and keep walking forward with Him.

Scriptures & Topics Mentioned:

• Hagar and "The God Who Sees Me" (Genesis 16)
• Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
• Lament and being honest with God
• God's faithfulness in seasons of waiting
• Teaching and living with purpose and compassion

Share this episode with a teacher, student, or anyone who needs the reminder that they are fully seen and deeply loved by God.

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
👉 https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

📧 Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

⛪ Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org

📖 Jamie's Website & Writing:
👉 https://www.jamiemoore.org

📚 Friendship with God by Jamie Moore:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

Most people assume great conversationalists are born that way.

What if they're not?

In this episode, Jamie and Raz explore a simple framework from Harvard researcher Alison Wood Brooks that can help anyone grow in meaningful conversations. The framework is called TALK:

• Topics – What matters to the other person?
• Asking – What questions can help you learn their story?
• Levity – How can you bring joy and delight into the interaction?
• Kindness – How can you help them feel seen, known, and loved?

As they unpack each element, Jamie and Raz discover something surprising: this isn't just good communication advice, it's remarkably similar to the way Jesus interacted with people throughout the Gospels.

From the woman at the well to tax collectors, disciples, and strangers, Jesus consistently engaged people with curiosity, joy, compassion, and genuine interest. He didn't just deliver information; He made people feel seen.

The conversation also explores how simple acts of kindness, thoughtful questions, and even offering prayer can become practical ways to bring the kingdom of God into everyday workplaces, neighborhoods, and relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Great conversations are a skill that can be learned, not just a personality trait.
• Jesus modeled the TALK framework long before anyone gave it a name.
• People are often more open to prayer, kindness, and spiritual conversations than we assume.
• The goal isn't to impress people, it's to help them feel seen, known, and loved.
• Before your next conversation, ask the Father for His heart for the person in front of you.

Memorable Quote

"What if everyday conversations are one of the primary ways Jesus wants to bring His kingdom into the world?"

Reflection Question

Who is the next person you'll talk to today, and what might change if you approached that conversation with the heart of Jesus?

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List

Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:

https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes and Resources

https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Their Church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s Book, Friendship with God
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609