The Unfolding

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give. We'd love to hear what God has done in your life. Share your story. After moving through twelve foster homes and experiencing abuse and neglect, Tori Hope Petersen believed she was unwanted. She questioned how a loving God could allow children to suffer. But a woman who offered meals, a hidden key, and a safe place to land helped her begin to see God, and herself, differently. In this episode of The Unfolding, Tori shares her journey from rejection to belonging, how she came to faith in Jesus, and how God's love shaped her life as a mother and foster parent. For Tori, hospitality became a way to offer others the welcome that had changed her own life, sometimes around a kitchen table, sometimes by opening her home to a family in crisis. Her story invites you to recognize God's love in ordinary acts of kindness, trust what He says about your worth, and consider how He might use what you already have to love someone else. This is an encouraging conversation about healing, identity in Christ, and hospitality. Tori Hope Petersen is the author of Fostered and Safe House. Show Notes: Link to purchase Safe House: Amazon Author Website: torihopepetersen.com Facebook: Tori Hope Petersen Instagram: @torihopepetersen

Do you feel responsible for keeping everyone happy, or like you have to prove your worth whenever you walk into a room? Bestselling author and Bible teacher Angie Smith, known for Seamless and Matchless, learned early to put others' needs and emotions ahead of her own. Through painful experiences and honest conversations with God, she began recognizing how those patterns shaped her relationships, her faith, and the way she saw herself. With humor and vulnerability, Angie shares her ongoing struggle with approval, control, and changing seasons, and how she's learning to live in the identity God has given her. Her newest book, Into the Deep, offers a practical path toward recognizing those patterns, working through them with God, and growing in freedom. Show Notes: Website: https://angiesmithministries.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialangiesmith/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiesmithministries Book: https://angiesmithministries.com/books/into-the-deep/

We'd love to hear what God has done in your life. Share your story. What happens when the wounds of your past shape what you believe about yourself and God? As a child, Stasi Eldredge learned to be invisible and need nothing. Later, abuse and betrayal deepened her belief that she wasn't worth loving. Even after encountering Jesus, she spent years trying to earn God's acceptance. Stasi shares the journey that helped her face those wounds and begin to receive God's love personally. Through counseling, prayer, and Scripture, her sense of identity changed from unwanted to cherished. A New York Times bestselling author and coauthor of Captivating with her husband, John Eldredge, Stasi also introduces her new book, The Ladder of Love. Hear a story of faith, emotional healing, and growing closer to Jesus on this episode of The Unfolding. Content note: Discussion of abuse, sexual assault, suicide, substance use, and abortion. Show Notes: Website: https://wildatheart.org/the-ladder-of-love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stasieldredge/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StasiEldredge/ Book: https://wildatheart.org/the-ladder-of-love

Marcel Patillo seemed born for a life in music. His father, Leon Patillo, sang with Santana before launching a Christian music career. His mother, Jackie, became president of the Gospel Music Association. And his brother, Gabe, toured with TobyMac for decades. But talent, opportunity and a childhood surrounded by faith couldn't give Marcel an identity, or a faith, of his own. He chased record deals, recognition and a future in Los Angeles, while God became someone he planned to get back to "eventually." When his dreams unraveled, and later when the death of his brother brought profound grief, alcohol pulled Marcel's life in a dangerous direction. In this episode, Marcel shares how God patiently drew him back through Scripture, Christian community and a series of small acts of obedience. Today, he creates music and films as I AM ABLE, including his newest song, "High," a cinematic depiction of the spiritual battle between darkness and light. Show Notes: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarcelPatillo Website: https://www.iamablemusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelpatillo/

Content Warning – not appropriate for children. Bruce Van Natta's childhood was filled with abuse and trauma, but he had one encounter with Jesus that marked him. He knew God was real. What he didn't understand is why God didn't rescue him. As he got older, he clearly heard God call him into ministry, but he was angry, skeptical, and cynical. As a diesel mechanic, Bruce regularly worked on big rigs. On a fateful day in 2006, he was lying under a logging truck that weighed 18,000 pounds. What happened on that day can only be described as other-worldly; an accident, a near-death experience, and an encounter with the supernatural. This is a graphic story that is not appropriate for younger listeners. Bruce Van Natta is the author of Saved by Angels and the founder of Sweet Bread Ministries. Website: https://sweetbreadministries.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetBreadMinistries Book: https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Angels-Expanded-Everyday-People/dp/076844134X

At seven years old, Lauren Burns was taken by her father from Texas to the Middle East, and her mom had no idea where she was. When the United States government couldn't help, Lauren's mother- supported by private investigators Rick and Beverly Lambert, parents of country artist Miranda Lambert- turned to a team of former military operatives for an extraordinary international rescue. The rescue made international headlines. But coming home was only the beginning. Lauren still faced childhood trauma, father wounds and a difficult question: She knew God was real, but was He good? Lauren Burns is the author of Stolen: A True Story of Kidnapping, Rescue, and Redemption, a powerful true crime memoir. Her story later inspired a television movie. Today, Lauren is a speaker on trauma, redemption, and faith, and the host of The Redeemed Podcast Learn more at laurenburns.net. This episode discusses childhood abduction and trauma and may not be appropriate for young listeners. Show Notes: Website: https://www.laurenburns.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenburnsredeemed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenBurnsAuthor Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT9VMK3Z?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, two remarkable World Trade Center survivors tell the story of the day they met as strangers and walked out as brothers. Brian Clark and Stanley Praimnath were both inside the South Tower on September 11, 2001. Stanley was on the 81st floor when United Airlines Flight 175 came directly toward him. Brian was on the 84th floor when the tower was hit. In the chaos that followed, Brian heard Stanley calling for help and made a decision that would change both of their lives forever. Only 18 people survived from the impact zone or above in the South Tower. Brian and Stanley were two of them. In this special 9/11 25th anniversary episode of The Unfolding, they share what they saw, how they escaped, the extraordinary moments they still cannot fully explain, and how 9/11 transformed their understanding of faith and God's presence in the darkest moments. Their story is more than a remarkable account of survival. It is the story of two men who entered the World Trade Center as strangers and came out as brothers.

It was a story that made national headlines. In April of 2019, a five-year-old boy was thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America by a stranger. Landen Hoffman's injuries were catastrophic, and his survival was uncertain. But his mother, Kari, responded with unshakable faith. Drawing on what she'd learned growing up in church, Kari immediately turned to prayer, refusing to give in to fear or hatred. Landen spent four months in the hospital, facing multiple surgeries, serious complications, and long, painful nights. There were setbacks that baffled even his doctors. Yet Kari never stopped believing for complete healing. Kari Hoffman is sharing their story through her book, Miracle at the Mall. This is the incredible account of a mother's fierce faith, a miraculous recovery, and a God who still moves mountains. Show notes: Miracle at the Mall Book: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Mall-Hoffmann-Survived-39-Foot-High/dp/B0DZBX3XNK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari_hoffmann_5/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kari.hoffmann.52

We'd love to hear what God has done in your life. Share your story. After experiencing sexual abuse, the death of her father, a move from New York to Puerto Rico, and years of bullying and rejection, Christine D'Clario was angry with God. She blamed Him for her pain and wanted nothing to do with Him. But that wasn't the end of her story. In this episode from The Unfolding archives, Christine shares honestly about the encounter with Jesus that changed her life, as well as her later battle with postpartum depression and thoughts of suicide. Today, she is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and worship leader whose music reaches millions around the world—and she uses her story to offer hope to others facing depression and mental-health challenges. Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, postpartum depres sion, and suicidal ideation. Show Notes: Website: https://christinedclario.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinedclariomusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinedclario/

How can knowing your God-given identity change the way you respond to fear, conflict, and uncertainty? As a young police officer in Washington, D.C., Jamie Winship quickly realized that his training alone couldn't prepare him for the situations he faced. He began learning how to hear God's voice and trust His direction, even when it led to unconventional and seemingly impossible solutions. That journey eventually took Jamie from confronting gang violence in Washington to serving in some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world, including the Middle East. In this remarkable conversation from The Unfolding archives, Jamie shares gripping stories about following God into dangerous places, becoming a peacemaker, overcoming fear, and discovering the freedom that comes from knowing your true identity in Christ. Jamie Winship is the author of Living Fearless and The War of Worldviews, and co-founder of Identity Exchange with his wife, Donna. Learn more at IdentityExchange.com. Show Notes: Website: https://www.identityexchange.com/ Antioch Church Camp session 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-discovering-your-unique-identity-unlocking/id1845880674?i=1000741926271 Antioch Church Camp session 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-challenges-triumphs-and-profound/id1845880674?i=1000741926337 Antioch Church Camp session 3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-the-transformative-power-of/id1845880674?i=1000741926767 Antioch Church Camp session 4: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-winship-actively-engaging-with-god-prayer-trust/id1845880674?i=1000741926768 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejamiewinship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejamiewinship/

Justin and Trisha Davis appeared to be living the dream- a beautiful family, successful ministry, and a future filled with promise. After planting their first church, Justin had an affair with a staff member who was also Trisha's best friend. Their marriage, family and careers were simultaneously blown apart, and they were forced to come to terms with their brokenness. It seemed their story would be one of failure and loss, but Justin and Trisha found grace, healing and redemption for even the most shattered parts of their lives. Justin and Trisha are the founders of RefineUs.org and the authors of One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back. Show Notes: Website: https://www.refineus.org/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/best-sellers-books-Amazon/zgbs/books/7259415011/ref=zg_bs_pg_2_books?_encoding=UTF8&pg=2

Scott Spiezio knew God. During some of the best years of his Major League Baseball career, he was surrounded by believers and openly sharing his faith. But after reaching the height of success, Scott moved away from what had kept him grounded. As addiction took hold, shame told him he was too far gone, while the mindset that made him a champion convinced him he could save himself. He couldn't. What changed everything was surrender. Now Scott is sharing his story through his new book, The Hardest Comeback, and Spiezio, a documentary about his life. He hopes they will reach people who need to know that addiction does not have to be the end of their story. Scott played 12 seasons in the major leagues, winning World Series championships with the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. Cardinals fans may remember the soul patch he dyed bright red during the 2006 championship run. But behind the success, addiction was taking hold. After 11 trips to rehab, Scott entered the hospital with a failing liver and only a 20-percent chance of survival. Scott first shared his story with The Unfolding in 2023. Now, eight years sober, he returns with an update about restored relationships, people finding hope through his story, and how God is using the most painful parts of his past. Show Notes: Website: https://www.scottspiezio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiezios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.spiezio.96 Movie Website: https://spiezio.info/

What happens when you finally get the success you wanted and realize it still is not enough? For Donovan Donnell, the stage had always been a place where he felt seen. But after years of disappointment and rejection, his desire for attention and approval led him into the world of exotic dancing. He found money, recognition, and success, but none of it could give him the life he really wanted. Donovan never completely walked away from faith. He still went to church and Bible study. But eventually, God asked him to walk away from the life he had built and trust Him with what came next. This is Donovan's story of losing himself, surrendering to God, and discovering who he had been created to be. He also shares the message behind Designed to Succeed, his new book with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix, about pursuing success without losing your faith, your purpose, or your identity. Show Notes: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1f7NOZ-Qk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovandeedonnell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donovandee.donnell.50 Website: https://www.donovandeedonnell.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback#