What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington

In this episode, Leanne dives into why schools have become mental health first responders—and why they're not equipped to handle it. 96% of schools report skyrocketing mental health needs, but only half have the staff to address them. Counselors are managing caseloads of 400-600 students. And teachers—who became educators to inspire minds—are now carrying the emotional weight of 30+ students every single day, leading to record burnout rates. 60% of teens who receive mental health support get it exclusively at school. So when the system is overwhelmed, students fall through the cracks—and parents feel stuck with nowhere to turn. Leanne pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in schools, why teachers and administrators are drowning despite working their butts off, and why this is a systemic problem no one could have seen coming. But here's the good news: There IS a solution. And it doesn't require hiring more counselors, years of therapy, or overhauling the entire system. It just requires teaching students the tools to regulate themselves. Leanne shares real examples of what changes when students learn to regulate their emotions in under 30 seconds, separate data from drama, and build a self-image that doesn't crumble—so parents and teachers aren't carrying it all. Ready to bring these tools to your school or teen? Head over to TeenagerBrain.com to request a free sample lesson. You'll see exactly how the Teenager Brain curriculum works and test-drive a full lesson yourself. We're looking for our next 25 pilot schools for Fall 2026. This is a 4-week plug-and-play emotional fitness program that teaches students how to regulate their emotions, separate truth from lies, and build a self-image that lasts—without adding to your workload. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @LeanneEllington // @theteenagerbrain To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Leanne explores the question: “What would it look like to trust God with my body?” Drawing from her personal journey and the experiences of many women, Leanne delves into the idea that trusting God with our bodies isn't about achieving perfection but about surrendering control and embracing our God-given worth. Leanne outlines five transformative shifts that can lead to healing: ceasing the pursuit of worthiness through self-fixing, discerning God's voice over shame, moving from control to stewardship, partnering with God in our journey, and anchoring our identity in Christ rather than our reflection. This episode serves as a compassionate guide for those seeking freedom from body image struggles, reminding them that peace and healing are possible through a partnership with God HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is going to be a wild ride, as we dive headfirst into a conversation that's bound to be one of the most raw and real shares we've ever had.Yep, you guessed it - we're talking about sex. But hold on, we're not approaching it the way you've heard a million times before.Our mission here at The God Pod? To flip the script and invite you into a judgment-free zone where we can explore your relationship with yourself (and with God) without any shame weighing us down.Joining me on this journey are my dear friends and mentors, Kevin and Rea Queen, who I affectionately call my "fairy godparents". Together, we're diving deep into my own experiences, baring it all in the hopes of showing you that there's no room for shame or condemnation when faith is your compass.When I first stumbled upon this whole idea of "saving myself" for marriage, I didn't fully grasp what I was getting into. But as my relationship with my now-husband evolved, so did my understanding of commitment.Before I knew it, we were on a journey of self-discovery and revelation, strengthening our bond in ways I never thought possible. And as our wedding day approached, I felt this urge to share our story, to shed light on how my faith journey transformed my views on love, intimacy, and self-worth.So here we are, laying it all out on the table, hoping to spark some honest conversations and remind you that your journey is valid, unique, and oh-so-worthy. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  GUEST: Kevin & Rea Queen from @Crosspoint.tv To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com. What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast network. It's written and hosted by Leanne Ellington, Executive Produced by Elizabeth Fazio, Post Production and Editing by Houston Tilley, and Original music written by Cheryl Stark & produced by Adam Stark.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an intimate conversation with Brandi Wilson, author, coach, and speaker, as she courageously shares her journey from the highs of leadership to the depths of heartbreak. In her book "Better than Okay," Brandi unveiled the raw reality of her shattered marriage to a megachurch pastor and the sudden loss of her church community and her identity as a "pastor's wife".  Her suffering has become a survival guide for others navigating similar emotional turmoil and heartbreak. From divorce and the shame that accompanies it to the profound wisdom found in solitude, Brandi offers insights into redefining identity, finding gratitude amidst pain, and the transformative power of mindful movement.  Whether you're a single mom, a divorced woman, or simply a woman still waiting for God to answer some prayers or open doors, there is a powerful gift for everyone in this raw interview. GUEST: @lovebrandiwilsonBrandi's Book: Better Than OkayBrandi's Website, Speaking, & Coaching: https://lovebrandiwilson.com/ HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com. What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast network. It's written and hosted by Leanne Ellington, Executive Produced by Elizabeth Fazio, Post Production and Editing by Houston Tilley, and Original music written by Cheryl Stark & produced by Adam Stark.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Leanne and special guest Pastor Kevin Queen delve into the beliefs that often keep people from forming a meaningful relationship with God. They explore the misconceptions, worldly views, and unbiblical beliefs that can hinder individuals from connecting with their spirituality, inviting listeners to consider new possibilities.Beliefs Explored Were:"I’m too broken-- too far gone."Addressing feelings of unworthiness, the podcast highlights God's love and forgiveness."My shame is different/worse than others'."Emphasizing that shame is a common struggle, the episode provides a biblical perspective on coping."I’ve been this way far too long."Discussing transformation and redemption, the podcast assures it's never too late to begin anew with God."God is mad at me."Correcting the misconception of God's anger, the episode emphasizes His love and forgiveness."I was around religion growing up, and I know what it’s like. I don't want 'that'."Distinguishing religion from a genuine relationship with God, the podcast encourages exploration."What would my family think?" and "What would my friends think?"Addressing concerns about family and peer reactions, listeners are urged to explore their beliefs independently.The episode wraps up by reiterating the invitation to listeners: "Just try on this new story, this new possibility." It emphasizes the importance of challenging and reevaluating these beliefs about God,  regardless of your current beliefs, to open your hearts and minds to a different perspective on spirituality and God.   HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  GUEST: Pastor Kevin Queen @crosspoint.tv  or https://crosspoint.tv/ To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com. What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast network. It's written and hosted by Leanne Ellington, Executive Produced by Elizabeth Fazio, Post Production and Editing by Houston Tilley, and Original music written by Cheryl Stark & produced by Adam Stark.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve been told that body image is about self-esteem. Or confidence. Or that it’s just a “vanity issue” you need to pray your way out of. But what if the issue isn’t your reflection, but it’s your wiring? In this episode, Leanne Ellington dismantles one of the biggest lies women have been taught: that if we just loved ourselves more, the body shame would go away. Through brain science, lived experience, and Spirit-led truth, Leanne reveals how body image isn’t a surface-level issue—it’s a deeply embedded neurological pattern. She shares the story of her own unraveling (even after losing 100 pounds), how the Anterior Cingulate Cortex shapes your self-image, and why your mirror might be reflecting trauma instead of truth. You’ll walk away with a 3-step framework to start rewriting your self-image—God’s way:Step 1: Unlearn the Lies – Dismantle the false beliefs you inherited about your worth, your body, and what makes you lovable, and take off the mental “backpack” you were never meant to carry.Step 2: Regulate the Noise – Calm the inner static that keeps you stuck in fear and body shame by creating nervous system safety, so you can finally feel the love and truth God is offering.Step 3: Rebuild the Mirror – Rewire the way you see yourself by aligning your self-image with how God already sees you: worthy, chosen, and delightfully made—right now, not 20 pounds from now. This isn’t about body positivity. It’s about identity alignment. Because when the mirror reflects how God sees you, you don’t have to fight to love yourself. You simply receive it. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You think your struggle with food is about willpower. Or that your body image issues are just about confidence. But what if the real cost isn’t on the scale, but it’s actually in your spirit? In this powerful episode, Leanne Ellington pulls back the curtain on what food and body obsession is really stealing from you. From missed moments with your kids to constant inner criticism and spiritual disconnection, she exposes how fixation around food and your body hijacks your peace, your presence, and your identity. But this isn’t just about the pain. It’s about the pathway to healing. Leanne reveals how your brain was designed by God to heal, and introduces the science behind how that healing actually happens—through identity rewiring, spiritual renewal, and working WITH your brain instead of against it. This episode will help you:- Understand how food and body obsession hijacks your God-given peace, rewires your brain for fear and shame, and drains your spiritual bandwidth- Finally put words to the invisible war you’ve been fighting—between your faith and your fixation, your logic and your longings- See why white-knuckling through cravings or repeating “I love my body” in the mirror won’t work if your nervous system still feels unsafe—and what to do instead to rewire it at the root Because God doesn’t just want your body free. He wants you free. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Warren unveils the heartbeat of his work: The Ten Commandments of Self-Brain Surgery — a framework rooted in science, anchored in Scripture, and powerfully practical for everyday life. He walks us through why “Feelings are not facts,” why you can’t change your life without changing your mind first, and why choosing joy is not naïve… but neurologically sound. These commandments aren’t rules — they’re invitations. Invitations to step out of self-sabotage, emotional spirals, and “accidental” thinking, and into the healing God always intended for us. This conversation is one of those rare ones that feels like a wake-up call and a warm embrace at the same time. If you’re ready for clarity, courage, and a blueprint for personal healing, this episode will become one you return to again and again. GUEST: Dr. Lee Warren // wleewarrenmd.com // @drleewarrenDr. Warren's Podcast: https://wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/Pre-Order Dr. Warren's New Book: DrLeeWarren.com/preorder HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful opening episode, Dr. Lee Warren invites us into the world where faith and neuroscience meet — not in theory, but in real, everyday transformation. As a practicing neurosurgeon, Dr. Warren has operated on the most delicate organ in the human body…yet he reminds us that some of the most life-altering “surgery” doesn’t happen in the operating room at all. He shares how every thought we think literally reshapes the brain, often without us realizing it. And that’s where Self-Brain Surgery begins: the moment we stop letting accidental patterns drive our lives, and start intentionally partnering with the God who designed our minds. In this conversation, Dr. Warren breaks down why so many of us feel stuck in fear, worry, and overwhelm — and why hope is not just an emotion, but the first step of real transformation. This episode will help you see your mind differently, your faith differently, and yourself differently. GUEST: Dr. Lee Warren // wleewarrenmd.com // @drleewarrenDr. Warren's Podcast: https://wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/Pre-Order Dr. Warren's New Book: DrLeeWarren.com/preorder HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Carley found herself constantly thinking about food—either obsessing over dieting or feeling like a failure for not being able to stick with anything—she knew something had to change. She was sick of the all-or-nothing mindset, the endless rules, and the guilt that always followed. But as the youngest woman to ever go through the Stressless Eating program, she also knew she didn’t want to carry this struggle into the rest of her life. In this episode, Carley opens up about what it felt like to be trapped in a cycle of food obsession, why she finally decided to get help, and how she rewired her brain to break free. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice out there or wondered if you’d ever find peace with food, Carley’s journey will show you that real, lasting change is possible—at any age. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we tackle a challenge that so many of us face but don’t always talk about: how to find true peace in a world overflowing with noise and overstimulation. From the constant pings of our phones and the never-ending news cycle to the mental chatter that never seems to quiet down, it feels like we’re surrounded by chaos. And even when life demands us to be present, the pressure of endless stimulation makes it nearly impossible to find the stillness our souls crave. Join Leanne as we dive into the reality of navigating this noise. She shares her personal journey of learning to silence the external chaos and reconnect with the present, as well as stories from clients who’ve faced similar battles. Together, we’ll explore practical steps to turn down the volume of life’s distractions and create moments of stillness where we can reconnect with ourselves and hear God’s whisper amidst the noise. Because peace isn’t about removing all the noise—it’s about finding calm and connection even when life is anything but quiet. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply exhausted by life’s constant demands, this episode will help you reclaim your peace and find sacred spaces in your everyday life, so you can turn up the volume on what truly matters. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us: why it sometimes feels like our prayers are going unanswered. Have you ever found yourself pleading with God, pouring out your heart for a breakthrough or a change, only to be met with silence? Maybe you’re asking for healing, clarity, or relief from a burden, but despite your faith and persistence, nothing seems to shift. We’ll explore what it truly means when God’s response is “Wait” or even “No,” and how these answers are not signs of indifference, but rather expressions of His love and wisdom. Through stories of real-life challengesfrom Leanne and her clients, we’ll uncover how God’s timing and decisions often lead to outcomes far greater than we can envision. And while waiting or facing rejection can feel painful and confusing, there is a deeper trust and peace available when we lean into His plan. Join us as we break down the steps to find hope and faith during those seasons of waiting and learn to see God’s “No” as a powerful redirection rather than rejection. Because even in His silence, He is working—moving on your behalf in ways you can’t yet see. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when the people in your life don’t share your faith—or worse, when they actively pull you away from it? A listener sent in this tough but common question, and today, we’re diving deep into how to navigate relationships while staying strong in your walk with God. Maybe it’s friends who don’t respect your beliefs, family members who challenge your faith, or even a romantic relationship that’s making you feel distant from God. So, how do you love people well without compromising your faith? In this episode, we’ll break down what the Bible says about relationships and influence, how to set boundaries without being judgmental, and how to know when it’s time to step back. Plus, we’ll talk about how your life—not just your words—is your loudest testimony. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing faith and relationships, this conversation will equip you with wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps to protect your faith while still loving those around you. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.