Bleeding Daylight

Former attorney Lara Silverman's life took an unexpected turn when a mysterious neurological illness forced her from the courtroom to being bedridden for years. After trying 150 treatments across eight years without success, Lara has had to wrestle with questions most Christians never face: What if God calls you to accept suffering instead of healing? In this raw and honest conversation, Lara shares how her theology was completely reshaped by chronic illness, and how meeting Matt, a youth leader with terminal cancer, led to an unexpected love story and one precious year of marriage before his death. This isn't a story of neat endings or miraculous healing. Lara still spends 65% of her days bedridden with debilitating vertigo. Yet she's written a bestselling book, "Singing Through Fire," that offers hope from inside the flames rather than from the other side. With the heart of a comedian and the mind of a lawyer, Lara challenges prosperity gospel thinking while revealing how God gives unexpected gifts, music, creativity, and deep joy, even when He doesn't give the healing we desperately pray for. Her story is for anyone who has felt betrayed by unanswered prayer or wondered why good theology doesn't always translate to an easy faith journey. WEBLINKS Singing Through Fire (Book) Lara Silverman’s Website Lara Silverman on Facebook Lara Silverman on Instagram Lara Silverman on YouTube

Dr. Oluwole Babatunde's story is one of extraordinary resilience and purpose. After losing both parents by age 13 in Nigeria, he could have let tragedy define him, but instead, he chose to adapt. Now a physician scientist, psychiatry resident, and author, Dr. Babatunde has turned his pain into a powerful mission to serve others and reduce mental health disparities. In this conversation, Dr. Babatunde shares the principles that carried him through unimaginable loss, including his MAP-LAMP framework for turning trials into triumphs. From the power of making meaning in suffering to the importance of serving others in our pain, his wisdom offers practical hope for anyone facing difficulty. His new book, Adapt and Advance, provides a faith-based, step-by-step guide to navigating life's storms, not just surviving them, but using them as stepping stones to something greater. WEBLINKS Adapt and Advance Oluwole Babatunde on Facebook

Fletch Wiley's story is one of relentless divine pursuit. From a drug-addicted jazz musician who wanted nothing to do with Christianity to a Grammy-nominated producer and writer, his transformation is remarkable. He shares vivid memories of being chased down by God in a Tulsa hotel room, experiencing instant deliverance from addiction, and miraculous healing that confirmed his new faith. His journey took him from playing alongside legends like Doc Severinsen to spending years as Andrae Crouch's trumpet player during the groundbreaking days of contemporary Christian music. In this conversation, Fletch opens up about traveling to 13 countries in recent years with his wife, playing music on streets from Turkey to India, and encouraging volunteer musicians around the world. He offers fascinating insights into the early Jesus movement, the wild west days of Christian music at events like Explo 72, and why he believes every musical style can be used to glorify God. His passion for worship through music remains as fresh today as it was when he first encountered Jesus over 50 years ago. WEBLINKS God Doesn’t Play Fair (Book)

In this powerful conversation, Stacey Womack shares her 25-year journey helping survivors of domestic violence through Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services (ARMS). What began as an unexpected calling has grown into a ministry that has brought healing to over 55,000 women. Stacey opens up about the many forms abuse can take beyond physical violence, why churches often struggle to address this issue, and how faith communities can better support survivors. She also discusses the challenging but hopeful work of helping abusers change their behavior patterns. This episode explores the complex dynamics of abusive relationships, including why survivors often return to familiar patterns and how belief systems perpetuate abuse. Stacey shares inspiring stories of transformation, both from women who have reclaimed their lives and men who have learned what love truly means. Whether you're a survivor, know someone in an abusive relationship, or are a faith leader wanting to better serve your community, this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and resources for creating lasting change. WEBLINKS Abuse Recovery Ministry Services

In this compelling episode, former Navy chaplain Greg Woodward reveals why brilliant leaders burn out and how to lead from authentic calling rather than external pressure. Drawing from 22 years of military service, including time as the sole spiritual care provider for 800 naval personnel during deployment, Greg shares the four essential rhythms, spiritual, physical, relational, and emotional, that kept him resilient in high-stress environments. He challenges the toxic "burnout for Jesus" mentality that has plagued Christian leadership for generations. Greg's book, "Leadership from Within: Navigating the Path Towards Soul-Driven Success," offers a permission slip for faith-driven leaders to prioritize holistic self-care without guilt. He unpacks the critical difference between leading from overflow versus depletion, explains why character must match charisma for long-term success, and helps leaders rediscover their identity as God's beloved before they are ministry professionals. Whether you're a pastor feeling the weight of congregational expectations or a leader struggling to maintain boundaries, this conversation provides practical wisdom for sustainable, soul-driven leadership that honours both mission and humanity. WEBLINKS Greg Woodward’s Website Leadership from Within

John Fela is an educator, author, and passionate advocate who calls himself the Swiss army knife of disability advocacy. As the father of a non-verbal son with autism, John brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to his work bridging faith-based and secular communities around disability awareness and inclusion. In this episode, John shares his journey from confusion and loss in the early days of his son's diagnosis to building a life of purpose, community, and ultimately, faith. He opens up about the heartbreaking decision to place his son in residential care, the power of finding genuine support systems, and what led him to Jesus during his darkest season. John's conversation goes far beyond personal narrative. He challenges churches and faith communities to examine their theology around disability and move from mere inclusion to true acceptance and co-laboring. With only 1 in 10 churches in the United States offering any form of support for people with disabilities, John's insights about what families truly need, and how communities can provide it, are both convicting and hopeful. Whether you're a parent navigating disability, a church leader looking to expand your welcome, or simply someone wanting to understand this often-misunderstood community, this episode will shift your perspective and challenge you to see people, not just disabilities. WEBLINKS John Fela’s Website John’s Blog on Facebook John on Instagram

Lisa Haynes had climbed to the top of the corporate ladder as a CFO, but when God began stirring her heart toward something new, she made the bold decision to walk away from success as the world defines it. In this conversation, Lisa shares how she transitioned from corporate leadership to becoming a certified retirement coach and author of two powerful books: "Retired and Killin’ It" and "The Storm: For Your Good and For His Glory." Lisa offers a fresh perspective on retirement that goes far beyond financial planning. She discusses how to combat feelings of invisibility and uselessness that many face in their later years, emphasizing that decades of accumulated wisdom and experience are exactly what younger generations need. Her "Killin’ It" framework helps people design holistic retirement plans that address not just finances, but the social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of this significant life transition. She also opens up about writing "The Storm" during one of her family's most difficult seasons, offering hope and practical wisdom for anyone navigating trials, grief, or uncertainty about God's purposes in hardship. WEBLINKS Haynes Executive Services Retired and Killin’ It Facebook Lisa on Instagram Lisa on LinkedIn

In this compelling episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen sits down with Scott Fehrenbacher, a visionary leader who has spent his career proving that faith and innovation are not just compatible, they're essential partners. As CEO of Worship Road Radio Foundation, Scott has built Canada's fastest-growing Christian broadcaster using a revolutionary model that prioritises listener experience. His journey spans multiple industries, from leading NASDAQ-traded companies to serving as CEO of Habitat for Humanity Vancouver, and playing a pivotal role in transforming Grand Canyon University from a small school of under 1,000 students into the world's largest Christian university. Scott challenges the common perception that Christians are always behind the technological curve, arguing instead that believers should be at the forefront of innovation. Through candid discussion, he shares insights from his pioneering work in digital ministry, beginning in the early days of the internet when he helped create what became the largest faith-based destination on the web. His philosophy centres on having dreams so audacious that they require divine intervention to succeed, and his practical wisdom offers a roadmap for anyone seeking to innovate for the sake of the gospel while maintaining biblical foundations. WEBLINKS Worship Road Radio

In this deeply moving episode, J. Harrington shares her journey from devastating loss to powerful purpose. As a military spouse, J. faced the unimaginable when the Holy Spirit warned her she wouldn't keep her unborn son during Hurricane Florence. Through raw honesty, she describes her hospital experience, the reality of spiritual warfare, and her season of "rage praying" while staying close to God despite her anger. J.'s story reveals how our greatest pain can become our most powerful ministry. Her loss transformed her into the person God needed her to be, ultimately leading her to writing "Swords Up," a Bible study that helps others understand spiritual warfare and use God's armour as both protection and weapon. Her transparent account of grief, faith, and divine purpose offers hope to anyone walking through their own dark seasons, showing that even in our anger and confusion, God's love remains constant, and His plans unfold for our good and His glory. WEBLINKS J. Harrington’s Website Harrington on Threads J. Harrington on Instagram J. Harrington on Facebook

Pastor and author Phill Tague joins Bleeding Daylight to share his powerful journey from legalistic Christianity through rebellion and crisis to authentic covenant faith. After growing up in a loving but rule-focused Christian home, Phill experienced a profound spiritual awakening that transformed his understanding of what it means to truly know Jesus. His story includes a life-threatening climbing accident that crystallized his surrender to God's purposes and led to planting Ransom Church. In this vulnerable conversation, Phill challenges listeners to move beyond what he calls "spiritual pornography" - the airbrushed version of Christianity that promises intimacy without cost. Using his 24-year marriage as an analogy, he explores how genuine love for God naturally leads to obedience, not as rule-following but as a response to relationship. His book "Jesus Be the Centerfold: Choosing Covenant Faith Over Airbrush Christianity" offers a provocative look at authentic faith that will challenge both longtime believers and those disillusioned with church culture. WEBLINKS Phill Tague’s Website Jesus Be the Centerfold on Amazon Ransom Church

In this inspiring episode of Bleeding Daylight, professional photographer Pasquale 'Pat' Mingarelli shares how he discovered God's presence while capturing the beauty of creation through his lens. From his early days in photojournalism and sports photography to his incredible travels with Campus Crusade for Christ, Pat reveals how a life-changing encounter with a bull moose in Montana's Glacier National Park redirected his calling toward celebrating God as Creator. Pat challenges our culture's tendency to snap photos mindlessly, encouraging us instead to approach photography with wonder and intentionality. Through his Visual Bible Verse of the Day website and his devotional book "Drawing Near: Meeting God in His Creation," he teaches others how stepping into nature with a camera can become a powerful form of prayer and worship. Pat demonstrates how God's creation offers glimpses of divine character that Scripture fully reveals, showing us that the Creator can be found in the wilderness when we slow down enough to truly see. WEBLINKS Visual Bible Verse of the Day The Creation Speaks – YouTube The Creation Speaks – Facebook Drawing Near Nature Photography - Instagram

Roger Wheeler, a real estate agent from Iowa, discovered that comfortable Western Christianity was missing something crucial - the biblical call to share surplus with those in need. What started as orphan care work in Ghana evolved into a powerful revelation about global hunger within the Christian community. When Roger encountered families surviving on less than 1,000 calories per week, he couldn't ignore the contrast with his own abundance. Through Shoulder to Shoulder ministry, Roger and his brother have now sent over $1 million to feed starving Christians in Zambia, working through 122 local churches with zero administrative overhead. But this isn't just about feeding the hungry - it's about what Roger calls a "food for faith exchange." As wealthy believers give from their surplus, they discover the deeper spiritual life that comes from true dependence on God. Roger challenges us to see ourselves as "a big herd of camels" struggling to enter the kingdom, while those we serve possess a richness of faith we desperately need. This conversation will transform how you think about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world of extreme inequality. WEBLINKS Shoulder 2 Shoulder Website Shoulder 2 Shoulder on Facebook Shoulder 2 Shoulder on Instagram

Douglas Ell joins Rodney Olsen on Bleeding Daylight to share his remarkable journey from committed atheism to evidence-based faith. With degrees in mathematics and physics from MIT and a successful legal career, Ell brings scientific rigor to one of humanity's biggest questions: Does the evidence point to God? In this fascinating conversation, Ell reveals how examining DNA as digital code, understanding the fine-tuning of universal constants, and grappling with the origin of matter itself led him to conclude that science overwhelmingly supports the existence of a divine creator. He discusses his books "Counting to God" and "Proofs of God" sharing how he hopes to help others who struggle with the perceived conflict between science and faith. This episode offers compelling evidence that may change how you see the relationship between scientific discovery and spiritual belief. WEBLINKS Counting to God Website

Pastor Michael Dennis embodies the courage to expand life's horizons rather than shrink them as the years pass. After over two decades of shepherding communities, he jumped headfirst into the world of stand-up comedy. What started as a pandemic dare from friends has evolved into a unique ministry opportunity in the most unlikely of places, comedy clubs where his faith meets the darkest corners of humanity. Michael's journey from having zero interest in Jesus to becoming a pastor reveals the power of authentic relationship over religious culture. Now, as an empty-nester, he's discovered that comedy clubs provide unprecedented opportunities to meet young dreamers from around the world who are spiritually open in ways that traditional church settings never allowed. His story challenges common assumptions about faith, humour, and the intersection of sacred and secular pursuits, proving that God’s sense of humour might be bigger than we ever imagined. WEBLINKS Michael Dennis on Instagram North Village Church

In this powerful episode, Rodney sits down with Sidhara Udalagama, a communications specialist at Compassion Australia who was born and raised in Sri Lanka. Sidhara shares her unique perspective on global poverty, having recently returned to her homeland with Compassion to capture stories of young women facing significant barriers. Her insights reveal the multidimensional nature of poverty and how it affects every aspect of human dignity, from the basic need to matter and be seen, to practical challenges like period poverty that force girls to abandon their education. Through compelling stories from Sri Lanka, Uganda, and the Philippines, Sidhara demonstrates how locally-led approaches are creating lasting transformation in communities. From child-headed households where siblings care for each other, to aspiring fashion designers defying expectations, to mothers pulled back from the brink of despair, these stories showcase both the heartbreaking realities of poverty and the incredible hope emerging through compassionate intervention. Sidhara challenges listeners to expand their definition of "neighbour" beyond their local community to embrace a global perspective on care and responsibility. WEBLINKS Compassion International Compassion Australia Compassion Australia on Facebook Compassion Australia on Instagram

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Pamela Prince Pyle, board-certified internal medicine physician and author of "Anticipating Heaven," shares her remarkable journey from sceptic to believer. After witnessing her husband's dramatic spiritual transformation following a near-death experience, Pamela initially resisted faith for two years before encountering God's peace in a life-changing moment. Her story reveals the power of persistent prayer, authentic repentance, and the evidence of God's work in our lives. As a medical professional with decades of experience in hospitals and emergency rooms, Pamela brings a unique perspective to end-of-life care. She discusses the difference between "good deaths" and difficult ones, sharing insights about near-death awareness versus terminal restlessness. Her practical wisdom helps listeners understand how to prepare for death well, turning what many fear into an opportunity for witness and peace. This conversation challenges us to live fully while anticipating heaven, offering hope to anyone facing mortality or caring for those who are. WEBLINKS Dr Pamela Website Pamela on Facebook Pamela on Instagram Anticipating Heaven on Amazon

Former Naval Academy graduate and nuclear submarine officer Andy Felton's life took an unexpected turn when he faced serious health challenges including anxiety and infertility. Through these trials, he reconnected with his faith and developed a passion for nutrition, discovering a significant gap between theological wisdom and scientific research in Christian health resources. In this enlightening conversation, Andy shares insights from his book "Nourished by Design: A Christ-Centered Approach to Nutrition." He explores how the Bible's rich theology of food extends far beyond simple dietary rules, revealing how our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing are interconnected. From the Garden of Eden to Jesus's table fellowship, Andy demonstrates how nutrition is deeply woven into our relationship with God and others. He addresses common misconceptions in Christian health circles while providing practical wisdom for nourishing the whole person according to God's design. WEBLINKS Nourished by Design

Join host Rodney Olsen as he speaks with John Knowlton, who brings together the worlds of entrepreneurship, faith, and family in remarkable ways. After building a successful wealth management firm and retiring at just 51, John has dedicated his life to helping others transform their thinking patterns for breakthrough results. John's journey took an unexpected turn when he and his wife felt called to adopt two traumatized children, leading to a 15-year odyssey that tested every aspect of their faith and resilience. Through violent outbursts, massive financial challenges, and family stress that could have torn them apart, John discovered powerful principles about how our thoughts truly do shape our outcomes. His experiences as a jail chaplain provided real-world examples of how different thinking patterns can lead people from identical backgrounds to vastly different destinies. Now through his book "Thinking for Success" and the Abundant Thought Revolution movement, John is helping business leaders and individuals break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. WEBLINKS Abundant Thought Revolution

Clint Leavitt believes that every great story we love is actually pointing us toward something bigger. As pastor of Midtown Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, he's discovered how fiction can serve as shadows of the deepest reality, and how narratives can pierce through our purely rational defences to reach the heart. His approach to ministry focuses on creating space for sceptics, deconstructors, and question-askers, building trust through shared stories and artistic mediums rather than demanding immediate belief. In this conversation, Clint shares his journey from selling flip books on elementary school playgrounds to becoming a Tomatometer-approved film critic, pastor, and author. His latest book, "Cockroaches, God, Death, and Mangos," tells the remarkable refugee story of his friend from the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the bloodiest conflicts in world history since World War II. Through this friendship, Clint discovered how western colonization continues to impact current refugee crises, and how the church is called to expand its vision beyond national borders to embrace God's heart for the marginalised and displaced. WEBLINKS The Leavitt Lens Clint on X Midtown Presbyterian Church on Facebook Midtown Presbyterian Church on Instagram Midtown Presbyterian Church on Youtube

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen sits down with Tiffany L. Jones, author of "The Cursed Brain," a devotional helping young adults navigate mental health challenges through faith. Tiffany shares her deeply personal journey of battling depression and intrusive thoughts since childhood, growing up in a home where mental health struggles were normalized, and finding herself exhausted from trying to manage her pain alone. After years of believing she wasn't a "good enough Christian" because prayer and scripture study didn't cure her depression, Tiffany reached a breaking point and finally asked for help. Through professional therapy, medication, physical wellness, and authentic Christian community, she discovered healing and learned to fight the right enemy. Now she's dedicated to helping others know they're not too broken to heal, sharing hope through her writing, speaking, and youth ministry work. WEBLINKS Tiffany L. Jones Link Tree