The Brave Place with Christy Rodriguez (KLRC)

Singer/Songwriter Jordan St. Cyr shares his honest and brave story of wrestling with his faith during his family’s most trying times. Reflecting on that moment when he heard the Holy Spirit speak to his heart…“Imagine what we could do if you lived with both feet in.” Jordan gives us a glimpse into the real life stories that inspired his hit songs “Fires,” “Weary Traveler”, and “Rescue.”

Learning to love the One who gives and takes away, sisters and co-authors Heather Gilion and Holly Snell share their brave story of becoming widows in their twenties as the bodies of their beloved husbands were found floating in a river. They found themselves face to face with God in a season of suffering they had never known...asking the questions….can I trust you God? Where are you? Can you really heal my wounds? Their book, Dancing On My Ashes, details their powerful journey and is a call to stop living wounded and accept the presence of God's hand in our lives. You can learn more about Heather, Holly, and their book by visiting dancingonmyashes.com.

September shares her experience of being raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and living most of her life dedicated to the Mormon faith, even serving as a Mormon Priestess throughout her 30’s and 40’s. She shares her brave story of leaving everything she knew and the freedom she has found in worshiping Jesus and following Him.

We're re-sharing one of our most listened-to episodes! At the age of 17, Michela Fields found herself in a web of manipulation and emotional narcissistic abuse. Always on the run, hiding from family and friends, and far away from her home country, she was forced to trust the only person she knew, her narcissistic husband. This is Michela’s brave story of living in confusion, pain, and turmoil for nearly 16 years until freedom and the healing arms of Jesus Christ gave her a new hope and a new life.

September shares her experience of being raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and living most of her life dedicated to the Mormon faith, even serving as a Mormon Priestess throughout her 30’s and 40’s. She shares her brave story of leaving everything she knew and the freedom she has found in worshiping Jesus and following Him.

Singer/Songwriter Ben Fuller shares his journey of growing up in a home where the name, Jesus Christ, was used only as a curse word and how struggles with his father led to anger and depression. Eventually he found himself wandering in darker places such as contemplating suicide followed by a 14 year battle with drug and alcohol addiction. God used a family to bring him to church and his life began to change. He went from desiring to be a country music singer in Nashville to knowing that singing for the Lord would be his new song forever. You can learn more about Ben and his latest hit song "Who I am" by visiting www.benfullerofficial.com.

Singer/songwriter Micah Tyler spent his days wondering ‘what’s next,’ while driving a sausage delivery truck and questioning his own discernment to quit his youth pastor gig, sell half of what he owned to move his family into a single-wide trailer, and start traveling the region performing songs he’d written. Not an easy move with a wife, three kids, and no strong connection to the music industry at the time. “I just knew I had to be obedient and step out into music full time,” Micah recalls. “I told the Lord, ‘I don’t know how to be a professional musician, but you’ve taught me to be faithful.’ Micah shares his brave journey of sacrifice and faithfulness and how “Walking Free” (title of his book) in Christ is the foundation for fulfilling God’s unique purpose in our lives and experiencing to the fullest all that God has waiting for each one of us. You can learn more about Micah Tyler’s music and his book Walking Free by visiting micahtyler.com.

Singer/songwriter Austin French shares his brave story of emerging from an abusive childhood, a poverty stricken home, and church rejection. Struggling with anger towards his abusive father and the church, Austin reflects back on his journey..."I grew up in church, was surrounded by church culture, but I hated Christians for a long time. Our family was the family that pretended to be perfect on Sunday but was falling apart behind closed doors. As an eight-year-old boy, I was living two different lives, expected to be perfect on Sunday and then living in fear at home.” Discussing his book "Jesus Can" Austin takes listeners on a journey that showcases God's redemptive power taking a hardened heart and turning it into a heart of worship and praise. He has written multiple hit songs such as Jesus Can, Why God, Good Feeling, Freedom Hymn, Wake Up Sleeper and more. You can learn more about Austin and his music by visiting his website: austinfrenchmusic.com.

Solo artist, singer/songwriter, and author Mike Donehey (formerly lead singer of Tenth Avenue North) shares about his latest book Grace in the Gray, A More Loving Way to Disagree. Grace in the Gray reveals how to focus on the person standing before you more than the argument set against you. He is also the author of the best selling book, Finding God's Life for My Will, and hosts "Chasing the Beauty" Podcast. You can learn more about Mike's books, music, and latest album "Flourish", and his podcast by visiting mikedonehey.com.

Author of Moving Forward with Grief, Michelle Moore shares her journey navigating through the loss of her 16 year old son, Joshua. She takes listeners on a transparent & relatable journey jam packed with truth & practical tools for anyone walking through grief. You can find Michelle’s bible study, Moving Forward with Grief, along with her other bible study, A Race Well Lived, at faithfulhomebiblestudies.com and by visiting her blog: witheyesonthecross.com

Award winning singer songwriter Colton Dixon shares his heart on navigating life in marriage, being a dad, and living out his calling as a singer and songwriter. He shares his inspiration behind his latest hit song “Build a Boat” and how obedience is key in helping him grow in his faith. A two-time winner of Best Contemporary/Rock Album of the year, Colton has racked up two No. 1 radio singles. Many know him from finishing 7th on Season 11 of American Idol. But he has made a name for himself through his music with several hit songs from his albums “A Messenger” and “Anchor”. You can learn more about Colton by visiting his website at coltondixon.com.

NOTE: This episode contains sensitive material not meant for little ears. The mixed messages about sex in Christianity can be confusing and often harmful. Christy sits down with Brandi K. Harris, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist to discuss Brandi’s most recent book, The Truth About Holy Sex. Her insights, resources, and practical applications will help followers of Jesus increase intimacy and develop deeply satisfying sex. You can learn more by visiting Brandi’s website: www.ittakesabreath.com.

Singer/Songwriter Hope Darst, known for her popular songs “Peace Be Still,” “Promise Keeper,” and “Set Free,” opens up and takes us on an up close and personal journey through her own struggles, doubts, fears, questions, and God’s faithfulness through it all. You can learn more about Hope by visiting her website at hopedarst.com.

Dr. Lina Abujamra, author, speaker, Bible teacher and medical doctor, dives into her own personal journey of wrestling with God through her doubts, fears, and pain. In the near deconstruction of her faith, she was forced to navigate some of her darkest moments grappling with questions such as: Where is God in my pain? Is this how Christians are supposed to act? Why did my story end this way? Is this the normal Christian life? Why is it so hard for Christians to love? Her latest book, Fractured Faith is the telling of that journey. Listen in as Dr. Lina gets honest and real about encountering her own Fractured Faith. You can learn more about Dr. Lina Abujamra by visiting her website livingwithpower.org.

At the age of 17, Michela Fields found herself in a web of manipulation and emotional narcissistic abuse. Always on the run, hiding from family and friends, and far away from her home country, she was forced to trust the only person she knew, her narcissistic husband. This is Michela’s brave story of living in confusion, pain, and turmoil for nearly 16 years until freedom and the healing arms of Jesus Christ gave her a new hope and a new life.

Through childhood abuse, absent parents, rebellion, and a near fatal car accident, singer-songwriter Dalton Lee shares how God’s goodness has rescued him in unexpected and redeeming ways. He takes listeners on a compelling journey through his most desperate moments of true surrender and how God met him in the midst of his greatest battles. Dalton also shares the inspiration behind the lyrics of his latest song, “Louder Than The Lies” and the ways God is using it to bring healing in countless...

Michelle Webster is a part of our KLRC listening family and graciously sat down with Christy and shared about the tragic loss of her daughter Amber. Michelle recounts what happened the day Amber passed away and how God has helped her navigate through the pain and grief. Visit KLRC.com to learn more about Michelle’s story.

Dr. Preston Sprinkle discusses the topic of Transgender Identity answering questions that many are afraid to ask. Dr. Sprinkle is the President of the Center of Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, A New York Times Best Selling Author, biblical scholar and an International speaker. He is considered an expert in the fields of gender and transgender identities as well as topics surrounding the LGBTQ community and biblical theology of sexuality. In this episode, he discusses terms within the realm of gender identity such as binary, non-binary, gender queer, stereotypes, and gender identity vs. biological sex. He also dives into scientific research, sex reassignment surgeries, and medical interventions such as puberty blockers. He shares insightful information on why more and more teens today are questioning their gender and provides resources for parents searching to learn more. His latest book, Embodied, Transgender Identities, The Church, & What the Bible Has to Say is one of over a dozen books he has written.To learn more about Dr. Sprinkle and resources that are available, visit prestonsprinkle.com.

Tamara Picazo and Krystal Deruiter from Episode 3 (Season Two) and Episodes 10 & 11 (Season One) sit down together and answer questions from listeners about their journey of facing a shattered friendship and marriages due to infidelity. Christy facilitates questions sent in from listeners as Tamara and Krystal offer invaluable insight, wisdom, and hope for those who have been involved or affected by unfaithfulness.

Best friends, Tamara Picazo and Krystal Deruiter, face infidelity and betrayal as their friendship is shattered over an affair. Tamara and Krystal sit down together and discuss the pain of betrayal and their individual journeys towards forgiveness and reconciliation within their friendship. With hearts postured in humility and surrender, they opened the door to experience miraculous healing in their individual lives, friendship and marriages. Their raw, open, and honest testimonies give listeners invaluable insight, wisdom, and hope for those who have been involved or affected by unfaithfulness.