Ep. 129: Kelsey Bowie on finding freedom in vulnerability.
In this heartfelt episode of the Mercycast, I sit down with Kelsey Bowie to explore the profound impact of faith and community in navigating life's toughest challenges. Kelsey was one of the first interns for Let My People Go and has become a good friend. She shares personal stories and reflections, which lead us to discuss how embracing vulnerability and leaning on a supportive community can lead to healing and growth.
Ep. 127: Morgan Gleeson on leading and learning.
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler speaks with Morgan Gleeson, Assistant Executive Director of Pillars of Hope, an anti-trafficking nonprofit. They discuss Morgan's journey from intern to her current role, the importance of direct services in supporting trafficking survivors, and the emotional toll of working in this field. They also delve into the definition of human trafficking, the misconceptions surrounding it, and how individuals can educate themselves and take action to support those affected by trafficking.
Ep. 128: Joshua Porter on dying to yourself.
In this episode of the Mercy Cast, host Raleigh Sadler explores the profound themes of death, change, and spiritual transformation. Joined by Joshua Porter, former frontman of the punk rock band Showbread and author of 'How to Die: Chaos, Mortality, and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship,' they discuss how life is a series of deaths that lead to transformation and the inevitable changes one must face. They delve into the idea of accepting suffering and loss as pathways to experiencing the love of God and becoming who we are meant to be. This compelling conversation highlights the importance of time, patience, and the presence of God in transforming our lives.
Ep. 126: Alexander John Shaia on slowing down.
Join me on the Mercy Cast as I reconnect with Alexander John Shaia, founder of Quadratos and author of "Heart and Mind" and "Returning from Camino." In this episode, we explore the transformative power of pilgrimage, the art of slowing down, and the wisdom found in embracing life's seasons. Discover how the journey home can be as enlightening as the journey itself, and why the Camino is more than just a path—it's a way of life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding meaning in the present moment and the beauty of returning home changed.
Ep. 125: Joe Thorn on the Gospel and personal growth.
In this episode of the Mercy Cast, host Raleigh Sadler welcomes back his good friend Joe Thorn, pastor of Redeemer Fellowship and author of several books. Raleigh and Joe engage in a candid and humorous discussion about friendships, gospel living, and addressing life’s struggles. They delve into the importance of gospel-centered relationships, the significance of reflecting on scripture, and the detrimental effects of sin, including pornography. Throughout their banter, they emphasize the unchanging love and grace of Jesus Christ for everyone, encouraging listeners to face their realities with the truth of the gospel.
Ep. 124: Tyler Gresham on when you don’t know what to say.
Hey friends, it’s Raleigh Sadler. In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with my good friend Tyler Gresham, Administrative pastor to students at Fairhaven Baptist in Demopolis, Al, to talk about something we all encounter but often don’t know how to handle—suffering, especially in the face of unimaginable loss. Tyler opens up about the heartbreaking journey of losing his daughter, Tessa, to a terminal birth defect, and what it looked like to walk through that adversity with honesty, trust, and a deep longing for healing.
Together, we unpack how compassion—as well-intentioned as it is—can sometimes feel like salt in a wound when we’re not careful with our words. We talk about how simply listening—really listening—can communicate more love than any advice ever could.
Ep. 123: Will Parker Anderson on calling, creativity, and community.
In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with my good friend Will Parker Anderson to talk about something close to both of our hearts: creativity, calling, and the deep need we all have for community.
We explore how our passions can point us toward our purpose, but also how hard it can be to stay true to that purpose in a world full of pressure and noise. Will shares what he’s learned as a writer and editor—and more than that, as a person committed to loving others well through creativity.
Ep. 122: Jill Marier on foster care, loss, and loving others.
In this deeply moving episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Jill Merrier—a foster parent who has chosen to walk the hard road of loving and parenting medically fragile children. We talk about the unseen reality of foster care, especially for kids who age out of the system each year—many of whom carry invisible wounds. Jill brings to light the challenges and beauty of parenting in adversity, and how compassion isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice, a discipline, and a way to love well.
Ep. 121: Emmanuel Nabieu on a journey back home.
Hey friends, Raleigh Sadler here. In this deeply moving episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Emmanuel Nabu—known to many as Nabs—to talk about his incredible journey from growing up as an orphan in Sierra Leone to becoming an advocate for family-based care and child welfare in the same orphanage!
Ep. 120: Jenny Randle on knowing the Holy Spirit.
"God meets us in our vulnerability, and the Holy Spirit isn’t just a concept—He’s a person who wants to walk with us."
In this episode of MercyCast, I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend Jenny Randle, the author of the new book, The Promised Presence, to have a deeply personal conversation about something that’s been on both of our hearts: the Holy Spirit. We explored what it means to welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, not just as a theological concept, but as an active, indwelling presence that transforms us from the inside out.
Ep. 119: Jen Thompson on returning to Jesus.
In this episode of The Mercy Cast, I sit down with my friend Jen Thompson, author of Return to Jesus, for a heartfelt conversation that cuts right to the core of what it means to feel distant from God—and how His invitation to return never goes away. We talk honestly about those times when life feels overwhelming, when prayer feels empty, and when functional saviors (things we turn to instead of God) slowly edge Him out of our hearts.
But here's the truth we kept coming back to: God's love is unconditional. Period. It's not based on what we do or how we perform. He loves us because He made us. And He invites us—again and again—to come home.
Ep. 118: Nicholas McDonald on healing from disillusionment.
Have you ever felt disillusioned?
In this episode of MercyCast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick McDonald, the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment. Our conversation was a raw and honest exploration of vulnerability, adversity, disillusionment, and rebuilding faith.
Ep. 117: Vanessa Abraham on reclaiming your voice.
What does it mean to reclaim your voice?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Vanessa Abraham, the author of the new book, Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life. Vanessa, a speech pathologist, shares her harrowing journey of losing her voice due to a medical crisis and the subsequent struggle to reclaim it.
Ep. 116: Britney Higgs on healing through connection.
Surrender and connection often go together.
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages in a profound conversation with Brittany Higgs, founder of the Her Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking. They explore the journey into anti-trafficking advocacy, the personal experiences that shaped their commitment, and the importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals.
Ep. 115: Rebecca George on living fully in the midst of longing.
How do we move forward when we are waiting?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Rebecca George, author of You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World, delve into the theme of longing, exploring how unmet needs and desires shape our lives.
Ep. 114: Andrea and Haril Kazindra on empowerment over dependency.
How vital is empowerment?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler speaks with Andrea and Haril Kazindra, co-founders of Musana, about their journey of taking legal guardianship of 80 children in Uganda. They discuss the importance of origin stories, the challenges faced in rescuing vulnerable children, and the need for empowerment over dependency in charitable efforts.
Ep. 113: Richard Gamble on the power of prayer.
Have you ever experienced an answer to prayer?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Richard Gamble, founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer UK.
Ep. 112: Tom Bennardo on the art of authenticity in relationships.
How do we finally achieve boss-level authenticity and deep connection?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tom Bennardo explore the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in building meaningful relationships.
Ep. 111: Justin and Trisha Davis on the art of authenticity in relationships.
How do we break the relational patterns that have gotten us stuck?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Justin and Trisha Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change. They discuss the patterns we carry from our past into relationships, the importance of self-awareness in breaking cycles, and the journey of healing and forgiveness.
Ep. 110: Mike Bechtle on embracing our unique wiring.
What if you could enter any room or situation with complete confidence, knowing exactly what to say and how to act while still being fully true to yourself?
In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Dr. Mike Bechtle, author of the new book How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work, explore the themes of compassion, individual temperament, and how people engage with the world.