What do you do with pain you can’t fix? In this MercyCast episode, I talk with Rebecca Taguma of the American Bible Society about trauma, healing, and faith. Discover how Scripture meets suffering, why community matters, and how real hope begins in our deepest wounds.

Creation care meets discipleship in this episode of the MercyCast with Brendan McClenahan of Plant With Purpose. Discover how faith, community, and simple practices like composting can restore lives and neighborhoods. Explore embodied Christianity, environmental stewardship, and the path to deeper connection with God and others.

Are orphanages really helping vulnerable children? In this powerful episode, Raleigh Sadler and Elli Oswald (Faith to Action) unpack the shift to family-based care and expose the gap between belief and action. Discover why children thrive in families—and how the Church can lead lasting change in global child welfare.

From prison to purpose—Jermaine Wilson’s story will change how you see failure, faith, and second chances. After rejection, setbacks, and a criminal record, he discovered purpose through surrender and resilience. If you feel stuck, this powerful MercyCast episode on redemption, faith, and transformation is for you.

When the world goes quiet at night, most of us feel safe.

But for many women and children, that’s when the hardest questions begin:
Where will I sleep? Who will protect me? Will tomorrow be any different?

A powerful conversation with Telicia Maxwell of My Sister’s House at Atlanta Mission on homelessness, faith, and healing. Discover how vulnerability, trust, and genuine relationships transform lives. Learn why people don’t need fixing—they need to be seen. Listen now for insights on community, service, and lasting change.

In this episode, I sit down with Cally Logan to talk about trusting God in the quiet, uncertain moments. We explore surrender, identity, and how God works through small steps, detours, and even our mistakes to shape something deeper in us.

Why does the Bible say to “make it your ambition to live quietly”? In this MercyCast episode, Raleigh Sadler talks with Ryan Tinetti about ambition, anxiety in ministry, vocation, and trusting God in ordinary life. A conversation about faithfulness, quiet obedience, and why small things matter in God’s Kingdom.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Raleigh Sadler interviews Anne Basham, founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force on Human Trafficking, about the importance of influencing policy to address modern slavery. They discuss the dangers of well-meaning intentions in orphanages and the need for foster care as a better alternative.

"How do I walk through this in a way that it's used for something that has a greater purpose than maybe I would have chosen for myself?"

In this episode of the Mercycast, Raleigh Sadler talks with Valerie Althaus about living with chronic pain. Valerie shares her personal experience of living with chronic pain and how she has learned to manage it. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and engaging in hobbies that bring joy and distraction. Valerie also discusses the internal work of accepting and reframing pain, shifting from asking 'why' to asking 'how' to live with it. She encourages listeners to start where they are, acknowledge their pain, and find hope in the bigger picture of eternity.

What do we do when we can’t do what we want to do?

In this episode, Marilette Sanchez, a New Yorker as well as a field director with FamilyLife, shares her journey of navigating identity crises and finding purpose in her vocation in the midst of life's challenges.

Can you return the "gift" of singleness? Can you get store credit?

In this episode, Raleigh Sadler and Ryan Wekenman, drawing from their personal experiences, explore the challenges of singleness and the significance of finding community and embracing the present moment. They candidly discuss the well-meaning but often hurtful comments single people receive and the societal pressure to find a spouse. Ryan shares his journey of self-discovery and learning to invite God into his singleness. Raleigh reflects on the gift of singleness and the need to reframe our perspective on singleness as an opportunity for growth and connection with God and others. The conversation is a deep dive into viewing singleness in a different light and finding gratitude in every stage of life. It underscores the importance of embracing weaknesses, owning who you are, and not comparing yourself to others. They even share their unique experiences of being single pastors and the misconceptions surrounding singleness. The main takeaway is a call to celebrate where you are, whether married or single.

God doesn't give you more than you can handle, right?

In this conversation, Jennifer Greenberg, author of the new book Defiant Joy, joins MercyCast to discuss the problem of Christian cliches and platitudes. We delve into how these cliches can be lazy and theologically inaccurate, potentially causing harm instead of providing help. Jennifer's personal journey, escaping an abusive childhood home and grappling with the misunderstanding of Christians who used platitudes instead of offering genuine support, forms a significant part of our discussion. We also underscore the importance of speaking out against abuse and defending the vulnerable in the church. Jennifer's emphasis on standing firm in the face of opposition and self-doubt, and trusting in God's faithfulness, resonates deeply. 

The pain that we experience can illuminate where we have placed our identity.

Chuck and Ashley Elliott, authors of a new book, I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward, discuss the intersection of identity and loss, particularly in the context of recurrent miscarriage. They share their personal experiences and how they reacted incongruently to their identity. They emphasize the importance of facing loss and allowing oneself to be seen as they are in moments of pain. They also discuss the role of idols in our lives and the need to reset our identity in Christ. Gratitude is highlighted as a way to avoid idolatry and find healing during transition. In this conversation, Chuck and Ashley discuss the importance of inviting God into our negative spaces and facing our shame and fears. They emphasize the need to hold onto truth and scripture during transition and loss. They also highlight the value of building healthy habits and relationships in our everyday lives to prepare us for difficult times. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace vulnerability and seek God's presence in their struggles.

What does it mean to depend on God?

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Jessica Hurlbut, a pastor, podcast host, and author of Unlimited Motherhood. Jessica's story is one of unwavering strength and resilience as she shares her journey of raising two children with severe autism. Her experience has not only challenged her Faith and perfectionism but also inspired her to trust in God and let go of her need for control. Jessica's profound insights on the value of every human being, regardless of their abilities or achievements, are a testament to her unconditional love. The conversation delves into the theology of glory and the theology of the cross, shedding light on the struggle of perfectionism and the necessity to embrace suffering. It underscores the significance of leaning on God and relying on Him in difficult times. We explore the concept of Faith, urging listeners to focus on what they can do now rather than worrying about the future. The conversation also touches on the idea that God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, even amid limitations and challenging circumstances.

How important is our understanding of Theology?

Flame, a Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist and author, shares his journey of theological transformation and the freedom he found in understanding the gospel. He discusses the importance of theology and the dangers of living by works instead of Grace. Flame emphasizes the need to revisit Scripture and church history to understand God's love and atonement better. He encourages listeners to find comfort in the gospel and to seek out a church that understands the word of God and sacraments. Flame also highlights the release of his album, Freedom Lessons, which brings Luther's Small Catechism into a contemporary context, making it more accessible and relatable for modern listeners.  

Authenticity is a buzzword. But why should it be important to us?

In this episode, Justin Davis, USA Today Bestselling author of Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect, and I explore the profound significance of authenticity and transparency in our relationships. We investigate the idea of projecting a false version of ourselves and the negative impact it can have. Justin shares his journey of behavioral modification, recounting the moment when it all came crashing down. His story is a testament to the fact that we all have our struggles. We underline the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-denial in genuine transformation. We also discuss the power of confession and the liberation of being fully known and loved. Above all, we encourage you not just to accept but to embrace your imperfections and trust in the grace of God.

Wait. Is weakness a good thing?

Eric Shoemaker and I delve into weakness and vulnerability in this deeply personal conversation. We share our experiences and reflections, recounting moments when we felt weak and vulnerable and how we found strength in Christ. We explore the origins of weakness in the Garden of Eden and the consequences of sin, drawing parallels to our own lives. We also discuss the reality of death and the need for God's strength, sharing how we have personally experienced His strength in times of loss. This conversation is a testament to the importance of embracing weakness and finding strength in Christ, as we have seen it transform our lives. It underscores the biblical perspective on weakness and the transformative power of relying on God's strength. Eric Schumacher, in particular, shares how Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a moment of great strength, demonstrating his victory over sin, Satan, and death. He emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, believers can find strength and security, not in their abilities or the approval of others, but in their union with Christ.