Does life always have to be “bigger and better” for it to have value?

No, there is a certain miracle found only in the mundane. In this powerful episode of MercyCast, host Raleigh Sadler sits down with Naghmeh Panahi to explore the deep intersections of compassion, vulnerability, and celebrity culture within the Christian community. Together, they unpack how our identity can become distorted by status and recognition, and why embracing grace in ordinary life is vital for spiritual health.

Through stories of suffering, healing, and the transformative nature of God’s love, Raleigh and Naghmeh reflect on the call to serve the least of these, the strength found in authentic community, and the importance of being grateful even in seasons of brokenness. The conversation is a raw, grace-filled reminder that contentment and deep spiritual growth often come from choosing humility over platform, presence and performance.

Can you be real about your false self?

She made international headlines as she advocated for the release of her husband from prison. However, she was in a prison of her own. In this conversation, Naghmeh Panahi shares her journey of self-discovery and recognizing and shedding the false self. She discusses the pressure to hold her marriage together and the fear of divorce. Naghmeh, author of I Didn't Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, persecution, and Hidden Abuse, emphasizes the importance of caring for the vulnerable and the need to challenge cultural and religious norms that perpetuate abuse. She also highlights the transformative power of embracing change and renewal. At the heart of this conversation lies the importance of stripping away the false self and embracing suffering to find true freedom and redefine success.