Best MELISSA VERA Podcasts (2025)

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Satisfied or Searching? Understanding the Desire for More with Author Diane Parrish 48:19

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2d ago48:19

48:19

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa sits down with author Dianne Parrish, creator of Something Better, to explore one of the most relatable parts of being human: the persistent longing for “more.” Why do we admire what others have while overlooking the value in our own lives? And what would happen if we slowed down long enough to …

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Access Joy // Nicole Zasowski 29:44

3d ago29:44

29:44

"Joy is accessible to all of us now, if we've put our trust in Jesus. This is something we can access and practice." — Nicole Zasowski Today's Episode: In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Zasowski sits down with Natalie Abbott to chat about the beautiful yet challenging journey of finding joy in the midst of life's trials. They discuss the biblical p…

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When “Better” Becomes a Moving Target 14:20

4h ago14:20

14:20

In this week’s intro episode, we’re leaning into a topic that touches every single one of us: the quiet — and sometimes loud — longing for something better. Whether it’s a better job, a bigger house, more time, more peace, or even a “better” version of ourselves, our culture has conditioned us to believe happiness is always just one step ahead of w…

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What’s Hiding in the Awful Cupboard: The Art of Letting Go 17:18

2h ago17:18

17:18

In this episode, Melissa opens up a conversation about The Awful Cupboard—the place where we store the things we don’t need anymore, but aren’t quite ready to release. Sometimes it’s a literal closet or drawer. Sometimes it’s an old belief, a past identity, or a dream we tucked away because life shifted. Together, we explore how to gently look insi…

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The Power of Mentorship: A Journey of Giving Back with Dennis "DJ" Quinn 45:09

9d ago45:09

45:09

In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera sits down with Dennis, a dedicated mentor from Big Brothers Big Sisters, to explore the transformative power of mentorship, compassion, and showing up for others. Through honest conversation and moving stories—especially his relationship with his mentee Mike, who faced mental…

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The Power of Volunteering 10:59

3d ago10:59

10:59

Keywords volunteering, community service, Big Brother Big Sister, personal growth, mentorship, kindness, support, family, education, social impact Summary In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera discusses the importance of volunteering and shares her personal experiences with it. She emphasizes how volunteering can change lives, …

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Habakkuk 3:18 Deep Dive // Tremble and Rejoice 26:04

5d ago26:04

26:04

"There are things going on that are difficult...and yet I will rejoice in the Lord." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join host Natalie Abbott as she delves into the profound beauty of finding joy even in our struggles. In this episode, Natalie walks us through Habakkuk's journey from honest criticism of the injustices he sees to complete trust in…

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The Party Wouldn’t Be Complete Without You 24:50

6d ago24:50

24:50

n this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa reflects on the powerful truth found in the quote: “The grace of God means something like—here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn’t be complete without you.” She opens up about how that same grace shows up every week through the stories shared…

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The Power of Resilience: A Journey of Hope with Terry Healey 40:23

8d ago40:23

40:23

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa speaks with Terry, a cancer survivor, author, and speaker, about his journey of resilience. Terry shares his life-changing experience with a rare form of cancer at a young age and how he rebuilt his life through gratitude, support, and a positive mindset. They discuss the importance of surr…

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BONUS: The Unseen Realm of Angels // Melissa Spoelstra 36:52

9d ago36:52

36:52

"The more we learn about angels, the more we learn about God, and the more we can root our faith in him." — Melissa Spoelstra Today's Episode: Today Natalie is chatting with Melissa Spoelstra about the unseen spiritual realm, specifically angels. They talk about our tendency to either underemphasize or overemphasize angels—pointing out that a good …

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Choosing Gratitude Over Lack 10:50

20d ago10:50

10:50

In this heart-to-heart episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera reminds us that sometimes, the biggest shift we can make isn’t in our circumstances—it’s in our perspective. Instead of focusing on what’s missing or what went wrong, Melissa invites listeners to slow down and recognize the blessings already in front of them. Through honest r…

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When You Feel Like You Don't Belong 15:53

23d ago15:53

15:53

Have you ever talked yourself out of showing up because that little voice whispered, “You don’t belong here”? In this vulnerable episode, Melissa opens up about missing a conference — not because of time or travel, but because old feelings of unworthiness crept back in. From the quiet of the Blog Cabin, she reflects on how belonging isn’t about bei…

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The Power of Mentorship with Dr. Deborah Heiser 46:37

25d ago46:37

46:37

Keywords mentorship, mentor project, generativity, coaching, vulnerability, lateral mentoring, peer mentoring, reverse mentoring, personal growth, personal development Summary In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Dr. Deborah Heiser discusses the concept of mentorship, its importance, and the various forms it can take. She emphasizes the in…

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Faith Made Real through Suffering // Christine Hoover 38:10

16d ago38:10

38:10

"Suffering is where our faith is made real... And anything you see of enduring faith in me, that's God. That's his strength in my weakness." — Christine Hoover Today's Episode: Listen in as Natalie talks with Bible teacher Christine Hoover about how God brought her through the most difficult year of her life. She shares how she learned to rely on G…

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Let’s Talk Mentorship: Growing Together, One Conversation at a Time 4:48

27d ago4:48

4:48

In this inspiring episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera explores how mentorship can shape lives, build confidence, and create lasting connections. From personal stories to heartfelt reflections, Melissa shares how showing up for others—and allowing others to show up for you—can change everything. ☕ Grab your coffee and join the co…

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Declutter Your Space, Refresh Your Spirit 11:22

30d ago11:22

11:22

In this heartwarming episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera shares how a week of decluttering turned into a week of reconnection. When her husband Raul took time off to help clean out their old barn, what started as a simple project became a reminder of how clearing physical clutter can refresh both your home and your heart. Meliss…

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Groomed: One Author’s Mission to Shed Light on Male Survivors 45:47

1M ago45:47

45:47

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa engages with Jodi, the author of 'Groomed', to discuss the often-overlooked topic of grooming, particularly in males. They explore the emotional manipulation involved in grooming, the personal story that inspired the book, and the importance of community and male perspectives in addressing …

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Believe God Is at Work // Natalie & Vera 24:20

28d ago24:20

24:20

"If I'm living by faith...I am believing that the God of the universe is at work. He is doing something. And I am not going to set that aside for something that is visible, something that is tangible." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Dwell Differently cofounders and sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz as they discuss what it means to liv…

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Groomed: Understanding the Hidden Tactics of Manipulation and Finding Hope Beyond Abuse 17:12

1M ago17:12

17:12

In this powerful episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa introduces the upcoming episode of chatting with Jody the author of Groomed to unpack one of the most misunderstood and manipulative forms of abuse—grooming. Together, they break down what grooming really looks like, how it starts, and the subtle ways abusers gain control through t…

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Civilians in Combat: A Unique Perspective with Keith Richard 51:21

1M ago51:21

51:21

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, the host engages with Keith, a civilian who served in Iraq during the war, discussing his experiences and insights from his book, 'Sand, Grit, and Dangerous Supply Missions.' Keith shares the challenges faced by civilians in military operations, the emotional toll of war, and the importance of recognizi…

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Precarious, Messy, Genuine Faith // Scarlet Hiltibidal 36:02

1M ago36:02

36:02

"Our faith is not about how well we do our faith." — Scarlet Hiltibidal Today's Episode: Join Natalie Abbott and Scarlet Hiltibidal as they discuss what it looks like to actually live by faith and instead of trusting in more tangible things. It's messy, and it often feels precarious, but it's so good. Scarlet talks about how she's seen God show up …

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When Ordinary People Face Extraordinary Circumstances 11:53

1M ago11:53

11:53

In this preview episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera introduces her powerful conversation with Keith Richard, a civilian employee who managed logistics in war-torn Iraq. Keith shares his experiences, lessons in courage and leadership, and what it truly means to serve behind the scenes. Tune in for a story that redefines resilienc…

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Own Your Mess: Why Respect (and Accountability) Still Matter 9:19

1M ago9:19

9:19

When an Amazon driver drove through my ditch, broke the pipe under the highway, and tore up my yard — then drove away without a word — it got me thinking about respect, responsibility, and why accountability matters more than ever. In this fiery episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, I share the story, call out the need for big companies (and all of…

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Cat Overpopulation Crisis: Spay, Neuter & Save Lives 47:33

2M ago47:33

47:33

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa sits down with Chiquita from the Traps to Laps program to tackle the urgent issue of cat overpopulation. Together, they share heartfelt stories about rescue work, fostering, and the challenges of kitten season. The conversation dives deep into: Why spaying and neutering is vital for reducin…

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2 Corinthians 5:7 Deep Dive // Our Unseen Faith 24:43

1M ago24:43

24:43

"Faith allows us to thrive despite life's hardships." — Natalie Abbott Today's episode: Join Natalie Abbott as she unpacks the powerful message of 2 Corinthians 5:7: "For we live by faith, not by sight." With thoughtful insight, she guides us verse by verse through the surrounding passage, highlighting how the Apostle Paul consistently contrasts th…

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Love Them Furever: Why Adoption Matters 10:05

2M ago10:05

10:05

This Wednesday on Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa sits down with Chiquita Taylor, founder of Traps to Laps, for a powerful conversation about responsible pet parenting and why adopting — not shopping — saves lives. In this preview, Melissa shares why this conversation matters and teases the heartfelt stories Chiquita will tell about rescuing dog…

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The Two Words That Cut the Deepest: Why ‘Bad Mom’ Hurts So Much 24:05

2M ago24:05

24:05

In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera gets real about the two words that have the power to break her: “Bad Mom.” Melissa opens up about the guilt, self-doubt, and emotional weight moms carry, and how a single comment can trigger feelings of failure. She shares her personal journey of motherhood, the sacrifices, a…

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Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood | Karen Johnson on Mom Guilt, Identity & Self-Discovery 49:28

2M ago49:28

49:28

In this powerful episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa sits down with Karen Johnson, author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? and Other Thoughts from a 40-something Mom, to explore the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood. Karen opens up about her journey as a stay-at-home mom, her battles with mom guilt, and the identity cri…

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Trusting God through Uncertainty // Raechel Myers, She Reads Truth 39:00

2M ago39:00

39:00

"Can I say with as much confidence as I'd be able to say at the end of [my hardship], when I get to see the positive outcome...that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who've been called according to his purpose. What man intends for evil, God intends for good. And so today, I will walk with him?'" — Raechel Myers Today's E…

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Mom Guilt: Turning the “Shoulds” Into Grace 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

Ever find yourself replaying the “I should have…” reel in your head on repeat? In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa dives deep into the messy, universal feeling of mom guilt—where it comes from, why it sticks, and how to gently shift from shame to grace. Melissa shares three grounding truths about mom guilt, plus her five…

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Thirty Years in a Blink: Reflections on Watching My Oldest Turn 30 14:13

2M ago14:13

14:13

In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa reflects on a milestone moment — her oldest child turning 30. She shares tender memories of firsts and lasts, the bittersweet journey of letting go, and how quickly the years seem to fly by once you’re on the other side of them. This episode is for every parent who’s ever been told, “I…

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Turning Conflict Into Connection: Mindset Shifts & Strategies with Dana Caspersen 50:37

2M ago50:37

50:37

In this powerful episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa sits down with conflict engagement specialist Dana to unpack the topic most of us try to avoid—conflict. Together, they explore how conflict can be transformed into an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. You’ll learn practical strategies for parents, mindset shifts to …

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Every Terrible Thing, Undone // Natalie & Vera 25:03

2M ago25:03

25:03

"Sometimes it's in the hardest, most terrible things that God brings out the most amazing redemptive stories." — Natalie Abbott Today's Episode: Join sisters and Dwell cofounders Vera and Natalie as they share how they've learned to trust God through difficult seasons. They reflect on times when they've seen God bring good out of even the worst par…

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It’s Not About You: Reframing Conflict and Finding Peace 14:18

2M ago14:18

14:18

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera shares a personal story of a road rage encounter that left her shaken and frustrated — until she realized the moment wasn’t about her at all. Melissa explores how reframing conflict can transform anger into empathy, offering practical insight for navigating everyday tensions with more grace…

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Every Life Matters: Why We Can’t Cherry-Pick Our Outrage 23:40

2M ago23:40

23:40

esterday’s shootings broke Melissa’s heart – but what upset her even more was realizing how selective we’ve become about which tragedies get our outrage. In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa speaks candidly about the Colorado school shooting that barely made the news, the Minnesota state senator and her enti…

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Turning Pain Into Purpose: Christina H. Wilson’s Memoir Believe 46:52

2M ago46:52

46:52

In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera sits down with Christina H. Wilson, author of the memoir Believe. What began as personal stories for her children grew into a powerful memoir about resilience, love, blended family life, and navigating grief with faith and gratitude. Christina shares her journey of turning pa…

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Preparing Our Hearts to Believe: Resilience, Gratitude, and Family 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

In this solo episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera reflects on the themes of resilience, gratitude, and the power of family during life’s hardest seasons. Melissa shares personal insights on navigating grief, embracing blended family dynamics, and finding hope through faith and gratitude. This heartfelt conversation prepares liste…

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Read the News through the Lens of Eternity // Nate Wells, The Pour Over 44:04

2M ago44:04

44:04

"We want Christians to have a healthy relationship with the news... But most Christians don't—it makes them really angry or really sad or really anxious." — Nate Wells Today's Episode: All month long we're talking about God's good plan for his people for all time. And today, we're heading into the newsroom with The Pour Over's Nate Wells. He walks …

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From Soil to Soul: Andy Becker’s Insights on Spiritual Gardening 52:39

2M ago52:39

52:39

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera sits down with Andy Becker, author of The Spiritual Gardener, to explore the beautiful intersection of spiritual gardening, Jewish tradition, and everyday life lessons we can cultivate from the soil. 🌱 Together, they dive into how gardening can be both therapeutic and spiritual, offeri…

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Nurturing Our Spiritual Gardens: Finding Joy, Healing, and Growth in Difficult Times 19:36

2M ago19:36

19:36

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera explores the importance of tending to our spiritual gardens, especially in the wake of heavy events like gun violence. She reflects on how intentional self-care, mental health awareness, and nurturing joy and compassion can help us stay grounded and resilient. Using the metaphor of gar…

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Gun Violence in America: Mental Health & Change 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

In this powerful episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera tackles one of America’s most urgent societal issues: gun violence. Drawing from personal stories and national headlines, Melissa explores the intersection of mental health, mass shootings, and responsible gun ownership. She challenges the narrative that blames immigration for viol…

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Romans 8:28 Deep Dive // God Is at Work for Good 23:46

2M ago23:46

23:46

"This isn't just a general statement about God working out good and redeeming all things (which he is doing)...Our verse is very specific. In your trials, in your hardship, in your pain, you can know that in all things—even those things—that God is working them for good because you love him and you've been called according to his purpose." — Natali…

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Shining Your Light in Dark Places | Faith, Kindness & Hannah More’s Legacy 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera explores what it truly means to shine your light where it’s needed most. Inspired by the book Five Mere Christians, Melissa reflects on the power of showing kindness and love in dark places rather than where light already exists. She shares the inspiring story of Hannah More, a woman o…

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You Can (and Maybe Should) Slow Down // Tara Sun 34:12

3M ago34:12

34:12

"We need a more sustainable way of living, right? This means that we can keep up with God, even when we're tempted to numb out and be overwhelmed by all the things in life." — Tara Sun Today's Episode: Join Natalie Abbott and Tara Sun as they dive into the challenges of managing burnout and finding a sustainable way of living out our calling in Chr…

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Breathing for Mental Health: Daily Practices to Overcome Anxiety & Phobias with Christopher Paul Jones 46:23

3M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera sits down with expert Christopher Paul Jones to talk about how breathing can help manage anxiety, phobias, and everyday stress. They explore the science of breathwork, heart math, and emotional regulation, and share simple daily practices that make a big difference for mental health. Whethe…

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Breathwork Transformation | My First Session at Happy Camp with Katie Wee + Outlander Moment 12:57

3M ago12:57

12:57

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera shares her very first experience with breathwork during a full session at Happy Camp with Katie Wee. What started as an hour of simply focusing on her breath turned into something much more powerful—an immersive journey that felt like stepping into an Outlander scene, where Claire runs…

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Faith, Resilience, and Lego: Lessons from Ole Kirk Christiansen 23:48

3M ago23:48

23:48

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera reflects on the inspiring life of Ole Kirk Christiansen, the founder of LEGO. From devastating factory fires to heartbreaking personal losses, Ole Kirk’s journey is a testament to faith, resilience, and perseverance. Melissa shares how Christiansen’s unwavering belief in leaving things…

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Protests, Legal Rights & Immigration: What You Need to Know with David Secular 57:19

3M ago57:19

57:19

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, host Melissa Vera sits down with David, a criminal defense attorney and author, to explore the intersection of protests, legal rights, immigration, and law enforcement. From knowing your civil liberties during protests to understanding the do’s and don’ts when confronted by law enforcement, this convers…

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Transform Your Mundane // Natalie & Vera 21:54

3M ago21:54

21:54

"Every good work, every good deed, every good thought, every good word, everything I have, it all comes from God and goes back to God for His glory and kingdom so that others might know who He is and decide, 'I'm going to follow this Jesus too.'" — Vera Schmitz Today's Episode: Natalie and Vera dive into the profound impact of living every moment f…

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Standing Up: Lessons from Fannie Lou Hamer for Today 29:17

3M ago29:17

29:17

In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin, Melissa Vera explores the life and legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer—a courageous leader in the civil rights movement whose voice still inspires change today. Through her unwavering faith, resilience, and fearless advocacy, Hamer became a symbol of hope, social justice, and community empowerment. Melissa share…