Unfolding Short Stories: "...weakness Is Not Something That We Want As Humans."

#Society #Meridith Foster #Religion #Christianity #Northwestern Media

42:18

“I used to be the largest dairy consumer on the planet. I used to eat so much dairy and meat. The more that I looked into the dairy industry, the more that I saw that it was the singular, most inhumane industry on the planet, that we've all been lied to, including myself, for years. I always believed that the picture on the milk carton, the cow standing next to her calf in the green field with the red barn in the back was true. It’s certainly the complete opposite.” – Richard (Kudo) Couto Richard (Kudo) Couto is the founder of Animal Recovery Mission (ARM), an organization solely dedicated to investigating extreme animal cruelty cases. ARM has led high-risk undercover operations that have resulted in the shutdown of illegal slaughterhouses, animal fighting rings, and horse meat trafficking networks. Recently, they released a damning investigation into two industrial dairy farms outside of Phoenix, Arizona supplying milk to Coca-Cola’s Fairlife brand. What they uncovered was systemic animal abuse, environmental violations, and a devastating betrayal of consumer trust. While Fairlife markets its products as being sourced "humanely," ARM’s footage tells a very different story—one of suffering, abuse, and corporate complicity. Despite the evidence, this story has been largely ignored by mainstream media—likely due to Coca-Cola’s massive influence and advertising dollars.…

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Unfolding Short Stories: "...weakness is not something that we want as humans." - Karis Meier

27 days ago 9:50

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Speaking on strength in weakness, Karis Meier lives with Lyme Disease.

“So I know my story isn't over and it's not the fairy tale ending that I would hope for. But, I can see how God is working, and I know his promises won't fail me and that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because that is what He promises.”

371 episodes

Unfolding Short Stories: "...weakness is not something that we want as humans." - Karis Meier

The Unfolding

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published 27 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Speaking on strength in weakness, Karis Meier lives with Lyme Disease.

371 episodes

#Society #Meridith Foster #Religion #Christianity #Northwestern Media

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1
Page 238: Russ Taff Part 2: Silencing the Voices of Shame 52:48

3 days ago52:48

52:48

Guilt says you did something wrong. Shame says you *are* the thing that’s wrong. Russ Taff grew up believing he’d never be good enough. Raised by an alcoholic Pentecostal preacher and a co-dependent mother, his childhood was marked by abuse, secrets, and the suffocating weight of shame. But even in the darkest moments, music was his refuge. Russ’s extraordinary talent propelled him to the heights of Contemporary Christian Music. By 23, he was performing with The Imperials, later becoming a celebrated solo artist and member of the Gaither Vocal Band. With GRAMMY wins and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, his success was undeniable. But behind the spotlight, Russ was fighting a silent battle. The echoes of shame never faded — and only alcohol seemed to silence them. What followed was a decades-long hidden struggle with addiction. This episode is the second of a two-part story sharing Russ Taff’s raw, redemptive journey through trauma and addiction, and the healing power of Love. Show notes: “I Still Believe” Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpHdjcCfrSg I Still Believe Book: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Believe-Wreckage-Recovery-Relentless/dp/1642931489 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff Website: https://russtaff.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/…

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Unfolding Short Stories: "Healing is for today. God's out there, He heals." Joseph Descans 8:23

6 days ago8:23

8:23

Joseph Descans loved surfing. It was everything to him until a violent wave left him with a shattered leg and a long road to recovery. After surgery and a painful hospital journey, Joseph says God healed his knee and restored him to the waves he loved. But physical healing was just part of his story. Joseph also battled addiction to marijuana and alcohol, and he says God healed him there too. Over the years, Joseph says God has healed him at least sixteen times, including his heart and ankle. In Joseph’s words, "God had healed me." This is a story about the God who still restores and heals today.…

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Page 237: Russ Taff Part 1: Breaking the Chains of Shame 47:33

10 days ago47:33

47:33

“Shame is a prison,” Russ Taff says—and he lived in that prison for more than 40 years. To the world, Russ was a Gospel music legend: six GRAMMYs, 18 Dove Awards, and three Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. But behind the stage lights and accolades, he was hiding from pain, trapped in addiction, and silenced by the relentless voices of shame and self-hatred. In this deeply honest conversation, recorded around the dining table in his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Russ shares the truth he kept secret for decades: while he sang songs about Jesus to millions, he was battling alcoholism in the dark. This is not just a story about addiction—it’s a story about hope. About the supernatural healing that comes through love, and the power of God to break even the heaviest chains. Russ opens up about his abusive childhood, the pain that shaped him, and the redemption that’s setting him free. Whether you know Russ Taff or are hearing his name for the first time, his story will leave you changed. Don’t miss this unforgettable two-part episode of The Unfolding. Show notes: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff Website: https://russtaff.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/…

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Unfolding Short Stories: “I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me.” Walter Hill 11:44

13 days ago11:44

11:44

"I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me." Walter Hill was filled with grief and resentment after losing his mother and watching his father disappear into addiction. He had no interest in faith and no patience for empty answers. But God used one faithful friend and one unexpected night to break through the bitterness. This is a story of how deep anger was transformed into lasting joy. Walter Hill's book: Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ’s Joy in a Fading World…

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Page 236: Bruce Van Natta: Saved by Angels, From Skeptic to Believer 58:33

17 days ago58:33

58:33

Content Warning – not appropriate for children. Bruce Van Natta’s childhood was filled with abuse and trauma, but he had one encounter with Jesus that marked him. He knew God was real. What he didn’t understand is why God didn’t rescue him. As he got older, he clearly heard God call him into ministry, but he was angry, skeptical, and cynical. As a diesel mechanic, Bruce regularly worked on big rigs. On a fateful day in 2006, he was lying under a logging truck that weighed 18,000 pounds. What happened on that day can only be described as other-worldly; an accident, a near-death experience, and an encounter with the supernatural. This is a graphic story that is not appropriate for younger listeners. Bruce Van Natta is the author of Saved by Angels and the founder of Sweet Bread Ministries. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetBreadMinistries…

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Unfolding Short Stories: “There's only one actress in the whole entire universe who gets to play this role—and somehow it's me." Katie Leigh on becoming Connie Kendall in Odyssey 13:39

20 days ago13:39

13:39

Katie Leigh never studied acting, never planned for ministry, and never dreamed she’d be the voice behind one of Christian radio’s most beloved characters. But one day she prayed, “God, I’d like to do something for you.” This is the behind-the-scenes story of Connie Kendall... and the faithfulness of the God who sees it all.…

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Page 235: Natalie Layne: Finding Real Relationship and Calling with Jesus 40:01

24 days ago40:01

40:01

For Natalie Layne , growing up in church didn’t automatically mean she knew Jesus personally. There came a moment—a quiet, desperate conversation with God—when she needed to know if He was real or walk away. That honest plea changed everything. In this episode of The Unfolding, Natalie shares the story of how that moment became the turning point in her faith journey—leading her to discover not just a real relationship with Jesus, but also her calling as a musician and worship leader. Now a soul-inspired pop artist signed with Centricity Music, Natalie writes songs that shine with hope, joy, and the light of Christ. Natalie’s debut full-length album, All Joy, is out now, and she’s currently on tour with Tenth Avenue North. You can find her music, tour dates, and more at natalielayne.com. More from Natalie, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalielaynemusic/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalielaynemusic?_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalielaynemusic/…

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Unfolding Short Stories: "...weakness is not something that we want as humans." - Karis Meier 9:50

27 days ago9:50

9:50

Speaking on strength in weakness, Karis Meier lives with Lyme Disease. “So I know my story isn't over and it's not the fairy tale ending that I would hope for. But, I can see how God is working, and I know his promises won't fail me and that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because that is what He promises.”…

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Page 234: Erin Beck: Choosing Love Over Bitterness 34:11

4 weeks ago34:11

34:11

At 37 weeks pregnant, Erin Beck was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her daughter, Ainsley. But in an unimaginable turn of events, Erin was confronted with the devastating loss of her baby girl. Overwhelmed by grief and bitterness, she found herself at a crossroads—would she serve God in her sorrow, or use her pain to make His love known? In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Erin shares how she navigated the darkest days of her life, learning to hold both grief and joy in the same hand. Through faith, support, and an unwavering hope in eternity, she found a way to honor Ainsley’s life while helping others through their own losses. If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, this episode offers a message of hope, healing, and the strength found in choosing love. Show Notes: Acts of Kindness for Ainsley Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Actsofkindnessforainsley Empty Arms pregnancy & infant loss support group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/168555263911 Compassionate Friends Support Groups throughout the U.S. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ Grieve, Create, Believe: Process Your Loss with Intention and Truth by Rachel George https://www.amazon.com/Grieve-Create-Believe-Process-Intention/dp/0578617196 Link to Google Doc with more resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tbw37eidOdNRNmLnOqojC26y5B_k-VbwCbCNAnTy34I/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.v7xe9u38zcbm…

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Unfolding Short Stories: "It will be a good death." Dr. Pamela Pyle Shares End-of-Life experiences 11:11

5 weeks ago11:11

11:11

Hear Dr. Pamela Pyle's full story on the latest episode of Wow God Stories. “It will be a good death.” These words were shared by a patient. This episode explores what Dr. Pamela Pyle calls the “ending journey.” As a hospital physician and the author of Anticipating Heaven , she’s witnessed a peace in dying that defies understanding. It began with a conversation by a patient’s bedside. It led to the writing of a book. But more than anything, it led her to see death not as a cold ending, but as a sacred passage.…

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Page 233: Megan Woods: The Truth About Identity in Christ 23:55

5 weeks ago23:55

23:55

Megan Woods grew up in church but drifted away from faith during her teens. In high school, she experienced bullying, heartache, and a constant struggle with self-worth. It seemed she was never good enough. But in the lowest moment of her life, God began to show her the truth about who He is and His love for Megan. Out of that experience, Megan wrote a song called The Truth. Released in 2024, the song made Megan Woods the biggest debut artist in Contemporary Christian Music that year. It reached #1 on the Christian charts in the U.S. as well as on iTunes in 38 countries. Megan Woods on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganwoodsmusic/?hl=en…

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Unfolding Short Stories: "Football was my god. It told me who I was, how good I was, and what I was going to do." 11:38

6 weeks ago11:38

11:38

"Football was my god. It told me who I was, how good I was, and what I was going to do." Derwin Gray was a leader on the Indianapolis Colts. A hard-hitting defensive star with NFL money, a promising career, and a wife to share it all with. By every measure, he was a success. But inside, Derwin was still a boy without a role model, shaped by his father’s absence and striving to prove he was worth something. He thought building a strong resume was the answer. Then, in the most unexpected way, God met him—in the locker room—through a teammate wrapped in nothing but a towel. What followed would change everything. Hear the full interview here on the Manly with Andy Podcast: https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/manly-with-andy/episode-113-how-to-actually-share-jesus-w-others-derwin-gray/…

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Page 130: Ben Fuller: Songwriter’s Search for Love Leads to Jesus 46:41

6 weeks ago46:41

46:41

In 2022, Ben Fuller was a singer and songwriter just beginning his career in Christian music. His song “Who I Am” has been played on stations around the country. He grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont as a well-liked kid who seemed to have it all together. But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval. On the inside he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole. He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, even “making it” in country music. With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it? Is THIS what life is all about?”…

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Unfolding Short Stories: “Can You Wait Just a Little While Longer?” - Jennifer Sakata 9:28

7 weeks ago9:28

9:28

"Jennifer, can you wait just a little while longer?" In a quiet valley in South Africa, Jennifer Sakata sought God's direction. She was waiting, as a single 33-year-old woman, to find love and become married. Jennifer’s surrender of her deepest longing to the Lord turned into one of the most intimate moments with God she’s ever experienced. Hear Jennifer and her husband talk about their marriage story on the "Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast"!…

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Page 180: Miss Kay Robertson: Duck Dynasty Mother Shares the Story of Fighting for her Marriage 43:38

7 weeks ago43:38