Behind The Mirror

In this episode, I invite our first female guest onto the podcast and it couldn't be more fitting than screenwriter and film director, Sandra Martin. If you've been thinking of pursuing a creative venture, making a career change or going after a passion project, you will leave this conversation feeling inspired and encouraged to say yes to that thing you've been dreaming about. Sandra shares her unconventional journey of becoming a screenwriter and gives an honest look inside her battle of self-doubt. She offers insight into how to handle moments of feeling unqualified and gives practical advice on what to expect while experiencing the learning curve of something new. Our conversation is full of wisdom and inspiration while packaged in a vulnerability that you just can't help but love her for.  Show Notes: How to Train Your Puppy/Husband on Hallmark Now: https://www.hmnow.com/films/how_to_train_your_husband   Trust Fund Film: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Fund-Jessica-Rothe/dp/B0721VC3FM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&a

Did you know there are 3 groups we are constantly trying to win approval from? Yep. They are the same for all of us: family, friends and our tribe/society. We do everything in our power to gain their approval and keep our status inside each of those groups set. But, if you tend to be a  follower of a still, small voice inside, eventually you will encounter a tension brewing between following that inner voice and pleasing your groups. When faced with speaking your truth from that inner knowing or making a decision that poses potential rejection, anxiety and sleepless nights are ready companions. As one who has bucked the status quo most of my life, I SO GET IT. I offer 3 steps that I live by when faced with potential rejection that will bring relief, courage and much needed peace. And, should you find yourself braving the unknown as you speak your truth or follow a decision that is sure to reap rejection from your family, friends or tribe, I've got you covered. I offer 4 bonus tools that will empower you as y

In this episode I talk with author and former minister Tim Rymel. Tim was the outreach director of the ex-gay ministry Love in Action, between 1991-1996 that specialized in conversion therapy. He is also a contributor to The Huffington Post and The Good Men Project and a member of the American Psychological Association and the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual Issues. We talk about his story and get a behind the scenes look into conversion therapy as well as discuss his new book, Re-Thinking Everything. Show Notes: Tim’s Website: https://timrymel.com/ Behind the Mirror Facebook Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Trauma is that line the separates the before and the after; the once was and now is. Whether mental, emotional, physical or spiritual the effects of are often the same. In this episode, I share a personal traumatic event and the 3 steps I took to climb to the other side: finding safety, grief/remembrance and re-writing my inner dialogue. These tools changed my life and brought me back to who I was before - only better and stronger. There is hope for you and your journey and I can't wait to see who you are on the other side.  Show Notes: My book, Forgiveness is not an Option: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Not-Option-Journey-Freedom/dp/1620200155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438031104&sr=8-1&keywords=forgiveness+is+not+an+option Podcast Episode, Rising from Pain: https://behindthemirror.podbean.com/e/rising-from-pain-how-to-heal-from-heartache/ My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com FB podcast group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel  

In this episode I dig into American history with a look at the laws and religious customs of the Protestant colonists: how they behaved towards outsiders, how they viewed those who thought differently and how they treated those inside their faith who dared to step outside the lines. There are compelling similarities between the early colonists and the pattern of behavior inside American churches today.  If you’ve felt like an outsider, been mistreated by your faith community or wondered why American faith groups behave the way they do, you will find much hope and clarity in this conversation. The best way to protect our future is to understand our past.  Show Notes: My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel Facebook Podcast Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

In this episode, I tackle some common questions surrounding recent topics inside Christianity: what about taking the word of God literally? How do we know which perspectives on scripture are correct? Isn't the Bible clear on so many of these issues? How can so many "Christians" believe so differently? I admit to the bias lense I was taught to see with and share how I evolved into thinking differently.  I break down each of these questions from the view of scripture itself, the model of Jesus and our overall history as a faith group. There is an offering of peace and clarity inside this conversation as well as hope for unity.  Show notes: My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel Podcast FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup  

In this episode, I talk with pastor, author and blogger Carlos Rodriguez of happysonship.com. This has to be one of my favorite conversations this season. We candidly discuss the state of American Christianity and the current tension between Christians. He offers a unique perspective on how to make sense of the condemning God of the Old Testament versus the redemptive God of the New Testament and offers empathy and understanding for those who feel like they need a break from church. He shares insight as to what we can learn from this new up-and-coming-generation and why he believes deconstruction for Americans is not only needed but is a good thing. Show Notes: Carlos Rodriguez: www.happysonship.com Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com Podcast Facebook Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup  

I talk with blogger, writer and former evangelical ministry leader Micah J. Murray about his journey of leaving the Christian norm. Micah candidly shares his story of being raised inside a conservative Christian cult and the heresy he witnessed during his evangelical career. He shares his deep longing to know that God was good and equally the fear and loneliness he faced once he stepped outside the box. His story is honest, brave and covered in marks of Divine love. If you’re up for a candid, unfiltered conversation offering different ideas and perspectives (and don’t mind a bit of swearing) you’ll love this conversation. Show Notes: Micah Murray Blog: http://micahjmurray.com/ Podcast Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup My Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com  

First of all, let me just say that YOU have an amazing story: one filled with hope, courage, tenacity and depth. But, often we don't see our stories that way. Instead we feel regret, guilt and shame over things we wish we could change. But, what if we were able to own our entire story without a tinge of regret or guilt? A lot of us don’t even think that’s possible, but I’m here to tell you, IT IS. In this episode I offer an alternative view to our journeys where there is no before and after – just one singular story filled with beauty and grace the entire way through. I think you’re going to LOVE this shift in perspective and I believe once you adopt this mindset, you will find a tremendous amount of peace and empowerment.  FB Podcast group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup My Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Whether you experienced trauma as a child or adult, according to Jim Lee, we all carry the effects of trauma. In this episode I talk with Jim Lee who currently serves as a trainer for the Splankna Therapy Institute which focuses on Christian mind-body protocol for energy psychology. We explore the topics of emotional pain, trauma, faith deconstruction, anger with God and relationship issues. He discusses how traumatic events can unknowingly affect our everyday life. Jim offers insight into ways we can identify our trauma triggers and understand our body’s natural responses to situations. He gives tools on how to transition out of unhealthy communities and cultivate new healthy, safe relationships. Show Notes: FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Jim Lee info:  jlee@leeinnerfitness.com www.splankna.com

Ever wake up from a dream and know that it meant something, but can’t figure out what that something was? Dreams have been a valuable source of connection with the Divine since Biblical times and are still a powerful way to gain clarity, hope and insight into relationships, jobs and many other issues we are facing in our daily life. Over the years, I’ve become fascinated by learning how to interpret dreams (and have gotten pretty good at it). I take years of research and practice and break it down into 3 simple steps that you can use to literally interpret any dream. You’ll hear examples from my own experiences as well as a live call from a friend as I walk her through interpreting her recent (troubling) dream. Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com Podcast FB group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup   Resources noted in the episode: Biblical meaning of numbers: http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/introduction.html Article from Berkeley: https://greatergood.berkeley.

This episode is a bit different - in this episode I share a recording from my car, when was battling fear, anxiety and total heartbreak. I let you in on this raw moment and truly take an exposing look at divorce, faith issues and my personal heartache. If you've ever had moments when you felt like no one in the world understood your pain, this episode is for you. This episode is for everyone who feels alone in their hurt or in their story. You are beloved. You are seen. And, my friends, you are not alone. Show notes: Podcast Facebook group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Podcast voicemail: 913-890-3528  

We all have relationships that are exhausting - you know, the ones that leave you drained and feeling frustrated afterwards? Yeah, THOSE. Some are life long friends that we don't know how to navigate, others are family that we love deeply but continually feel let down by and others are just difficult people that we are stuck constantly dealing with. In this episode I talk about how to set healthy expectations and boundaries where needed. I also share (from experience) what to do with one-sided friendships and how you know when it's time to move on. I also tackle those really hard (even nasty and mean) people that you feel defeated by. This is a valuable episode and I look forward to sharing some tips and tricks that have brought me freedom and peace in some of my hardest relationships. Show notes: Podcast facebook group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Podcast voicemail: 913-890-3528  

In this episode, I sit down with my brother as we openly discuss the “me too” movement and the effect it has had on the church. We discuss the allegations of pastor Andy Savage as well as the recent allegations against an IHOP pastor. Should these men continue to minister? Should the women be expected to just forgive and forget? We weigh in on why women usually stay quiet and the potential harm of churches handling these issues internally. Jonathan candily addresses all the guys who fear potential scrutiny and equally offers hope to women who feel like there just aren't any good guys left. I can’t wait to introduce you to my one of my favorite humans and let you sit in on this unfiltered conversation. Show notes: My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com Facebook Podcast Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Podcast voicemail: 913-890-3528 NY Times artice:  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/09/opinion/jules-woodson-andy-savage-assault.html  KC Star article: http://www.kansascity.com/living/reli

I asked the tribe what they wanted me to talk about and this topic was the resounding answer. In this episode, I talk candidly about my journey with scripture; from the innocent blind faith to a world of questions and struggles, I cover my journey of wrestling with the Bible. I talk about issues such as contradictions, infallibility and the meaning of the “word” of God. I’ve found that questions should not be feared or avoided – but embraced and pressed into.  Facebook Podcast Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Podcast voicemail: 913-890-3528 www.justajesusfollower.com  

One of my best kept secrets was my struggle with anxiety. In this episode I invite you into the parts of my journey that included anxiety, stress and daily panic attacks. From dealing with motherhood, marriage, career spaces and (embarrassingly) even sending Facebook messages, I expose the crippling affect anxiety has had on my life. I've learned a few things about what triggers my anxiety, the importance of naming it and how my past experiences have shaped my struggle in this area. I open up about where I am at today and the path I am taking to find peace and healing from a life of anxiety. SHOW NOTES Podcast voicemail: 913-890-3528 New private facebook group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup Blog about giving yourself permission to not be okay: https://justajesusfollower.com/2018/03/13/permission-to-not-be-okay/ Blog about some of my favorite things to help anxiety: https://justajesusfollower.com/2018/01/22/a-look-at-anxiety-and-stress-inside-faith-communities/  

Have big dreams that you just can’t shake? Or a calling rattling inside you? If you have a dream you are passionate to pursue but don’t know where to start, this is the episode for you. Anna talks about how awaken the dreams inside, how to kill the need to apologize for what you are good at and how to reshape your confidence inside your space. She also discusses how your personal view of God will impact how you see yourself and your ability to succeed. With practical advice, Anna offers tools to embrace your purpose and unapologetically become your biggest fan.

If you are craving deep, real friendships this episode is for you. So often we spend tons of time and energy on a friendship only to be later disappointed when it didn't pan out the way we thought it would. Frustrated you are left asking, who can you be real with? Or who can be trusted with the intimate details of your life?  THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.  Anna exposes 4 secrets of how to immediately spot a lifelong friend - and equally how to sniff out the bad ones: How do they handle your honesty? How do they treat their other friends? Do they have integrity? Do they love you without trying to change you? The truths behind these 4 questions will empower you to confidently know who to invest your time, engery and heart into. Anna also offers personal insight from her own journey on how to deal with shame based friendships and how to safeguard your spiritual health inside relationships.

You are invited inside one of my hardest moments. I turn the microphone on and let you sit with me as I walk through heartache - in real time. Ugly tears and all, we talk honestly about how to handle heartbreak and grief, what to do with pain when it hits, that lovely topic of forgiveness and how to process anger when you've been wronged. Whether with a friend, family member or significant other we all face emotional pain. Learning how to process it well and rise strong on the other side is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself. 

Self-described former navy seal Christian, Jonathan Bowles (slingshot show) developed many of the top mega-church youth internship programs in the country. Preaching on Sundays to up to 5,000 people regularly, he quickly became a force in the mega church world.  He shares how he went from fasting 40 days at a time and reading the entire Bible multiple times per year, to a complete deconstruction of faith.  He openly discusses when his theology began to shift and the tension he felt while simultaneously having to tow the party-line. Hitting hard topics like the effects of being “blacklisted” from your community after leaving a church, how different beliefs can alienate you, and the struggles you encounter once you step outside “the box” – Jonathan is brave and honest while equally offering hope (and humor) to those venturing outside the church lines. In our conversation, he defines deconstruction and the difference between spirituality and religion.