Can God REALLY use the suffering of things like eating disorders and relationship break-ups? College student Bela Lemon shares her experiences with both—and how she's seeing God use her in the midst of life's hurts. Show Notes and Resources You can find us  here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and Impact Find Out How You Can Help!

Don't have it all figured out at the beginning of college? That's okay. Sometimes students go through the first few weeks or months of college and then say to themselves, "This is not even me." Listen to college student Bela Lemon share about the choices she made her freshman year that left her empty—and craving new kind of community. Show Notes and Resources You can find us  here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and Impact Find Out How You Can Help!

Ever wonder how to share your faith? Josh Baker opens up about how sharing your faith can be a challenge when dealing with people of different backgrounds. He shares about "The Oiio Story,"a powerful tool that makes sharing the Christian journey super easy! Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Don't know what to do with your life? Figuring out the next path can be draining. Reagan Fillinger gets it—and pitches ideas for figuring out your future. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Tired of waiting on a political party to fix this world? Us too. Keith and Patrick suggest it might be time for you to be politically homeless because, to be honest, we're more alike than different, no matter what we rally for on social media. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Ever wondered what it's like for Ukrainian refugees to leave everything behind in the face of war? Sasha, who left her family in Ukraine post-invasion, opens up about her faith journey, coping with challenges, and navigating how to live life with this change. Discover valuable insights on facing tough times and finding hope in heartbreak. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Do the holidays bring you stress? Discover the true meaning of Christmas, which offers a message of hope. Shelby explores the essence of Christianity and how a 2,000-year-old baby's birth holds relevance today. This holiday season, let's find a new perspective and leave behind the dread. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Do you have what it takes to share the gospel overseas? College senior Lainey struggled with significant mission trip anxiety in North Africa due to language barriers and the fear of the unknown. Find the answer on how to overcome fear through faith! Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Barbara Fortilus is a single black woman making her way through the weirdness of modern dating. She's got big ideas on the upsides and downsides of all of those--plus dealing with temptation, shame, and others' expectations. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Have you thought about the true meaning of Gods grace? Shelby explains the richness of grace, offering insights into practical ways to embrace God's freely given and undeserved kindness. Open your eyes to a genuine experience of living in the profound love of God, a love we haven't earned. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Through van life, her road through addiction, and her podcast, Feli Velez knows not all who wander are lost. She gets real about relapse, guilt, and living a life tethered to God—no matter how far you roam. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and ImpactFind Out How You Can Help!

Hitting one of those moments when life hurts something fierce? Author Elizabeth Woodson talks about finding the other side of pain in her own dark night. Show Notes and Resources You can find us  here on our social channels. Every Donation Makes and Impact Find Out How You Can Help!

Even though it can seem embarrassing or shameful, doubt is something totally natural in the Christian faith. In fact, doubt can lead to a stronger faith in God and the gospel…if you doubt well. In this episode, Shelby will walk you through some simple and practical ways you can doubt well—ways that lead to a richer, more robust faith in Jesus. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Tired of being at war with your body and your brain's ideas about it? Counselor, fitness instructor, and author Rachael Gilbert knows from her own experience how many of us bury our searing insecurities. But keeping up appearances is exhausting. We need restoration from the inside out. She'll help you overcome negative self-talk, muscle past comparison, and cultivate vital uplifting relationships. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Maybe you know what it's like for loss to upend your life, even as a child. Josiah Chandler does. But despite raw pain, he knows what it's like to move beyond emptiness and anger. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Shelby has been hearing stories about what God is doing on college campuses all over the United States, and so he wanted to share with you what’s happening specifically in southeast Virginia right now! It’s absolutely incredible the way Jesus is changing lives and this special bonus episode shares a few details about how He’s working. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Hosanna Wong: She's into the 49ers, Marvel comics, spoken word poetry. She chats about rediscovering her connection with God during a season of life she never wants to repeat. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

“Why does God care who I sleep with?” Really--is your sex life really any of God's business? Author and pastor Sam Allberry gets down to business about sexual ethics, his one-star Amazon reviews, and what happens when people mess up. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Same-sex attraction and Christian faith: How's that work out? Author and pastor Sam Allberry opens about discovering his sexual orientation, Christianity…and how to live with both realities. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

You've been there, with friends lobbing tough questions about Jesus and you wanting to crawl under your chair. Apologist and author Sean McDowell opens up about some of the big ones—and how to talk about the hope you have. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

You love video games. You love Jesus. And not in that order. What do video games get right? What should you side-eye? Author and admitted video game addict Reagan Rose gets real about gaming. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

As a Taiwanese immigrant, Ruth Chou Simons was always head-down, proving her worth. She chats about shame-honor culture, the hamster wheel of never being enough—and one mind-blowing "aha" that changes it all. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Real Life Loading… recaps a killer first year with its best-of highlight reel. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? Jared and Becky Wilson know what they'd tell themselves in their 20s—and they literally wrote the book about it. Grab smart thoughts and wise stories for a regret-free decade. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

A Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis stunned Crossfit competitor Ben Fallon. But through fierce diligence and relentless joy, MS has become his vehicle for tenacious faith and personal metamorphosis. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Podcaster and vocal artist Alisa Childers plowed through years of doubt—and managed to come out stronger on the other side. She talks about the intellectual curiosity and tenacity of her faith renaissance, and how to defend truth without being “that” guy. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

How do you share your story so it makes sense and makes a dent? And how do you talk about Jesus without being awkward? Shelby Abbott's got 6 ideas. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Singleness can be full of weirdness: with married friends, finding community, wishing you were with someone/glad you aren't, and the dumb things people say. Our Singles Roundtable examines what the Bible actually says about singleness—and how to live a single life you love. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Single and Christian: Does it get a bad rap? On Real Life Loading, Shelby Abbott hosts Gen Z guests Barbara, Logan, Joshua, Chloe, and Zion, who talk through concepts of singleness to the next level—which, they argue, can be a high-octane experience in God's hands. They also get honest about what it's really like to be single in the Church—including misconceptions, representation, leadership, and even what not to say to singles. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Cut off at the knees by church hurt? Bad imitations of God don't necessarily mean God's the bad actor. Dr. Alison Cook gets real about church hurt in all its avatars—and how each hits your own relationship with God. Learn how to sort out tacky misrepresentations of God from His bona fide character, take baby steps toward healing, and rebuild the trust that got flushed. Don't let church hurt get the last word. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Humility: It's kinda like groveling, right? Author Gavin Ortlund thinks humility is not only an unmissable mark of a Jesus-follower, but also the tripwire for the life you long for. And he's got tips to get there. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Lust: Women deal with it, too. Author Jessica Harris shares her brutal path through porn and sexual shame as a Christian woman—and defines a pathway out. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Join Shelby Abbott as he sits down with Tim Barnett, creator of Red Pen Logic, to delve into the intersection of faith and challenging questions. Discover the historical evidence for Christianity's claims, including the resurrection, and explore why Jesus is the only way to salvation. Engage in a thought-provoking conversation that encourages seeking truth in the face of doubt. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

You want to follow Jesus. But what's it look like to be all in—with your magnetic personality, your fabulous hair, your zipcode? Jesus teaches hard things about following Him. Is He worth it? Shelby Abbott divulges his own recent path to give it all up (even that one thing) for Jesus. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Race-based trauma cuts deep. On Real Life Loading..., Shelby Abbott hosts former NFL pro and now-pastor Dr. Derwin Gray—who's got straight talk for all sides about America's racial divide, and thoughts on how to heal. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Anxiety: It's become an epidemic of its own. But does it need to define you? A Gen-Z roundtable discusses fear, identity, and finding the courage you crave. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Dating as a Christian can be weird, no? Real Life Loading's first Gen Z roundtable discusses vulnerability, sexual pressure and dating like people who love Jesus. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

The lights are low, the band is hot, the hands are raised. Are we missing something in too-perfect worship music? Young Oceans' songwriter Eric Marshall weighs in on worship as prayer rather than perfection. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Freedom. Kindness. Progress. Equality. They're values you'd find in anyone on the street. But Glen Scrivener knows where they came from. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Jeff Sheldon, CEO of Ugmonk, talks about going out on a limb with the skill you love—and running a business as a Christ-follower. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Singleness: You might think it's about loneliness, rejection, and a rough Valentine's Day. But Australian author Dani Treweek thinks singleness gives us a taste of heaven itself. She weighs in on what singleness tells us about our destiny with God. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Is the good life what you think? Former NFL player, pastor, and author Derwin Gray has some big ideas what really makes you happy, even when life is tanking. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Real Life Loading… producer Josh Batson's felt the misery of living a life of addiction as a Christian. He talks about weed, dumb choices, and the God of grace who wanted more. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

What if time doesn't belong to us -- but to God? Is productivity really what makes a great life? Whether you're trying to find time, save it, manage it, or make the most of it, author and speaker Jen Pollock Michel's got ideas to detangle your priorities. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Deconstruction -- in yourself, or in a friend -- can shake you up. Author and speaker Dr. John Marriott talks about how deconstruction happens, how to deal with it, and even how to lean in. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Campus minister Brian Barnett has got quite the story about pain, mental health, and spiraling down into depression because of his life's circumstances. He'll talk about his struggles but also what it looks like to see things turn around by taking every thought captive to obey Christ. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels. Check out Bible verses that Brian recommends for mental and physical health.

From the silly to the serious, what does the Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, ChatGPT, have to say to Shelby when he asks it about love at first sight, the resurrection of Jesus, and country song lyrics for sneakers? You'll find out on this special bonus episode of Real Life Loading...

The struggle can be real when we want to read the Bible with any amount of consistency. Author Trillia Newbell shares some practical tips to help, and then talks about what we can expect when we regularly dive into God's Word. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

What if you were charitable, kind, and quick to listen in your faith conversations? Author and professor Tim Meulhoff makes the case for compassionate understanding of those we disagree with. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Josh Havens and Matt Fuqua of The Afters unpack how the gospel comforts and simultaneously challenges them as professional Christian musicians. Check out their cautionary tale on keeping Jesus center stage. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Why is there such confusion around biology, gender, and gender stereotypes today? Do our current conversations even help? Apologist and author Rebecca McLaughlin joins Shelby for Part 2 of their two-part conversation to help us sort through these relevant issues. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Many don't know this, but most common sense ethics that are embraced by our culture today come from a Christian worldview. Rebecca McLaughlin comes on Real Life Loading... to talk about racial diversity, loving our enemies, Christian ethics in the secular worldview, and of course, Harry Potter. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

What does Black History Month mean to you? Well, regardless of your race or ethnicity, you should probably know how to answer that question. Pastor Rechab Gray and producer Marques Holt join Shelby to talk about why it's important for Christians to care about Black History Month. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Can hard questions be like weight-lifting for your soul? Seminary president, author, and theologian Dr. Michael Kruger talks about struggling with faith and the battles that can make us stronger than we've ever been when it comes to faith. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Ben Bennett's life had spiraled into OCD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In this episode, he walks us through his struggles, but also talks about practical ways you can make your way out of darkness if you're struggling too. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

The struggle is real if you're wrestling with sexual addiction in our current hyper-sexualized culture. But what if sexual purity wasn't about "following the rules" as a Christian? Author, pastor, and Shelby's longtime friend Garrett Kell gets super honest about a struggle so many of us face today. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Professional stand-up comedian and America's Got Talent contestant Mike Goodwin knows laughing out loud not only entertains...it connects people and heals lives as well. He explains the value of humor, how it changed his story, and how it can change yours too. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

In one of the most provocative episodes of Real Life Loading... so far, Brant Hansen is going to challenge you when it comes to anger. Is there no excuse for righteous anger? How can you forgive someone who has deeply hurt you? How do we practically get rid of bitterness and anger in our lives? We get vulnerable and honest in this challenging episode with author and radio host, Brant Hansen. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Anger, apathy, and even a constant desire for consumption in our lives can sap our zeal to be with God. But what if our prayer lives didn't completely stink? Ruth Bethany gets real about how to pray when you don’t feel like praying. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

What if your New Year’s resolution this year was to let God love you? What if it was to let God be rich in mercy to you in a way that you've never let him before? How would that change the way you thought about this coming year? Or more importantly, how would that change the way you interacted with God this year? Let's allow ourselves to be lifted into growth instead of trying to crowbar ourselves into growth. As 2023 rolls in, you’re going to love this special, short bonus episode with my guest: pastor and author Dane Ortlund. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Prayer: It can be a duty, a means to an end—or the conduit to pull closer to God in connection you crave. Ruth Bethany offers ideas to drive prayer deeper. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Most people probably think they're a good friend. But what do solid friends look like, exactly? Why is apologizing to our friends such a key element to building good friendships? Swing enthusiast, Taco Bell fan, and Shelby's best friend Andy Allan weighs in. Show Notes You can find ushere on our social channels.

The Bible is THE foundation on which a follower of Jesus must live...so why is it so hard to stay in it consistently? Renowned Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin helps you to think critically about what we actually believe concerning Scriptures and why every Christian should be a person of the Word. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels.

Feeling lonely, low, or even depressed during this holiday season? Author and pastor Dane Ortlund helps you to gain the genuine hope and guidance that comes straight out of the book of Psalms, and then rejuvenates your soul this Christmas. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Why should you as a young person care about theology? Well, what you think about God literally impacts how you live your daily life, so theology is super important. And even though you may not recognize it, you (along with everyone else in the world) is a theologian. Campus minister Jocelyn Hepler helps you to see that because you're a theologian, you need a good theology. Show Notes You can find ushere on our social channels.

Feli Velez hated her sober mind. But on Real Life Loading..., she tells Shelby Abbott how quarantine, TikTok, and running out of her marijuana stash sent her scrounging for meaning...and in her search, she found Jesus. Show Notes You can find ushere on our social channels.

How do we love people like Jesus did AND make an intellectual case for Christianity? Well, Justin Brierley from the massive international podcast "Unbelievable?" believes everyone, from a committed Christian to a committed atheist, needs to be able to explain and defend their worldview, but do so in a respectful and caring way...especially if you're a follower of Jesus. Show Notes You can find ushere on our social channels.

Shelby talks about a super easy tradition you can steal to help develop a heart of thanksgiving both now and in the years to come.

There can be a lot of trouble meshing our relationship with Jesus and today's dating scene, especially when you factor in our phones, social media, sex, and how to communicate without being super awkward. And don't forget the complexities of singleness and friendship with the opposite sex! Well in today's episode, Shelby Abbott offers top-shelf pointers on how to filter your love life (existent or not) through the lens of loyalty to Jesus. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Think God’s kingdom and a better world isn't coming from a political party? Well, Keith Simon and Patrick Miller from Truth Over Tribe think political homelessness might be for you. Your political "enemies" are real people who have true concerns. In fact, they may share some of the same concerns you do. Keith and Patrick help us to see that no one is better or worse than you. We are all equally sinners and in need of the same hope—Jesus. It's time to pledge allegiance to the Lamb, not the donkey or the elephant. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Rachel Gilson knows what it's like to deal with same-sex attraction, confusion, trying to relate to straight friends, and generally have it out with God. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Could your “good” theology go bad? On Real Life Loading..., Shelby Abbott talks with Rechab Gray--who tells how his theology hamstrung him, and what realities Christians need to own about Christian culture. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

When bad things happen to good people like Paul Tripp facing kidney failure, fatigue, and more, we’re forced to face our doubts but try to understand how God can use our weakness. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Paul David Tripp knows what it’s like to lie awake at night over uncertainties about God. If you've ever questioned your beliefs or what you were taught growing up, you're in good company. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels.

Ever shared your faith? Hard to do it if you're not ready. Author Matt Smethurst primes you for the moment someone’s open toward your hope. Show Notes and ResourcesYou can find us here on our social channels. 

Does God have any business in your sex life? Author Sam Allberry talks ethics, same-sex attraction, and why sex is way more than we think. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels.

Shelby talks about serving at summer mission 2022 and some key takeaways from the experience! Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels.

Ever feel weird in your own skin? On Real Life Loading... Shelby Abbott talks with Author Sam Allberry chats openly about sex, identity, shame, and what God has to say about our bodies. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels.

Love Taylor Swift? Love Jesus? So does author Heather Holleman. She'll show you how to get as natural talking about Jesus as the new swiftie album. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels.

Find out 5 new things about Shelby in this short bonus episode. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels.

Somewhat anxious. Always authentic. Hosted by author and speaker Shelby Abbott, Real Life Loading… is a mashup of biblical truth, personal authenticity, cultural awareness, and straight-up humor. Show Notes and Resources You can find us here on our social channels.