

What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington
iHeartPodcasts
Are you looking to carve out your own spiritual path and connect with a higher power? Maybe you’re on a quest for meaning, purpose, or a sense of belonging?
Perhaps you grew up in a religion that doesn’t quite align with who you are now, or maybe you’ve lost your connection to God and want to find your way back?
Or if you’re like a lot of people, you’re simply trying to make sense of a world that sometimes seems overwhelming and confusing…
Welcome to "What's God Got To Do With It?" – a podcast that’s anything but preachy, but will cut through the noise to meet you exactly where you are in your journey – without judgment or shame. It’s your spiritual safe space, where skepticism and doubt are welcome.
Join our host, Leanne Ellington, a once-skeptical bacon-loving, Hebrew-speaking Jew who, wrestling with her own beliefs, set out on a quest to discover her own faith and found God in the most unexpected places.
Leanne, a “self-image scientist” will be your companion and guide on this incredible adventure, sharing her own unconventional journey while inviting you to discover your own spiritual path and connect with a higher power in a forum where you can build confidence and feel supported.
And if you're wondering What's God Got To Do With It? The short answer is....EVERYTHING!
Perhaps you grew up in a religion that doesn’t quite align with who you are now, or maybe you’ve lost your connection to God and want to find your way back?
Or if you’re like a lot of people, you’re simply trying to make sense of a world that sometimes seems overwhelming and confusing…
Welcome to "What's God Got To Do With It?" – a podcast that’s anything but preachy, but will cut through the noise to meet you exactly where you are in your journey – without judgment or shame. It’s your spiritual safe space, where skepticism and doubt are welcome.
Join our host, Leanne Ellington, a once-skeptical bacon-loving, Hebrew-speaking Jew who, wrestling with her own beliefs, set out on a quest to discover her own faith and found God in the most unexpected places.
Leanne, a “self-image scientist” will be your companion and guide on this incredible adventure, sharing her own unconventional journey while inviting you to discover your own spiritual path and connect with a higher power in a forum where you can build confidence and feel supported.
And if you're wondering What's God Got To Do With It? The short answer is....EVERYTHING!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 21min
Why God Cares About Your Relationship With Food (Even When You Think He Doesn’t)
Have you ever wondered, Does God really care about my relationship with food? Isn’t He more concerned with bigger, more spiritual things? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In this episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, we’re tackling a topic that hits closer to home than most of us realize: our relationship with food—and why God cares about it. This isn’t a conversation about diets, calories, or “good” vs. “bad” foods. Instead, we’re digging deeper to explore how your relationship with food is tied to your beliefs, emotions, and self-image—and how those things affect your connection with God. In this episode we talk about: Why God cares about your struggles with food and body image.How guilt, shame, and control can weigh down not just your body but your spirit.Steps to invite God into this area of your life and find freedom through His grace. With Scripture, personal stories, and practical steps, this episode is your invitation to lay down the chains of guilt, shame, and perfectionism and walk into the peace and freedom God has for you. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 30, 2025 • 46min
The Faith-Brain Connection: Where Self Image Meets Neuroscience
Today is World Mental Health Day, and that’s why it's the perfect time to talk about the faith-brain connection, and how it has EVERYTHING to do with your own mental and emotional health. In this next episode of The God Pod, Leanne takes you on a journey to explore the profound interplay between faith, self-image, and neuroscience. Leanne breaks down (in simple science terms) how just influencing ONE specific part of the brain (the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), or the "social brain" as she calls it) can change the game for you -- simply by knowing about it -- as just this ONE part of the brain influences everything from self-perception and emotional pain to coping mechanisms and physical pain. Inviting God into the conversation right away, she shares how this region of the brain drives our need for acceptance and connection while also playing a big role in your coping mechanisms or habits which you feel are "out of control". And it's not just theory either, as she shares evidence-based scientific studies that show how faith has been proven to drastically impact everything from self-esteem and addiction recovery...to the alleviation of physical pain, and how THIS can hold the keys to your own mental and emotional health. Ultimately, she's simply inviting you to 'try on' this idea that faith can be a catalyst for healing, strength, and transformation in the realm of mental and emotional well-being. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 2025 • 51min
How God Helped Me Heal My Fears About Being Alone the Rest of My Life
Do you have beliefs that are holding you back that (no matter what you try), they continue to have a stronghold on you?In this week's episode of the God Pod, Leanne Ellington shares her personal journey of transforming beliefs through the unique intersection of where "faith meets science"...and where "science meets faith", as we start to unravel how faith and science intersect in transforming your deepest-held beliefs about yourself. She shares a unique process to transform your own beliefs, but also takes you on a deeply introspective voyage, and candidly discusses her transition from attempting to change her beliefs purely through scientific and emotional tools...to inviting God into the conversation. She shares her initial struggles with self-worth and the fear of "being alone the rest of her life", and details how she crafted new beliefs that resonated with her core self and how she "backed them up" with carefully-chosen scripture. Leanne's journey from skepticism to faith, from doubt to trust, ultimately culminated in a profound transformation, including the unexpected and beautiful development of a loving relationship, and this episode invites you to explore your own beliefs and see where "faith meets science" can help you reshape your own self-perceptions. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 16, 2025 • 45min
Breaking Free from Food Obsession in Your 20s: Carley’s Story
When Carley found herself constantly thinking about food—either obsessing over dieting or feeling like a failure for not being able to stick with anything—she knew something had to change. She was sick of the all-or-nothing mindset, the endless rules, and the guilt that always followed. But as the youngest woman to ever go through the Stressless Eating program, she also knew she didn’t want to carry this struggle into the rest of her life. In this episode, Carley opens up about what it felt like to be trapped in a cycle of food obsession, why she finally decided to get help, and how she rewired her brain to break free. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice out there or wondered if you’d ever find peace with food, Carley’s journey will show you that real, lasting change is possible—at any age. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 9, 2025 • 22min
Ask the God Pod: "HELP! My brother Is an Addict!"
Leanne is back with Scott and Ketric for another episode of our "Ask the God Pod" series. This week they tackle a question many newcomers to faith share: What does prayer look like? In this episode of "Ask the God Pod," Scott and Ketric are back to tackle a listener's heartfelt question about coping with the immense stress of supporting a loved one struggling with addiction. For over two decades, this listener has been on a turbulent journey alongside her brother, who battles alcoholism. Initially driven by the hope of saving him, the toll on her own well-being has become increasingly apparent. She's endured the emotional rollercoaster of multiple rehab attempts, homelessness, and hospitalizations, all while feeling the weight of responsibility grow heavier. As the stress seeped into every aspect of her life, from relationships to her own health, she wants to know how to detach from the drama and reclaim a sense of control and peace amidst the chaos. Join us as we explore the power of perspective, resilience, and faith in navigating the challenges of loving someone through addiction. Links to the Acting As If Series: Episode 1: (THINKING) When Downward Spiral Thoughts Rule Your Life Episode 2: (FEELING) When Your Thoughts Don't Match How You Feel Episode 3: (BELIEVING) When Your Self-Image Undermines What You Really Want Episode 4: (DOING) When What You Say Doesn't Align With What You Do HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington GUEST: Ketric Newell & Scott Stephens To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
Ask the God Pod: "What If My Faith-Life Is Different From How I Was Raised?"
Leanne is back with Scott and Ketric for another episode of our "Ask the God Pod" series. This week they tackle a question many newcomers to faith share: "What if my faith-life is different from how I was raised?" Raised in a Christian household, this question comes from a listener who grappled with uncertainty and doubt about her beliefs since leaving home. Struggling with feelings of guilt and obligation tied to her upbringing, she candidly expressed the internal conflict of adhering to a faith she's uncertain about. Join us as we delve into the complexities of faith, exploring themes of personal conviction, authenticity, and the freedom to question and define your own spiritual journey. Through compassionate dialogue and insights grounded in both faith and reason, we aim to offer guidance and understanding to anyone navigating similar uncertainties on their path to spiritual discovery. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington GUEST: Ketric Newell & Scott Stephens To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 21min
Ask the God Pod: "How Do I Build A Prayer Life?"
Leanne is back with Scott and Ketric for another episode of our "Ask the God Pod" series. This week they tackle a question many newcomers to faith share: What does prayer look like? If Hollywood movies haven't quite given you the full picture, this is for you. This episode dives into the essence of prayer, from heartfelt conversations to quiet moments of reflection. They explore different forms of prayer and how to connect with God in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you're curious or already taking your first steps on your faith journey, this episode offers a warm welcome and practical guidance on building a meaningful prayer life. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington GUEST: Ketric Newell & Scott Stephens To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19, 2025 • 23min
Ask the God Pod: "Can God Forgive All?"
On this episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, we’re diving into another Ask the God Pod! In this episode, we tackle a question that weighs heavily on many hearts: Forgiveness. Leanne welcomes back Ketric Newell & Scott Stephensdives as they dive deep into the question of whether God forgives all sins, even the ones we knowingly committed. Exploring different perspectives and drawing on scripture, the episode unpacks the power of true remorse and God's boundless love. Whether you're wrestling with past mistakes or simply seeking reassurance, this episode offers comfort and clarity on the path to forgiveness. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington GUEST: Ketric Newell & Scott Stephens To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 12, 2025 • 39min
Trapped in Diet Prison for F-O-R-T-Y YEARS: How This Therapist Found Freedom and True Worthiness at 54
“I Was Afraid of All Food—Whether It Was a Piece of Celery or a Cookie” Meet Susan. She’s an occupational therapist, a wife, and a mom. And for 40 years, she lived in a self-imposed “diet prison”. F-O-R-T-Y Y-E-A-R-S. Every diet promised freedom, but instead, it left her feeling more trapped—more consumed by guilt, shame, and the constant battle with food and her body. Susan started to believe that this was just her reality. “This is how it’s always going to be,” she told herself. But deep down, she wasn’t okay with it. Her obsession with food and her body was taking a toll—not just on herself but on the people she loved most. Missed moments, crushing guilt, and the feeling of “never enough” became her daily norm. “I felt like I was failing,” Susan confessed. “Not just as a woman, but as a wife, a mom, and even a therapist. How could I help others when I couldn’t even get this part of my life together?” And yet, Susan knew there had to be another way. Her turning point came when she decided to stop fighting food and her body. She made the bold choice to let go of dieting altogether and instead commit to healing her relationship with herself. Now, Susan joins me to share her remarkable story of transformation. How she overcame decades of food obsession and fear to finally find peace.Why it’s never too late to rewrite your story—no matter how long you’ve been stuck.The steps she took to release shame, heal her body, and reconnect with herself, her loved ones, and even her faith. Susan’s story is proof that healing is possible—even after 40 years. No matter where you are or how long you’ve struggled, freedom is waiting for you, too. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5, 2025 • 48min
God, the Brain, and the Body Battle (Part 6): The Faith-Science Blueprint for Food & Body Freedom
Welcome back for Part 6 of the official crossover series of the "What’s God Got To Do With It?" and Outweigh podcasts. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the game plan for success—how to carve out your own winning strategy, while also addressing a crucial piece of the puzzle: earning back your own trust. You see, even if you had the perfect plan and the most ideal steps laid out, what good would it do if you couldn’t trust yourself to follow through? That’s why we dive deep into earning back your own trust so you can live in alignment and integrity WHILE you go after your health goals. We often think the alternative to dieting is losing control, but the true alternative is freedom—freedom to nourish your body and soul, to wave the white flag, and declare peace. This episode is about shifting from the mindset of restriction and "repair" to one of healing and "care". We’ll explore how to truly partner with your body and align your mind and heart to create a sustainable, peaceful life. We’ll also tackle those sneaky “Never-Gonna” inner voices that sabotage your success before you even begin. Together, we’ll reframe your approach so that you can build self-trust, stop the self-sabotage, and finally play a game that’s designed for you to win. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.