Captivated

What if being fully known isn't something to fear, but a pathway to freedom, rest, and joy? In this encouraging conversation, Stasi welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith for a conversation around the themes of her newest book, Being Fully Known. They discuss spiritual rest, emotional authenticity, and the courage to live into who God says we are. It’s an invitation to release striving, embrace vulnerability, and discover the sacred beauty of a life rooted in belonging. Friends, this conversation is a gentle call to rest and receive God’s love in the quiet places we long to be seen.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 10:10 (NIV) – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) – But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.…..DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITHWebsite: ⁠https://⁠⁠www.drdaltonsmith.com/⁠Podcast, I Choose My Best Life: ⁠https://wahe.art/41TzHjV⁠Instagram: ⁠https://⁠⁠www.instagram.com/drdaltonsmith⁠Facebook: ⁠https://⁠⁠www.facebook.com/DrSaundraDaltonSmith⁠YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4iACA07⁠BIODr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician, an international speaker, and the CEO of Restorasis, a workplace well-being consulting agency. She is also the award-winning author of Set Free to Live Free and Sacred Rest and the host of I Choose My Best Life podcast. Dr. Saundra lives in Alabama with her husband and their two sons.Being Fully Known: The Joyful Satisfaction of Beholding, Becoming and Belonging  ⁠https://amzn.to/4kNJXTN⁠Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity   ⁠https://amzn.to/3QMLpZU⁠For all books by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith: ⁠https://⁠⁠www.drdaltonsmith.com/publications⁠…..RESOURCESThe Basilica of Saint John Lateran and the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) in Rome, Italy  ⁠https://wahe.art/3G61p6f⁠⁠⁠ …..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

Today we pause to celebrate 100 episodes—100 conversations centered on Jesus and his goodness, gentleness, and relentless pursuit of our hearts. Stasi and producer Stacey Burton reflect on the story behind the podcast and its sacred journey. What began as a divine invitation has become a space to encounter Jesus again and again. Through stories of surrender, prayer, and sharing of what we love most about Jesus, this episode is more than a celebration—it’s a continued invitation to deeper union with the One who is endlessly kind and always near.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 150:1–6 (NIV) – Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”1 John 4:19 (NIV) – We love because he first loved us.Galatians 6:4 (NIV) – Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.…..RESOURCESExplore the Pause App – Includes the One Minute Pause, 30 Days to Resilience, and the Experience Jesus 20-day program. Simple, beautiful, practices to help you slow down and deepen your union with God.   ⁠https://⁠⁠www.pauseapp.com/⁠…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

Today’s episode is a beautiful reminder that Jesus doesn’t demand, he invites. In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle Patterson of the Wild at Heart women’s team joins Stasi to explore the gentle, persistent ways Jesus invites us into healing, trust, and, ultimately, more union with him. Through their honest stories, Stasi and Michelle talk about learning to recognize his knock, responding without shame, and allowing him to come into the places where we need more of him. Come listen, and be reminded that his love is always pursuing you.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 3:16 (NIV) – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.Revelation 3:20 (NIV) – Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.Matthew 11:28–29 (NIV) – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Psalm 91:1 (NIV) – Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV) – Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.Philippians 1:6 (NIV) – …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Luke 4:18 (NIV) – The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.…..RESOURCESExplore the Pause App – Includes the One Minute Pause, 30 Days to Resilience, and the Experience Jesus 20-day program. Simple, beautiful, practices to help you slow down and deepen your union with God.   https://www.pauseapp.com/…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Have you ever struggled to believe that God sees you, knows you, and has a purpose for your life? Stasi is joined by Stacey Burton to reflect on the beauty of God’s faithfulness in our lives. Stacey shares her journey of walking with God through cancer, self-doubt, and stepping into an unexpected calling. Together, they discuss trusting His leading, overcoming the lies that keep us small, and embracing His invitations—regardless of the strength of our fears. If you’ve ever wrestled with your purpose, this episode will encourage you to step into your true identity—for you were made for such a time as this, and you are needed.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 27:4 (NIV) – One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.Esther 4:14 (NIV) – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) – Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) – Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.Isaiah 43:1 (NIV) – But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.…..RESOURCESThe Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge  ⁠https://amzn.to/41t7MHt⁠Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge ⁠https://wahe.art/3L9tLMc⁠Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge ⁠https://amzn.to/4hrXqh3⁠…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

On this episode of Captivated, Stasi invites the delightful Annie F. Downs into the studio for an honest conversation about walking with Jesus and how deeply we are held by Him—every season of our lives. They explore rhythms of rest, the gift of Sabbath, and the invitation to trust God’s timing even when it’s difficult to see the full picture. From winter’s waiting to summer’s work, they share about the beauty of every season and the joy of partnering with Christ. If you’re feeling stuck, longing for rest, or simply needing encouragement, join us as we lean into God’s goodness together.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Romans 14:8 (NIV) – If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.Psalm 100:3 (NIV) – Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Matthew 25:21 (NIV) – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) – Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Psalm 16:6 (NIV) – The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  John 10:3–4 (NIV) – The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.John 10:27 (NIV) – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.Revelation 19:11–16 (NIV) – (here, v.11) I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.Genesis 2:2–3 (NIV) – By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.Mark 2:27 (NIV) – Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.…..ANNIE F. DOWNS Website: www.anniefdowns.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefdownsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniefdownsYouTube: https://wahe.art/4ilzU6HThat Sounds Like Fun Podcast:  https://www.anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun/ANNIE F. DOWNS BIOAnnie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, TN. Known for her engaging and honest style, Annie makes readers and listeners feel like long-time friends. She is the co-founder of the That Sounds Fun Network, home to her flagship podcast with over 100 million downloads, That Sounds Fun and creator of Single Purpose League, a community for single women to discover friendship, hope, and a life of purpose. With over one million books sold, Annie’s catalog includes bestselling That Sounds Fun, 100 Days to Brave, and Remember God. She invites listeners and readers alike to experience fulfilled lives with a God who made them on purpose and loves them deeply. Learn more at www.anniefdowns.com.ANNIE’S BOOKS:Where Did TJ Go by Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green  https://wheredidtjgo.com/Find all of Annie’s books, here: https://www.anniefdowns.com/books/…..RESOURCESGarden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human by John Mark Comer  https://amzn.to/4j0SWiL24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life by Dr. Matthew Sleeth  https://amzn.to/41KEPacSabbath: The Ancient Practices by Dr. Dan B. Allender https://amzn.to/4hHXyt3…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Today, Stasi invites us to step into the healing of our past as we learn to see our stories through the eyes of Jesus—with kindness, not shame. Through reflections on forgiveness, restoration, and God’s unwavering love, we’ll discover that it’s not our history that defines us—it’s Jesus who does. He invites us to remember our stories with mercy and receive his healing in the places that still ache. Join us as we walk together into his presence, where true healing occurs.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 14:27 (NIV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.Ephesians 3:17 (NIV) – so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,Act 17:28 (NIV) – For in him we live and move and have our being.’As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’Philippians 3:12 (NIV) – Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:1 (NIV) – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,1 John 1:9 (NIV) – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Psalm 103:12 (NIV) – as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.…..RESOURCESBecoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You by Stasi Eldredge (Chapters 2 and 3 in particular)  https://amzn.to/4hzdQULExperiencing the Depth of Jesus Christ by Madame Jeanne Guyon  https://amzn.to/3ZnXQ2zThe Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/41t7MHtExperience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God by John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/4jEwBZ7Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredgehttps://wahe.art/3L9tLMc…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

In this inspiring conversation, Lisa Bevere, a New York Times bestselling author and speaker, shares her journey of faith and empowerment. She discusses the concept of 'godmothers'—how women can uplift and support one another. Lisa opens up about her personal experiences of hope and redemption through God's love. They explore the importance of daily worship and spiritual practices, the powerful connections between generations of women, and the leadership role of motherhood. This heartfelt dialogue encourages listeners to embrace courage and nurture their divine calling.

Today, Stasi is joined by Emily Wilson Hussem—author, speaker, YouTuber, wife, and mother—to discuss Emily’s new book, Sincerely, Stoneheart. Emily pulls back the curtain on the enemy’s relentless schemes to attack our hearts. Satan attempts to fill us with fear and discouragement to keep us from stepping into the fullness of who we truly are in Christ. We each hold a unique beauty that God placed within us, and when we root ourselves in God, we can step boldly into the life we are created for.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 23:1 (NIV) – The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.Psalm 103:12 (NIV) – as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.Matthew 6:34 (NIV) – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) – in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.John 10:10 (NIV) – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.John 8:32 (NIV) – Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.…..EMILY WILSON HUSSEMWebsite: https://emilywilsonministries.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/emilyywilsonnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emwilss/Book: Sincerely, Stoneheart: Unmask the Enemy’s Lies, Find the Truth That Sets You Free   https://amzn.to/4kl4nDhMarcam: A live action, educational and entertaining kids show for children ages 2 - 6  https://marcamshow.com/Emily Wilson Hussem Bio:Emily Wilson Hussem is a speaker, author, wife, and mother who shares her witness of faith at conferences and events across the globe. She shares on the topics of femininity, faith, dating, motherhood, and relationships, and her books, videos, and talks continue to inspire and encourage women of all ages. Emily lives in Southern California with her husband, Daniël, and their three glorious children, Zion, Jedidiah, and Pearl. …..RESOURCESThe Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis  https://amzn.to/3FumB5gCaptivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge  https://wahe.art/3L9tLMc…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

In today’s episode—Part 2 of Dreaming with God—Stasi reminds us of the three core desires we as women share: the longing to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role, and to unveil beauty. These desires reflect God’s own heart. Desires are clues to the dreams God has planted in our hearts, and though we share core desires, there are many that are particular to us as well. Though wounds may dim them, Jesus can restore them. Jesus is inviting you to dream with him again and step into your unique, irreplaceable role in his story. Join Stasi as she shares the truth that we are seen, pursued, and free to embrace the desires of our hearts through dreaming with God again.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) – Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.Isaiah 61:1  (NIV) – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.1 Corinthians 12:12-26 (NIV) – (here, v12–14) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.Psalm 27:4 (NIV) – One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.…..RESOURCESCaptivated E92 | Dreaming with God: Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be – Part 1  ⁠https://wahe.art/41FY4BF⁠The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge – ⁠https://wahe.art/46qgloe⁠Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge ⁠https://wahe.art/3L9tLMc⁠The Ablaze Study: Setting our Hearts on Fire For Jesus – sessions available at ⁠https://wildatheart.org/ablaze⁠…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

What is the world’s definition of beauty? How often have we squeezed, strived, and starved ourselves in order to meet its impossible standards, only to feel we’re never enough? Today’s podcast is Part 1 of a two-part series on Dreaming with God, where Stasi shares God's invitation to see ourselves through His eyes—to trade striving for rest, shame for grace, and the enemy’s lies for God’s Truth. God not only calls us beautiful (SoS 1:15), but He also invites us to walk in union with Him, partnering with Him in the joy of becoming who He has created us to be and offering what He has uniquely planted in our hearts.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Song of Songs 4:1 (NLT) – You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful beyond words. Your eyes are like doves …2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) – So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.John 15:5 (NLT) – Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV) – The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.Matthew 22:39 (NLT) – … ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’…..RESOURCESBecoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You by Stasi Eldredge  ⁠https://amzn.to/4gYrsZy⁠Quote: “Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” Happy Birthday to You! By Dr. Seuss  ⁠https://amzn.to/4ihqNn0⁠…..Don’t Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠