Beauty in the Broken

Hope and a Future

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Listen in as host Mia talks with a panel of Gen Z teens sharing what God is doing in their lives and how they’re sharing it with their friends. This conversation will encourage the next generation of Christians and be a call to action for the older generations as we look to the future of the world and God’s kingdom.

I’m gonna fight for you!

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Listen in as host, Mia, and producer, Michael, share some of their hard moments in marriage and the foundational tools, including Gary Chapman’s 5 love languages, they believe help build a strong, healthy marriage that can survive challenges and even thrive.

Love is…

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0400

As we enter February a month of love and focus on the health of the heart host Mia shares insights on love and how we can better love our creator and His creation.

Hard as hell

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Content note: strong language, mentions of sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, child molesting, and suicide.

On today’s episode host Mia speaks with Kiersten McGrath, author of “Let it Happen, He said.” Mia and Kiersten speak openly and candidly about Kiersten’s many encounters with sexual assault from childhood into her young adult years. Kiersten’s raw honesty creates space for other victims and offers a story of hope amidst brokenness that will be a guide to others seeking their own restoration.

RAINN’s national sexual assault hot line: call 800.656.HOPE or text HOPE to 64673 or live chat at National Sexual Assault Hotline - RAINN

(https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/)

Eating disorders support: Home - National Eating Disorders Association (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/)

Buy Kiersten’s book: Let It Happen, He Said - Filibuster Press (https://www.filibusterpress.com/let-it-happen-he-said.html) or https://www.amazon.com/Let-Happen-Said-Kiersten-McGrath-ebook/dp/B0FW91KC1R or https://www.fablesbooks.com/item/Q6WqcXzw1hKcrVKyo8OvGg

Suicide hotline: call or text 988

Holy, Flawless, and Restored

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Listen in to this conversation between host Mia Albert and Louise Gaghan, author of Stolen Identity. Louise shares the way that negative words shaped and stole her identity from a young age and how an encounter with Jesus allowed her to root and ground her identity in God seeing herself as He does; holy, flawless, and restored.

https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Identity-Womans-Story-Redemption/dp/B0DZ749XCF

Home - Stolen Identity (https://stolenidentitybook.net/)

God With Us

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

God doesn’t just love us, He is love and when He sent Himself to dwell among us in the flesh He sent love to dwell among us. In the final installment of this advent series we reflect on how life changing an encounter with love incarnate can be.

Good News for All People

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On the 4th installment of our advent series we reflect on how an encounter with Christ brings joy and how walking closely with Him completes our joy. You will be encouraged to take joy, not in your circumstances, but in the witness of Christ.

Prince of Peace

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On the second installment of our advent series we reflect on the unrest Jesus was born into and look forward to the peace that His coming promises; a peace that isn’t dependent on our circumstance, but rather on our encounter and proximity to Christ.

The Promised Messiah

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Listen to part 1 of our advent series, where we will explore the prophecies of the promised Messiah, looking to Him for our hope. Not a hope that is dependent on our circumstances, but rather a hope that rests in the faithfulness of God. A faithfulness we see throughout generations of human unfaithfulness and one we can experience for ourselves today!

What’s In Your Hand

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On this solo episode of the podcast host Mia shares an encouraging word from Judges 4 about allowing God to use the ordinary things in our hand to do extraordinary things.

Winter Blues; a conversation on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Content Note: mention of suicide and cutting

Join our host Mia as she talks with her longtime friend Tamarae about the realities of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how we can all live well and take care of ourselves during what can be one of the most draining and depressing times of the year. You will hear how the lack of sunshine affects our physical and emotional health and how you can combat depression to enter Spring thriving and not just surviving.

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal ideation these resources are available to you:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

A New Story

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Seven years ago our guest Deb received a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of 3-5 years. After a season of shock and grief she decided she was going to start a new story with the time she had left and that is exactly what she has done, calling these last 2 years living out of spite. This story will inspire anyone who is ready to begin living life on their own terms.

And if you are a dog lover, like Deb and our host Mia, you will want to check out Deb’s canine enrichment shop The Puzzled Pup at thepuzzledpup.com or her storefront at Bark, Bath, and Beyond Daycare and Training in Elkhart, Indiana.

Who I used to be; a pastor’s journey from hatred to grace.

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Pastor Rob grew up in tumult and trauma that built in him an alcoholic addiction by age 11 and a hard heart. An encounter with Jesus, though, took him from a place of hatred to grace. Pastor Rob has found himself called to extending unconditional love to people he once marginalized, building safe spaces on the same ground he used to stand on to attack those he once saw as less worthy. Listen in to hear this encouraging story that lives out Ezekiel 36:26 of a heart of stone being replaced by a heart of flesh.

Good Medicine

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

After seeing countless doctors Lisa Mitchell received a lupus diagnosis as a young mom, but a class on the power of the words she was speaking changed that diagnosis for her. Not only did Lisa receive miraculous healing from Lupus she now seeks to bring healing to others through laughter at the clean comedy club, Funny Pharm.

Funnypharmcomedy.com

Get Your Pink Back

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On this solo episode of the podcast host Mia shares a word of encouragement to those who are deep in the trenches of motherhood. Flamingos throw themselves so fully into motherhood that they lose their pink hue, as human mothers we do this, too and Mia shares steps to regaining your identity, to getting your pink back.

Chronic Faith

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode features a conversation between host Mia and her lifelong friend Becky, both of whom live with chronic illness. Becky shares insights into parenting children with chronic illnesses while living with her own chronic illness and how she has held onto her faith and hope in God’s plan for her through life altering seasons in her health.

When you’re lost…

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This solo episode with host Mia is a word of encouragement to those of you who feel lost, far from God, and are scared to come back because you’re worried about what He’s going to say or think of you. Mia highlights several parables in Luke 15 to share why she believes God is waiting with compassion for your return.

Imperfectly God’s Child

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Content warning: mention of stillbirth and suicide

Taysha Gipson has experienced deep pain and trauma in her life, but shares a story of moving from a life of scarcity to a life of abundance. If you have ever been angry at God you will want to hear how Taysha overcame her own anger at God.

Unfettered Access

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

By the age of 18, 93 % of boys and 64% of girls have been exposed to pornography, its use is becoming more and more prevalent yet we aren’t having enough good conversations around the topic to help protect kids and free adults stuck in addition to it. Listen in as podcast favorite Chris shares his story of finding himself in his own addiction to pornography and what it has looked like to walk out sobriety and freedom each day. We will also cover topics like childhood exposure and pornography use among churchgoers. While this is a difficult topic this conversation with Chris will shine a light into darkness and bring you hope.

Fight the new drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/lets-talk-about-porn/blueprint/partner-them/

Covenant eyes: Screen Accountability™ | Covenant Eyes

(https://www.covenanteyes.com/)

Dr. Julia Sadusky resources: Books — Julia Sadusky, Psy.D. (https://www.juliasadusky.com/books)

Finally Free by Dr. Heath Lambert: Finally Free - Faith Resources (https://store.faithlafayette.org/all-products/finally-free/)

More Than Test Scores & Growth Data: A conversation on public education.

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the podcast host Mia has a candid conversation with Carrie and Kayla, members of the Elkhart County Coalition for Public Education. What they share will be insightful for parents, voters, taxpayers, and politicians alike. They discuss the importance of teachers in a students life, what teachers really need from community members, parents, and politicians, and why teachers are leaving the classroom.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1B5b3ac8t4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Eccopubliced@gmail.com

Conceal or Cover: A conversation on men’s mental health.

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Content note: discussion of depression, anxiety, suicide, sexual assault, and pornography.

On this special episode of the podcast producer Michael joins our host Mia for a conversation highlighting men’s mental health in honor of Men’s Mental Health Awareness month. Michael gets real talking about depression, anxiety, suicide, sexual abuse, and pornography that causes so many men to live in shame and isolation.

https://www.allsecurefoundation.org/about-us

https://dankuiper.com/finding-fathers-love/

https://www.battlecryinternational.org

https://wildatheart.org/events/wild-at-heart-retreat/

https://www.vetcenter.va.gov

Suicide hotline: call or text 988

Even if…

Wed, 28 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode features host, Mia, sharing a testimony with the theology of suffering she has discovered through hard seasons in life, discovering how to live in God’s all sufficient grace and not lean on her own understanding.

Back to Christ

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Carter had a childhood that was steeped in church culture and there came a point where he couldn’t take it at face value anymore. He spent time researching, not just Christianity, but other religions, and it all pointed him back to Christ. Listen to this conversation with our host Mia as he shares his journey of faith and its intersection with science and art.

Ride or Die

Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Chris Decker knew from a young age that he was neurodivergent however as an adult he learned how deep that ran. Listen in to this conversation about Chris’ journey to understanding himself as a Highly Sensitive Person, the emotions that come with being an HSP, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect his energy.

A Healing Place

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In a time where millions of people are walking away from the church Clint and Rose of Lighthouse Vineyard share how they have created a space where people are coming back to church, back to God, and finding healing for their brokenness in the process.

https://www.lighthousevineyard.church

From trafficked to treasured

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:05:00 -0400

Lilli was born to two parents deep in addiction, for her, though, this was just normal life. She was ultimately removed from her home due to drug activity and sexual abuse. At 12 years old she ran away from the group home she was in which began years of being trafficked and also trafficking drugs. That’s not how her story ends, though, she met Jesus in a jail cell and her life has never been the same. Listen in to our host Mia’s little sister as she shares her story of being trafficked as a team and ultimately becoming a treasured member of a family.

National Human Trafficking Hotline call 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline call 800-422-4453 or text BEGIN to 800

Spa Women’s Ministry Home

Is this the best there is for me?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the podcast John shares the journey of growing up in the church to living with an opioid addiction and how the process of recovery taught him what we all should know, we are all recovering from the fall and all need Jesus to live recovered from our sins.

https://www.battlecryinternational.org/

Not dumb and lazy

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode features Angie, a repeat guest from Season 1, she and host Mia discuss their shared experience of being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and the freedom that came with understanding themselves through the lens of neurodivergence.

Disconnected

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

As Heart Health Awareness Month comes to a close, host Mia discusses the common, but under-discussed mental health piece of heart disease. Listen in as she shares the mental health battle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD that she fought after her heart attack and open heart surgery.

Recover out loud

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0400

***Content note: mention of drug use, sexual assault, overdose, and domestic violence***

Anisa had a typical millennial childhood in the Bible Belt, but as a teen she experienced a sexual assault and ultimately in adulthood lived through a life threatening meth addiction. Listen to the story of how she found and fought for recovery to finally live free and fully as herself.

Celebraterecovery.com

When you pass through the waters

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Listen in as host, Mia, and producer, Michael, share what it was like to be displaced from their home following a flood and the important impact that community has had on them during time of crisis in their lives.

A message of reconciliation

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join us for a new season of the podcast! Our host, Mia, shares a message on how we, the reconciled, can live out a ministry and message of reconciliation bringing hope and healing to a hurting and broken world.

Rhythms of rest

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Join us for the final episode of season 1 of the podcast where host Mia shares an encouraging word on incorporating rhythms of rest into our lives.

Rewriting her own narrative

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Content notes: mention of porn, sex, and masturbation

Like many millennial women our guest grew up with the purity culture narrative that ultimately led to a shotgun wedding when her parents found out she was having sex with her boyfriend. She shares the effects that her now ex-husband’s pornography addiction had on her and how she has found healing in rewriting her own narrative through romance novels.

To Hell and Back - Kindle edition by Linville, LH. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Back-LH-Linville-ebook/dp/B0D7BJS672/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2SCW82B0XA9Z4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jlCMLNUq-AZ4Kz8epqmdNw.tiFfDuYnSKLF1yzzY66xY8HvwLbIW38aoJ6odlH5fO0&dib_tag=se&keywords=to+hell+and+back+LH+linville&qid=1729721747&sprefix=to+hell+and+back+lh+linville%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1

His eye is on the Sparrow

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. Listen in as host, Mia, and producer, Michael share the story of their own miscarriage in hopes to bring you comfort and break the stigma around talking about prenatal loss.

I am not a factory defect

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 09:45:00 -0400

Content warning: mention of child abuse, abortion, and suicide

Dede’s story is like many Gen X and Millennial women who have found out as adults that they are on the autism spectrum. Listen in as she shares with host, Mia, life before her diagnosis and the freedom she is finding after her autism diagnosis.

Asperger's & Autism Community | Wrong Planet

(https://wrongplanet.net/)

God’s Forgotten Masterpieces: gay Christians in the church.

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

When a piano is so far out of tune that it can’t be tuned it needs to be revoiced. This is the belief behind the ministry Revoice, they believe the church has gotten too far out of tune when it comes to the LGBTQIA community and are seeking to Revoice the church. Listen in as podcast host Mia recaps this year’s Revoice conference with her brother, Chris and their friend, Nick.

https://revoicelibrary.sardius.live/ (https://revoicelibrary.sardius.live/)

Revoice 25 (https://www.revoice.org/conference25)

God’s love will triumph over death

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400

As a young adult, podcast guest Danny, found himself in a relationship where he lost sight of who he was. This loss of so many important elements of himself ultimately led to a suicide attempt. Listen in as he shares the important factor that friends played in walking him back to God and renewing his love for worship.

Suicide prevention:

988lifeline.org

Call or text: 988

You can’t fix grief

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 07:30:00 -0400

Author and speaker Tom Rose shares the story of losing his wife and how he not only adjusted to life without her, but how he has also helped countless others in the aftermath of the death of a loved one.

https://www.thomaslrose.com

Mom, me, and ADHD

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Join us on a very special episode where podcast host Mia talks to her teenage son about ADHD. They talk about being diagnosed in the same doctor visit, the struggles of neurodivergence, and ultimately finding success through treating ADHD

Just hold On

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Content warning: child abuse, domestic violence, death of a child.

Even from before birth Joe Tran had a supernatural protection on his life. Even from a young age he knew something more was out there and eventually he learned that “something more” was God. Listen to this episode as Joe shares the hope he had even in moments of abuse that ultimately led him to God and a life of discipling others in the faith.

Child abuse hotline: Child Help call or text 800.422.4453

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

Suicide and crisis helpline: 988

Nourishing a hungry soul

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Listen in to this conversation between podcast host Mia and her longtime friend Angie Frye. They discuss their experience with eating disorders and also the journey to healing and recovery. If you have struggled with your relationship with food or with your body this episode will no doubt encourage you.

Giving up Good for Great

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Emma Irick thought she had her future plans set until an accident changed her whole trajectory. Emma shares how her faith took deep root in the hardest season of her life and allowed her to take steps into a future that is bigger than she imagined.

There and back again: an Orthodox Christian’s journey back to God!

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

What happens when a Christian leader finds themselves questioning the very faith they have built a life on? This was the exact spot Devin Braun found himself in. This episodes share his journey from questioning God’s existence to finding deep faith through orthodoxy. If you yourself have ever gone through deconstruction or find yourself there now, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist

https://www.amazon.com/How-Changes-Your-Brain-Neuroscientist/dp/0345503422

http://www.andrewnewberg.com/

I need Jesus and my Therapist

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

When David Murrell faced a season of overwhelming grief he came to the realization that the faith he had up to that point was not going to carry him through that season of loss. Listen in as David shares his journey through a crisis of faith that led him to greater mental health, deeper faith, and a higher understanding of who Christ is.

From Burn out to Abundance

Sat, 25 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Melanie Birky, 7th degree black belt and 5 time world Tae Kwon Do champion shares how she shifted from placing her worth in her own accomplishments to placing it in her identity in Christ. Her insight will no doubt help you go from hustle to hope as she encourages listeners to find their value in being rather than doing.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/faithfreedomandfulfillment

Take Care of Each Other

Sat, 11 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In honor of Mother’s Day this podcast features our host, Mia’s, mom. She shares ideas and insights into how to care for people who are in a broken season and why it is so important that we make others feel seen and loved.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,

and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17

Strong and Sober

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

A simple invitation to work out with a friend became the very thing that would draw Kristine Mathews out of a traumatic relationship, alcoholism, and out of her shell. Listen in as the strongman athlete known as Panda shares how the sport helped her find sobriety, a career, and most importantly herself.

https://pandapwr.my.canva.site/allthingspanda

https://www.instagram.com/j/AbaU602LCi0TMn9p/

https://www.facebook.com/pandie21

https://www.beltfedstrength.com/our-athletes

https://athleticbrewing.com/collections/beer?r=myx4k&utm_campaign=bc&utm_source=ambassador&utm_content=myx4k

Save 20% ^ using code KristineM20

A Grief Deferred

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Arnell McCoy aka “The Real Patience” lost his mom in 1999, but it took 17 years to push through the road block of resentment before he could finally start his grief journey. Not only did he find healing, he is helping others care for themselves well through the grieving process. This episode will be like sitting down with a spiritual mentor as Arnell shares his own grief journey and the insight he gained through clinical chaplaincy

https://linktr.ee/therealpatience

When Father is a Bad Word

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Dan Kuiper is the adult child of an alcoholic and everything changed for him one day when a pastor uncovered that he saw God as the angry, disapproving, volatile father that his earthly father was. Listen to this episode as Dan shares how he went from not wanting to live to fully living in God’s grace. He will share how he healed from his own trauma and how he is helping others heal from their trauma, too.

HOME | BattleCryIntl

(https://www.battlecryinternational.org/)

Dan Kuiper - Dan Kuiper, Speaker, Author, Blogger

(http://www.dankuiper.com/)

Women Revealed (https://www.womenrevealed.org/)

Out of the closet and into God’s Grace

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Life can be confusing for a gay kid growing up in a Midwest church. Listen in as podcast host Mia talks with her brother Chris about his story from coming out to himself, to his family, to his community, and to his church leadership. As a gay man Chris has chosen to live single and celibate, this episode unpacks his journey with laughter, love, and a few tears.

Revoice | Supporting Sexual Minority Christians

The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender | Equipping Christian Leaders, Churches & Organizations

Interview with Misty Irons: https://audioboom.com/posts/8195277-gay-identity-gentile-christians-and-revoice-misty-irons

Chris’s Sunday school teaching: https://youtu.be/JydcT9JK360?feature=shared

Heart disease: a survivor’s story

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Did you know that women are 7x more likely than men to be misdiagnosed when having a heart attack? Listen in as host Mia shares her own story of misdiagnosis and the journey from heart attack to recovery to overcoming PTSD in this special heart health awareness episode of Beauty in the Broken.

https://www.heart.org/

https://www.goredforwomen.org/

https://www.parkview.com/medical-services/heart?utm_source=eruptr&utm_medium=cpc&cr=heart_vascular&utm_campaign=heart_vascular&utm_term=cardiac%20scan&gbraid=0AAAAACEfAUmcCxwFwgUwZ8hXx4ZFRmd8I&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2eKtBhDcARIsAEGTG402l-LHSgDUYmVaNV6nDKrRb-NWu0gVvcaHOAOSvaYUjbn5eG6ci0saAm_AEALw_wcB

In Sickness and in Health

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It’s easy to promise "for better or for worse" on your wedding day, but what about when one partner has to cash in on the "in sickness and in health" part of those vows? Listen in as podcast host, Mia, talks with her husband and podcast producer, Michael, about the transition and challenges of caring for a sick spouse. He will share the fear in watching a spouse face illness and the way that strength sports helped him to start caring for himself again.

You don't have to suffer alone

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0400

On this pilot episode of Beauty in the Broken you will hear the inspiration behind the show as podcast host, Mia Albert, shares her story out of a season of suffering. She talks about being diagnosed with diabetes, having multiple cancer scares, a heart attack followed by open heart surgery, a battle with her mental health, and the community that helped her hold onto hope and find healing in the end.

Trailer

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Real life stories of brokenness and the beauty that can be born in the healing journey.