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Finding Something Real Podcast

Finding Something Real Podcast

By: Janell Wood
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About this listen

 Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your day-to-day, do big existential questions ever pop in- you know- things like, “Why am I here? How did all this get here? What happens after I die?” “Is there a God and is there really meaning to all this?” ”What’s so special about Jesus Christ?”

We’ve all experienced deep longing for something this world can’t seem to satisfy.

Even someone as wildly successful as Taylor Swift knows that to be true. “I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time...” She said, “and I remember thinking afterwards, ’Oh my god, that was all you wanted!... That was all you focused on. You get to the mountaintop and look around and you’re like... what now?”

If you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the different voices yelling for your affections- telling you what to go after- whether it be success, beauty, the perfect partner, social media followers, money, or power… only to leave you let down and unsatisfied, searching for more… Maybe like my friends and me, you’re after finding something REAL.

Every week, join me (Janell Wood), special co-hosts and guests as we ask questions, look for answers, and search for the source of something REAL: Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love. I believe those things can ultimately be found in relationship with Jesus Christ, but don’t take my word for it. Listen to our conversations for yourself and go on a journey with us: Is Jesus the REAL thing?©2023 All Rights Reserved Christianity Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt

    Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt
    Nov 12 2025

    On this episode of Finding Something Real, we are joined with a returning guest, Jason Schmidt. Jason's parents were Janell's Youth Pastor's. They had a tremendous impact on her life and now has the privilege of sharing that with their son, Jason. We are also joined with one of our co-host, Ana.

    Jason is a High School and Young Adult Pastor in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is currently in seminary, coaches boys soccer, and loves investing in this next generation.

    In this conversation we unravel grief. Both and Ana and Jason lost their dad at an early age. Ana asks questions about how Jason handle his grief, if he felt any pressure to step into ministry because of his dad, and some disappointments they experience in the church.

    We hope you enjoy this week's conversation!

    - -- -- -- -- LINKS Can Doubt and Faith Coexist with Jason Schmidt

    How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa

    The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story Season 8 - First Episode

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

    Follow us on:

    Instagram: finding_something_real

    Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

    Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa

    How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa
    Nov 5 2025

    On this episode of Finding Something Real we introduce our first guest, Drew Berryessa! Drew is no stranger to the Podcast. He's been a guest before and we are thrilled to have him back! Drew has a tender heart and shares his story with such vulnerability in hopes it will impact others. We are also joined with two of our co-host, Ana and Sarah.

    In this episode, Drew talks about his story of living a homosexual life style and how Jesus met him right where he was at. He gets real about the questions, pain and heartbreak choosing to follow Jesus brought. He left that lifestyle and is now a fully devoted Jesus follower. Helping people all over the world, equipping them to love others in truth and love. He has a beautiful family with an amazing wife and three beautiful girls.

    Ana and Sarah ask questions on - how to practically love others in their pain and sin. And how to share truth with grace, while standing firm to what the word of God says.

    We hope you enjoy this week's conversation!

    - -- -- -- -- LINKS https://www.alivingletter.org/ The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story Season 8 - First Episode

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

    Follow us on:

    Instagram: finding_something_real

    Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

    Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 25 mins
  • The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story

    The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story
    Oct 29 2025

    In this episode, we introduce our first co-host, Frankie!

    Frankie shows a level of maturity way beyond her years. She is steady, level headed and has a genuine heart. Frankie is Janell's niece. In this episode she shares her story of being adopted, the tension of getting pushback for her faith, believing in Jesus but still having questions, and trying to find where her gifting fit in the Kingdom of God. She shares her vulnerability about her experiences and some of the hesitations she has being a Christian.

    This is such a rich conversation, we hope you enjoy this week's episode!

    -- -- -- -- -- LINKS Season 8 - First Episode

    Listen on:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB

    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856

    Follow us on:

    Instagram: finding_something_real

    Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal

    Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
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