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.

Leanne is back with Scott and Ketric for another episode of our&nbsp;"Ask the God Pod" series.&nbsp;This week they&nbsp;tackle&nbsp;a question many newcomers to faith share:&nbsp;"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 // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">@leanneellington</a>
GUEST: Ketric Newell &amp; Scott Stephens
To learn more about Leanne, head over to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leanneellington.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.leanneellington.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1709656692055000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0bDee2VRcVNRIEur7VpJbe">www.LeanneEllington.com</a>, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whatsgodgottodowithit.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.whatsgodgottodowithit.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1709656692055000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TMliD2eIJTfzfLjSNDi1P">www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com</a>.

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!

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!

What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington

Ask the God Pod: "What If My Faith-Life Is Different From How I Was Raised?"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1e5344aa-1c83-4563-8919-b34a011acb0d/transcript

We have more mental health resources, more awareness, more support than ever before. So why are anxiety, depression, and suicide rates at all-time highs?

In this first episode of our brand-new Spiritual Brain Surgery series, Dr. Lee Warren and I dive into the paradox that's plaguing our culture: more help, worse outcomes. We unpack the stats, explore what's missing from the current mental health model, and ask the hard question: what if the foundation itself is incomplete?

Dr. Warren explains why most mental health approaches are built on theory, not on how the brain actually works. We talk about the difference between managing symptoms forever and actually repairing the root problem. And we dig into why knowing the "why" behind your patterns isn't enough if your subconscious self-image is still running the old story.

Here's the truth: if your beliefs and self-image undermine what Scripture says about you, it doesn't matter how much therapy you've done or how much you intellectually "know." Your brain will keep automating the old patterns until you learn how to interrupt them at the root.

This episode is the foundation for everything we're going to unpack in this series. If you've ever felt stuck—like you're doing all the "right things" but nothing's actually changing—this conversation will show you why, and what's missing.

GUEST: Dr. Lee Warren // wleewarrenmd.com // @drleewarren
Listen to Dr. Warren's Podcast here.
Order Dr. Warren's New Book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery.

HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @LeanneEllington // @theteenagerbrain

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.

We have more mental health resources, more awareness, more support than ever before. So why are anxiety, depression, and suicide rates at all-time highs?
In this first episode of our brand-new Spiritual Brain Surgery series, Dr. Lee Warren and I dive into the paradox that's plaguing our culture: more help, worse outcomes. We unpack the stats, explore what's missing from the current mental health model, and ask the hard question: what if the foundation itself is incomplete?
Dr. Warren explains why most mental health approaches are built on theory, not on how the brain actually works. We talk about the difference between managing symptoms forever and actually repairing the root problem. And we dig into why knowing the "why" behind your patterns isn't enough if your subconscious self-image is still running the old story.
Here's the truth: if your beliefs and self-image undermine what Scripture says about you, it doesn't matter how much therapy you've done or how much you intellectually "know." Your brain will keep automating the old patterns until you learn how to interrupt them at the root.
This episode is the foundation for everything we're going to unpack in this series. If you've ever felt stuck&mdash;like you're doing all the "right things" but nothing's actually changing&mdash;this conversation will show you why, and what's missing.
GUEST:&nbsp;Dr. Lee Warren // <a href="http://wleewarrenmd.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://wleewarrenmd.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1779408648183000&amp;usg=AOvVaw396xpRrM3P9YjJgIAGF0k_">wleewarrenmd.com</a> // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drleewarren/">@drleewarren</a> Listen to Dr. Warren's Podcast <a href="https://wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/">here</a>. Order Dr. Warren's New Book, <a href="https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/the-life-changing-art-of-self-brain-surgery/#buy-now">The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery</a>.
HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">@Lea</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">nneEllington</a> // <a>@theteenagerbrain</a>
To learn more about Leanne, head over to <a href="http://www.leanneellington.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.LeanneEllington.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776798953917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0my7fpV1WTEFpQNjJA-Pwa">www.LeanneEllington.com</a>, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to <a href="http://www.whatsgodgottodowithit.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776798953917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw075j5SlsH8aRHNRV2nWd74">www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com</a>.

Why Mental Health Is Getting Worse (Even Though We're Trying Harder): Brain Science Over Theory  [With Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dff26a13-ebe1-485a-820c-b45501703e83/transcript

In this final episode of the Teenager Brain series, Leanne dives into the root of it all: the identity crisis.

Teens today don't have a stable sense of self. They don't know who they are, what they value, or what they stand for. And their sense of self rises and falls with every like, every comment, every comparison.

One day they're confident. The next day they're convinced they're not enough. And you're watching it happen—not knowing how to help them.

Here's what makes it even worse: Nobody knows what's real anymore. Your teen is scrolling Instagram, comparing themselves to someone's "perfect" skin—but they don't know it's a filter. They're comparing themselves to someone's "perfect" body—but they don't know it's AI-generated or Photoshopped. They're measuring themselves against a standard that doesn't even exist.

Their self-image is being shaped by lies. By filters. By comparison culture. And they have no stable sense of who they are.

But here's the good news: We can teach students how to build a self-image that's rooted in internal truth—not external validation.

Leanne peels back the curtain on the 4-step system taught inside the Teenager Brain curriculum—the system that builds emotional fitness, which builds emotional resilience:

Step 1: Regulate – Go from panic to calm in under 30 seconds
Step 2: Separate – Separate truth from lies, data from drama
Step 3: Narrate – Take ownership of your story instead of letting your brain spin worst-case scenarios
Step 4: Use Your Inner Compass – Build a self-image rooted in who you are, not what the world says about you

This is what happens when we teach students the 4-step system. Not perfection. Not eliminating hard things. Just giving students the tools to build emotional fitness—which builds emotional resilience—before these patterns become decades of struggle.

Ready to bring these tools to your school or teen? Head over to TeenagerBrain.com to request a free sample lesson. You'll see exactly how the Teenager Brain curriculum works and test-drive a full lesson from the perspective of both the student and the facilitator.

We're looking for our next 25 pilot schools for Fall 2026. This is a 4-week plug-and-play emotional fitness program that teaches students how to regulate their emotions, separate truth from lies, and build a self-image that lasts—without adding to your workload.

The window is open. Their brains are ready. The time is now.

HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @LeanneEllington // @theteenagerbrain

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.

In this final episode of the Teenager Brain series, Leanne dives into the root of it all: the identity crisis.
Teens today don't have a stable sense of self. They don't know who they are, what they value, or what they stand for. And their sense of self rises and falls with every like, every comment, every comparison.
One day they're confident. The next day they're convinced they're not enough. And you're watching it happen&mdash;not knowing how to help them.
Here's what makes it even worse: Nobody knows what's real anymore. Your teen is scrolling Instagram, comparing themselves to someone's "perfect" skin&mdash;but they don't know it's a filter. They're comparing themselves to someone's "perfect" body&mdash;but they don't know it's AI-generated or Photoshopped. They're measuring themselves against a standard that doesn't even exist.
Their self-image is being shaped by lies. By filters. By comparison culture. And they have no stable sense of who they are.
But here's the good news: We can teach students how to build a self-image that's rooted in internal truth&mdash;not external validation.
Leanne peels back the curtain on the 4-step system taught inside the Teenager Brain curriculum&mdash;the system that builds emotional fitness, which builds emotional resilience:
Step 1: Regulate&nbsp;&ndash; Go from panic to calm in under 30 seconds Step 2: Separate&nbsp;&ndash; Separate truth from lies, data from drama Step 3: Narrate&nbsp;&ndash; Take ownership of your story instead of letting your brain spin worst-case scenarios Step 4: Use Your Inner Compass&nbsp;&ndash; Build a self-image rooted in who you are, not what the world says about you
This is what happens when we teach students the 4-step system. Not perfection. Not eliminating hard things. Just giving students the tools to build emotional fitness&mdash;which builds emotional resilience&mdash;before these patterns become decades of struggle.
Ready to bring these tools to your school or teen?&nbsp;Head over to&nbsp;TeenagerBrain.com&nbsp;to request a free sample lesson. You'll see exactly how the Teenager Brain curriculum works and test-drive a full lesson from the perspective of both the student and the facilitator.
We're looking for our next 25 pilot schools for Fall 2026. This is a 4-week plug-and-play emotional fitness program that teaches students how to regulate their emotions, separate truth from lies, and build a self-image that lasts&mdash;without adding to your workload.
The window is open. Their brains are ready. The time is now.
HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com //&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">@Lea</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">nneEllington</a> // <a>@theteenagerbrain</a>
To learn more about Leanne, head over to <a href="http://www.leanneellington.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.LeanneEllington.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776798953917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0my7fpV1WTEFpQNjJA-Pwa">www.LeanneEllington.com</a>, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to <a href="http://www.whatsgodgottodowithit.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776798953917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw075j5SlsH8aRHNRV2nWd74">www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com</a>.

Why Your Teen Doesn’t Know Who They Are Anymore (And How to Help Them Build a Self-Image That Won’t Crumble)[Teenager Brain Series Part 5]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f4dbc9af-8b7e-49a6-b4a4-b44e015dd528/transcript

In this episode, Leanne dives into emotional dysregulation—why your teen melts down over the smallest things and can't bring themselves back down.

When a teen experiences something that feels threatening, stressful, or overwhelming, their brain's alarm system (the amygdala) goes off and sends them into fight-or-flight mode. Their heart rate spikes, their breathing gets shallow, and their prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation—goes offline.

That's why your teen can't "just calm down" when you tell them to. Their "sound mind" is literally offline.

And here's the thing: In teenagers, the prefrontal cortex is still under construction. It's not fully developed until around age 25. So when a teen's brain goes into fight-or-flight, it's even harder for them to bring themselves back down.

But here's the good news: We can teach students how to regulate their nervous system. We can teach them how to go from fight-or-flight to calm in under 30 seconds. Even if they've never been able to calm down before. Even if meditation doesn't work for them. The way we teach it at Teenager Brain is different—it's a foolproof way to access the nervous system through the sensory system, and anyone can do it.

Leanne shares powerful examples of what changes when students learn to regulate—from handling friend drama without spiraling, to processing a bad grade without melting down, to navigating social media rejection without falling apart.

This is what happens when we teach students how to regulate their nervous system. Not perfection. Not eliminating hard things. Just giving students the tools to process their emotions, respond instead of react, and be emotionally available to themselves.

Ready to bring these tools to your school or teen? Head over to TeenagerBrain.com to request a free sample lesson. You'll see exactly how the Teenager Brain curriculum works and test-drive a full lesson yourself.

We're looking for our next 25 pilot schools for Fall 2026. This is a 4-week plug-and-play emotional fitness program that teaches students how to regulate their emotions, separate truth from lies, and build a self-image that lasts—without adding to your workload.

HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @LeanneEllington // @theteenagerbrain

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.

In this episode, Leanne dives into emotional dysregulation&mdash;why your teen melts down over the smallest things and can't bring themselves back down.
When a teen experiences something that feels threatening, stressful, or overwhelming, their brain's alarm system (the amygdala) goes off and sends them into fight-or-flight mode. Their heart rate spikes, their breathing gets shallow, and their prefrontal cortex&mdash;the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation&mdash;goes offline.
That's why your teen can't "just calm down" when you tell them to. Their "sound mind" is literally offline.
And here's the thing: In teenagers, the prefrontal cortex is still under construction. It's not fully developed until around age 25. So when a teen's brain goes into fight-or-flight, it's even harder for them to bring themselves back down.
But here's the good news: We can teach students how to regulate their nervous system. We can teach them how to go from fight-or-flight to calm in under 30 seconds. Even if they've never been able to calm down before. Even if meditation doesn't work for them. The way we teach it at Teenager Brain is different&mdash;it's a foolproof way to access the nervous system through the sensory system, and anyone can do it.
Leanne shares powerful examples of what changes when students learn to regulate&mdash;from handling friend drama without spiraling, to processing a bad grade without melting down, to navigating social media rejection without falling apart.
This is what happens when we teach students how to regulate their nervous system. Not perfection. Not eliminating hard things. Just giving students the tools to process their emotions, respond instead of react, and be emotionally available to themselves.
Ready to bring these tools to your school or teen?&nbsp;Head over to&nbsp;TeenagerBrain.com&nbsp;to request a free sample lesson. You'll see exactly how the Teenager Brain curriculum works and test-drive a full lesson yourself.
We're looking for our next 25 pilot schools for Fall 2026. This is a 4-week plug-and-play emotional fitness program that teaches students how to regulate their emotions, separate truth from lies, and build a self-image that lasts&mdash;without adding to your workload.
HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com //&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">@Lea</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/"></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">nneEllington</a> // <a>@theteenagerbrain</a>
To learn more about Leanne, head over to <a href="http://www.leanneellington.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.LeanneEllington.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776798953917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0my7fpV1WTEFpQNjJA-Pwa">www.LeanneEllington.com</a>, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to <a href="http://www.whatsgodgottodowithit.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776798953917000&amp;usg=AOvVaw075j5SlsH8aRHNRV2nWd74">www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com</a>.

Why Your Teen’s Emotions Are All Over the Place  (And What’s Really Happening in Their Brain) [Teenager Brain Series Part 4]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8c430b89-7477-4ad9-91b3-b44800056b5f/transcript

Ask the God Pod: "What If My Faith-Life Is Different From How I Was Raised?"

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