In this episode Leanne explores the question: “Is my obsession with food a spiritual battle?” Drawing from her personal journey and the experiences of countless women, Leanne delves into the idea that struggles with food and body image are not merely about willpower or discipline but are deeply rooted in spiritual warfare, and how the enemy often uses lies and shame to keep us trapped in cycles of obsession and self-condemnation. 

Leanne offers a compassionate and faith-filled perspective, encouraging listeners to shift from self-condemnation to curiosity, to take their thoughts captive, and to invite God into their healing journey. She underscores the importance of recognizing food as a gift from God, not a master, and our bodies as temples to be honored, not projects to be perfected. Through practical steps and biblical truths, this episode serves as a guide for those seeking freedom from food obsession, reminding them that they are not alone and that true healing is possible through partnership with God.

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.

What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast network. It's written and hosted by Leanne Ellington, Executive Produced by Elizabeth Fazio, Post Production and Editing by Houston Tilley, and Original music written by Cheryl Stark & produced by Adam Stark.

In this episode Leanne explores the question: &ldquo;Is my obsession with food a spiritual battle?&rdquo; Drawing from her personal journey and the experiences of countless women, Leanne delves into the idea that struggles with food and body image are not merely about willpower or discipline but are deeply rooted in spiritual warfare, and how the enemy often uses lies and shame to keep us trapped in cycles of obsession and self-condemnation.&nbsp;
Leanne offers a compassionate and faith-filled perspective, encouraging listeners to shift from self-condemnation to curiosity, to take their thoughts captive, and to invite God into their healing journey. She underscores the importance of recognizing food as a gift from God, not a master, and our bodies as temples to be honored, not projects to be perfected. Through practical steps and biblical truths, this episode serves as a guide for those seeking freedom from food obsession, reminding them that they are not alone and that true healing is possible through partnership with God.
HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/">@leanneellington</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://crosspoint.tv/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://crosspoint.tv/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694651312200000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qTgExx34IMrsdH9ZsGO3D"></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=1736457916619000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ew13OxWxEV9JkUGqLyjXI">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=1736457916619000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0N3yFPRjZJ5U7CuAv4C5pn">www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com</a>.
What's God Got to Do With It is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast network. It's written and hosted by Leanne Ellington, Executive Produced by Elizabeth Fazio, Post Production and Editing by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/houstontilley/">Houston Tilley</a>, and Original music written by Cheryl Stark &amp; produced by Adam Stark.

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

Is My Obsession with Food a Spiritual Battle?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f722ba27-5604-4a63-ad1e-b4240183883a/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

In this episode, Leanne exposes the attention crisis that's affecting every single teenager right now—and reveals what social media platforms know about teen brains that most parents and educators don't.

The average teen now spends between four and five hours a day on social media. And teens who spend three or more hours a day have double the risk of anxiety and depression. Heavily addicted younger teens show two to three times the risk of suicidal behavior.

But it's not just about the time. It's about how their brain is interacting with the content.

Every swipe, every like, every new video delivers a hit of dopamine—the "feel good" neurotransmitter. And over time, the teenage brain learns to crave that dopamine hit. It becomes addicted to the scroll. And when the scroll stops, the brain goes into withdrawal.

Leanne breaks down the three major forces rewiring teenage brains: dopamine dysregulation, chronic distraction and the death of deep focus, and comparison culture that ties self-worth to external validation.

But here's the good news: Dopamine dysregulation can be reversed. Attention can be retrained. And self-worth can be rebuilt from the inside out.

Leanne shares powerful examples of what changes when students learn to notice the dopamine trap, separate their worth from their likes, and retrain their attention—so they're not slaves to the scroll anymore.

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 exposes the attention crisis that's affecting every single teenager right now&mdash;and reveals what social media platforms know about teen brains that most parents and educators don't.
The average teen now spends between four and five hours a day on social media. And teens who spend three or more hours a day have double the risk of anxiety and depression. Heavily addicted younger teens show two to three times the risk of suicidal behavior.
But it's not just about the time. It's about how their brain is interacting with the content.
Every swipe, every like, every new video delivers a hit of dopamine&mdash;the "feel good" neurotransmitter. And over time, the teenage brain learns to crave that dopamine hit. It becomes addicted to the scroll. And when the scroll stops, the brain goes into withdrawal.
Leanne breaks down the three major forces rewiring teenage brains: dopamine dysregulation, chronic distraction and the death of deep focus, and comparison culture that ties self-worth to external validation.
But here's the good news: Dopamine dysregulation can be reversed. Attention can be retrained. And self-worth can be rebuilt from the inside out.
Leanne shares powerful examples of what changes when students learn to notice the dopamine trap, separate their worth from their likes, and retrain their attention&mdash;so they're not slaves to the scroll anymore.
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 // <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 Can’t Focus Anymore (The Dopamine Addiction No One’s Talking About)  [Teenager Brain Series Part 3]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4e3edc58-c3d7-40bf-bee5-b441002e7261/transcript

Is My Obsession with Food a Spiritual Battle?

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