Becky Plautz: Identity Rooted in Christ
Why I Believe
What if who you are… mattered more than what you do? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Becky Plautz, wife, mom, business owner, and faith-led leader, to talk about identity, intentional living, and what it means to truly anchor your life in Christ. Like many, Becky grew up in church, but over time, she drifted away and spent years navigating life on her own terms. It wasn’t until her 30s, through personal development, motherhood, and a deeper desire for purpose, that she felt called back to her faith. But this time, it was different. This time, it was her choice. We talk...
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Cherryann Joseph: From Trauma to Transformation
Why I Believe
What do you do when the pain you’ve lived through makes it hard to believe in God at all? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Cherryann Joseph, educator, Maxwell Leadership coach, and retired military officer, to share a story of trauma, anger, and ultimately, transformation through faith. Cherryann’s childhood was marked by abuse, instability, and unanswered prayers. Despite growing up around church, she struggled to understand how a loving God could allow such pain, eventually turning away and identifying as an atheist. But her story didn’t end there. Through...
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Marianne Callaghan: When God Answers in Real Time
Why I Believe
What if God is speaking… and we’re just not listening? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Marianne Callaghan; wife, mom, and Director of Faith Formation, to talk about what it really looks like to move from simply knowing your faith… to truly living it. Raised in the Catholic Church, Marianne always had faith, but it wasn’t until later in life, through marriage, motherhood, loss, and personal surrender, that her relationship with God became real and deeply personal. From struggling with infertility and loss to walking alongside families in their faith journeys, Marianne...
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Kelly Melcher: It Didn’t Happen as I Expected… But It’s Still Good
Why I Believe
What happens when your life changes overnight… and nothing goes according to plan? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Kelly Melcher; wife, mom of two (with one on the way), and woman of faith, to share a story of unexpected diagnosis, shifting identity, and learning to trust God in the middle of uncertainty. Shortly after getting engaged, Kelly lost her vision and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, completely changing her day-to-day life and future plans. From losing independence to navigating marriage, motherhood, and an invisible illness, Kelly had a choice: Become...
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Kiersten Schlough: This Is Not Who God Says I Am
Why I Believe
What if the things people said about you… were never true to begin with? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Kiersten Schlough; designer, photographer, youth leader, and woman of faith, to talk about identity, healing, and learning to see yourself the way God does. Kiersten’s journey began with bullying in middle school, feeling like she didn’t fit in, and struggling to understand who she was. That struggle only deepened as she was later diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, making school even more challenging and leaving her questioning her intelligence and worth. But...
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Ann Bodie: The Prayer for Three Icicles
Why I Believe
What if a simple childhood prayer… became the foundation for a lifetime of faith? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Ann Bodie; retired nurse, wife, mom, and grandmother, to share a powerful journey of faith that spans from childhood innocence to navigating unimaginable loss. At just 12 years old, Ann prayed for a sign that her mother and unborn brother would be okay. Her request? Three icicles. What happened next became a defining moment in her faith, but it wasn’t until years later that she fully understood what God was teaching her about trust… and waiting. But Ann’s...
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Julie Raque: From Survival to Strength
Why I Believe
What do you do when your life changes in a single moment… and everything you planned is gone? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Julie Raque, speaker, business consultant, and single mother, to share a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and faith through life’s hardest seasons. At just 29 years old, Jule became a widow overnight after her husband was killed in a car accident, leaving her to raise two young children on her own. What followed wasn’t immediate strength or clarity… it was survival. Hour by hour. Day by day. Julie shares what it really looks like to...
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Heather Black: Go Get the Pigeon
Why I Believe
What if God asked you to do something that made absolutely no sense? Would you do it? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Heather Black—speaker strategist, event expert, and self-proclaimed “stubborn” follower of Christ—to talk about what it really looks like to trust God… even when you don’t have the full plan. It all started with a simple (and slightly unexpected) instruction: “Go get the pigeon out of the road.” What followed wasn’t just about helping an injured bird… it was a powerful lesson in obedience, surrender, and taking the first step—even when...
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Jenni Bernal: When God Said "Everything Will Be Okay"
Why I Believe
What do you do when your entire world changes in a single moment? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Jenni Bernal; wife, mom, and woman of deep faith, to share a powerful story of trauma, resilience, and trusting God through the unknown. After a devastating bike accident left her husband with a spinal cord injury and the possibility of paralysis, Jenni found herself facing decisions, fear, and uncertainty she never could have prepared for. But in the middle of it all… she heard something she’ll never forget: “Everything will be okay.” That moment changed everything. We...
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Aaron Libner: Start Somewhere
Why I Believe
What if faith doesn’t start with having all the answers… but simply taking the first step? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Aaron Libner; business leader, nonprofit president, husband, and father, to talk about what it really looks like to come back to faith and begin again. Aaron’s journey isn’t one of perfection, it’s one many of us can relate to. Growing up around faith but not fully living it… stepping away… and eventually finding his way back through family, community, and a desire to lead his daughter in a different direction. We talk about: Growing up in...
info_outlineIf you’re listening to this, there’s a good chance you’re searching.
Maybe your faith feels shaky.
Maybe you’ve been chasing success, identity, or purpose, and still feel like something is missing.
Or maybe you’re simply wondering where God fits into your life right now.
Welcome to Why I Believe.
This podcast was born out of obedience, not perfection.
And it exists for one simple reason: to bring people closer to God.
Each week, you’ll hear real, honest conversations about faith, identity, and the ways God shows up in everyday life. Through powerful guest interviews, and occasional role reversals where Michelle shares her own story, you’ll be reminded that you are not alone in your journey.
This isn’t about having it all together.
It’s about being willing to say yes.
You can expect:
- Real stories of faith
- Encouragement for when your faith feels distant or uncertain
- Reminders that God is still working
This podcast is for you if:
- You feel spiritually disconnected but want more
- You’ve questioned your faith, your identity, or your calling
- You want to hear real stories that strengthen your belief
If this resonates with you:
- Follow and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode
- Share this podcast with someone who needs encouragement
- Leave a review to help others find these stories
Want to share your story?
Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe.
👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you.
👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden
👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS
Remember, you don’t have to be perfect to be called.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to say yes.
God will meet you right where you are.