When To Be Vulnerable and When Not To Be - Alive and Free Podcast - Episode 100
Release Date: 04/24/2025
The Alive & Free Podcast
Many Christians long for freedom, healing, and intimacy with God—yet remain exhausted, anxious, or stuck in cycles of striving and self-effort. In this episode, Spencer Robbins and Josh Straub explore what happens when faith quietly shifts from relationship to performance. They talk honestly about burnout, the hidden addiction to significance, and why shame—not sin—is often the real barrier to transformation. Together, they unpack the difference between guilt and shame, why grace must come before truth can be lived, and how control disguises itself as faithfulness. This conversation...
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You might call it ambition. Work ethic. Faithfulness. Discipline. But sometimes “busy” is just pain avoidance with better branding. In this episode, Spencer and Sammi unpack what they call hustloin—the cycle where hustle and busyness become a way to outrun what you don’t know how to feel. From the tension of motherhood and autonomy, to entrepreneurship, provision pressure, and the subtle addiction to significance… we get honest about what’s really driving you when you can’t slow down. We talk about: The difference between purposeful work and pain-driven hustle How “I have...
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What do you do when you’re convinced you’ve heard from God—and everything falls apart? In this episode, Spencer and Sammi Robbins share stories of confusing dreams, missed signals, and the longing for divine direction that so often leads us into pain or shame. They unpack the subtle ways our desires and fears can shape what we think God is saying, and why it’s so important to hold space for uncertainty, humility, and curiosity in our relationship with Him. Instead of formulas or guarantees, discover a grace-centered approach to hearing God’s voice—one that’s rooted in intimacy,...
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Out of margin? Whether you’re navigating a new baby, a demanding job, a strained relationship, grief, or a big transition, this conversation gives you practical ways to stay grounded when life won’t slow down. We share Romi’s birth story and the grief that unexpectedly opened the door to peace, unpack why people “borrow” each other’s nervous systems, and walk through simple, repeatable practices to regulate in real time—without perfection or spiritual jargon. Who This Is For (and Why It Helps) Parents and caregivers feeling stretched thin and reactive—learn how to co-regulate...
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To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by . To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, . EPISODE SUMMARY Navigating the intricacies of relationships has been a journey of growth and understanding for us. Initially, the contrast between Spencer's love for stability and my craving for spontaneity seemed insurmountable. Yet, it was through embracing these differences that we discovered a deeper connection. Join us as...
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To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by . To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, to learn more. EPISODE DESCRIPTION Growing up, I often struggled with the idea of sharing my true self with others. Vulnerability seemed intimidating, and knowing when to open up or hold back was a constant battle. Join us as we dissect the complex nature of vulnerability in relationships, exploring the delicate balance between...
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To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by . To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, to learn more. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Discover the art of turning life's unpredictable challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. Join us as we explore how emotional regulation can be a powerful tool for fostering healthy relationships and enhancing decision-making skills. Through intimate stories and counseling...
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To find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, to go to our training video to learn more. EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feel called to lead? Have you met with people or discipled people and wondered how you could have more influence in their lives? Ever wondered if you were actually safe enough to be told people's darkest secrets? In this episode Sammi and Spencer...
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In case you missed it, we hosted a live masterclass with Jim Baker teaching on finances and how to build generational wealth and build the Kingdom. You can watch the reply by Also, we are currently taking Jim's course right now to get out of debt, learn to invest, and also change our mindsets around money and the way God wants us to steward it. We partnered with Jim to offer this course to you for half off. You can . EPISODE DESCRIPTION Years ago, a bankruptcy in 2007 shook Jim's confidence and reshaped his understanding of financial stewardship. For me...
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Alive and Free Family! We have good news, we are offering a free training exclusively for our Alive and Free community! This training will be done by Jim Baker in partnership with Alive and Free. This training will offer financial advice, breakthrough, and practical guidance to create the life financially that God has for you. On recent calls I've had with Jim, I've been amazed. I've never heard someone that I trust more to share about finances than Jim, we hope you will join us on this journey. Also, we plan to have a replay if you aren't able to make it to the live event....
info_outlineTo find freedom, heal, and feel powerful in your emotions, check out the Alive & Free Collective by CLICKING HERE.
To become a life coach and get started in your career helping people get free and healthy emotionally and start a business doing so, go to our training video to learn more.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Growing up, I often struggled with the idea of sharing my true self with others. Vulnerability seemed intimidating, and knowing when to open up or hold back was a constant battle. Join us as we dissect the complex nature of vulnerability in relationships, exploring the delicate balance between fostering intimacy and safeguarding our inner worlds. We acknowledge the critical role vulnerability plays in forming meaningful connections, and yet, we recognize the potential risks involved when we share too much with the wrong people.
Throughout this episode, we navigate the intricate dance of finding safe spaces and safe people to express our vulnerability. We tackle tough questions about how certain environments, like some church communities, might inadvertently stifle openness and explore the importance of cultivating supportive circles. With practical advice on identifying safe people, and emphasizing the value of having mentors or counselors, we encourage listeners to build environments that invite vulnerability.
Our conversation underscores the need for unconditional love and compassion in these spaces, while also promoting a strong relationship with God as a source of unwavering support.
We also confront the challenges of forming deep connections, whether in new environments or long-distance relationships, emphasizing the significance of finding individuals with shared values. By examining our own attachment styles, we learn how to better understand and connect with others. Ultimately, we aim to empower listeners to ground themselves in God's love, allowing them to become beacons of hope and support in their communities. Join us as we embark on a journey to bring a piece of heaven to earth through authentic, vulnerable relationships.
EPISODE CHAPTERS
(0:00:00) - Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships
(0:03:45) - The Meaning of True Vulnerability
(0:16:03) - Nurturing Deep Relationships Through Vulnerability
(0:27:04) - Exploring Depth in Vulnerable Relationships
(0:36:35) - Finding God's Love in Relationships
EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS
(0:00:00) - Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships
Vulnerability in relationships is complex and nuanced, essential for intimacy but must be navigated carefully.
(0:03:45) - The Meaning of True Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often misunderstood and safe spaces are needed for expressing it with unconditional love and compassion.
(0:16:03) - Nurturing Deep Relationships Through Vulnerability
Vulnerability is crucial in relationships, as personal time with God and experiencing His love through human connections are equally important.
(0:27:04) - Exploring Depth in Vulnerable Relationships
Vulnerability, attachment styles, and faith are discussed in relation to building safe and supportive communities.
(0:36:35) - Finding God's Love in Relationships
Being rooted in God's love helps us overcome relationship challenges and bring divine love to others.