Why I Believe

Why I Believe is a faith-centered podcast sharing real stories of transformation, modern miracles, and lived encounters with God. Through a blend of solo reflections and honest conversations with others whose lives have been changed, host Michelle Von Ruden creates a safe, welcoming space for curiosity, questions, and faith rediscovery. This podcast exists to bring people closer to God, whether you’re just beginning your journey, rebuilding after distance, or seeking to strengthen your relationship with Him. Rooted in Matthew 5:16, Why I Believe shines light through authentic stories so God may be glorified, and hearts may be drawn closer to Him.

Faithful Friday #15: Built to Be One 09/04/2026

Darren LaCroix: When Failure Becomes Your Calling 09/02/2026

Darren LaCroix: When Failure Becomes Your Calling What if the thing you're failing at today is somehow connected to where God is taking you tomorrow? Darren LaCroix knows something about failure. Long before he became a World Champion of Public Speaking, professional speaker, coach, and mentor to speakers around the world, Darren had to be willing to be bad at something before he could become great at it. In this episode of Why I Believe, Darren joins Michelle Von Ruden for a conversation that goes beyond speaking and success. It's about the journey. The failures. The people God puts in our path. The willingness to keep learning when it would be easier to quit. And the faith to believe that where we are today isn't necessarily where our story ends. Darren shares pieces of his journey from struggling on stage to eventually standing on some of the biggest stages in the speaking world—and the lessons, mentors, persistence, and faith that shaped him along the way. We talk about what failure can teach us, why growth requires humility, the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who will challenge us, and what happens when we stop allowing our current ability to determine what's possible for our future. Because sometimes the thing that feels like proof that we're not good enough is simply the beginning of the story. If you've ever failed at something, questioned whether you had what it takes, or wondered whether you should keep going, Darren's story is one you need to hear. Your failure doesn't have to be your ending. God may still have something to do with it. 🎧 Listen to Why I Believe wherever you get your podcasts. Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact. You can reach Darren LaCroix at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/42680375

Faithful Friday #14: Take Courage 08/28/2026

Philippa Channer: When God Says, “Trust Me” 08/26/2026

Philippa Channer: When God Says, “Trust Me” What do you do when you've prayed for an answer, but God's answer doesn't look anything like you expected? In this episode of Why I Believe, Michelle Von Ruden sits down with Philippa Channer for an honest conversation about prayer, waiting, transition, and learning to trust God when you can't see what He's doing. Philippa shares how faith has been woven throughout her life, but also how her relationship with God has grown and changed through different seasons. There have been prayers that seemed unanswered. Times when she questioned what God was doing. Moments when she wanted clarity but instead had to wait. And seasons when, looking back, she could finally see that God had been preparing the way long before she understood where He was leading her. We talk about what it means to bring our desires honestly to God while still surrendering the outcome. Because prayer isn't about giving God our plan and asking Him to approve it. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it's no. Sometimes it's not yet. And sometimes God answers in a way we never considered. Philippa's story is a beautiful reminder that faith doesn't require us to know what's coming next. It asks us to trust the One who does. If you've been praying, waiting, questioning, or wondering whether God hears you, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen to Why I Believe wherever you get your podcasts. Real Stories. Real Faith. Real Impact. You can reach Elaine Lankford at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/42554340

Faithful Friday #13: Abide in My Love 08/21/2026

Bob “BZ” Fabien Zinga: My Name Is Faith, My Name Is Hope 08/19/2026

Bob “BZ” Fabien Zinga: My Name Is Faith, My Name Is Hope Bob “BZ” Fabien Zinga: My Name Is Faith, My Name Is Hope What if the name you were given at birth became the testimony you would live out for the rest of your life? In this episode of Why I Believe, Michelle Von Ruden sits down with Bob “BZ” Fabien Zinga; Navy veteran, pastor, cybersecurity leader, coach, husband, father, and man whose story has been shaped by faith from the very beginning. Born in the Republic of the Congo, Bob was a desperately sick child. His older brother had died young, and Bob's mother feared she might lose another son. Doctors couldn't explain what was wrong, and Bob says his family was told he wouldn't live beyond the age of 17. His mother tried everything she could to save her son. But when Bob was 12, his entire family attended a Christian gathering, and everything changed. For Bob, Jesus suddenly became more than religion, tradition, or stories in a Bible. He became real. Bob shares how he experienced healing, found a personal relationship with Christ, was called into ministry as a teenager, moved to the United States at 17, served more than 21 years in the U.S. Navy, and ultimately became a pastor. And woven through it all is his name. His mother gave him the name Minu, meaning faith and hope. Today, when Bob faces something that seems impossible, he remembers: “My name is faith. My name is hope.” In this conversation, we talk about: Growing up with a mysterious childhood illness His mother's extraordinary determination to save him The moment his family encountered Jesus in a new way Why Bob believes his healing changed everything The difference between religion and a personal relationship with Christ Being called into ministry at just 15 Moving from the Congo to the United States Living by faith when circumstances say there is no way Why every day of Bob's life feels like a second chance God's love, healing, provision, and abundant life Bob's faith isn't something he knows only from Scripture or someone else's testimony. It's something he says he has lived. And decades after doctors reportedly believed he wouldn't reach adulthood, Bob can say: Every day is a gift. You can reach BZ at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/42465825

Faithful Friday #12: Abide in Me 08/14/2026

Kelly Stiles: From Perfection to Grace 08/12/2026

Kelly Stiles: From Perfection to Grace What if you stopped trying to prove you were good enough, and learned to rest in God's grace instead? In this episode of Why I Believe, Michelle Von Ruden sits down with Kelly Stiles, wife, mother, ministry leader, and seminary student, for an honest conversation about trauma, identity, surrender, perfection, and discovering who God created you to be. As a teenager, Kelly made a decision: she would not become a statistic. She wasn't going to allow the trauma and instability of her past to determine her future. So she pushed. She achieved. She worked hard to stay on the "right" side of the statistics. But her relationship with God took a much longer journey. After years of rejecting faith, walking through a difficult first marriage and divorce, and trying to control the outcome of her life, Christ recaptured her heart. At first, Kelly describes her faith as "white-knuckle faith", holding onto God as tightly as she could because she was afraid of what would happen if she let go. Eventually, something changed. The rope she was desperately clinging to became, in her words, a woven hammock she could finally rest in. In this conversation, Michelle and Kelly talk about: • Moving from striving to surrender • Finding identity in Christ instead of your past • Why surrender is a daily posture, not a one-time decision • Letting our children walk through their own tests • Why you don't need a dramatic testimony for your faith to be real • The power of simply inviting someone to church • Following God's calling even when you don't feel qualified • Letting go of the fear of failure • Embracing God's grace instead of chasing perfection Kelly's journey eventually led somewhere her younger self never would have imagined: Dallas Theological Seminary and a ministry of her own. And perhaps the most powerful reminder from this conversation is this: God doesn't need you to arrive perfect. He equips you along the way. When we surrender our faults and embrace His grace, He can reshape our hearts, redirect our vision, and use our stories for His purpose. You can reach Kelly at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/42379415

Faithful Friday #11: The Peace Jesus Gives 08/07/2026

Kurt Luidhardt: God Is a 4th Quarter Comeback 08/05/2026

Faithful Friday #10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life 07/31/2026

Maureen Silveyra: Do You Know Jesus 07/29/2026

Maureen Silveyra: Do You Know Jesus What would you do… if your life was in danger and you had nowhere to turn? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Maureen Silveyra, author, speaker, and faith leader, to share a story of fear, faith, and a moment that changed everything. While walking alone on a quiet college campus… Maureen was attacked. No warning. No escape. No control. Beaten, disoriented, and tied up… she realized she might not survive. And in that moment… She prayed. A simple prayer: “God, help me.” What happened next was something she never expected. A thought came to her mind—clear, calm, and completely out of place in the chaos: “Ask him if he knows Jesus.” So she did. And everything changed. We talk about: Facing fear in a life-threatening moment The power of a simple, honest prayer How God intervenes in ways we don’t expect Healing, both physically and emotionally Choosing faith after trauma What it means to truly walk in God’s peace Maureen’s story isn’t just about what happened that day. It’s about what happened after. Because that moment became the beginning of a deeper faith, a clearer purpose, and a life rooted in God’s peace. If you’ve ever wondered if God sees you… hears you… or would show up in your hardest moment. This episode will meet you there. You can reach Maureen at maureensilveyra@gmail.com 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/42248155

Faithful Friday #9: Love One Another 07/24/2026

Will Robbins: Christ Is My Caddy 07/22/2026

Faithful Friday #8: Resurrection and Life 07/17/2026

Karen Robinson: Trusting God Through It All 07/15/2026

Faithful Friday #7: The Good Shepherd 07/10/2026

Yannick Hicks: From Cameroon to Calling 07/08/2026

Yannick Hicks: From Cameroon to Calling What does it look like to build your life on faith… in the middle of constant change? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Yannick Hicks, man of faith, immigrant, and lifelong learner, to talk about identity, perseverance, and what it means to trust God through every transition. Originally from Cameroon, Yannick moved to the United States as a teenager, stepping into a completely new culture, environment, and way of life. From culture shock and uncertainty… to navigating high school, education, and career… to building a life in a place that once felt unfamiliar. His journey hasn’t been defined by one moment. It’s been shaped by many. We talk about: Adjusting to a new country, culture, and identity The challenges of starting over and finding your place How faith became the foundation through every season Growing through discomfort, change, and uncertainty The importance of perspective, growth, and continuous learning Living with purpose and asking: “How can I make the world better?” Yannick’s story is a reminder that faith isn’t just something you turn to in difficult moments; It’s something you build your life on. If you’ve ever felt out of place, faced a major transition, or wondered how to stay grounded through change—this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Yanick Hicks at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41996965

Faithful Friday #6: Walking in the Light 07/03/2026

Elzie Flendard: Things Happen For Me, Not To Me 07/01/2026

Elzie Flendard: Things Happen For Me, Not To Me What if your story doesn’t have one defining moment… but a lifetime of quiet, consistent faith? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Elzie Flendard, podcaster, entrepreneur, husband, father, and man of faith, to talk about what it looks like to walk with God through every season of life. Elzie’s story isn’t built around a single dramatic turning point. Instead, it’s a series of moments, big and small, where he’s seen God’s hand guiding him, providing for him, and carrying him through. From growing up without his father… to building a life and family at a young age… to navigating financial hardship, health scares, and uncertainty… One belief has stayed constant: Things don’t happen to him… they happen for him. We talk about: Seeing God’s hand in everyday life, not just major moments Faith without a dramatic “rock bottom” story Trusting God through financial struggles and uncertainty A powerful moment of provision when everything felt impossible A life-threatening health scare and divine intervention Why perseverance matters more than perfection Elzie’s perspective is simple, but powerful: Life won’t always make sense. It won’t always be easy. But if you keep going… God is there in every step. If you’ve ever wondered if your story is “enough” or struggled to see God in the ordinary—this episode will shift your perspective. You can reach Elzie Flenard III at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41908540

Faithful Friday #5: The Bread of Life 06/26/2026

Lia Allen: The Moment I Almost Gave Up 06/24/2026

Lia Allen: The Moment I Almost Gave Up What if your life changed… in a single moment you almost didn’t survive? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Lia Allen, relationship marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and woman of faith, to share a story of hitting rock bottom and finding redemption on the other side. From the outside, Lia’s life looked successful. She was a business owner. A leader in her community. Someone others looked up to. But behind the scenes… She was struggling with addiction, emptiness, and a life that felt completely out of control. Until one moment changed everything. Driving down the road with a plan to end her life… something stopped her. That moment became the beginning of a journey that would lead her to healing, faith, and freedom. We talk about: Hitting rock bottom and choosing to ask for help Addiction, shame, and the pressure to “have it all together” The moment she truly accepted Jesus Freedom from alcohol and drugs, and what that looked like Learning to surrender daily (even when it’s hard) Walking through loss, hardship, and life’s challenges with faith Lia also shares powerful moments of provision and answered prayers, reminders that even in the hardest seasons, God is present. Her story is raw, honest, and deeply hopeful. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark things feel… no matter how far you think you’ve gone… You are not alone. And your story isn’t over. You can reach Lia Allen at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41789630

Faithful Friday #4: Living Water 06/19/2026

Elaine Lankford: From Rock Bottom to Purpose 06/17/2026

Elaine Lankford: From Rock Bottom to Purpose What do you do when everything you’ve built… disappears overnight? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Elaine Lankford, Christian entrepreneur coach, founder, and leader, to share a powerful story of loss, identity, and discovering purpose through faith. Elaine’s life was thriving. A successful 16-year nursing career… leadership roles… a clear path forward… Until one afternoon in 2008, everything changed. Her practice was suddenly shut down. Her career was under investigation. Her father passed away. And her husband was diagnosed with cancer. All within a year. What followed wasn’t immediate clarity… It was a valley. We talk about: What it feels like to have your identity tied to your career, and lose it Walking through seasons where nothing seems to move forward Why trials aren’t punishment, but often redirection Learning to lean into faith instead of running from it How God can repurpose your pain into purpose Building something new from what feels like nothing Elaine also shares the moment that changed everything, when she felt called to “go home and raise up my daughters,” leading her into coaching, entrepreneurship, and eventually impacting women not just in the U.S., but around the world. Her story is a powerful reminder: Sometimes the breakdown… is actually the beginning. If you’re in a season where things feel uncertain, heavy, or completely off track, this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Elaine Lankford at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41662145

Faithful Friday #3: Bringing the Ordinary to God 06/12/2026

Dr. Gabriel Warren: You’re Never Too Far Gone 06/10/2026

Dr. Gabriel Warren: You’re Never Too Far Gone What if the faith you grew up with… isn’t the same faith you live as an adult? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Dr. Gabriel Warren, educator, former Division I athlete, and man of faith, to talk about identity, discipline, and what it really means to choose your faith for yourself. Growing up as a preacher’s kid in Alabama, Gabriel was surrounded by faith from the very beginning, revivals, church services, and serving in the community were a normal part of life. But like many, there came a point where he had to decide: Was this his faith… or just something he inherited? In college, Gabriel began to drift, caught up in the pressures, distractions, and lifestyle that many students experience. But after recognizing a growing void and remembering the promises he made to himself, he made a decision to return—and this time, it was personal. We talk about: Growing up in a faith-filled household and what that really looks like The difference between inherited faith and chosen faith Navigating college life, pressure, and identity Recognizing when you’ve drifted, and how to come back The importance of community and having the right people around you How to live your faith out loud in everyday life Gabriel also shares powerful moments where God showed up, from earning a college scholarship to unexpected “God winks” that shaped his life, including meeting his wife in the middle of a storm. His message is simple, but powerful: You are never too far gone for God to reach you. If you’ve ever felt lost, disconnected, or unsure where you stand in your faith, this episode will remind you that you can always come back. You can reach Dr. Gabriel Warren at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41580140

Faithful Friday #2: Come and See 06/05/2026

Erin Harrigan: From Hustle to Surrender 06/03/2026

Erin Harrigan: From Hustle to Surrender What if everything you’ve been chasing… still leaves you feeling empty? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Erin Harrigan; biblical business coach, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “daughter of the King”, to talk about identity, surrender, and what it really means to build your life with God at the center. Erin’s journey didn’t start with a deep relationship with Jesus. Raised in the church but without a personal connection, she spent years chasing success, thriving in corporate, building a business, and following new age beliefs like the law of attraction. From the outside, everything looked successful. But on the inside… things were falling apart. At 46, after hitting a breaking point, a mentor spoke truth that changed everything: “You don’t know who you are… or whose you are.” That moment led Erin to surrender her life to Christ—and everything began to shift. We talk about: The difference between knowing about God and having a relationship with Him Walking away from hustle, striving, and performance-based identity Breaking free from new age beliefs and stepping into truth Financial struggle, pride, and what true stewardship looks like How faith transformed her marriage, motherhood, and business Learning to trust God’s provision—even when it doesn’t look how you expect Erin’s story is powerful, honest, and deeply relevant for anyone who has ever chased success… only to realize it wasn’t enough. It’s a reminder that your identity isn’t found in what you achieve… It’s found in who you belong to. If you’ve been striving, hustling, or searching for something more—this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Erin at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41491670

Faithful Friday #1: Jesus Is the Light 05/29/2026

Michelle Von Ruden: Still Here for a Reason 05/27/2026

Michelle Von Ruden: Still Here for a Reason What if you knew, deep down, that your life had been spared for a reason… but you weren’t sure what that reason was yet? In this special episode of Why I Believe, the tables are turned as Marianne Callaghan interviews me, Michelle Von Ruden, about my own journey of faith, survival, and calling. From the very beginning, my story has been marked by moments that shouldn’t have happened. Born with a life-threatening heart condition and given a limited life expectancy… walking away from situations that should have ended differently… and surviving a moment doctors later said should have taken my life… I’ve always had the same question: Why am I still here? We talk about: Growing up without a strong faith foundation, and finding it through community Walking through seasons of partying, searching, and trying to “fill the gap” The life-threatening heart condition that shaped my perspective from the start Moments where I know God intervened and protected me A defining burnout moment that could have ended everything The shift from achievement-driven identity to purpose-driven living The moment God called me to start this podcast, and why I said yes This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply personal. It’s a reminder that sometimes your story doesn’t make sense while you’re living it… but every moment is shaping something bigger than you can see. If you’ve ever wondered: Why am I here? Is there more to my story? What is God calling me to do? This episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach me, Michelle Von Ruden at 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: 👉 Learn more about coaching: 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. /episode/index/show/55dafa76-d633-4868-a4f3-39a881aa438c/id/41333115

Why I Believe

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