Jonathan David & Melissa Helser
Hear from the heart of Jonathan David and Melissa Helser. Songs, videos and teachings gathered from their journey.
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Worship for the Long-Haul
09/06/2024
Worship for the Long-Haul
In this episode, Jonathan shares about living a life of wholehearted worship and becoming a lover of God for the long-haul. King David cultivated a well-worn path of honest worship with the Lord throughout His whole life. Our dream is that you would be 80 years old, still clinging to Jesus, astonished at who He is. This podcast is full of stories and reflections from Jonathan about being steadfast, honest, and passionate in the lifelong pursuit of God’s presence. The introduction to this podcast was recorded at David’s Tent in the United Kingdom, where our team leads worship every single August. To learn more about David’s Tent UK and get tickets for 2025, you can head to: The 18 Inch Journey: Phase One is our 65-day discipleship school of the heart dedicated to helping adults ages 20-30 have a thriving relationship with Jesus in every area of life. Male applications for Phase One are still open! To learn more and apply, you can visit: To support our 18 Inch Journey Campus Campaign, go to: To learn more about our ministry:
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What is The God Story? with Adam Cox
07/24/2024
What is The God Story? with Adam Cox
In this episode, Jonathan sits down with his longtime friend, Adam Cox. They reflect on their decades of friendship, and how Adam's passion for helping people encounter the unfailing love of God has impacted our community, and schools (The 18 Inch Journey). Adam's first book, "The God Story," (co-authored by Alain Emerson) is a compelling and creative retelling of the biblical story to help you move from familiar to fascinated. It is out now and available wherever books are sold! Get "The God Story" here: If you'd like to learn more about our ministry, go to:
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Discipleship Can Change the World
05/31/2024
Discipleship Can Change the World
This episode was captured live at a recent 18 Inch Journey Fundraiser where Jonathan and Melissa shared on our vision for discipleship, the history and mission of the 18 Inch Journey, and how discipleship can transform the hearts of men and women. Learn more at: If you’d like to be a part of what the Lord is doing through our ministry, go to Thank you!
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Beautiful Jesus - Q&R with Melissa Helser
04/05/2024
Beautiful Jesus - Q&R with Melissa Helser
This episode is a special conversation between Melissa Helser and Chris Miller. Melissa shares about her song, Beautiful Jesus, and a worship moment from the 2023 18 Inch Journey that was recently shared on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel. She reflects on the season of her life during which that song was first written as well as what it’s like to lead worship within the context of our discipleship schools. At the end of this podcast, we play the full worship moment that Melissa is referencing, so please stick around to the end and enjoy this song and spontaneous worship moment! You can also watch the moment on our YouTube channel at: To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or .
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Living a Life of Radical Worship
12/21/2023
Living a Life of Radical Worship
What kind of worshiper do you want to be in 40 years? In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the life of King Saul and King David, and what it means to live a life of radical worship before the Father. One of the most important things about David’s story is how he pursues honesty with God in the midst of the pressures of his life. This message was originally recorded in 2021 at . We have exciting news to share with you – we have completed our Audio Upgrade Campaign! Thanks to your generosity and financial support, we were able to overhaul the entire sound system on our campus, upgrading the tools that empower us to continue to grow in the way that we capture and share the sound of the Cageless Birds with the world. Your investment has filled us with courage for the season to come. We are eager to share new songs and from Jonathan & Melissa Helser and the Cageless Birds in 2024! To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or .
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The Land I’m Livin’ In – Song Stories (Part 1)
11/16/2023
The Land I’m Livin’ In – Song Stories (Part 1)
This episode features an excerpt from a conversation Jonathan and Melissa recently had with our friend, Morgan Snyder. In it, the Helsers share song stories from their most recent album: The Land I’m Livin’ In. This episode features the stories behind the songs I Believe, and We Make Space! Morgan Snyder is an entrepreneur, teacher, writer, speaker, and friend of our community. His passion is to both be shaped by and shape the men and women who are shaping the kingdom of God. He is the creator of Become Good Soil and the author of the book “Becoming A King.” For more about Morgan, head to . To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or . To learn more about our we invite you to visit . Thank you!
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Maturing as Friends of God – The Work of Perseverance
10/26/2023
Maturing as Friends of God – The Work of Perseverance
In our previous episode, Melissa taught from 2 Corinthians 9 on living generous lives without reluctance or compulsion. In this episode she opens up James 1, unpacking the way perseverance produces maturity in us, and how the discipline of the Lord brings us true wisdom and discernment as we walk with him. This message was originally recorded in 2022 at . Six years ago, we finished building the Art Barn, a space that become such a gift to our campus: the home of our video, design, and marketing departments, and a multi-purpose hub for so many things that happen in our schools, retreats, and summer camps. Out of all that happens in this space, one of the most special things is the hours of worship we have poured out on Jesus in this place. It has truly become holy ground for our students to encounter the Lord. It has also become a sacred space for us to capture hours of worship on film that we have been able to share with people all over the world through and music streaming. Over these years we have been using a very basic audio system and it has been our dream to upgrade the sound and recording system. We are launching a campaign to raise $30,000 to upgrade all the audio in this space! If you are interested in partnering with us to reach this goal, we invite you to head to Thank you! To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or .
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Maturing as Friends of God – Living Generously
08/24/2023
Maturing as Friends of God – Living Generously
In this episode Melissa unpacks the difference between growth and maturity, and how living a life of generosity is an integral part of maturing in friendship with God. This message was originally recorded in 2022 at . Our podcast is made possible by the generous support of people all over the world. If you were impacted by this episode, we’d like to invite you to partner with us to disciple a generation into wholehearted living! To support our non-profit ministry, head to You can donate to the general fund, support one of our Cageless Birds staff, or sponsor a project. Thank you! To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or .
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Learning To Hear the Father’s Voice
07/28/2023
Learning To Hear the Father’s Voice
We need the perspective of the Lord to overcome the lies that we face and realign us with the truth. In this episode, Jonathan teaches on living defined by the Father’s voice. He shares practical examples from his own life, and ends with a journaling exercise. This message was originally recorded in 2021 at . Our podcast is made possible by the generous support of people all over the world. If you were impacted by this episode, we’d like to invite you to partner with us to disciple a generation into wholehearted living! To support our non-profit ministry, head to You can donate to the general fund, support one of our Cageless Birds staff, or sponsor a project. Thank you! To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or .
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Reframing Pressure in Seasons of Suffering
06/16/2023
Reframing Pressure in Seasons of Suffering
In this episode, Melissa unpacks the maturity that comes through letting God reframe our understanding of pressure, especially in seasons of suffering. This message was originally recorded in 2021 at . Our podcast is made possible by the generous support of people all over the world. If you were impacted by this episode, we’d like to invite you to to disciple a generation into wholehearted living! To support our non-profit ministry, head to . You can donate to the general fund, support one of our Cageless Birds staff, or sponsor a project. Thank you! To learn more about our ministry, go to , , or .
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Information Is Not Transformation (Part 2)
05/10/2023
Information Is Not Transformation (Part 2)
In this episode, Jonathan Helser and Jason Vallotton continue their conversation about living as powerful, healthy men. “Where are you?” This was the first question God asked in the Bible to Adam and Eve after they sinned and were hiding. It is so important for us all to grow in understanding our stories so that we can confess to God and others where we actually are and ask for help. This is where discipleship happens. Jason Vallotton is a pastor and counselor in Redding, CA. He is a longtime friend of Jonathan and Melissa who has made a significant impact on our community and our discipleship schools. (Learn more about Jason’s ministry and the BraveCo podcast here: ) To listen to the “Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons” Podcast, click Our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school exists to close the gap between what we know about God in our heads and who we believe Him to be in our hearts. Our vision is to see sons and daughters who are yielded to Jesus, tending to their inner life, and thriving in their relationships. If you are interested in learning more about the 18 Inch Journey, head over to . We have created resources for discipleship and tools for stewarding your life with the Lord at . You can also watch this podcast on the .
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Information Is Not Transformation (Part 1)
05/03/2023
Information Is Not Transformation (Part 1)
In this episode, Jonathan Helser and Jason Vallotton dialogue about the work of living as a healthy man in today’s culture. Taking a season to slow down and strengthen our roots is a courageous and necessary step in the process of becoming who we were made to be. Jason Vallotton is a pastor and counselor in Redding, CA. He is a longtime friend of Jonathan and Melissa who has made a significant impact on our community and our discipleship schools. (Learn more about Jason’s ministry and the BraveCo podcast here: ) To listen to the “Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons” Podcast, click here: Our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school exists to close the gap between what we know about God in our heads and who we believe Him to be in our hearts. Our vision is to see sons and daughters who are yielded to Jesus, tending to their inner life, and thriving in their relationships. If you are interested in learning more about the 18 Inch Journey, head over to . We have created resources for discipleship and tools for stewarding your life with the Lord at . You can also watch this podcast on the . Thank you for listening!
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Becoming a Powerful Woman (Part 2)
03/10/2023
Becoming a Powerful Woman (Part 2)
This podcast episode continues the conversation between Melissa Helser, Justina Stevens, Jessie Miller & Phyllis Unkefer about living as rooted and empowered women in this day and age. This part of the conversation focuses on the work of being a powerful woman and what that work requires for the long haul of life. Through stories and examples from their own lives, they unpack what it means to walk in wholeness by growing in self-awareness and yielding to their neediness for the Lord. Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more about the Cageless Birds, please go to ! We have also created resources for discipleship and tools for stewarding your life with the Lord at . You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel .
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Becoming a Powerful Woman (Part 1)
03/03/2023
Becoming a Powerful Woman (Part 1)
What does it mean to be a powerful woman? In this podcast episode, Melissa Helser dialogues with Justina Stevens, Jessie Miller, & Phyllis Unkefer (three core leaders in our community) about living as rooted, powerful women in this day and age. This conversation centers around personal stories from each of the women about the process and reward of tending to their hearts, minds, and souls with the Lord. Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more about the Cageless Birds, please go to ! We have also created resources for discipleship and tools for stewarding your life with the Lord at . You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel . Connect with Cageless Birds: Shop to support the Cageless Birds | Facebook | Instagram |
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Every Man Has a Heart Worth Recovering
01/25/2023
Every Man Has a Heart Worth Recovering
In this podcast episode, Jonathan Helser dialogues with Chris Miller, Jake Stevens & John David Gravitt (three leaders in our community) about living as wholehearted men in this day and age. This conversation centers around personal stories from each of the men about learning to press pause in the race of life, and reaching out with these simple yet challenging words: "I need help". **This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school! Applications are open until 2/1.** Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to ! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel.
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Transformed by Community
01/20/2023
Transformed by Community
This is the third episode in a brand new three-part series. Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation focuses on doing the hard work of growing and maturing in community, through practicing honesty with the Lord and with others, and finding balance in the rhythms of life. **This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school and Becoming Wholehearted Men’s Retreat! Phase One Apps close 2/1, Men's Retreat Apps close 1/26, (or when our cap is reached).** Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to ! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel
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Staying in the Tension
01/11/2023
Staying in the Tension
This is the second episode in a brand new three-part series. Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation centers around staying with God in the tension of life. They unpack why we teach creative rhythms in our discipleship schools and how discovering God in the ordinary is possible. He desires to offer us true rest in the valleys and mountains of life. **This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school and Becoming Wholehearted Men’s Retreat! Note: Our Women’s Retreat application has closed.** Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to ! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel
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Learning to Do the Right Work
01/06/2023
Learning to Do the Right Work
This is the first episode in a brand new three-part series. Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation centers around what it means to do the work of tending to your heart, and embrace the posture of a lifelong learner. ***This month, applications are open for our Men’s Retreat, Women’s Retreat, and our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school! All of our discipleship programs are centered around doing the good work of building friendship with Jesus, mentoring and learning, and stewarding your inner life.*** If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to ! If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them! You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel .
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Prayer that Changes History
12/21/2022
Prayer that Changes History
In this podcast, Jonathan shares a message about the way that Mary, the mother of Jesus, courageously prayed and changed history. This prayer of Mary: “Let it be unto me according to your word” is a prayer we can say in just a breath—yet, it’s one of those prayers we could explore the rest of our lives. We never come to the end of discovering more of God. This message is from our Cageless Birds community night—our weekly gathering where we worship and fellowship together as a group of friends. To listen to the “Cageless Birds” worship set that happened before Jonathan shared go to: The book Jonathan read from, “Walking on Water” by Madeleine L'Engle is one of our favorite books on faith and creativity. We highly recommend it. Get it here:
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A Conversation with Kris Vallotton on Fatherhood and Discipleship
11/18/2022
A Conversation with Kris Vallotton on Fatherhood and Discipleship
This podcast episode features a recent conversation between Jonathan Helser and Kris Vallotton about fathering, discipleship, and pouring into the next generation. To learn more about Kris and his ministry, go to www.krisvallotton.com, and make sure to check out his new book, "Uprising: The Epic Battle for the Most Fatherless Generation in History” Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: Additional Resources by Kris Vallotton: For more information on our discipleship school and retreats, go to
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The Head to Heart Journey
09/06/2022
The Head to Heart Journey
“Our emotions are the language that our hearts speak. I believe that they are a gift from God that help us understand what is going on inside of us.” In this episode, Jonathan teaches on The Head to Heart Journey. This teaching is from the first lesson of Engaging Sound—an online workshop by the Helsers and Cageless Birds on connecting with God through instrumental music. Jonathan will lead you in a prompt to make your own journey from your head to your heart. Jonathan and Melissa also dialogue about why they expanded and revised Cultivate Volume I: The Head to the Heart Journey, almost 10 years after its first print. With 17 new writings, the updated Volume I is full of the spiritual disciplines and stories that Jonathan and Melissa teach in their 18 Inch Journey school and live out daily in community. The Head to Heart Journey is a value that we’re invited to live out as children of God—to move from the facts we know about God in our heads into trusting and believing Him deeply in our hearts. To learn more about Cultivate and Engaging Sound, you can visit , , or .
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The Author of Our Story
05/18/2022
The Author of Our Story
“God has been writing our story, and it is a miracle that we’re in the room right now. One day when we get to heaven we’re going to read this story, and be absolutely astonished at how He's been writing it all along.” In this episode, Jonathan shares stories from his life and Scripture that illustrate this truth, that Jesus is the most wonderful Author of our stories in the big, and all of the inbetween moments. Click to learn more about Hydrating Humanity, an organization that exists to provide clean water to those in need, and help improve the physical, financial and spiritual lives of those they reach.
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The Land I'm Livin' In – DAY ONE (Part 2)
02/28/2022
The Land I'm Livin' In – DAY ONE (Part 2)
DAY ONE of “The Land I’m Livin’ In” is now available everywhere you stream and download music! In celebration of the first installment of this release, we are continuing our series of album-focused episodes with Jonathan & Melissa Helser. The two of them sat down with Chris Miller of Cageless Birds to unpack the stories connected to the first tracks from the DAY ONE release. This episode features “We Make Space” and “Father of Jesus.” Recorded in three days and releasing in three installments, this 14 track album is comprised of more than 2 hours of new music. DAY ONE is available everywhere now: For a video version of this episode, visit our Youtube page: To learn more about Jonathan & Melissa and their ministry, go to and
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The Land I'm Livin' In – DAY ONE (Part 1)
01/29/2022
The Land I'm Livin' In – DAY ONE (Part 1)
DAY ONE of “The Land I’m Livin’ In” is now available everywhere you stream and download music! In celebration of the first installment of this release, we are continuing our series of album-focused episodes with Jonathan & Melissa Helser. The two of them sat down with Chris Miller of Cageless Birds to unpack the stories connected to the first tracks from the DAY ONE release. This episode features "I Am Your Beloved" "Running Back Home (Spontaneous)" and "I Lose My Ability." Recorded in three days and releasing in three installments, this 14 track album is comprised of more than 2 hours of new music. DAY ONE is available everywhere now: For a video version of this episode, visit our Youtube page: To learn more about Jonathan & Melissa and their ministry, go to and
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New Album Preview: The Land I’m Livin’ In - Interview w/ The Helsers
12/22/2021
New Album Preview: The Land I’m Livin’ In - Interview w/ The Helsers
Join us at the table with Jonathan & Melissa Helser as they sit down with Chris Miller of Cageless Birds to reflect on the year and share exciting news about their forthcoming album - 'The Land I'm Livin' In'.
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Living a Life Defined by the Father's Voice, Part 2
11/19/2021
Living a Life Defined by the Father's Voice, Part 2
“We often have more faith that fear and shame want to define us, than we have faith that God wants to speak to us. God wants to speak to us more than we want to hear Him! He is longing to define us with his voice.” In this episode Jonathan concludes his message from last month, landing in this journaling prompt: “Father, what do You think about my worship?"
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Living a Life Defined by the Father’s Voice, Part 1
10/15/2021
Living a Life Defined by the Father’s Voice, Part 1
“The voice that you listen to is the voice that will define you. The battle is whose voice we will listen to.” This episode is part one of a message Jonathan recently shared on being defined by the Father’s voice. Not just for worship leaders and musicians, this is for anyone who wants to learn to hear God’s voice and draw closer to His heart.
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Keys to Leadership
08/24/2021
Keys to Leadership
In this episode Melissa shares from over two decades of leadership experience and gives keys for loving and leading your team well, and navigating through conflict.
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Joy of the Lord (Spontaneous Worship from The 18 Inch Journey)
05/29/2021
Joy of the Lord (Spontaneous Worship from The 18 Inch Journey)
During one of the final worship nights of our school, The 18 Inch Journey, we encountered the joy of the Lord and the heart of the Father in a profound way. In this episode we are sharing that moment with you! Our prayer is that you are lifted by the joy and affection of God as you listen.
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Years Later: The Heart & History of the 18 Inch Journey, Part 2
03/17/2021
Years Later: The Heart & History of the 18 Inch Journey, Part 2
This episode is the second half of an interview with Jonathan & Melissa Helser, celebrating 14 years of leading their school, the 18 Inch Journey! Originally recorded in 2019, our Art Director, Justina Stevens sat down with the Helsers to answer some commonly asked questions about our school, its history and our heart for discipleship.
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