The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast

Maybe we’ve made wisdom more complicated than God intended it to be.

In this episode, Alicia Bruxvoort joins Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson to show us what the book of Proverbs actually teaches about becoming wise. You’ll discover why wisdom isn’t just about making the “right” decision — it’s about knowing God well enough to trust His ways, follow His Word, and keep walking with Him one decision at a time.

And if you’re worried you’ve already made the wrong choice ... you’ll be reminded that one decision is never bigger than...

Are you feeling worn out from constantly overthinking, trying to fix the people around you, or attempting to figure out every detail of your future? In this episode, hosts Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with Proverbs 31 Ministries President Lysa TerKeurst for an exclusive preview of her book Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Together, they unpack an unexpected aspect in the story of Judas in Matthew 26, revealing how a subtle desire to force immediate relief can lead us to take control into our own hands rather than trust God. Listen in to discover how making one...

Have you ever sensed God leading you toward something, only to immediately feel unqualified, afraid, or unsure? Maybe you've wondered, Who am I to do what God is asking?

In this encouraging conversation, Becky Murray joins Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson to explore the story of Moses in Exodus 3-4 and the excuses that often keep us from stepping into God's calling. Drawing from her own journey as the founder of One by One, Becky shares how God met her fears, insecurities, and feelings of inadequacy — and how He can do the same for you.

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Have you ever looked at your circumstances and wondered, God, will things ever change?

Whether you're walking through grief, disappointment, unanswered prayers, or a season that feels impossibly long, today's conversation is a reminder that God is still at work — even when nothing around you seems different.

In this powerful episode, Bible teacher Oghosa Iyamu joins Melissa Taylor and Cailah Garcia to walk through the breathtaking vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. Together, they unpack what it means to lift your eyes off your circumstances and onto the God who br...

What if, in the hardest season of your life, God is doing work you can't yet see?

The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast hosts Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson relisten to the very first episode of the show and celebrate all God has done through the last eight years and 31 million downloads. You'll hear them react to Lysa TerKeurst's original teaching where she unpacks the story of Joseph to explore a powerful truth: Pain and God's purpose often operate on two different tracks at the same time. While we experience rejection, betrayal, disappointment, and injustice, God...

Do you ever feel trapped by insecurity, comparison, or the pressure to prove yourself?

In today’s episode, Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with author, pastor, and speaker Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss a surprising source of insecurity that many women overlook. Through personal stories, biblical teaching, and practical wisdom, Sharon explains why some insecurity stems not from thinking too little of ourselves but from thinking about ourselves too much.

Drawing from Moses’ story in Exodus 4 and her own journey through ministry, Sharon shares how God invites us to shift our focus away...

Have you ever wondered if your small act of obedience is really making a difference?

In today’s episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with author and pastor Jennie Lusko to talk about the moment her “yes” became deeply personal. When Jennie and her family traveled to Bolivia to meet three children they sponsor through Compassion International, what they experienced was far more than meaningful — it changed the way they see faith, generosity, and the people God has placed right in front of them.

Through honest storytelling and spiritual insight, Jennie shares h...

What’s actually driving your life right now?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Bible teacher and author Megan Fate Marshman to unpack one of Jesus’ most sobering teachings: the narrow road vs. the wide road.

But this isn’t just about salvation — it’s about how we’re living every single day.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to “do all the right things,” or quietly wondered if you’re missing something in your relationship with God … this conversation will meet you right there.<...

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try … it’s still not enough?

In today’s episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Proverbs 31 Ministries team member Kaitlin Chappell Rogers to talk about the quiet pressure so many of us carry — the pressure to do more, be better, and somehow hold everything together.

But what if the reason you feel stuck isn’t because you’re falling behind … but because you’ve been carrying more than God ever asked you to?

Through powerful storytelling, biblical Truth, and a fresh look at...

Do you ever feel like you want to pray … but don’t know what to say?

In today’s episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Wendy Blight to talk about a simple but powerful shift: praying God’s Word.

Because when emotions run high — especially in the relationships that matter most — it’s easy to default to reacting, fixing, or striving for change. But what if the most impactful thing you could do is pray differently?

Wendy shares honestly about a hard season with her daughter and how learning to pr...

What if one small act of obedience could change the entire trajectory of someone’s life?

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Dr. Nujerling Vargas — a neurosurgeon from the Dominican Republic whose story is nothing short of remarkable.

From walking barefoot to school and sharing a single notebook between siblings … to performing brain surgery and leading in her field, Nujerling’s journey is a testimony of what happens when someone is given the chance to dream.

Through the support of Compassion International, her physical...

What if the way you see your life could shift — not because your circumstances change but because your perspective does?

In this powerful and story-rich episode, Cailah Garcia and Kaley Olson sit down with longtime friend of Proverbs 31 Ministries Sharon Jaynes to talk about the life-changing impact of gratitude. With humor, honesty, and deeply moving personal stories (including a travel day gone completely wrong), Sharon shares how gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a practice that can reshape how we experience God in our everyday lives.

If you’ve been feeling frustrated...

Have you ever felt stuck trying to make the right decision — afraid one wrong move could mess everything up?

In this honest and practical conversation, Meredith Brock and Cailah Garcia sit down with author and speaker Grace Valentine to talk about what it looks like to make decisions with God instead of with anxiety.

Through personal stories (including a hilarious texting mishap), biblical wisdom, and a deep dive into Proverbs 3:5-6, Grace reminds us that decision-making was never meant to be something we navigate alone. When we try to decode every outcome or gather endless op...

If you’ve ever sat down to pray and felt unsure of what to say — or wondered whether God is actually listening — this episode is for you.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with Lysa TerKeurst to talk about what prayer really is: not a performance, not perfect words, but daily dependence on a God who is already near.

Together, they explore how to pray when you’re spiritually tired, how to discern whether you’re hearing God or just your own thoughts, and why asking for “daily bread”...

Our thoughts are busy places — full of worries, assumptions, memories, and what-ifs that can quietly shape how we live and respond to the world around us. And while no one has a perfectly manicured mind, Scripture reminds us that we don’t have to be ruled by every thought that shows up.

In today’s episode, our friend Max Lucado joins us to share a hopeful, practical message about renewing your mind and learning to take your thoughts captive. Drawing from Romans 12 and other powerful passages, Max walks us through three simple but life-changing tools to help us ide...

If you hoped this year would feel lighter by now — but you’re still in the same hard place — this episode is for you.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Sarah Freymuth to explore what God may be doing when the struggle doesn’t lift. Through Scripture and personal experience, Sarah reminds us that unanswered prayers aren’t signs of God’s absence — they can be invitations to deeper trust. If you’ve been asking “Why me?,” this episode gently invites you to shift the question to “What now, God?” and discover how...

We talk about grace a lot — but do we actually understand it? For many of us, grace feels like the doorway into faith … yet something we quietly try to “maintain” through our own effort. What if God never intended you to earn what He freely gives?

In today’s episode, writer and Bible teacher Kristel Acevedo joins Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson for a deeply clarifying conversation about the kind of grace Scripture describes — the grace that saves us and keeps us. Through biblical teaching, real-life stories, and practical wisdom, Kristel helps us see why striving leaves us ex...

What if your confidence in Jesus didn’t have to rest on feelings alone — but on real, compelling evidence? In this episode, Kaley Olson and Meredith Brock sit down with Dr. Joel Muddamalle to explore why Christians can trust both the Bible and the historical Jesus with clarity and confidence.

Joel unpacks the surprisingly strong historical, textual, and archaeological evidence surrounding Scripture, the overwhelming support for the resurrection, and why even secular scholars take the Gospels seriously. You’ll walk away not just informed but anchored — reminded that the story of Jesus isn’t fragile, mythical, or wishful th...

Christmas is the story of Love stepping toward us — yet for many of us, love is still the place where our deepest questions live. Why is it hard to give? Why is it even harder to receive? And what does Advent have to do with it?

In this final Advent episode, Kaley Olson, Wendy Blight, and Ellen Adkins explore what Scripture reveals about the human heart — and why Jesus came to transform it from the inside out. You’ll get a freeing look at why hostility toward God shows up in all of us, how th...

Joy sounds simple at Christmastime … until life brings loss, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. In this Advent episode, Wendy Blight joins Kaley Olson and Ellen Adkins to share how Jesus brings joy — not to replace suffering but right in the middle of it. Through Wendy’s honest personal story and a biblical look at joy throughout Scripture, you’ll discover how true joy isn’t rooted in circumstances — it's rooted in the presence of Jesus who meets us, sustains us, and carries us through things we never asked for.

A powerful message for anyone who’s wondering how joy is possibl...

When life feels unsettled, peace can feel impossible to find. In this Advent episode, Ellen Adkins joins Kaley Olson and Wendy Blight to unpack the deeper meaning of “shalom” — not just the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness. Together, they trace the story of peace from the garden of Genesis to the birth of Jesus, revealing why Christ alone brings calm to the chaos within us and around us.

A hope-filled conversation for anyone longing for a steady, soul-deep peace this Christmas.

You’ll learn:

When the holidays feel heavy, hope can feel far away. In this Advent episode, Bible teacher Wendy Blight joins Kaley Olson and Ellen Adkins to show how Jesus brings real hope into the places where we feel most broken. Through Scripture and Wendy’s powerful personal story, you’ll discover why biblical hope is more than wishful thinking — it’s a confident expectation rooted in who God is.

Perfect for anyone who needs a breath of hope this season.

You’ll learn:

If your days feel rushed and your soul feels weary, this episode is for you. Our friend Amanda Jass joins us to share how three simple rhythms — Know, Grow, and Go — can help you slow down, reconnect with God, and live with purpose right where you are.

Through her personal story and wisdom from Scripture, Amanda reminds us that becoming who God created us to be isn’t about striving harder — it’s about abiding deeper. When we truly know God’s Word, grow in His presence, and go where He leads, we’ll find the peace and...

Forgiveness can sometimes feel like an unfair gift we have to give someone else. But what if it's actually God's prescription for our own hearts to heal? 

In this deeply personal episode, Lysa TerKeurst opens up about what it really looks like to practice forgiveness when it seems undeserved or out of reach. With honesty and tenderness, she shares insights from her own journey, offering practical guidance on processing pain, naming your hurt, and choosing obedience to God even when your heart hasn’t caught up yet. 

Through this conversation, you'll learn: 

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by heartache that you didn't even want to talk to God? When loss, grief, and suffering pile up one after another, it's easy to feel stuck — angry, exhausted, and wondering where God is in the middle of it all. In this deeply personal episode, Madelynn Reyes, Donor Community Manager at Proverbs 31 Ministries, shares her journey through a season of unimaginable loss and how Jesus met her at her lowest point. Through the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Madelynn reminds us that God doesn't wait for us to ge...

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying years of disappointment, shame, or questions about whether God hears you? Maybe you’ve prayed for healing, longed for comfort, or simply wondered if you’re worth His attention. In this episode, Erin Rae Peace joins us to unpack the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 — the only place in Scripture where Jesus publicly calls a woman “daughter.” Together, we’ll explore what this tender encounter reveals about how deeply Jesus values women, the hope He offers when shame feels louder than the Truth, and why His embrace is...

Have you ever wondered if God really sees you — your struggles, your desires, even the parts of your story you’d rather hide? In this episode, Bible teacher, writer, and speaker Oghosa Iyamu joins Meredith and Kaley to unpack the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 — a woman who felt unseen, overlooked, and on the run. Together, they share biblical truths and practical encouragement for how to face the battles in our minds with faith. If you’ve ever been tempted to return to old patterns, question your worth, or carry the weight of rejection, this conversation will remind you: God not...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and immediately started critiquing what you see? From body image struggles to chronic illness, infertility, or the natural process of aging, so many of us carry quiet shame and exhaustion when it comes to our bodies. In this episode, bestselling author and Bible teacher Lisa Whittle joins us to share how Scripture offers a better foundation — what she calls "whole-body theology." Instead of chasing self-improvement or settling for hype messages from culture, Lisa reminds us of the hope, freedom, and peace that come when we understand our bodies as God’s good...

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, you’re invited to pull up a chair at the Proverbs 31 Ministries staff meeting as Lysa TerKeurst shares a powerful teaching on what to do when we feel tempted to take control of a situation or step in where it seems God isn't doing what we think He should do. 

If you’ve ever wrestled with trusting the Lord when the outcome is uncertain, this message will encourage you with the truth that He is good, faithful, and active in whatever you're facing right now. 

You’ll learn about:

Have you ever looked around and wondered, Is this really it? Or is God calling me to something more? In this episode, Meredith Brock, Kaley Olson, and Nicki Koziarz share how a trip to El Salvador with Compassion International unexpectedly shifted their perspective on calling and obedience and what it really means to live a life of purpose. You’ll hear the powerful story of one woman whose quiet but courageous “yes” to God created a ripple effect — transforming her family, her community, and even the hearts of our team. If you’re feeling unsure about your next step, worn out f...

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to figure it all out, force it to happen, or keep your head up even when your heart’s worn out — this message is for you.

In this keynote from She Speaks, Meredith Brock shares her honest story of learning to surrender the striving and live from a place of trust instead of trying. With laughter, vulnerability, and deep biblical wisdom, Meredith reminds us: We don’t have to prove ourselves to be used by God. We just have to stay surrendered.

You’ll learn:

Ever wonder if what you’re doing — especially as a mom — is really making a difference? Whether you’re leading in a boardroom or just trying to keep up with the laundry, this conversation is for you. Authors Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox join us to talk about the surprising influence of faithful moms in the lives of five world-changers they feature in their new book, Five Mere Christians. This episode will remind you that your work matters, even if no one’s clapping. You don’t need a big platform or a ministry title to make an eternal impact — you...

Whether you're someone who believes you have let God down or you've carried wounds from your earthly father that make it hard to trust your heavenly One, this conversation will meet you right where you are. 

In this episode with special guest and author Lynn Cowell, you'll learn:

If loving those around you (or even online) has felt difficult lately, could it be because you've been trying to do it all in your own strength? Instead of attempting to muster up enough patience and kindness on our own, God has a better path for us.

In this episode with Jada Edwards, you'll discover:

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When it comes to understanding the Holy Spirit, many of us feel unsure. We might grasp the idea of God the Father and Jesus the Son … but the Holy Spirit? That feels harder to define. In this episode, author and Bible teacher Margaret Feinberg joins us to unpack who the Holy Spirit is, where we see Him throughout Scripture, and how we can begin to experience His power and presence in our everyday lives. Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for decades or are just beginning to explore your faith, this conversation will awaken a new awareness of the God...

Parenting is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles we can take on. What if we told you that you don’t have to do it alone? In this episode, Bridget van Zyl, author of Wired to Parent, shares her wisdom on how partnering with God in your parenting journey can bring peace and perspective. Whether you're in the toddler trenches or navigating the teenage years, Bridget’s insights will equip you with the tools to raise Kingdom adults with purpose.

You’ll learn:

Have you ever carried a secret so heavy that it began to shape your life? In today’s episode, Anne Beiler — founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels — shares her powerful testimony of walking through unimaginable grief and trauma and how one moment of courageous vulnerability transformed her story. Through her honest words and biblical insight, you’ll learn how confession isn’t just about admitting guilt — it’s about breaking the silence, stepping into the light, and embracing connection with God and others.

You’ll learn:

Suffering isn’t something we choose, but it’s something we all face. In today’s episode, Wendy Blight courageously shares her journey through unimaginable hardship and reveals the truth that God meets us in our suffering — not only to sustain us but to strengthen our faith. Wendy shows us that enduring trials with God’s help doesn’t just change our circumstances; it transforms us. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to embrace endurance as a path to greater intimacy with God and experience His faithfulness like never before.

You’ll learn:

God doesn't want tidy thoughts from us — He wants a real, authentic relationship with us.

In this episode with Lysa TerKeurst and Craig Groeschel, you'll learn:

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When life feels uncertain, we often want God to give us a clear sign. But what if His voice is showing up in quieter ways? In this episode, author Abby McDonald shares how she’s learning to let go of control and trust God even without all the details. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for clarity, this conversation will remind you that God’s presence is steady — even when answers aren’t.

You’ll learn: