Advertise on podcast: Crossroads with Jenny Bushkell

What happens when the story you once wanted to hide becomes the very story God uses to help someone else find freedom?  In Part 2 of Jenny's conversation with Crystal Renaud Day, they turn our attention toward healing and recovery from pornography and sexual addiction. Crystal shares her own story—how shame and secrecy kept her struggling in silence, and how God met her in that broken place. What was once a source of shame became part of her calling to help other women know they are not alone and that freedom is possible. They also talk about Crystal's SCARS method of recovery and the practical steps toward breaking free from the drivers that can keep women trapped. And ask an important question: How can the Church become a safe place where women can ask for help without fear of judgment? Crystal is the Founder and Executive Director of SheRecovery and the author of What Drives Women to Porn? Why Women Struggle Sexually—and How to Heal. Because our scars don't have to be the end of our story. God can redeem the places we once wanted to hide and use them to bring hope and healing to someone else.

There's a growing struggle we don't hear talked about very often.  Pornography addiction is often thought of as a men's issue, but a growing number of women are struggling too. On Part 1 of Crossroads, Jenny's guest is Crystal Renaud Day, a pioneer in the field of female pornography and sexual addiction and the Founder and Executive Director of SheRecovery. Crystal brings more than 15 years of ministry, coaching, and counseling experience to a conversation that the Church needs to be willing to have. They're talking about what can drive women toward pornography, why shame and secrecy can keep them trapped, and most importantly—why there is hope and a path toward healing and freedom. She's the author of several books, and her latest is titled, "What Drives Women to Porn? Why Women Struggle Sexually—and How to Heal." Find more resources at livingonpurposekc.com. This is a sensitive conversation, but an important one. If you or someone you love has struggled in silence, know that shame does not have to have the final word.

Previously, award-winning author Lisa Pritchard shared how she began looking back over her life and recognizing God's hand in experiences and relationships that once seemed unrelated. You may have seen this in your own life. In Part 2, we're talking about where those paths can lead us. Even a misunderstood first grade class assignment and a blank book had meaning in her life. Lisa's Dirt Dog and Friends series combines her background in education and literacy with stories designed to help children grow as readers while also learning about kindness, courage, faith, friendship, perseverance, and strong character. And at the heart of her first story is a beautiful truth from 1 Samuel 16:7: "people may look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart."   Find more at her website dirtdogandfriends.com

Have you ever looked back over your life and suddenly realized that God was connecting dots you didn't even know were there? And then, years later, you begin to see a path that only God could have designed! My guest is the delightful award-winning children's author and former Teacher of the Year, Lisa M. Pritchard. Her first picture book in the Dirt Dog and Friends series, "Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom," was recently named the 2026 Children's Book of the Year by the AWSA Golden Scroll Awards! But long before the awards—and even before the books—God had been weaving together Lisa's story for a purpose she couldn't yet see. Today, we're talking about trusting God's direction when we can't see where the path is leading—and what we may discover when we finally look back and see how He was connecting the dots all along.  For more on Lisa and her books at her website dirtdogandfriends.com

"As I'm doing this I hear the fire commander say, 'Get your gear together boys, we're going back up.' I had no way of knowing, but the men and women I encountered in that hallway on the 30th floor were among the 343 firefighters that lost their lives." - Darin Kinder, survivor & hero.  On the morning of 9/1/2001, Secret Service agent Darin Kinder was near the base of the South Tower when it began to collapse. What followed was a harrowing fight for survival—one that revealed the true meaning of courage, sacrifice, and purpose.       After hours of rendering aid, evacuating the wounded, and fighting fires, he and his teammates were wrecked—bloodied, exhausted, and wearing suits torn to shreds. What happened next revealed to him the unexpected. His book, "Bury Me in a Dirty Suit" is a gripping eyewitness account of 9/11 and a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live with unwavering resolve. He's the founder of "Fierce Faith," an organization dedicated to helping people live with courage and purpose. Find more at darinkinder.com.

Darin Kinder was inside the World Trade Center in New York City preparing to go into a meeting when the twin towers were hit by two hijacked jetliners. Amid the chaos and destruction, Darin says he felt God speak to him, assuring him that he was not alone.   In the midst of this harrowing event, he made his way to a phone and left a message for his wife assuring her he was ok and was heading back into the towers where he and some co-workers led others to safety. This traumatic experience would change his life — and set him on a mission to discover God's purpose can come out of pain. He earned the U.S. Secret Service's  highest award for bravery - the Medal of Valor for his heroism that day. Jenny's guest is a Speaker & the Author of "Bury Me In A Dirty Suit," a compelling memoir that explores what it means to lead with integrity, serve others sacrificially, and step into the mess when it matters most.  He's the founder of Fierce Faith, a Christian organization that encourages men to live purposefully serving God. He recently retired as a U.S. special agent after 25 years of service that included protecting U.S. presidents and American interests. Find more on Darin at darinkinder.com.

What do you do when a "grief storm" suddenly rolls in? A memory. A song. A familiar place. A date on the calendar. Grief can catch us when we least expect it. In Part 2 of Jenny's conversation with Dr. Gayla Holley of Grief Guide Ministries, we continue talking about the journey through loss, and the hope and healing that can come along the way. Dr. Gayla shares about what she calls "grief storms," her practical "trigger treats," and the unique journey of widows walking through grief. They also talk about ministry to widows and orphans and the beautiful picture of healing being like a banquet table that has been prepared just for you. After experiencing devastating losses of her own, Gayla has seen how God can take our broken places, bring healing, and then use those very places to help bring hope to someone else. If you are grieving today—or know someone who is, they hope this conversation encourages you and reminds you that there is hope, even when you can't see very far down the road.    "You turned my mourning into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy," Ps 30:11.   Is it really possible? You can find Dr. Gayla and resources through Grief Guide Ministries, providing healing care for women in all stages of loss. griefguideministries.com and on social media at The Grief Guide.

Loss is one of the hardest things we face in life, and grief doesn't always come in the way we expect.  We grieve the loss of someone we love. But we can also grieve a broken relationship, a change in our health, the loss of a dream, or simply the life we thought we were going to have. So how do we move forward without feeling like we're leaving behind what—or who—we've lost? Jenny's guest is Dr. Gayla Holley, founder of Grief Guide Ministries. Dr. Gayla has walked alongside people through some of life's most difficult losses, helping them understand grief and find a path toward hope and healing. Her website is griefguideministries.com and social media "The Grief Guide." In Part 1 of their conversation, they talk about what Dr. Gayla calls, moving "from intensive grief to progressive grief," - lessons that can help us through grief and transition, and how God meets us in places we never expected to be. They recently recorded this as a video interview, and I think you'll be encouraged by their conversation.

Unforgiveness is like pulling a rope around a sack loaded with heavy stones that leaves you weary and burdened. In Part 2 of this episode, guest Jodi Jenkins, "Behind the Walls Program Manager at Focus Ministries" shares her past struggle with drug & alcohol addiction which eventually led to a prison sentence. She had abuse, past trauma, pain and rejection to heal from, too. And she has much to say about surrender and forgiveness. Today, Jodi shares how Jesus met her in the brokenness, changed her heart, and gave her a new life. She lived this scripture when Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…" Matthew 11:28. And you can, too. If you or someone you know needs to heal from addiction, trying to help an addict or heal from any past hurt, this episode will touch your heart. And for those of you praying for a prodigal, I know you will be encouraged by Jodi and her testimony of God's love for us.

Prison wasn't the end of her story. Addiction can begin with what we see on the outside—but behind it, there is often a deeper story of pain, trauma, loneliness, rejection, or abandonment. Jenny's guest, Jodi White Jenkins, "Behind the Walls Program Manager" at FOCUS Ministries, knows that pain personally. Her struggle with drug and alcohol addiction eventually led to a prison sentence. But God was still writing her story. Jodi shares how Jesus met her in the brokenness, changed her heart, and gave her a new life. Today, the very places that once held so much pain have become part of the story God is using to bring hope to other women. This is a powerful story of redemption, freedom, and the truth that our past does not have to have the final word. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Cor 5:17. Jodi shares her remarkable journey from addiction and incarceration to a life transformed by Jesus. If you know someone who needs to be reminded that there is hope and no life is beyond the reach of God's grace, share this with them.

Do you feel like you are in fight or flight to get through days of trying to do everything on your own? Some days may feel like it's a battle.  Jodanna Knabe can help us unclutter our lives - whether it's our home, habits or our schedules. We are talking about intentional quiet time with The Lord and what it means to really surrender all to Christ. She shares her beautiful testimony of searching for anything that might make her life better—until Jesus came to her. And how a trip to Nepal changed her in an unexpected way. Today, she has a passion for helping others clear away the clutter that keeps us from living the life God designed for us. Jodanna is a speaker, author, mentor, and founder of The Lampstand Life Method.  "By The Light of His Presence: Staying rooted through every season" is her Journaling Devotional. Jodanna draws on 2 Corinthians 1:4, "God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we have received"—as the foundation of her work. Her method is shaped  by grace, not perfection! Find more at her website:  messes2miracles.com

Too many decisions. Too many places to be. Too much technology. Too many things demanding our attention!  We live in a world where hurry has become normal—and before long, our schedules are crowded, our minds are cluttered, and our hearts are exhausted.  But what if we could simplify our lives from the inside out and make room for what matters most? Jenny's guest on Crossroads is Jodanna Knabe—speaker, author, mentor, and founder of "The Lampstand Life Method."  "By The Light of His Presence: Staying rooted through every season" is her Journaling Devotional Jodanna shares her beautiful testimony of searching for anything that might make her life better—until Jesus came to her. Today, she has a passion for helping others clear away the clutter that keeps us from living the life God designed for us. If you're tired of the pressure and busyness and longing for more peace, purpose, and room for God, this conversation will encourage you. Find more at her website: messes3miracles.com

Pastor Chris Edmonds, author of "No Surrender: The Untold Heroism of Roddie Edmonds" is back for the second half of this show.  In 2013 Chris learned of his father's extraordinary heroism from a former POW.  He continues to share the remarkable story of how his father's courage, faith and unwavering conviction has blessed so many. His dad has been posthumously awarded The Medal of Honor and recognized by Yad Vashem in Israel as a Righteous Among the Nations for saving over 200 Jewish American servicemen. Chris shares the significance of "Roddie's Code" —a moral compass rooted in faith and integrity and the impact one life can have when lived in service to God and others. He leaves a legacy that continues to inspire.

A weathered diary,…a chance discovery…and God opened a way. Jenny's guest Pastor Chris Edmonds, author of No Surrender: The Untold Heroism of Roddie Edmonds. In 2013 Chris learned of his father's extraordinary heroism from a former POW. He shares the remarkable story of how his father's courage, faith and unwavering conviction saved more than 200 Jewish American soldiers at the risk of his own life, while a POW in Nazi Germany. When the German Commander ordered him to identify the Jewish soldiers, Master Sgt, Roddie Edmonds stood firm and replied, "We are all Jews."  One ordinary life, faithfully following Christ becomes extraordinary and impacts generations today.   His dad was posthumously awarded The Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military honor in the United States. He was the first American soldier recognized by Yad Vashem in Israel as a Righteous Among the Nations for saving Jewish American servicemen at Stalag IXA.  He never spoke about what happened, taking the story to his grave in 1985. Today, Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds is honored on the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial at World's Fair Park in Knoxville.  Learn more about his life and the book at roddieedmonds.com. "Greater love has no one than this,  to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13.

Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Mat 11:28. Award-winning author, Amy Joob is back for the 2nd half of this conversation with Jenny.  Facing loss is one of the hardest things we will ever face in life.  It seems like there is so much grief right now. Whether it's the loss of someone we love, the end of a dream, or a broken relationship, grief has a way of making us wonder "will I ever be myself again?" Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Amy knows firsthand what it means to walk through multiple deep losses, and she shares in her book "Arise: From Grief & Flourish Again." She tells us how God met her in the middle of grief —not only bringing healing, but restoring joy, purpose, and hope. If you or someone you love is carrying the weight of loss, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart. Her books are available on Amazon and Kindle. Her website is amyjoob.com