Advertise on podcast: Let’s Get Real with Justin and Trisha Davis

Have you ever wondered why you keep having the same arguments over and over again? The circumstances change, the people change, but somehow you find yourself stuck in the same frustrating patterns. What if the problem isn't that you're experiencing conflict, but that you've never learned how to navigate it in a healthy way? In this episode of Let's Get Real, Justin and Trisha have an honest conversation about conflict, the patterns we inherit from our families, and why some of our biggest relational struggles have less to do with the person we're arguing with and more to do with what we're bringing into the conversation. Drawing from 31 years of marriage, their personal experiences growing up in very different homes, and what they've discovered through their LeadWell Relational Health Assessment, Justin and Trisha explore why so many of us struggle with conflict and how we can begin breaking unhealthy cycles. You don't have to keep repeating the same relational patterns you've lived with for years. Healthy relationships aren't relationships without conflict. They're relationships where we learn to navigate conflict in ways that lead to greater honesty, understanding, and connection. Whether you're married, single, parenting, navigating friendships, or experiencing conflict at work, this conversation will challenge you to look beyond the argument and begin understanding what's happening beneath the surface. Connect with Justin and Trisha: https://justinandtrisha.com

In this episode of Let's Get Real, Justin and Trisha sit down with author, homeschool educator, and mother of seven Jennifer Pepito for an honest conversation about parenting, perfectionism, emotional healing, and learning to trust God with our children. After more than three decades of parenting, Jennifer shares how her understanding of motherhood has evolved through raising seven very different children, navigating an eating disorder in her family, parenting a child with special needs, and confronting her own fears and insecurities. Together, they explore how our family of origin shapes the way we parent, why our children's behavior can become entangled with our identity, and how doing our own emotional and spiritual work can transform the relationships we have with our kids. Whether you're raising toddlers, navigating the teenage years, parenting adult children, or trying to break unhealthy patterns from your own childhood, this conversation is a reminder that parenting isn't a performance. It's an opportunity for God to continue transforming us as we love and lead our children. Because our kids don't need perfect parents. They need parents who are willing to grow, heal, apologize, and trust God with what they cannot control.   Find Jennifer’s Books HERE Follow Jennifer on Instagram HERE

What happens when saying yes to something God has placed on your heart means saying no to things you genuinely love? In this episode of Let's Get Real, Justin and Trisha sit down for their first conversation together in Season 9 to share some significant changes happening in their lives, family, and ministry. Trisha opens up about a dream she walked away from more than 30 years ago, the unexpected journey that led her back to pursuing her counseling license in her 50s, and the fear, insecurity, and imposter syndrome she's had to navigate along the way. Together, they explore the tension of life's transitions, the difficulty of releasing good things to make room for something new, and what it looks like to trust God when you don't know the destination. They also share an important update about their marriage coaching ministry and why they've made the difficult decision to pause coaching for the next 12 months. Whether you're considering a career change, navigating a relationship, pursuing a long-forgotten dream, or simply wondering what's next, this conversation is an invitation to stop waiting for perfect clarity and start trusting God with your next step. Because sometimes the greatest transformation happens not when we arrive at our destination, but through who we become along the way. Connect with Justin and Trisha: https://justinandtrisha.com

We live in a world that has never been more connected—and yet so many of us feel increasingly lonely, divided, and distracted. So what if one of the most powerful ways we could push back against all three was surprisingly simple? Pull up a chair. Be present. Share a table. In this episode of Let’s Get Real, Justin and Trisha sit down with pastor and author Ian Simkins to talk about his new book, Every Table an Altar, and why the ministry of Jesus so often happened around tables. Ian shares how studying the life of Jesus changed the way he thinks about ministry, community, hospitality, and even the purpose of the local church. Rather than viewing the table as simply a place for polite hospitality, Ian challenges us to see ordinary spaces as opportunities to bring a little bit of God's kingdom into the lives of the people right in front of us. Whether your “table” is your dining room, a coffee shop, your workplace, or even the counter of a gas station, this conversation will challenge you to look at the ordinary places of your life through a new kingdom lens.  Ian’s Website: https://iansimkins.com/ Follow Ian on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/iansimkins/ Connect with Ian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iansimkins1/   Follow Justin and Trish: @justindavis33 | @trishdavis_

What happens when the truth you’re most afraid to tell becomes the very thing God uses to heal your life? In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Justin and Trish sit down with pastor and longtime friend Jenni Wong Clayville to talk about marriage, infidelity, shame, healing, authenticity, and the redemptive power of God. Jenni shares the unbelievable story of how a chance meeting with Justin and Trish at a church conference 18 years ago became the catalyst for confessing an affair to her husband that same night — a moment that changed the trajectory of her marriage, family, and ministry forever. This episode is full of laughter, raw honesty, and powerful reminders that while people may fail us, God never will. If you’ve ever felt stuck in shame, disappointed in your story, or afraid to tell the truth, this conversation is for you. Resources:  Check out Jenni’s website HERE Check out Justin and Trish’s marriage resources HERE Pick up a copy of Justin and Trish’s latest book HERE

What does it really take to build a thriving, lasting marriage—especially when life gets busy, distractions are everywhere, and connection starts to drift? In this episode, Justin and Trish sit down with Dr. Kim Kimberling, a Christian counselor with over 40 years of experience and the founder of Awesome Marriage. Drawing from decades of counseling couples—and his own 55-year marriage—Dr. Kim shares practical wisdom and hope for couples in every season. Together, they unpack why most marriages don’t fall apart overnight, but instead slowly drift through disconnection—and how small, intentional steps can restore intimacy and trust. Links & Resources 🌐 Awesome Marriage 🎧 Awesome Marriage Podcast 📚 Check out Justin and Trish’s Marriage Resources HERE

Youth sports can be one of the greatest gifts—or one of the deepest sources of pressure and pain—for families today. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Justin sits down with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game, to unpack the reality of the modern youth sports culture—and how it’s shaping not just our kids, but us as parents. With over 50 years of combined experience working with athletes, Brian and Ed pull back the curtain on what they call the “Youth Sports Industrial Complex”—a multi-billion-dollar system that often prioritizes performance over people and pressure over play. This episode is equal parts eye-opening and freeing. You’ll hear real stories of regret, growth, and redemption as Justin reflects on his own parenting journey, including the unintended pressure he placed on his sons. Together, they explore how fear, identity, and parental expectations can quietly take over—and how the gospel invites us into a different way. If you’ve ever felt the tension between wanting the best for your child and wondering if it’s all too much…this conversation is for you. Links and Resources Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports by Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski The Christian Athlete (articles and resources for parents, coaches, and athletes) Athletes in Action (sports ministry organization)

What if the thing you’re struggling with… isn’t your fault? In this powerful and honest conversation, Justin and Trisha sit down with life coach and author Chris Janssen to talk about addiction, perfectionism, and the hidden patterns that keep us stuck. Drawing from her personal journey with alcohol addiction and recovery, Chris shares how shame, guilt, and isolation can quietly take hold—and how grace, truth, and community can lead to lasting freedom. Whether your “thing” is alcohol, overthinking, people-pleasing, or something more private, this episode will help you identify what’s holding you back and give you practical steps to move forward. Links and Resources Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want by Chris Janssen Chris’s Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/ Instagram: @chris3janssen Justin & Trisha’s Website: justinandtrisha.com

What happens when the dream you've spent your entire life chasing suddenly disappears? In this episode, Justin and Trisha are joined by their son Isaiah Davis for an honest and moving conversation about identity, loss, and the one choice that set him on an entirely new path. If you're in the middle of a season where you feel stuck, lost, or like you're letting everyone down — this episode is for you. Isaiah Davis is a photographer and videographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. After stepping away from college basketball at Huntington University, he transferred to Lipscomb University where he studied theology and discovered a new calling. He now works with artists, churches, and nonprofits through his creative business. You can find his work on Instagram at @ZayFilmz.. Links & Resources Get One Choice Away from Change Follow Isaiah's work: @ZayFilmz on Instagram Follow Justin & Trisha: justinandtrisha.com Leave a review of One Choice Away from Change on Amazon

This episode is a powerful, honest conversation, Justin and Trisha sit down with worship leader, songwriter, and author Stephen McWhirter to talk about the messy, non-linear road of redemption. Stephen shares what it was like growing up as the son of a traveling evangelist while witnessing abuse behind closed doors, how that pain shaped his view of God, and the destructive path that followed—leading to years of addiction. Then comes the turning point: an unexpected encounter with Jesus in the middle of darkness, sparked by reading The Case for Christ—with drugs still on the nightstand. What happened next is a story of grace, transformation, and a life that’s been marked by worship, healing, and restoration. Stephen also opens up about the long road of forgiving his dad, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why forgiveness is about releasing a debt that could keep us imprisoned. Finally, Justin and Stephen talk about worship as a “conduit of care,” the story behind the viral prayer-song “Come Jesus Come”, and Stephen’s new book Radically Restored—with a full-circle moment you won’t want to miss.    Links and/or Resources Stephen’s first Book: Radically Restored “Come Jesus Come” on Youtube by Stephen McWhirter The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (the book God used to spark Stephen’s turning point) Follow Stephen McWhirter on Instagram

Why is sexuality one of the hardest topics for Christians to talk about—yet one of the most important areas to surrender to Jesus? In this episode of the Let’s Get Real Podcast, Justin and Trisha sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery—clinical psychologist, author, and founder of Authentic Intimacy—for an honest conversation about sexual brokenness, shame, identity, and healing. Juli shares why the Church has often avoided meaningful conversations about sexuality and how behavior-focused teaching without discipleship leaves people stuck. Instead of offering more rules or silence, she invites us into something deeper: surrendered sexuality rooted in identity in Christ. Together, they unpack: Why shame keeps people trapped How purity culture left many unprepared for healthy intimacy The difference between conviction and shame Sex as a symbol and celebration of covenant, not just an expression of feelings What “mature sexual love” actually looks like in marriage If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or alone in this area, this episode offers both truth and hope. Links and/or Resources Authentic Intimacy: AuthenticIntimacy.com Juli’s Podcast: Java with Juli Book Featured in This Episode: Surrendered Sexuality by Dr. Juli Slattery Follow Juli on YouTube + Instagram

In this heartfelt and pastoral conversation, Justin and Trisha step into one of the most emotionally charged conversations in our cultural moment — immigration, ICE, border control, Christian nationalism, and what it means to follow Jesus in the middle of it all. Rather than offering political solutions or partisan talking points, they ask a deeper question: What does it look like to follow the person of Christ right now? Drawing from their own backgrounds — growing up in very different cultural environments, raising children with diverse political perspectives, adopting African-American children, and pastoring through the collective trauma of COVID and racial unrest — Justin and Trisha reflect on how fear, politics, and personal bias can shape our hearts in ways we don’t always recognize. Looking at the life of Jesus — His interactions with the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and the woman caught in adultery — they remind us that Christ consistently moved toward the “other,” never compromising truth but always leading with dignity. This episode is not about telling you how to vote. It’s about inviting you to examine your heart. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, tense, or unsure how to engage these conversations faithfully, this episode is for you. Links and/or Resources: The Middle of Everywhere by Mary Pipher How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray Justin & Trisha’s books and relationship resources

What if most marriages don’t fall apart because of one big moment—but a series of small, unaddressed ones? Justin and Trish sit down with author, podcaster, and speaker Lindsay Maestas to talk about her new book Don’t Burn Your Own House Down and the very real, modern challenges couples face today. From emotional distance and unresolved resentment to attachment styles, prayer, friendship, and intimacy, Lindsay shares vulnerably from her own marriage and the lessons she’s learned along the way. This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and deeply practical—offering couples tools to recognize the “small fires” early, reconnect with humility, and pursue healing before crisis hits. If you want to strengthen your marriage without waiting for everything to fall apart, this episode is for you. Links and/or Resources Don’t Burn Your Own House Down by Lindsay Maestas Living Easy with Lindsay Podcast Instagram: @LivingEasyWithLindsay Lindsay’s website

What if the missing piece in your faith or relationships isn’t more effort—but empathy? Justin and Trish are joined again by psychologists and spiritual directors Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, founders of Soul Shepherding, to talk about their new book Deeply Loved. Together, they explore how empathy helps us experience God’s love on a heart level, why many Christians struggle with shame and emotional honesty, and how biblical empathy leads to healing, growth, and healthier relationships. This conversation addresses common misunderstandings about empathy, including the idea of “toxic empathy,” and offers practical ways to pair empathy with truth and responsibility. If you long to feel deeply known, deeply loved, and more connected to God and others, this episode is for you. Links and/or Resources Deeply Loved by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere Soul Shepherding: https://www.soulshepherding.org Books by Justin & Trisha Davis

In this honest and personal episode, Justin and Trish talk about life transitions, burnout, and the rhythms they wish they had established much earlier in their marriage, faith, and family life. From becoming grandparents to navigating grad school, empty nesting, work demands, and emotional exhaustion, they talk candidly about how unrealistic expectations, people-pleasing, and one-size-fits-all solutions can quietly erode our peace. Rather than focusing on goals, this conversation centers on healthy rhythms, understanding your season of life, and making small but meaningful changes that protect your emotional, spiritual, and relational health. If you feel tired, stretched thin, or unsure how to create sustainable rhythms in this season, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and take a healthier next step. Links and/or Resources Check out their website Books by Justin & Trisha Davis Email the team: [email protected]