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Sam Wesley joins the podcast to talk about the strange, vulnerable reality of having your real life turned into a feature film. Son of MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard, Sam’s story is featured in I Can Only Imagine 2, and we dig into what it feels like to watch great and painful memories recreated on set and then projected in front of friends, family, and strangers. Sam describes the emotional whiplash of stepping off a tour bus and walking into a silent film set where a traumatic moment is about to be staged, plus the deeper discomfort of seeing other people react to your hardest seasons. We also talk about creative burnout and imposter syndrome: some weeks feel uninspiring, and when music goes dull it can shake your identity because artistry isn’t a clock-in, clock-out job. He shares what brought the spark back and what’s next for him in his career. So thankful for this great conversation with Sam! Make sure to follow the podcast @inthemiddleofit.pod and @thesamwesley on socials and subscribe so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes!

This conversation with Riley Clemmons is a real, grounded reminder about not tying your worth to approval, success, and the highlight reels of other people’s lives, especially as a woman navigating your mid-20s. We talk about the internal pressure of the music industry, the temptation to people please, and the moment Riley realized she had to separate what she does from where she finds joy, value, and purpose. We also talk acne and body image, heartbreak that doesn’t end in a neat bow, and what it looks like to bring Jesus into the middle of disappointment. Riley shares why she started writing breakup songs with faith in them, how forgiveness can be harder than bitterness, and why being “the big sister” voice for women in pain has become a calling on her life. Download this episode to listen offline and make sure to leave a comment and rating if you’re loving this season!  RILEY'S NEW SONG "FOR THE BOY" RELEASES OCTOBER 16! PRE-SAVE THE SONG HERE - https://ffm.to/fortheboy/ Follow Riley Clemmons:  https://www.instagram.com/rileyclemmons/ Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/ Sponsored by Trendy BearShop the Trendy Bear collection and use promo code INTHEMIDDLE20 to save 20% on your purchase.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome to the middle of my kitchen! For this week’s mini, I’m sharing my favorite pumpkin bread recipe to welcome the fall season! While we bake, I also talk about the craziness of selling our house, packing boxes with a toddler around, and moving to a new home. This episode is definitely best watched on video so switch over to video if you haven’t yet! Thanks to my bestie Sunny for sharing this recipe with me. It’s a fall staple in our house every year! Recipe details are below. See you next week for a new episode with a guest!  PUMPKIN BREAD RECIPE  Makes 2 loaves, 9x5 pans  Ingredients: 1 15oz can of pumpkin  4 eggs 3 cups of granulated sugar  1 cup water 1 cup vegetable oil 3 1/3 cups all purpose flour  1 tsp salt  2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder  2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg  3/4 tsp ground cloves  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F 2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, water and oil 3. Beat until mixed 4. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth  6. Grease and flour 2 9x5 loaf pans 7. Divide batter evenly between the pans  8. Bake 60-70 mins or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean  9. Cool for 10-15 mins 10. Enjoy! Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

Today I sit down with Mike and Kelly Donehey, married for 17 years, to talk about what marriage looks like when real life keeps changing: touring and travel, shifting income, and parenting teenagers. We dig into the practical stuff couples actually fight about: expectations when someone comes home from the road, the survival-mode routines that get disrupted, and why “he can’t read your mind” is still some of the best marriage advice out there. We also talk love languages, how parenting changes a marriage, the grief and perspective that come through miscarriage, and why protecting your friendship matters as much as romance. Plus, you’ll hear about some stories about bird mites, a one-time vocal collab, and a final spin into aliens and the moon landing. This conversation was so fun and full of amazing marriage advice and perspective! Listen and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! GET TICKETS TO MIKE'S OCTOBER CONFERENCE HERE - https://tinyurl.com/45ktz388 UPCOMING TENTH AVENUE NORTH SHOWS HERE -  https://www.tenthavenuenorth.com/tour Follow Mike Donehey:  https://www.instagram.com/mikedonehey/ Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/ Sponsored by Trendy BearShop the Trendy Bear collection and use promo code INTHEMIDDLE20 to save 20% on your purchase.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this mini episode, I talk about that moment in life when you look up and in front of you is a vast army of problems, pressure, and fear. The most honest thing you can say is, “I don’t know what to do.” Today I’m sharing the Scripture I keep coming back to: 2 Chronicles 20 and King Jehoshaphat’s prayer. We read the passage together and sit a line that has carried me through so many hard seasons: “We do not know what to do, but we look to you.” If you’re leading, parenting, or making a big decision, this is a practical picture of what trusting God actually sounds like. I hope you feel encouraged to let God fight your battles and to worship through them as your first line of defense. See you next week for a new episode with a guest! Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

In this episode, I sit down with Granger Smith to talk about his shift from a long country music career into pastoring, seminary, and a deeper, more costly faith. We dig into his new book, Poison in the Well, which aims at cultural Christianity and nominal faith that feels normal in the Bible Belt and across the United States. He talks about “dog tag Christianity,” a label you inherit or check off because of family, region, or tradition, not because you trust Christ as your only hope in life and death. He calls the book’s chapters “toxins” and “check engine lights,” warning signs that something is off under the hood even if you still claim the identity. His book is an invitation to examine whether there is spiritual fruit, urgency, and surrender that aligns with the Bible in our lives. I loved this conversation and walked away so inspired to chase Jesus with all of my heart, and I hope you do too! GET GRANGER SMITH'S NEW BOOK HERE - https://bit.ly/4yn6aOo Follow Granger Smith:  https://www.instagram.com/grangersmith/ Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/ Sponsored by Trendy BearShop the Trendy Bear collection and use promo code INTHEMIDDLE20 to save 20% on your purchase.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

It’s Opposite Day on the podcast! Jason is in the host chair and Hannah is in the hot seat. In this mini episode, we play our classic “In the Middle of It” games and somehow it becomes a conversation about overcoming fear, first car nostalgia, and hidden talents. If you love this episode, be sure to leave a comment and rating and follow @inthemiddleofit.pod on Instagram! See you next Wednesday! Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

Anna Redmon is a costume designer for feature films like I Can Only Imagine 1 and 2, a wife to Jeremy from Big Daddy Weave, and a working mom of teenagers. Anna speaks so honestly about parenting, including how we apologize, repair, and let go of impossible expectations. The conversation moves from sacrificial parenthood to creative calling, showing how surrender can reshape a marriage, a career, and the stories we bring into the world. Anna shares how wardrobe in films shapes character arcs, time periods, and emotion without the audience even noticing, and why collaboration on set feels both brutal and beautiful. We also unpack the push to bring excellence to Christian film and hopeful storytelling. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can reroute your dream and bring you to a totally new path in life, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show! Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/ Sponsored by Trendy BearShop the Trendy Bear collection and use promo code INTHEMIDDLE20 to save 20% on your purchase.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In today’s mini, I answer your questions with tour updates, favorite guests, and a real look at what this past year has taught me about motherhood and faith. I share new music news, a very Nashville first birthday party theme, and one brutally honest confession. Thanks for watching! Tune in next week for a new episode with an incredible guest! Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

Everyone loves a tidy marriage story until they realize it does not exist. I get to sit down with Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman to talk about what actually holds a relationship together after decades of change, conflict, and unfinished growth and why their new book, Still Here, is so different from the typical perfect marriage playbook. Mary Beth and Steven talk candidly about learning to loosen their grip, “losing to win,” and choosing to bear with one another in love when disappointment, frustration, or misunderstanding shows up. This conversation is full of laughs, real stories, and truth to carry with you long after you listen. Make sure to subscribe to the show and download this episode to listen again later! ORDER THEIR BOOK HERE: https://store.stevencurtischapman.com/products/still-here-life-together-on-the-long-way-home/ Follow Mary Beth Chapman: https://www.instagram.com/mbchap232/ Follow Steven Curtis Chapman: https://www.instagram.com/stevencurtischapman/ Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/ Sponsored by Trendy BearShop the Trendy Bear collection and use promo code INTHEMIDDLE20 to save 20% on your purchase.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Today I open up about a brand new song that will be on my third album: “Prayed For This.” I share the story behind writing it while I was pregnant, why I wanted it to feel like an Ebenezer, and how the lyrics point back to tear soaked prayers and future blessings. I’ve realized that we can be surrounded by miracles and still complain, and our words can either grow bitterness or plant gratitude. I hope this episode helps us all remember the answered prayers we’re living in right now. After you listen, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more people can find the show! See you next week for a special episode! Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

In today’s episode, Cade Thompson tells a story from South Dakota that still marks him: getting on his knees and telling God he might never be able to do music again. It took a moment like that to realize his identity can’t be in what he does for Christ, only in who he is as a son. We talk all about newlywed life with his wife Amber, including what it looks like to start marriage while touring and serving together. Cade shares some great practical marriage advice and the truth that you’re ready to get married when you’re ready to lay down your life and serve someone else, not when everything feels convenient. We also touch on his new music, why he keeps social media off his phone, and his encouragement to anyone stuck in a waiting season. Make sure to download this episode to listen offline and subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a weekly episode! Follow Cade Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/cadethompsonmusic/ Follow Hannah Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

Today Jason and I celebrate our son Owen’s first birthday in this fun mini episode! A baby’s first birthday is a milestone for them, but it’s also an anniversary for the parents who made it through every late-night feed, every tiny win, and every new fear. We highlight ten favorite “ones” of Owen’s first year, from his first word that melted us, to the one thing we’d do differently, and the little quirks that we love the most. Thanks for listening today! Tune in next week for a new full episode with an incredible guest! Follow Hannah Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/

Worship leader and songwriter Hope Darst says she is “in the middle of the middle” as a mom with kids still at home and a future already rushing toward college visits, changing needs, and new questions in marriage and calling. This episode is an honest and fun conversation full of wisdom about what it means to stop keeping score with yourself and start listening for the Holy Spirit in everyday decisions. We also talk about disappointment, grief, and long waits for answers. Hope reminds us that God doesn’t always make the painful thing good, but He does good through it, often by doing an internal work of healing, peace, and hope. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share this with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review with the moment that stayed with you!  Follow Hope Darst:  https://www.instagram.com/hopedarst/ Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/ Sponsored by Trendy BearShop the Trendy Bear collection and use promo code INTHEMIDDLE20 to save 20% on your purchase.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ever felt pressure to look “fine” while you’re falling apart inside? Anxiety loves to tell you you’re the only one. You’re not. In today’s mini, I share my journey with anxiety and also some reminders and scriptures that have been helpful to me in the middle of the struggle. Anxiety isn’t your identity. It’s a struggle you face, not a name you wear. I hope this episode reminds you of that! Thanks for watching and letting me be vulnerable today! Be sure to look out for new episodes every Wednesday and leave a comment if this episode resonated with you. Follow Hannah Kerr:  https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddleofit.pod/ https://www.instagram.com/hannahkerr/