Moms With A Call

Welcome back to Moms With A Call, where real stories meet real faith.
In this thoughtful and deeply respectful conversation, McKenzie and Rebecca sit down with Mattie Mae Motl, a PhD candidate at the University of St. Andrews whose work focuses on gender and sexuality in the New Testament. Mattie Mae brings both scholarly insight and personal vulnerability as she shares her journey from growing up Southern Baptist to walking through faith deconstruction alongside her atheist husband.
This episode invites listeners into a nuanced conversation about biblical literacy, historical and cultural context, and why understanding how Scripture was written matters just as much as what it says. Mattie Mae gently challenges surface-level interpretations, emphasizing the role of love, inclusion, and humility when engaging with difficult or debated texts.
Rather than offering easy answers, this conversation makes space for curiosity, questions, and compassion. Together, they explore how faith can evolve, how parenting shapes our spiritual lens, and how God’s presence remains even in seasons of deconstruction and reimagining belief.
We talk about:
Mattie Mae’s upbringing in the Southern Baptist church and her academic calling
What deconstruction looks like when faith and family intersect
Gender and sexuality in Scripture and why historical context matters
The importance of biblical literacy and reading the Bible responsibly
Women in the Bible and their often-overlooked influence
Holding love, inclusion, and faith together without fear
This episode is for anyone who has wrestled with Scripture, felt tension between belief and lived experience, or longed for conversations that honor both faith and complexity.
Episode Timeline:
01:06 – Meeting Mattie Mae and her journey into theology03:00 – Growing up Southern Baptist05:36 – Walking through deconstruction11:07 – Parenting, faith, and personal conviction14:40 – Challenging inherited beliefs26:30 – Biblical context and interpretation36:26 – Exploring the Hebrew Bible and TaNaK37:45 – Why the Old Testament matters39:57 – Deconstruction and evolving faith44:39 – Reading Scripture through context54:53 – Women in the Bible and their impact01:02:24 – Resources for deeper study01:08:25 – Final reflections
If you’ve ever wondered how faith, scholarship, and real life can coexist, this episode offers a grounded reminder that God is not afraid of our questions and often meets us right in the middle of them.
Show Links & Resources Mentioned:
Instagram & TikTok: @mattiemaemotlInspired by Rachel Held Evanshttps://rachelheldevans.comThe Bible Projecthttps://bibleproject.comJames Conehttps://yalebooks.yale.edu/author/james-h-coneWil Gafneyhttps://wilgafney.comThe Justice of Jesus by Joash P. Thomashttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0802867031God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us by Rev. Liz Edmanhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0802876936Queer & Christianhttps://www.queerandchristian.com
Connect with Moms With A Call:
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallShow updates & more → https://www.momswithacall.com
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and AmazonLeave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?Email us at momswithacall@gmail.com
Intro + Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding + Design by https://www.dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to the Midnight Series, where the conversations run deep, the lights are low, and nothing is off-limits.
In this intimate late-night episode, McKenzie reflects on a year marked by spiritual warfare, internal tension, and the slow unraveling of control. What began as a pursuit of abundance and forward momentum became an unexpected invitation to surrender, not just plans and expectations, but fear, ego, and old survival patterns that no longer served her.
Through honest storytelling, she opens up about the spiritual and emotional battles of 2025, including business strain, personal conflict, and the weight of trying to carry everything alone. This conversation explores what it looks like to release control to God, confront deeply rooted fears, and allow healing to happen at a soul level.
A pivotal encounter with a spirit portrait artist becomes a moment of clarity and confirmation, illuminating the unseen spiritual work happening beneath the surface and affirming a connection to God that transcends language and logic. The episode closes with a vision for a coming Connection Year, a season devoted to deeper alignment with self, community, and God.
This is a conversation about surrender as strength, faith as anchoring, and the quiet power of letting God lead when the path feels uncertain.
We talk about:
Walking through spiritual warfare and internal resistance
The tension between control, ego, and true surrender
Facing long-held fears and releasing old identities
Discovering abundance through letting go, not striving
A transformative spiritual encounter that affirmed divine presence
Entering a new season focused on connection, healing, and alignment
Episode Timeline:
00:00 – Welcome to the Midnight Series03:33 – Reflecting on a year of surrender04:58 – Spiritual warfare and inner conflict07:21 – Wrestling with control13:08 – Finding abundance through letting go17:32 – A spiritual portrait and personal insight31:00 – Connection and spiritual growth31:54 – Faith metaphors and walking on water38:13 – Numerology and personal seasons41:45 – Reflections on spiritual cycles50:19 – Introducing the Connection Year54:58 – Final thoughts and reflections
If you find yourself in a season of tension, pruning, surrender, or spiritual questioning, this episode offers a reminder that God often does His deepest work when we finally stop trying to control the outcome.
Connect with Moms With A Call:Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube: @momswithacallShow updates and behind-the-scenes moments: www.momswithacall.com
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music.Leave a review and let us know how this episode moved you. Your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?Email us at momswithacall@gmail.com
Intro and Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding and Design by dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to Moms With A Call, where real stories meet real faith.
In this deeply tender episode, McKenzie and Rebecca sit down with their friend Dare, who bravely opens her heart to share her journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and the long road toward surrendering her plans to God. With honesty and humility, Dare walks us through the ache of miscarriage, the emotional toll of IVF, the joy of unexpected pregnancy, and the spiritual awakening that unfolded in the middle of it all.
This conversation is raw, hopeful, and full of the quiet miracles that happen when we loosen our grip and let God write the story. Together, they explore what it looks like to hold grief and gratitude at the same time, to navigate career and motherhood with an open hand, and to trust God even when the path feels impossible to understand.
If you have ever walked through questions, waiting seasons, or the kind of heartbreak that changes you, Dares story will remind you that God is present in every chapter, even the ones that hurt the most.
We talk about:The emotional and spiritual complexities of infertilityThe grief of miscarriage and the tenderness of healingIVF, pregnancy, and finding God in the waitingNavigating postpartum highs and lowsUnexpected blessings that arrive when we surrender controlBalancing calling, career, and motherhood with faith at the center
Episode Timeline:00:00 - Opening banter and personal anecdotes02:10 - Introduction to the podcast02:41 - Introducing our special guest03:46 - Dares background and personal story11:01 - Faith, struggle, and meeting God in the hard places18:41 - Infertility and the long waiting season41:07 - Reflections and cultural parallels42:09 - The beginning of the IVF journey43:04 - IVF success and the miracle of pregnancy44:18 - Navigating IVF while holding onto faith47:20 - Postpartum challenges and unexpected joys51:27 - A surprising second pregnancy01:01:56 - Career decisions through the lens of faith01:12:56 - Final reflections on surrender
Connect with Moms With A Call:Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube: @momswithacallShow updates, behind the scenes moments, and more: www.momswithacall.comListen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and AmazonLeave a review and tell us how this episode moved you. Your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?We would love to hear from you: momswithacall@gmail.com
Intro and Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding and Design by dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to the Midnight Series, where the conversations run deep, the lights are low, and nothing is off-limits.
In this late-night heart-to-heart, McKenzie and Rebecca peel back the curtain on the real, unfiltered journey of building a business while holding a family, a calling, and a spiritual life all at once. Together, they explore the quiet tension between growth and overwhelm, purpose and pressure, identity and surrender.
Through honest storytelling, McKenzie shares what it feels like to steward a business through busy seasons, navigate imposter syndrome, build a team from the ground up, and keep faith at the center when everything feels loud. This episode dives into spiritual alignment, discerning God’s voice in the chaos, and the sacred work of returning to peace when fear tries to take the lead.
She also opens up about spiritual trauma, cord-cutting practices, and what it means to release what drains you so you can fully step into what God is calling you to do. It’s vulnerable, grounding, and full of reminders that you don’t have to hold it all alone; God never asked you to.
We talk about:
Balancing business expansion with motherhood, marriage, and real life
Walking through imposter syndrome and the lies that try to hold you back
Building an agency from scratch and learning to lead with faith
Spiritual alignment, clarity, and discerning God’s direction
Healing from spiritual trauma and releasing what no longer serves your spirit
The power of prayer, surrender, and letting God steady your next step
If you’ve ever felt stretched thin between your calling and your capacity, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a gentle reminder that God is in the details of your becoming.
Episode Timeline:00:29 – Balancing business and family life02:32 – Navigating busy seasons03:11 – Building and growing an agency07:55 – Imposter syndrome and self-doubt13:16 – Finding purpose and alignment17:28 – Aligning your will with God’s guidance17:57 – The power of prayer and cord-cutting19:07 – Overcoming spiritual trauma20:05 – A deeper look into cord-cutting ceremonies21:35 – Visualizing and releasing spiritual cords22:54 – Reflections on spiritual warfare26:07 – Technical difficulties and laughter31:12 – Final thoughts and encouragement
Connect with Moms With A Call:Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallGet show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.comListen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and AmazonLeave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a testimony of faith, healing, or redemption, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding + Design by dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to the Midnight Series, where the conversations run deep, the lights are low, and nothing is off-limits.
In this intimate late-night episode, McKenzie and Rebecca dive into the tender, transformative journey of rediscovering faith, letting go of old identities, and learning to see themselves the way God already does. Through raw storytelling, they unpack the meaning behind Rebecca’s rebaptism, exploring childhood faith, spiritual wounds, and the sacred moment of choosing Jesus again… with full awareness, full agency, and full surrender.
This conversation weaves through themes of spiritual pruning, ego death, and the holy unraveling that often precedes healing. Together, they reflect on what it means to let God love you, to release the parts of yourself you once used for survival, and to step into the slow, deep work of being remade from the inside out.
We talk about:
Rebaptism, reclaiming faith, and being “born again” in a deeper way
Spiritual pruning.. why God removes what no longer bears fruit
Ego death, identity, and learning to release control
The connection between motherhood, surrender, and spiritual awakening
How God heals suppressed wounds and restores worth
Ordinary ministry, compassion, and becoming more like Jesus
If you’re in a season of breaking, rebuilding, or rediscovering who you are in God’s eyes, this episode will feel like a breath of air in the wilderness.
Episode Timeline:03:50 – Rediscovering faith and the meaning of rebaptism11:23 – Spiritual pruning and healing17:23 – Understanding divine love and self-worth26:28 – Healing from the inside out26:58 – The power of ordinary ministry27:27 – Understanding and empathy in ministry28:09 – Self-love, identity, and God’s gentleness29:16 – Prayer as a pathway to healing31:14 – Releasing emotions we learned to suppress33:04 – Spiritual power and manifesting purpose38:17 – Ego death and the refinement of motherhood39:56 – Spiritual blindness vs. spiritual death45:02 – Entering the wilderness with God50:18 – The influence of Tim Mackie53:12 – Final reflections
Connect with Moms With A Call:Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallGet show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.comListen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and AmazonLeave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a testimony of faith, healing, or redemption, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding + Design by dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to Moms With A Call, where real stories meet real faith.
In this powerful continuation of Sterling’s story, McKenzie and Rebecca sit down once again with Sterling Griggs as he shares the miraculous details of his near-death experience and the dreams, visions, and divine encounters that carried him through a medically induced coma.
Sterling’s testimony paints a vivid picture of what it means to cling to faith when your body is broken but your spirit is still fighting. From surreal visions that blurred the line between Heaven and earth to the unwavering love of his wife Kelly and their community, this episode is a reminder that God is always present, even when we’re suspended between life and eternity.
This is a story about hope, healing, and the miracles that happen when we fully surrender to God’s plan.
We talk about:
The dreams and visions Sterling experienced while in a coma
The spiritual battle between fear and faith
How God used community, love, and prayer to sustain his family
Finding purpose and peace after near-death experiences
What surrender truly looks like on the other side of survival
If you’ve ever wondered what divine intervention feels like, or how faith can breathe life into even the darkest valleys, this conversation will leave you in awe of the God who never lets go.
Episode Timeline:00:31 – A journey through surgery and dreams00:56 – Protective and hopeful visions03:13 – A nursing conference dream03:33 – A dark and dreary conference06:06 – Finding light and worship12:54 – Super Bowl dream and family connections15:40 – Recovery and reflections23:20 – Community support and recovery23:42 – Medical trauma and family impact25:10 – Sharing the experience at a symposium26:25 – Divine intervention and medical miracles27:14 – Reflections on near-death experiences31:13 – Faith and doubt in crisis33:24 – Purpose and healing37:56 – Living faith in everyday life42:01 – The meaning of surrender43:10 – Final thoughts and gratitude
Connect with Moms With A Call:-Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacall-Get show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.com-Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon-Leave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a story of faith, healing, or redemption that could encourage others, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding + Design by www.dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to Moms With A Call, where real stories meet real faith.
In this deeply moving part one of the episode, McKenzie and Rebecca sit down with Sterling Griggs, godfather to Rebecca’s children and a man whose story embodies perseverance, prayer, and the power of God’s healing hand.
From a heart murmur diagnosis in childhood to surviving multiple life-threatening surgeries, Sterling’s journey is one of resilience, surrender, and unwavering faith through every setback and scar. He opens up about the fear, the fight, and the miraculous moments that only God could orchestrate, reminding us that faith doesn’t always prevent the storm, but it will carry you through it.
This is more than a story of recovery; it’s a story of redemption, community, and the hope that comes from trusting God with what feels impossible.
We talk about:
The long road of heart complications and recovery
The emotional and spiritual toll of major surgery
How family, faith, and community carried him through
The power of prayer and surrender in moments of fear
Finding purpose in pain and healing through hope
If you’ve ever questioned where God is in the middle of suffering, this episode will remind you, He’s in every heartbeat, every breath, and every miracle along the way.
Episode Timeline:00:32 – Special guest intro: Sterling Griggs01:14 – Early life and discovering his heart condition03:21 – The first major surgery and early recovery07:22 – Health setbacks in 201908:02 – The pneumonia vaccine incident13:47 – Facing a second major surgery27:27 – Cardiac arrest and a rare medical complication30:43 – Advocacy, decisions, and divine timing34:54 – Healing, rehabilitation, and gratitude46:00 – The infection that tested his faith51:43 – Final reflections on God’s goodness
Connect with Moms With A Call:Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallGet show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.comListen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and AmazonLeave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a story of faith, healing, or redemption that could encourage others, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding + Design by www.dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to the Midnight Series, where the conversations run deep, the lights are low, and nothing is off-limits.
In this raw late-night episode, McKenzie and Rebecca unpack the tension between freedom, faith, and the noise of the modern world. What does it really mean to be “free” in a culture driven by division, fear, and social media outrage? And how do we stay anchored in truth when the loudest voices often drown out the wisest ones?
Together, they explore the illusion of freedom and security, the pressure to perform activism online, and the toll that constant media consumption takes on our mental and spiritual well-being. Through honesty and discernment, they share what it means to choose alignment over approval and how real change begins not in our posts, but in our hearts and communities.
We talk about:
The illusion of freedom in a culture of control and noise
The role of faith and discernment in modern activism
Political polarization and the pressure to “speak out”
The emotional and spiritual cost of media overload
Why true healing starts in our homes, not our hashtags
If you’ve ever wrestled with what it means to live out your values in a divided world, this episode will remind you that God’s freedom is not performative; it’s personal, rooted in peace, and meant to unite, not divide.
Episode Timeline:00:29 – The illusion of freedom and security00:57 – Privilege and marginalization01:39 – Political polarization and media influence03:11 – Censorship and freedom of speech05:13 – The impact of social media on mental health06:25 – The role of privilege in social justice07:37 – Actions speak louder than words09:49 – Serving and healing the community10:13 – Taking action beyond social media11:57 – The problem with paid content creators14:33 – The importance of local community16:17 – The power of words and faith18:21 – Final thoughts and reflections
Connect with Moms With A Call:Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallGet show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.comListen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and AmazonLeave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a story of faith, healing, or redemption that could encourage others, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason BowlesBranding + Design by www.dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to Moms With A Call, where real stories meet real faith.
In this episode, McKenzie and Rebecca sit down with Amanda Clark, founder of Atria Social, for an open-hearted conversation about faith, mysticism, and what it means to explore spirituality beyond the boxes we’ve been handed.
Amanda shares her journey from a Catholic upbringing to discovering astrology, mysticism, and the unseen threads that connect us to God’s creation. Through stories of seeing auras, experiencing telepathic moments, and studying the deeper language of the stars, Amanda invites us into a dialogue that blends curiosity, discernment, and awe for the mysteries of faith.
This isn’t a conversation about choosing one path over another; it’s about the courage to ask questions, listen for God’s voice in unexpected places, and surrender control to co-create with the divine. Together, we explore how to raise children with spiritual awareness, integrate different belief systems with grace, and stay anchored in love through it all.
We talk about:
How astrology can deepen, not replace, our connection with God
Navigating faith, mysticism, and discernment in modern spirituality
Childhood moments that opened Amanda’s spiritual curiosity
Raising spiritually aware children without fear or rigidity
What it means to co-create with God instead of controlling outcomes
If you’ve ever wrestled with faith and curiosity, or wondered how to reconcile mystery and belief, this episode will remind you that God’s presence isn’t confined to one space, it’s written into every part of creation.
Episode Timeline:
00:27 – Astrological insights and personal stories
00:55 – Introducing Amanda Clark
01:45 – Amanda’s mystical journey
02:50 – Astrology and Christianity
04:16 – Childhood experiences and spirituality
06:04 – Navigating faith and mysticism
08:40 – Telepathy and family connections
12:35 – Exploring the universe and spirituality
39:02 – Astrology and personal faith
41:20 – The Gene Keys and Human Design
43:51 – The Saturn return experience
44:21 – Health challenges and spiritual awakening
50:58 – Astrology beyond sun signs
52:10 – Moving to Austin and finding community
54:08 – Interpreting religious texts
55:36 – The role of women in religious history
01:14:53 – Parenting and religious exploration
01:22:50 – Parallels between motherhood and spirituality
01:26:40 – Astrology as a tool for awareness
01:34:37 – Boundaries and spiritual guidance
01:42:48 – The concept of surrender
01:56:42 – Final thoughts and reflections
Connect with Moms With A Call:Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallGet show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.comListen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon.Leave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a story of faith, healing, or redemption that could encourage others, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason Bowles | Branding + Design by dvoorheisdesigns.com

Welcome back to Moms With A Call, where real stories meet real faith.
In the first episode of our Give Back Series, McKenzie and Rebecca sit down with Myra Webb, chairperson of Weekend Meals on Wheels in Wilmington, to spotlight a local mission that’s feeding both bodies and spirits.
Myra shares the heart behind this vital organization; how they provide meals, connection, and care to elderly and vulnerable neighbors every weekend. From organizing volunteers to overcoming challenges during COVID-19, this conversation shines a light on what community looks like when people show up for each other.
We also talk about Taste of Wrightsville Beach, the annual fundraiser that fuels the program for an entire year, and how simple acts of service can create a ripple of hope far beyond a single meal.
If you’ve ever wanted to get involved but didn’t know where to start, this episode will remind you that your “yes” can make a real difference.
We talk about:
The mission behind Weekend Meals on Wheels and who it serves
How COVID-19 changed the way they reach those in need
The power of community, volunteerism, and faith in action
Taste of Wrightsville Beach and how it sustains their mission all year
Simple ways to serve and give back in your own neighborhood
Episode Timeline:
00:31 – Getting comfortable: casual conversations
00:59 – Introducing the Give Back Series
01:12 – Spotlight on Weekend Meals on Wheels
02:36 – How COVID-19 shaped their service
05:20 – Community involvement and volunteer impact
12:41 – Taste of Wrightsville Beach: the story behind the event
15:44 – Expanding to Brunswick County
16:20 – The logistics of delivering meals with heart
17:48 – Special touches that make a difference
19:20 – The Taste event’s purpose and success
22:07 – How local businesses rally behind the cause
25:19 – How to volunteer or donate
29:33 – Final reflections and a call to action
Episode Links:Weekend Meals on Wheels
Connect with Moms With A Call:Join the conversation with McKenzie + Rebecca on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, & YouTube → @momswithacallGet show updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and more at www.momswithacall.comListen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon.Leave a review and let us know how this episode moved you — your words mean more than you know.
Have a story to share?If you or someone you know has a story of faith, healing, or redemption that could encourage others, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at momswithacall@gmail.com.
Intro + Outro Music by Jason Bowles | Branding + Design by dvoorheisdesigns.com