God is Good Podcast

Lupita’s journey is a powerful story of faith, healing, and learning to trust God through life’s hardest seasons. After losing her parents and facing painful experiences that could have shaken her faith, Lupita leaned closer to God through prayer, community, retreats, counseling, and service. Today, she sees the word “guide” as a reminder that God is always leading her—even when the road is difficult. Inspired by Isaiah 58:11, Lupita shares a simple message for anyone going through a hard time: Don’t give up on God.

In this powerful conclusion to Mike’s story, we hear how God never stopped pursuing him — even when faith felt distant and hope seemed out of reach. After years spent searching for identity, belonging, and escape, Mike shares how an unexpected path led him to a community of faith-filled people who welcomed him, walked beside him, and helped him rediscover the God he had nearly lost. Through their witness, encouragement, and authentic faith, Mike began becoming the God-fearing man he had always longed to be. This episode is a testimony to the way God works through relationships — reminding us that healing often begins when we allow others to walk with us. Mike’s journey shows that faith planted early is never wasted, and that God can restore what feels forgotten, broken, or far away. Please follow our podcast and share our episodes with someone who might benefit from hearing from our storytellers.

In this two-part season opener, Mike shares a deeply honest story of faith planted early, slowly pushed aside, and nearly lost in the search for identity, belonging, and escape. Raised in a loving home by a faithful mother who taught him the power of prayer, Mike’s foundation was strong. But as childhood wounds, bullying, and the ache of a missing father figure grew heavier, resentment toward God quietly took root. In Part 1, we hear how community can shape us — for better or worse — and how pushing God away never means He has left. Come back next time for the dramatic conclusion of Mike’s story, and how learning to truly walk by faith changed everything. If this episode speaks to you, it would mean the world to us if you will share it with someone who needs hope.

Amy grew up a devoted cradle Catholic with a strong formation in scripture and the sacraments. But during college, a relationship with a fundamentalist Christian family led her into confusion, fear, and deep questioning about salvation and the Catholic faith. She describes this as a season where God felt distant and she didn’t know how to find answers. Everything changed through a simple, profound moment with her mother—a moment that brought her back into the heart of the Church and set her on a new path. Over time, God continued to nudge Amy gently but persistently: to lead Bible studies to write spiritually rich fiction to create a Bible study for Catholic women to speak at retreats and conferences and ultimately—to lead pilgrimages around the world A transformative trip to the Holy Land in 2016 crystallized her mission. Watching the sunset over the Sea of Galilee, she realized her calling: to reflect God’s light to others. Memorable Quote from Amy “I realized my story is to do whatever He tells me.”…

When life didn’t go the way she planned, Maria discovered that God’s hand was still at work—in ways she never imagined. From devastating miscarriages and opening her home to foster children to standing in the holy presence of the Eucharistic Miracle in Fatima, Maria’s story is one of surrender, healing, and transformation. Now a Catholic author and mom of four, Maria shares how God turned heartbreak into blessing and how she learned to pray without ceasing, even in the darkest seasons. This conversation will remind you that even when you can’t see Him, God is moving. In This Episode Maria’s early faith life and lifelong connection to the Mass How her husband’s conversion to Catholicism became part of their family’s story Facing the pain of four miscarriages and finding hope through foster care and adoption Learning to recognize God’s presence in hindsight The miraculous pilgrimage to Fatima that transformed her heart and faith How Maria channels her journey into writing faith-filled stories for children and…

Welcome to The God Is Good Podcast, where we share real stories of God’s transforming love. In today’s episode, our newest storyteller, Rose, shares her journey from spiritual confusion to deep Catholic faith. Her story reveals how God gently guides us back to Him. From her early childhood faith to a life-changing encounter with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Rose discovered the beauty of surrender, virtue, and a prayer life rooted in love. Her story reminds us that God never stops pursuing our hearts—and that His grace can turn even our cracks into beautiful mirrors that reflect His light. Guest: Rose Folsom, founder of VirtueConnection.com and spiritual guide at RoseFolsom.com Summary: In this episode, Rose shares her powerful journey from childhood faith to spiritual searching—and the moment she finally understood who Jesus truly is. Her transformation began when a simple book by St. Thérèse of Lisieux awakened her heart and drew her home to the Catholic Church. From there, Rose dove deeply into the study of…

In this episode of The God Is Good Podcast, host Carol O’Brien sits down with Dana Nygaard, a Catholic therapist and speaker, to share her powerful story of healing and faith. From growing up in a controlling and traumatic home to finding herself in a marriage that mirrored her past, Dana’s journey reveals how God’s truth and stillness brought her from pain to peace. With honesty and grace, Dana opens up about how she learned to rely not on people—but on God alone—and how that trust transformed her life, her vocation, and her calling to help others break free from unhealthy patterns. “Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:11 In This Episode: Dana shares her early experiences growing up in a family marked by control and emotional pain. How her childhood patterns led her into an abusive marriage—and the priest who helped her see that God never calls us to be abused. The moment she learned to “be still” and truly know God’s peace. How faith, therapy, and God’s Word brought her healing, freedom, and a…

Thank you for joining the God Is Good Podcast, where host Carol O'Brien shares stories of everyday people whose encounters with Jesus have reignited their faith and transformed their lives. Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to share our episodes with anyone who might be encouraged by these journeys of grace and hope. “God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever. But those who are far from you perish; you destroy those unfaithful to you....

Welcome to the God is Good Podcast! Host Carol O’Brien speaks with Karen, an inspiring storyteller on a mission to unite Christians and reignite faith. In “Take My Hand,” Karen shares her personal journey from her Salvation Army roots, through moments of wandering and rediscovery, to embracing Catholicism and becoming a passionate advocate for Christian unity. Episode HighlightsMeet Karen: Karen, a convert to Catholicism, reflects on how her Salvation Army upbringing first introduced her to t...

In this episode of the God Is Good Podcast, host Carol O'Brien shares the inspiring story of Ashley, a wife, mother, and author. Raised in a mixed religious household, Ashley's journey to finding a personal relationship with Jesus was filled with obstacles, including her father's absence, bullying, and abuse. Despite these adversities, an encounter with God's presence at the age of 16 radically transformed her life. Ashley shares how she found peace, self-worth, and a calling to write, culmin...

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt story from our newest storyteller, Andrea. This episode explores Andrea’s path from unreconciled grief to the radiant joy she now finds in her relationship with Jesus. OverviewAndrea grew up in a Jewish household, shaped by tradition and family. The passing of her father marked a turning point, leaving her with unresolved grief and a yearning for answers that would remain with her for years. Driven by pain and a longing for comfort, Andrea turned to New ...

In this heartfelt episode of The God is Good Podcast, we welcome our newest storyteller, Sharon. Sharon always felt Jesus’ presence—but for much of her life, she saw God as a disciplinarian, not a loving Father. After her parents’ divorce, she turned to the world for comfort: drugs, destructive choices, and a marriage that left her empty. But even in the darkest places, God never let her go. Her return to Christ marked a radical turning point. Today, Sharon is no longer lukewarm—she is on fir...

In this powerful episode, our newest storyteller shares her extraordinary testimony of faith, healing, and purpose. Gena opens up about growing up with a distant father, navigating broken family relationships, and eventually facing a life-altering cancer scare during her pregnancy. Through it all, she found her identity and strength in God. Her story is one of heartbreak transformed into hope and calling. Gena shares how surrendering fully to God in a moment of helplessness led to a peace tha...

In the second part of Nichole's Story, Nichole continues to tell her journey from severe physical, mental, and spiritual challenges toward being on fire for Jesus. Nichole shares her harrowing experiences with chronic illness, suicidal thoughts, and demonic torment. Despite trying various medical and natural remedies, she found no relief until she unexpectedly learned of spiritual warfare and deliverance ministry. Nichole recounts the transformative impact of following a calling from God, whi...

From Darkness to Light Nichole’s life has been a testament to resilience and redemption. Having faced unthinkable hardships, she now dedicates herself to sharing her story to inspire and guide others. Through her experiences, she teaches the importance of surrendering to God, embracing healing, and breaking free from the chains of trauma and spiritual torment. Why You Should Listen This 2-part story offers: · A beautiful transformation from dark to light, from lukewa...

Episode OverviewIn this episode we share behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations from our first four episodes. Here’s a closer look at the heartfelt journeys we’ve explored so far. S1E2: Monica’s StoryOur journey began with Monica’s story. Following her ACTS retreat, Monica saw a bold calling emerge within her. She found the courage to reveal her struggles, paving the way for a deeper connection with others and a renewed sense of purpose. S1E3: Diane’s StoryDiane’s story, explored in our...

How Faith and God's Will Transformed Her LifeIn this episode, Kylie shares her incredible story of how loss became the catalyst for her spiritual transformation from lukewarm to on fire for Jesus. Kylie’s journey is one of resilience, reflection, and renewal, showcasing the profound impact of listening to God’s will to find her true calling. Episode Highlights:· The Catalyst: Learn how life-changing losses prompted Kylie to seek God, resulting in a new sense of...

Emanuela's journey began with a "spiritual not religious" philosophy, leaving her feeling unfulfilled and straying from her Catholic upbringing. Encounters with Jesus transformed her, revealing the misalignment between her values and previous obsession with yoga and New Age practices. These divine experiences guided her through difficult times and led Emanuela back to the teachings, guidance, and beauty of her faith. She ultimately gained a profound understanding of her real purpose and...

Have you ever felt pushed beyond your faith limits? Where you didn’t understand your suffering and felt it was too much to bear? If so, Ellen’s story of seeking God in new and profound ways may bring you encouragement and peace. Ellen's journey was marked by profound grief and loss. Through the untimely death of her first husband and multiple miscarriages, Ellen's faith was always her source of strength. She could find the blessings in the midst of the pain. When Ellen faced another life-alte...

Have you ever defined yourself by your work title, what you have achieved, or your status as a professional person, spouse, or even parent? When your identity is based solely on worldly things, it can be devastating when you lose it. Belinda found herself drifting away from her faith and the teachings that once anchored her life. She experienced a period of spiritual dryness that left her longing for purpose. For a time, her career success and achievements seemed fulfilling on the...

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt unworthy, unloved, or alone. Abby felt a calling to speak specifically to you! Abby’s life had not always been easy. Yet, during a period of profound struggle, hope emerged. Abby, who had often felt unworthy of love, found herself embraced by various people who suddenly came into her life. She didn’t realize that God was showing His love and compassion with each interaction that she had with these grace-filled people. It’s a story of transformation...

Feeling like a burden in her home, LeighAnn found herself constantly striving to fill a void she couldn't quite understand. From a young age, she believed that her worth was tied to her achievements. She excelled in academics, sports, and later, in her career, always pushing herself to be the best. Despite stacking up a number of accomplishments, LeighAnn’s foundation without God was shaky. An unexpected blessing caused her life to take a dramatic turn. Then, a family crisis and the loss of a...

Jacy's life began in a world where love and tenderness were often overshadowed by chaos and pain. Her early years were marked with glimpses of love followed by dramatic episodes that pulled her out of security and left her feeling like a “ping pong ball.” As Jacy grew older, the weight of her past began to take its toll. She made decisions out of desperation and stayed in untenable situations because she was desperately seeking love. During a retreat, Jacy had two life-changing encounters – o...

Walking with Jesus is a journey of faith, love, and devotion. However, this journey can be incredibly challenging when we are burdened with bitterness and anger. Jennifer’s story is about embracing forgiveness to liberate us from the need to be right. She shares how she chose joy, let go of the hurt and pain caused by others, and allowed God's grace to flow through her. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and hear how Jennifer quieted her heart and listened to God’s whispers. And you ...

What is the purpose of suffering and why does God permit it? St. Teresa of Calcutta said of suffering, “You know this is but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close to Him on the cross that He can kiss you." Diane shares a tapestry of tribulations that would shake anyone's resolve. This is a heartfelt narrative of how one can steadfastly sing a song of thanksgiving through life’s most challenging seasons. Grab some coffee and sit back as Diane shares her story of the power...

What do you do when everyone thinks that you have the perfect marriage, family, and life--but the truth is you’re struggling? Who do you turn to? Monica’s journey toward a meaningful relationship with God was transformative. She sought God’s guidance and support in her daily experiences allowing her to feel a deeper sense of connection and peace in all areas of her life. Monica’s story is a powerful testament to the transformation that can occur when you move from relying solely on you...

What causes someone to go from lukewarm to on fire for God? And how do you keep that fire going? Often, spiritual retreats center on the personal stories of every day men and women whose lives dramatically change after an encounter with God. Their stories are so powerful that it's hard not to be changed yourself. But once you leave the retreat and life intervenes, how do you get that "on-fired-ness" back? Second only to going on retreat in person, this podcast brings those powerful conversi...