Episodes

  • Episode 27: Holding Onto Hope ft. Angel & Sundari Islas

    Episode 27: Holding Onto Hope ft. Angel & Sundari Islas
    Aug 9 2026
    In this episode of Rooted Conversations, Victoria Hayes is joined by new co-host Karen Lopez for her very first episode behind the microphone! Together, they sit down with Angel and Sundari Islas to share a powerful testimony of healing, faith, and God's perfect timing. After walking away from toxic relationships, both Angel and Sundari chose to focus on their relationship with God rather than rushing into another one. Through seasons of healing, surrender, and personal growth, God prepared their hearts before bringing them together. Their journey is a beautiful reminder that healthy relationships are built on two people who first allowed God to transform them individually. Whether you're healing from heartbreak, waiting on God's timing, or wondering if hope still exists after disappointment, this conversation will encourage you to trust that God is always working—even when you can't see it. Because sometimes the greatest love story begins with learning to trust the Author.
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    44 mins
  • Episode 26: The Slow Work of God

    Episode 26: The Slow Work of God
    Aug 2 2026
    There are seasons where it feels like nothing is happening. The prayers seem unanswered. The breakthrough takes longer than expected. The healing isn't instant. But what if God isn't absent? What if He's doing His deepest work beneath the surface? In this episode, we're talking about the slow work of God - the seasons of waiting, refining, healing, and becoming. We'll share personal stories, biblical encouragement, and honest conversations about learning to trust God's timing even when we don't understand it. If you've ever wondered why your journey feels slower than everyone else's, this conversation is for you. Because God's delays are never wasted - and His process is always producing something beautiful. 🌱
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    46 mins
  • Episode 25: Miles Apart, Still Rooted ft. Maju Torres

    Episode 25: Miles Apart, Still Rooted ft. Maju Torres
    Jul 26 2026
    In this episode of Rooted Conversations, we're joined by Maju Torres, joining us all the way from Argentina, to share the story of her long-distance friendship with Courtney. Together, they reflect on what it means to stay connected despite the miles, how faith has strengthened their bond, and why the deepest friendships aren't defined by proximity—they're built through intentionality, trust, and love.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 24: It Ends With Us Movement ft. Dana Roppo

    Episode 24: It Ends With Us Movement ft. Dana Roppo
    Jul 22 2026
    Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and physical violence that may be difficult for some listeners. In this powerful episode of Rooted Conversations, Victoria is joined by special co-host Carlos and guest Dana Roppo, founder of the It Ends With Us Movement. Dana courageously shares her testimony of surviving domestic violence and how her journey of survival became a mission to help women, children, and men affected by abuse. Together, we talk about breaking the silence, finding purpose through pain, and the importance of bringing awareness and support to those who need it most. This is a story of survival, faith, strength, and turning unimaginable pain into purpose. The violence ends. The silence ends. The cycle ends. It ends with us. 🤍
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    52 mins
  • Episode 23: Can you love some, and still leave?

    Episode 23: Can you love some, and still leave?
    Jul 12 2026
    Some goodbyes are heartbreaking - but they can also be holy. In this episode of Rooted Conversations, we explore one of the hardest questions many of us will ever face: Can you truly love someone... and still leave? We talk about the difference between sacrifice and self-abandonment, why love doesn't always require unlimited access, how to recognize when you're losing yourself in a relationship, and what Scripture teaches about healthy boundaries, forgiveness, and healing. Whether you're navigating a breakup, divorce, a difficult friendship, family conflict, or simply learning to choose peace over people-pleasing, this conversation is a reminder that loving someone doesn't mean you have to lose yourself. Join us as we share honest stories, biblical truth, and the hope that God is still writing your story - even when one chapter comes to an end. 🤍 If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear they're not alone. #RootedConversations #Faith #Healing #Relationships #Boundaries
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    41 mins
  • Episode 22: When God Changed Everything ft. Rob & Deena Smart

    Episode 22: When God Changed Everything ft. Rob & Deena Smart
    Jul 5 2026
    What happens when you fully surrender your life to God? This week on Rooted Conversations, we're joined by Rob & Deena Smart as they share their incredible testimony of how God transformed their lives beginning in 2009. Together, we talk about who they were before Christ, the moment everything changed, the journey of learning to trust God, and how He faithfully led them to Hendersonville, North Carolina, to walk in His calling. Their story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach and that He can use anyone who is willing to say "yes." Whether you're waiting on God's direction, wondering if He still performs miracles, or simply need encouragement today, this conversation is for you. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:17
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    1 hr
  • Episode 21: Men’s Mental Health ft. Noah Kessienger

    Episode 21: Men’s Mental Health ft. Noah Kessienger
    Jun 28 2026
    🎙️ Episode 21: Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health ft. Noah Kessinger June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to bring attention to the unique challenges men face and to encourage open, honest conversations. Mental health isn’t just a men’s issue—it’s something that touches every one of us. In this episode of Rooted Conversations, we’re joined by Noah Kessinger for an honest and hope-filled conversation about mental health, the importance of breaking the silence, and why asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do. Noah shares his personal passion for mental health advocacy and the mission behind the DLK Scholarship, which is working to help people access therapy by removing financial barriers. Together, we discuss the realities of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, faith, healing, and how God often works through both community and professional support to bring restoration. This conversation contains discussions of self-harm and suicide. We pray it encourages those who are struggling and equips others to better support the people they love. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone, and help is available. Thank you for listening to Rooted Conversations. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message of hope. 🎧 New episodes every Sunday at midnight.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 20: Faith Beyond Borders ft. Cassidy King

    Episode 20: Faith Beyond Borders ft. Cassidy King
    Jun 21 2026
    In Episode 20 of Rooted Conversations, we sit down with Cassidy King to discuss her recent mission trip, the lessons she learned along the way, and how stepping out in faith transformed her perspective. Together, we explore obedience, trust, worship, serving others, and what it looks like to say "yes" when God opens a door. Cassidy shares powerful stories from the mission field, moments that challenged her faith, and the ways she witnessed God moving in unexpected places. Whether you've been on a mission trip, feel called to serve, or simply need encouragement to trust God in your current season, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step in faith. Because sometimes the greatest growth happens when we step beyond what is familiar and trust God with the unknown.
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    48 mins