Episodes

  • The Freedom of Being Seen | Mary Magdalene, Identity & Your True Self
    Apr 22 2026

    What if the way you see yourself… isn’t actually true?

    In this episode, we dive into the story of Mary Magdalene and the powerful truth about identity in Christ, healing, and being truly seen. The world labeled her, defined her by her past, and saw her through her brokenness—but Jesus saw her differently. He saw her for who she really was.

    So many of us live with identities shaped by wounds, insecurity, and the opinions of others. We try to control how we’re seen, hide parts of ourselves, or stay stuck in who we used to be. But real freedom comes when we allow God to heal our identity and show us who we truly are.

    This conversation explores what it means to:

    • Let go of labels and false identities
    • Heal from past wounds and step into freedom
    • Stop performing and start living as your true self
    • Be fully seen and fully loved by God

    If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, identity, or feeling stuck in your past, this episode is for you.

    Because you are not who the world says you are—you are who God says you are.

    🎙️ The Open Doors Podcast Where faith meets real life. Real conversations. Real prayer for real life.

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    33 mins
  • You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Loved by Jesus | Mary Magdalene, Redemption & Identity
    Apr 15 2026

    In this Season 4 premiere, Ivette shares a powerful testimony about learning that she already carries Jesus within her and can bring Him to others simply through prayer, love, and authentic witness.

    Inspired by Mary Magdalene’s story of redemption, we reflect on identity, grace, imperfection, and the beauty of running back to Jesus every day.

    If you’ve ever struggled with shame, falling back into old patterns, or feeling like you need to be perfect for God to love you, this conversation is for you.

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    31 mins
  • Sit at the Foot of the Cross: A Good Friday Guided Meditation & Reflection
    Apr 3 2026

    This special Good Friday release invites you into a guided meditation on the Passion of Jesus Christ.

    Led by our beloved guest Mike Mastrapolo, this prayerful reflection offers space to slow down, enter into the sacred silence of Good Friday, and sit at the foot of the Cross.

    Released outside of our normal Wednesday schedule as a Holy Week special, this episode is meant to help you pray, reflect, and remain with Jesus in His suffering, love, and sacrifice.

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    41 mins
  • When Disappointment Leads to Discouragement: Go to God With It All
    Apr 1 2026

    When disappointment leads to discouragement, it can begin to shape how we think, feel, and relate to God. In this episode, we explore how unmet expectations can slowly turn into deeper discouragement and even resentment, and how the enemy uses these vulnerable moments to plant lies.

    We also discuss the importance of bringing what we’re carrying into the light — finding trusted people to share with — while learning how to navigate the tension between feeling honestly and not getting stuck there. Above all, we reflect on the invitation to bring everything to God, trusting that He meets us fully in our disappointment and restores our joy.

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    26 mins
  • The Lies We Tell Ourselves
    Mar 25 2026

    Many of the thoughts that run through our minds feel personal, convincing, and even true — but not every thought we have actually comes from God… or even from ourselves.

    In this episode, we talk about the lies we tell ourselves and how easily those lies can shape the way we see our identity, our worth, and our future.

    Sometimes the enemy plants thoughts meant to isolate us, discourage us, and convince us that we are not enough. But God’s voice does not speak in accusation, shame, or condemnation.

    We explore how bringing our thoughts into the light — speaking them out loud and sharing them with trusted people — can reveal the root of those lies and create space for healing and freedom.

    We also discuss: • Why our thoughts are not always our own • The spiritual danger of isolation • How perfectionism and “giving up” are often two sides of the same lie • The fear that drives many of the accusations we believe about ourselves • Why freedom is found in balance, not extremes • The importance of community when our thoughts feel overwhelming

    When we believe the lie that we are not enough, we either exhaust ourselves trying to prove our worth… or give up altogether.

    But neither leads to freedom.

    Because the truth is this: God does not speak to His children in lies.

    🎙 The Open Doors Podcast Faith. Identity. Real conversations about walking with God.

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    30 mins
  • Trust When It Makes No Sense: The Silent Strength of St. Joseph
    Mar 18 2026

    St. Joseph didn’t get explanations. He got responsibility.

    When the path made no sense… he trusted. When the future was unclear… he acted. When love required sacrifice… he stayed.

    In this episode, we reflect on the silent strength of St. Joseph — protector, father, listener, and man of radical obedience.

    We explore:

    • Trusting God without full understanding • The courage to pivot when God asks you to move • Waiting on the Lord — and then taking action • Love that casts out fear • Facing your giants with quiet confidence • The hidden power of obedience outside the spotlight

    Joseph’s yes was not loud. It was not easy. But it helped usher in the coming of Christ.

    If you feel unseen… If you’re walking a path that feels uncertain… If obedience feels uncomfortable —

    Look to St. Joseph.

    God always makes a way. And your quiet faithfulness matters more than you know.

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    24 mins
  • Jesus Loved Peter Before He Changed
    Mar 11 2026

    St. Peter wasn’t polished. He was impulsive, prideful, bold, insecure — all in and all out.

    He walked on water… and then sank. He swore loyalty… and then denied Jesus. He tried to protect Jesus with a sword… and later hid in fear.

    And yet — Jesus loved him.

    Not after he changed. Not after Pentecost. Not after becoming “the rock.”

    Jesus loved Peter before any of his yes’s. Before discipleship. Before leadership. Before holiness.

    In this episode, we talk about: • Peter’s impulsivity, pride, and boldness • False humility vs. true humility • Owning what you’re good at — and what you struggle with • Why your mess doesn’t disqualify you • Peter’s denial and Jesus meeting him exactly where he was • How Jesus sees beyond the identities we place on ourselves

    The truth is this:

    You are loved before you change. Before you grow. Before you fix it. Before you become who you think you “should” be.

    And that kind of love is almost impossible for us to grasp — because human love doesn’t work like that.

    But His does.

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    27 mins
  • Radical Trust: The Joy and Obedience of John the Baptist
    Mar 4 2026

    After reflecting on identity through King David and remembering who we are through Simba, we now turn to someone who never forgot.

    John the Baptist knew who he was.

    Before he ever preached, he leapt with joy in the womb at the presence of Jesus. Before the desert, before the crowds, before the prison — there was love. There was identity. There was trust.

    In this episode, we explore:

    • Radical trust in God’s plan • Obedience that looks uncomfortable but leads to joy • Friendship with Jesus rooted in humility • “He must increase, I must decrease” • And how to become comfortable with what once felt uncomfortable

    John’s life wasn’t safe. It wasn’t popular. It wasn’t easy.

    But it was full of joy.

    Because radical trust changes everything.

    If you’ve been wrestling with obedience, discomfort, or stepping into who God is calling you to be — this episode is for you.

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    26 mins