In this deeply personal and heart-centered episode, Karen McMahon sits down with her longtime friend and pastor, Ray Longward, Lead Pastor at Experience Vineyard Church, for an open and vulnerable conversation about faith, healing, and leadership in life’s hardest seasons. For the first time publicly, Karen shares the central role her Christian faith has played in her personal life and in founding Journey Beyond Divorce—“coming out” not just as a divorce coach and podcast host, but as a follower of Christ.
Together, they explore the critical role of a spiritual foundation during major life crises such as divorce, loss, and personal transformation. They discuss shifting from religion to authentic relationship with God, the healing nature of a welcoming and emotionally intelligent church, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a divided world. Pastor Ray brings over a decade of ministry experience, leading a Bible-rooted community known for radical welcome, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to the wounded and marginalized.
Whether you’re spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this heartfelt dialogue offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for navigating life’s darkest moments with grace, faith, and courage. The episode closes with a moving prayer for all listeners—an invitation to anchor yourself in the power of something greater than yourself and to discover how faith can guide you through even the most painful chapters of life.
Connect with Ray:
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
- Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com