The Devoted Dreamers Podcast
What if the dream in your heart was placed there by God for a reason? Merritt Onsa, host of The Devoted Dreamers Podcast, helps Christian women in midlife find the courage to pursue their God-shaped dreams—even when fear, doubt, and imposter syndrome say they’re not ready. Through real conversations with women living out their callings and short solo episodes full of biblical truth and encouragement, you’ll discover: ✨ How to move forward even when you feel unqualified ✨ The source of lies that keep dreamers stuck (and the truth that sets you free) ✨ Practical wisdom for taking the next brave step with God This is your safe place to wrestle with questions about how to move forward, get clarity for your calling, and remember you don’t have to do it alone. Together we're building a community of sisters in Christ who will remind you where your hope lies and encourage you to keep taking the next step. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start walking boldly with Jesus toward the life He’s calling you to, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
Ep 350 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/350
Ever considered launching a ministry or publishing a Bible study from your personal story?
Julie Fowler knows what it’s like to step out with a dream that feels bigger than you. After walking through years of infertility and loss, her pain turned into purpose as she built the ministry she needed in that season.
Now, 25 years later, she’s published her cu...
Ep 349 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/349
Have you ever had a quiet nudge from God but felt unsure about where it might lead?
That’s where Julie Fowler found herself 25 years ago. In the middle of grief and loss, with more questions than answers, she said a simple yes to starting something she needed: a community of support and a space to hold the heartache of infertility, miscarriage, and infan...
Ep 348 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/348
Has your dream been sitting on the shelf all summer?
As the school year approaches and routines shift, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the God-shaped dream on your heart. But after months of being in “mom mode” (or simply navigating a busy season), picking that dream back up can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
This episode w...
Ep 347 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/347
What if the pressure to “do it right” is actually keeping you from doing it at all?
Samantha Wells returns to the podcast, in part two, with the real story behind writing her first Bible study and the internal battle she faced along the way. From perfectionism and doubt to a two-year wrestle with the “big idea,” Samantha opens up about what it really too...
Ep 346 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/346
What if the very thing that makes your dream feel different is the reason God gave it to you?
Samantha Wells is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher with a deep love for Scripture and a heart for drawing women into comprehending God’s restorative work in the world. In this episode, she shares how she stepped out in faith to write a Bible study on the boo...
Ep 345 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/345
Have you ever lost your confidence just as you were about to take a big risk?
It’s not your imagination. That wave of self-doubt, discouragement, or distraction is more than a bad day—it’s creative resistance. Understanding where it comes from (and how to respond) could be the difference between quitting and persevering.
This episode explores the spiritua...
Ep 344 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/344
What if the people who love you aren’t cheerleaders for your dream?
When God gives you a big dream, you want to talk about it! But what if you shared your heart with someone close to you only to be met with confusion, criticism, or silence?
It’s deeply discouraging when your people don’t get it. But is their response a reflection of your qualifications o...
Ep 343 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/343
What if the dream God gave you is already growing—just in a direction you didn’t expect?
In part 2 of my conversation with Andrea Olson, we explore how God often uses our past experiences, natural wiring, and even disappointments to shape something new in our calling. Andrea shares how a quiet season of listening uncovered a shift in her work, revealing ...
Ep 342 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/342
What if your dream doesn't unfold the way you expected?
If you've ever faced a detour or disappointment in your pursuit of a passion project, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.
This week, I’m joined by worship leader, songwriter, and accidental entrepreneur Andrea Olson, founder of Overflow Worship. Andrea opens up about the ev...
Ep 341 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/341
What part of your dream could you test before you build it?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your dream will really work, I have a case study for you today. I’m pulling back the curtain on the creation of my Dreamers Unleashed course to show you how I used beta testing to clarify my offer, gather feedback, and build something that genuinely serves Christi...
Ep 340 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/340
Could your self-doubt actually be a spiritual battle in disguise?
Taking a step toward your big dream puts a bullseye on your back that the enemy cannot ignore. That’s why it is so important to equip yourself with the truth of God’s Word and put in place an action plan that will help you fight back when imposter syndrome returns.
Because it’s not just a...
Ep 339 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/339
Have you ever had an idea but you shut it down before it even had a chance?
Maybe you think to yourself, “Someone else is already doing this,” or “What if no one’s interested?” or “Maybe later, when I’m more experienced.” That hesitation? That voice of doubt? It might be imposter syndrome.
In this episode, we take a deeper look at the subtle ways impost...
Ep 338 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/338
Do you feel like you’ll never measure up?
If you have a God-shaped dream, maybe you’re familiar with the quiet voice in your head whispering, “Who am I to do this?” That’s imposter syndrome. And it’s likely been hanging around longer than you’ve known.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧠 A visualization exercise that helps you spot imposter syndrome ...
Ep 337 | show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/337
What if you stepped into your fear of failure?
This week I’m talking about fear of failure, what its true source really is, and how you can battle it and get moving on your God-shaped dream.
If you’ve been avoiding your dream because you fear you might fail, if you’ve stopped taking steps forward because you feel like you are not enough, this is the e...
Ep 336 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/336
Is this dream going to be worth the effort?
Maybe you’ve spent hours designing Canva graphics, rewriting emails, or obsessing over what people might think without ever taking a real step forward. You wonder if your dream is even valid or if you just aren't cut out for this. The truth is, you are not failing. You are distracted. And in th...
Ep 335 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/335
Before we dive in, I’d love your input on how the Devoted Dreamers Podcast can better serve YOU. Whether you’re a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I want to hear what’s resonating, what you need more of, and what’s not working for you. Share your thoughts here: merrittonsa.com/input.
When was the last time you truly rested?
In a world that...
Ep 334 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/334
What if your dream isn’t a straight line but a winding path that God is faithfully unfolding?
That’s the story we’re exploring today with my returning guest Eryn Lynum. I interviewed Eryn in 2017, (eight years ago!) about her first book, 936 Pennies; it was her very first podcast guest appearance ever! What neither of us could have predicted then was ho...
Ep 333 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/333
What if money doesn’t have to be a barrier to starting your dream?
If you’ve been holding back on your God-shaped dream because of financial concerns, this episode is packed with creative strategies to help you move forward—even on a tight budget.
This is the final conversation in my financial series from Season 10. It is such a practical conversation fu...
Ep 332 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/332
What if getting clear on your purpose is easier than you think?
Have you ever wondered, What am I good at? or How can my unique strengths help me pursue meaningful work? If those questions have crossed your mind, this episode is for you.
Last week, I introduced you to Jill Felix, a certified Core Clarity facilitator and passionate coach who helps believer...
Ep 331 | Show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/331
How do you hold onto a dream when life events interrupt your plans?
Maybe you’re in a season where your dreams feel out of reach because of unexpected challenges—grief, loss, or simply the weight of life’s responsibilities. Is God still working, even in the waiting?
Jill Felix knows what it’s like to navigate deep loss while still holding onto a God-sh...
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