Experience Emerge (ExEm)

In this powerful episode of the ExEm Podcast, Matthew sits down with author Samantha Jones to talk about her deeply moving book, God and Trauma: The Lessons I’m Learning. Samantha is a wife, mom, and survivor of significant past trauma — and she’s courageously opening the pages of her healing journey for others to find hope.

Together, we explore how God meets us in the darkest valleys, the slow and sacred work of restoration, and th...

In this episode, we "Zoom" in with Paris Yanno is the Father's Heart Director at the Ohio Church Multiplication Network.  She is a wife, mom of three biological children, and a woman whose heart grew far beyond the walls of her own home. Paris and her husband felt called to open their lives to children in crisis, choosing to foster for an entire decade. Over those ten years, they welcomed numerous displaced kids—each...

(This episode may not be appropriate for younger listeners)

In this episode, Matthew Knabe sits down with Joshua Rowland from Pure Life Ministries to have an open and redemptive conversation about breaking free from the grip of sexual sin. Joshua shares his powerful story of healing and restoration after years of personal struggle, and how God’s transforming grace led him to freedom and a life of purpose.

Together, they discuss ...

In this episode of the ExEm Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Santymire, missionary, author, and current Member Care Director for AG World Missions. Dr. Santymire shares his powerful story of life on the mission field: the incredible ways he’s seen God move across nations, as well as the deep challenges and personal adversities that come with serving in cross-cultural ministry.

As the author of The Caring Life and The Caring ...

In this episode, our host has a thoughtful conversation with Pastor Austin McCann about the diverse ways people encounter Christ and begin their faith journey. While some stories of salvation seem simple and clear, others are marked by struggle, questions, and even deep anxiety. Pastor Austin helps us unpack the reality that there is no single blueprint for coming to faith—God works uniquely in every heart.

A significant part of the...

What do you get when you run into a great friend at a convention in Orlando? A whole lot of laughs, a few life lessons, and one very traumatized mother-in-law. In this episode, our host sits down with Pastor Jason Burns to catch up on their friendship, hear about his annual Christmas tradition of tormenting his mother-in-law with outrageous gifts, and dive into something we all desperately need—rest. With a mix of humor, honesty, a...

Who are we, really? In a world full of labels, expectations, and shifting definitions of self, it’s easy to lose sight of our true identity. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Darla Rakes, a leader, educator, and woman of deep faith, to talk about what it means to anchor our identity in Christ. Together, we explore why our sense of self apart from Him will always feel incomplete, how faith gives us clarity and purpose, and why k...

In this episode of the Experience Emerge podcast, we converse with Tera Wages, CEO of The Connection Codes, to explore the art of emotional regulation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform your relationships and daily life. Tera shares practical tools from The Connection Codes framework to help you identify, name, and process emotions in real time so they don’t spiral into conflict, burnout, or shutdown. Whether you ...

In this powerful episode of the ExEm Podcast, we welcome husband and wife duo Dr. Troy and Jana Jones, authors of The Mosaic Marriage: How Two Imperfect People Become One Masterpiece. Together, they share candid insights from their own journey—filled with broken pieces, grace, and redemption—and how God shaped their imperfections into something beautiful. With wisdom, vulnerability, and practical guidance, the Joneses reveal how co...

In this episode of the ExEm Podcast, host Matthew Knabe sits down with guest Tony Galieti to discuss the profound connection between marriage and the gospel. Drawing from biblical wisdom and decades of pastoral and relational experience, Tony shares powerful insights on what makes a marriage thrive, not just survive. We explore the purpose of marriage through a gospel lens, examining how grace and humility shape our relationships a...

In this powerful episode of the Experience Emerge (ExEm) podcast, our host, Matthew, sits down with Laura Howe, a Canadian mental health therapist and founder of Hope Made Strong. Based in Ontario, Laura is a passionate advocate for equipping churches and ministry leaders with practical tools to care for their communities, without burning out in the process.

We delve into the crucial—but often misunderstood—differences between burno...

In this episode of the ExEm Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Dan Owolabi—author, speaker, and passionate advocate for authentic leadership. Dan dives into the heart of what it means to lead with integrity, purpose, and faith in today’s world. Drawing from his impactful book, "Authentic Leadership," available now on Amazon, Dan shares practical insights on how leaders can move beyond titles and techniques to embody t...

In this brief but impactful Mental Health Minute, Matthew Knabe, MA, LPCC, host of the Experience Emerge (ExEm) Podcast, shares practical insight on calm parenting. Learn how to respond—not react—in challenging moments, build emotional safety with your children, and model regulation that helps the whole family thrive. Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. A healthier kid starts at home.

GivingTuesday is an opportunit...

Leadership Intimacy: Cultivating Depth in Your Life with Dr. Robert Crosby

In this episode, Dr. Robert Crosby continues the conversation in a leadership series we have been releasing every couple of months. Today's discussion is on Leadership Intimacy—Cultivating Depth in Your Life. The call to lead is not just with vision but with vulnerability, depth, and spiritual rootedness.

Dr. Crosby unpacks how true leadership begins in t...

In this episode, we’re joined by Pastor Austin McCann from Redemption Chapel for a powerful conversation on the importance of men finding authentic communities with other men. Pastor Austin shares personal insights and biblical wisdom on why brotherhood matters, how isolation can be dangerous, and what it looks like to pursue real, life-giving relationships as men of faith.

We also discuss the upcoming Men’s Conference at Redemption...

“The Two-Sided Coin of Pride”

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Galligan, MEd, LPC, as he shares his journey into the world of counseling and the personal struggles that have shaped his faith. Jacob opens up about the challenges he has faced within the church, navigating seasons of doubt, and how his experiences have tested and strengthened his relationship with God.

We also dive deep into the two-sided coin of pride and self-d...

In this episode, we engage in an in-depth conversation with esteemed author Dr. Robert Crosby. Through his book, "The Teaming Church: Ministry in the Age of Collaboration," Dr. Crosby illuminates the profound concept of living a teaming life characterized by collaboration, honor, and unity. He shares practical strategies for cultivating honor circles around individuals, fostering deeper connections and enhancing team dyna...

In this heartfelt episode, We sit down with one of Matt's best friends of over 30 years, Jason Rice, to discuss the incredible journey of friendship, mentoring, and doing life together. From navigating life's toughest challenges to celebrating its greatest victories, we share how staying grounded in God's Word daily and holding each other accountable has been the foundation of our relationship. Join us as we reflect ...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Anne Beiler, the inspiring founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Anne opens up about her journey through unimaginable hardships, including personal trauma and deep struggles that could have shattered her faith and family. Instead, she found strength in her relationship with God and emerged stronger, building a thriving business and a healthy and enduring marriage. Anne's story is a ...