In this conversation, April and I dive into how Christian nationalism has shaped modern evangelicalism and American politics, the fear-based messaging that keeps people from questioning their beliefs, and what it really means to deconstruct faith while holding onto a deep love for Jesus. We explore the impact of misinformation, culture wars, and political agendas on religious spaces, and how to navigate difficult conversations with family and friends who see faith and politics differently. April shares her experience of rebuilding her faith outside of fear, control, and rigid ideology, offering hope to anyone who has ever felt the tension of questioning long-held beliefs.

Whether you're deconstructing, reconstructing, or simply curious about the intersection of faith, culture, and politics, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that reminds us all: faith should be about love, not fear.

In this episode, we cover:

• April Ajoy’s journey from America-first Christianity to a faith rooted in love, inclusion, and critical thinking
• The fear-based messaging that keeps people from questioning their faith—and why stepping outside the box can feel terrifying
• The real reason so many churches equate Republican politics with Christianity (hint: it’s not just about faith)
• The role of misinformation, culture wars, and political agendas in shaping religious beliefs
• How Christian nationalism influences conversations around abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s autonomy
• Why some faith leaders are pushing for a government controlled by Christian ideals—and what that really means
• The emotional, relational, and spiritual toll of leaving behind rigid belief systems—and how to find community after deconstruction
• What the Seven Mountain Mandate is and why it’s influencing today’s political landscape

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Connect with April Ajoy:

Follow April for more thought-provoking conversations, satire, and insights on faith and culture:

• TikTok:@aprilajoy
• Instagram:@aprilajoy
• YouTube:@April_Ajoy
• Facebook:@aprilajoy
• Threads:@aprilajoy
• Bluesky:@aprilajoy.bsky.social

Find her book, Star-Spangled Jesus, wherever books are sold!

Connect with Emily:

• Instagram: @emilyreuschel
• Facebook: Emily Reuschel
• LinkedIn: Emily Reuschel
• Email List:join here
• Website

Success isn’t about the perfect plan or waiting until you “feel ready.” It’s about capacity, audacity, and self-trust—and without them, you’re going to stay stuck, spinning your wheels, and wondering why things aren’t moving forward.

In this solo episode, Emily Reuschel is breaking down the real success formula for bringing your dreams to life—whether you’re starting a business, making a big life pivot, or stepping into a new, aligned version of yourself.

Capacity: You need actual space in your life—mentally, emotionally, and physically—to take action.

Audacity: You have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you cultivate.

Self-Trust: No strategy in the world will work if your inner dialogue is telling you you’re a failure before you even begin.

This episode is the wake-up call and permission slip you need to start making moves. It’s time to stop waiting, start trusting, and take up the space your dreams deserve.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why success isn’t just about having the perfect plan—it’s about creating the capacity to execute.
• What "capacity" actually means (hint: it’s more than just time on your calendar).
• How to stop adding more to your plate and start making space for what actually matters.
• The #1 reason why people feel stuck—and why it’s NOT a motivation problem.
• Audacity: The underrated secret to achieving anything you want.
• Why self-trust is the ultimate success hack (and how to build it).
• How your inner dialogue is either your biggest asset or your biggest roadblock.
• The confidence of a mediocre white man—what we can learn from it and why it’s time to embody that energy.
• How to stop outsourcing validation and start making decisions for YOURSELF.
• Why perfectionism and waiting for “readiness” are keeping you stuck.
• How to take bold, audacious action—even when you’re scared as hell.
• How to shift from overthinking to actual execution.

Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode!

Connect with Emily:

• Follow on Instagram and Facebook
• Join my email list
• Check out my website
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

Visit my website for more resources, coaching, and podcast episodes: www.EmilyReuschel.com

Get the Inside Scoop on My Book Writing Journey! Join my Book Insiders List for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and early access: Sign up here!

Resources and Links:

• Gather in Growth Sponsorship Inquiry – Apply Here
• Book Me as a Speaker for Your Next Event – Email inquiries to emilyreuschel@gmail.com or schedule a call

Healing from trauma isn’t just about talking through our past—it’s about reconnecting with our bodies. In this powerful episode of Gather in Growth, I sit down with Brittany Piper, internationally recognized speaker, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, and author of Body-First Healing: Get Unstuck and Recover from Trauma with Somatic Healing. Britt’s work is transforming the way we understand trauma recovery, shifting the focus from revisiting painful memories to healing through the nervous system.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your healing journey, experienced chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms, or wondered why traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked for you, this episode is for you. We dive into the science behind somatic healing, why trauma is stored in the body rather than the mind, and how you can release stored survival energy to regulate your nervous system.

As someone who has been deeply inspired by Britt’s work, I couldn’t be more excited to share this conversation with you. Whether you’re on your own healing journey, supporting a loved one, or looking for somatic tools for trauma recovery, you’ll walk away with deep insights and tangible takeaways that can change the way you approach healing.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why talk therapy isn’t always enough for trauma recovery – and how somatic healing takes a different approach
• The science behind somatic experiencing and nervous system regulation – how trauma lives in the body, not just in the mind
• Why trauma keeps us stuck in survival mode – and how to begin releasing stored survival energy
• The difference between top-down (cognitive) healing and bottom-up (body-based) healing
• Somatic tools for trauma healing – including shaking, movement, breathwork, and sensory awareness
• Understanding the vagus nerve and nervous system regulation – how 80% of signals travel from the body to the brain, not the other way around
• How trauma affects relationships and emotional triggers – and why somatic healing is key to breaking intergenerational cycles
• How to discharge stress hormones and complete the body's trauma response

Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode!

Connect with Britt:

• Grab Britt’s Book: Body-First Healing: Get Unstuck and Recover from Trauma with Somatic Healing
• Work with Britt: The Body-First Healing Program
• Follow Britt on Instagram: @healwithbritt |@bodyfirsthealing

Connect with Emily:

• Follow on Instagram and Facebook
• Join my email list
• Check out my website
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

Visit my website for more resources, coaching, and podcast episodes: