Listen to episode 146 in Spanish:
Hey everyone!
Welcome to the 300th episode of the Her Faith Inspires podcast, where we take cultural issues and examine them through the lens of Scripture. I’m Shanda Fulbright, and today we’re reflecting on 300 episodes of Her Faith Inspires – how it all started and where we’re going.
Instead of doing “Between the Lines” today, we’re going to jump right in and talk about all the behind-the-scenes stuff: life, the podcast, and even a special announcement. I’ll also talk about some news and culture, and how we ought to think about it from a Christian perspective – because there’s a lot going on, and I haven’t done a solo episode in a few weeks.
New Look, New Tech, and New Art
For those of you watching on YouTube, you might notice a difference in how the podcast looks. We’re using a new program that allows me to switch scenes and overlay images and videos. It can get fancy! I’m still learning, so bear with me – but all guest episodes after Episode 300 were recorded with this new program, and I’m excited about it.
We also have new podcast art! My niece, who is also my social media assistant, created it. We went back and forth on what we liked and didn’t like, sat on it for a bit, and finally decided on this. I love it and I hope you do too! I didn’t change the music again (even though it’s been almost two years since the last change). We’re keeping that jazzy beat for now.
What We’re Covering Today
- 300 episodes of Her Faith Inspires
- Why I started the podcast and how it’s grown
- My testimony and how I got started in apologetics
- Cultural issues we need to think through
- Listener testimonials
- A special announcement I cannot wait to share with you!
Giveaway Celebration!
To celebrate 300 episodes of Her Faith Inspires, we’re doing a huge giveaway!
To enter:
- Share the giveaway on Instagram
- Tag me so I know you entered
I’m giving away a cute book bag, books from recent podcast guests like Melissa Dougherty (Happy Lies), Becky Beresford (She Believed He Could So She Did), Allie Beth Stuckey’s Toxic Empathy, and more.
Giveaway details drop Monday! You’ll get extra entries by sharing the podcast, the giveaway, and other ways to get five or more entries. You’re going to love this one.
Why I Started the Podcast
I started this podcast almost six years ago. Before that, I was a youth leader—I taught youth, spoke at youth camps, and put on women’s conferences. I did that for about six years and loved it.
Eventually, I felt God calling me to teach beyond the walls of the church. That didn’t mean I left the church—I still taught and did conferences—but I knew I was done with youth ministry.
In 2018, I started blogging. I’d post a new blog every Monday. At the time, my audience was tiny. Maybe 30-40 email subscribers, and I rarely posted to IG or Facebook. Honestly, I didn’t want anyone to know me. Hitting “publish” on that first blog post felt so vulnerable. But I got used to it, and in 2019 I started this podcast.
Fun fact:
I didn’t come up with the name Her Faith Inspires. I used a site where creatives pitched name ideas and I chose the winning one (from a guy, by the way). If only ChatGPT had been around back then!
When I first started, I wasn’t really into apologetics – was just getting started. So if you go all the way back to the beginning (which I don’t recommend, ha!), I hope you see the growth. No one is born having all the answers. We all have to study and learn.
Now…
Now, Her Faith Inspires is in the top 1% of podcasts because of consistency. I’ve had amazing guests: Frank Turek, Melissa Dougherty, J. Warner Wallace, Natasha Crain, Hillary Morgan Ferrer… and many more. Not just big names, but people who bring wisdom and truth.
Every guest is vetted. I see it as an accountability before God. I don’t ask if the content is “liked” – I ask if it glorifies God and aligns with His truth. One day, I’ll give an account for everything I’ve taught, and I want to be found faithful.
My Testimony and How I Got into Apologetics
I love sharing my testimony—it helps me remember my “why.”
I was raised in church by a mom who never missed a service and never gave us the option to stay home. She wasn’t just someone who went to church—she lived it out. She quoted Scripture, read her Bible, and prayed regularly. And she was the pillar of our home.
My dad came to the Lord later in life—around my teenage years. But my mom’s influence is why we serve Jesus today.
I believe everyone comes to a moment where Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13–20). For me, that moment came at 17. I wasn’t rebellious. I prayed, read my Bible, was even baptized at 10. But I didn’t know God.
One day, walking between classes at school, I casually told God, “I love You.” And He stopped me—with a question: “Do you really love Me, or is that something you were taught to say?” That question rocked me. I realized I didn’t love Him because I didn’t know Him. So I prayed, “God, I don’t love You because I don’t know You. But help me to know You.” And that changed everything.
In 2020, my family jumped headfirst into apologetics. I devoured books, earned a certificate, and took every Online Christian Course I could. Not because I needed it for me—but because one of my boys started doubting God’s existence, and I had to have answers.
Apologetics filled a missing piece of the puzzle. I had a good foundation, but now I had the confidence to defend truth—and equip others too.
Let’s Talk About Culture
A few quick thoughts on what’s been going on in culture lately:
Chip & Joanna Gaines
Love their design—but I’ve had concerns. Their new homesteading show features a gay couple. Their past responses on LGBTQ issues have been vague. I’d rather someone take a firm, loving stand than try to appease everyone. That never works with truth.
Candace Cameron Bure
She stands for traditional marriage. She’s clear. People love or hate her for it—that’s the cost of standing on truth.
American Eagle Ads
New ads featuring Sydney Sweeney are hyper-sexualized. Sure, it’s not LGBTQ stuff, but objectifying women isn’t a better direction. Can we stop swinging the pendulum so hard?
Ulta’s New Campaign
They hired a man to promote their JVN hairline—and he’s acting like a teenage girl who just got invited to a slumber party. It’s beyond ridiculous. My mom got me an Ulta gift card for my birthday, but I might be shopping elsewhere next time.
Listener Testimonials
Here are just a few messages I received from you all. These mean so much:
Rusanne – South Africa
“Your podcast helped me discern truth after coming out of a cult. The way you teach and back everything with Scripture has helped me dig deeper into God’s word.”
Long-Time Listener
“I’ve been listening since 2019. Your words have helped me grow spiritually and emotionally. I share your episodes often. Thank you for your faithfulness.”
Lara Walker
“You’ve mentored me through this podcast. I never had that before. Your love for truth and your reverence for the Lord show me that depth is possible for Christian women—and worth the work. Someday, I hope we can eat Mexican food, have coffee, and a farting contest!” 😂
Kiera
“I’ve listened for at least two years. You are invaluable. Praising God for His calling on your life!”
Kim
“Pretty sure I’ve been here since the beginning. You introduced me to apologetics and made my faith stronger. Thank you for all your work, Shanda!”
Special Announcement
Drum roll please…
🥁🥁🥁
I GOT AN AGENT!
I’ve signed with Cynthia Ruchti from Books & Such Literary Agency!
Right now, I’m working on sample chapters, and then we’ll pitch the book to publishers. You all know how passionate I am about refuting meology—the emotional fluff that’s so common in Christian women’s resources.
This book will examine those messages through a worldview lens, then correct them with theology. It will challenge women to love God with their minds. Because theology is for women, too.
Please pray for me – pray the Lord is glorified in every word that comes out of my mouth. I pray that He is glorified in conversations, whether that be with my family and friends, or at conferences. Please pray for this podcast and all who listen that they will be inspired to know God, be disciples of the Lord, and examine messages through the lens of Scripture.
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for supporting me.
I appreciate you being a part of this journey.
And, thank you for those who have listened to all 300 episodes of the Her Faith Inspires Podcast.
Until next time,
Let your faith inspire those around you.
See you on the next one!
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