Shows
Come.Union PodcastS2E25: Expectations and the Path to ReconciliationThis is our season finale of season 2 and we cannot wait for where we are headed for season 3! In a world filled with division and brokenness, hosts Ramonita and Erin dive deep into the heart of reconciliation with God, self, and others. In this episode they discuss the topic of expectations: the ones we have for ourself, the ones we have for others and the expectations others have for us. Reflecting on the power of intentionally loving others, unmet expectations and the spiritual warfare shaping our society, they confront the harsh realities of our current world. Join th...2024-07-3041 minCome.Union PodcastS2E24: His Design with Jeremy SmithIn this episode, Ramonita and Erin sit down with the incredible Jeremy Smith, whose journey is all about resilience and authenticity. Growing up under high expectations, Jeremy excelled in basketball despite setbacks like contracting mono in high school. His unwavering determination led him to significant professional success, embodying perseverance and trusting the journey.Join us as Jeremy shares candid reflections on family dynamics and basketball experiences, weaving a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance. Our conversation dives deep into faith and prayer, underscoring the importance of aligning personal desires with God's plan for a fulfilling life. This...2024-07-231h 01Come.Union PodcastS2E23: What Has Your Heart? Discovering and Overcoming Idols in Our Lives In this heartfelt episode (S2E23) we’re asking the big questions: What truly has your heart? What sits on the throne of your life? We’ll explore what we worship and prioritize, and how these choices shape our lives. We discuss the idols we often unknowingly worship, even when our intention is to put God first. Dive in with us as we uncover how to live out of love rather than fear, the importance of seeking God first, and practical steps to keep God at the center of our hearts.Key Takeaways:* H...2024-07-1642 minCome.Union PodcastS2E22: God Wants More Of You, Not More From You w/ Raul OchoaIn Episode 22 of Season 2, Raul Ochoa opens up about growing up just outside of Chicago as the son of Mexican immigrant parents. He dives into the challenges he faced, from financial struggles to cultural identity conflicts. Raul gets real about the tough parts of navigating marriage without Jesus and the incredible transformation when Jesus is at the center. His journey is a testament to the power of faith, reshaping his approach to ministry and life. Raul’s story beautifully highlights the importance of being with God over merely doing for Him, shedding light on the complexities of the human he...2024-07-091h 18Come.Union PodcastS2E21: Transforming Pain into PurposeIn this episode, we dive into how life's toughest moments can lead to finding purpose and meaning. Ramonita and Erin share personal stories of loss, grief, and challenging times, showing how these experiences can shape our journey towards resilience and purpose. We talk about enduring tough times with the help of faith, hope, and community support to get through life's uncertainties.Throughout the discussion, Ramonita and Erin draw from biblical stories and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability, seeking growth in adversity, and trusting in God's ability to redeem difficult circumstances. The conversation highlights the...2024-07-0244 minCome.Union PodcastS2E20: Resilient Rose with Zanele Mutepfa-RhoneJoin us Season 2, Episode 20 with our dear friend, Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone, as she shares her incredible story of resilience and strength. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Zanele learned the importance of community from her mother, whose teachings left a lasting impact on her faith. Despite the heart-wrenching loss of her mother at a young age, Zanele's journey is a testament to the power of faith, relationships, and perseverance. Zanele also opens up about her experiences growing up in an adoptive home, where she faced unique challenges and found unexpected blessings. Through these experiences, she learned profound lessons about resilience and belonging...2024-06-251h 23Come.Union PodcastS2E19: Facing Addiction and Finding HopeSeason 2, Episode 19 discusses the real struggles of spiritual warfare, addiction, and the importance of facing our pain in order to heal. Ramonita and Erin candidly share their recent battles with spiritual warfare, highlighting the need for authentic vulnerability. They focus on the misconceptions of addiction and the way forward in order to heal. Drawing from their experiences and guest insights, they explore the major impacts of addiction and the significance of seeking connection and community in healing. Don’t miss this incredible episode that will leave you hopeful in whatever you are walking through.Ke...2024-06-1842 minCome.Union PodcastS2E18: Oh Me of Little Faith w/ Jordan RogersIn episode 18, Jordan Rogers shares his powerful story of addiction, incarceration, and redemption. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, Jordan found himself drawn to drugs and alcohol at a young age. Despite multiple attempts at rehab and legal challenges, he struggled with addiction throughout his adolescence. It was during a period of incarceration that Jordan had a moment of clarity and realized he needed to address the deeper issues behind his addiction. He committed to healing and sought help through rehab and community. After his release, Jordan rebuilt his life, pursued education and career opportunities, and dedicated...2024-06-041h 09Come.Union PodcastS2E17: Breaking the Chains of AnxietyIn episode 17, Ramonita and Erin candidly share their personal battles with anxiety, reflecting on how family history, life experiences and unrealistic expectations have influenced their mental health. They explore various coping mechanisms, including therapy, exercise, journaling, and spirituality, while confronting the challenges of medication and the stigma of mental health within Christian communities. We hope this episode is an offering of hope and strategies to listeners grappling with similar issues, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches to managing anxiety and the role of faith in their healing journey.Key Takeaways:* Exploring anxiety as a spiritual...2024-05-2842 minCome.Union PodcastS2E16: My Perfect Heavenly Father with Emily BirrellIn this episode, Emily Birrell shares her story of overcoming fear, anxiety, and the reshaping of her distorted views of God. Growing up in a home with a father battling addiction and mental health issues, Emily struggled to understand God's love and experienced a distorted view of Him. However, through prayer and seeking, she began to experience God's love and grace in a new way. Her story is full of moments of God grace and sweetness in her life and a testament of the ways that God becomes for us what we may lack at times on earth. Emily's s...2024-05-211h 01Come.Union PodcastS2E15: Miracles: Waiting and HopingIn this episode, Ramonita and Erin discuss the power of waiting on miracles. They share their own personal stories and insights on how they maintain hope and faith in the midst of waiting. They emphasize the importance of trusting in God's timing and surrendering to His plan—even when it is so difficult to wait. The conversation highlights the transformative journey that occurs while waiting for a miracle and the lessons we learn along the way.Key Takeaways:* Waiting for a miracle is a journey that requires patience and faith. It is im...2024-05-1439 minCome.Union PodcastS2E14: God's Relentless Pursuit of Me w/ Ben HerrIn this episode, Ben Herr shares his personal journey of faith and how he encountered Jesus in a transformative way at the age of 18. He discusses the foundation of his faith growing up in a conservative Baptist family and the pivotal moments of his life that solidified his relationship with Jesus. Ben is honest about the challenges he has faced in his marriage and as a father, and how God used these experiences to shape him into a more loving and selfless person. His story is one that will remind you of the miracles we still wait for and...2024-05-071h 09Come.Union PodcastS2E13: Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Serving in MinistryIn this episode, co-hosts Erin and Ramonita dive deep into their personal ministry journeys, sharing the highs and lows of their experiences serving in the church. They touch upon the critical importance of maintaining a strong connection with God amidst the demands of ministry and open up about their struggles with burnout. Throughout the conversation, they dissect the pressures of performing versus serving from a genuine place, setting realistic expectations for themselves, and the essential role of encouraging leadership in fostering a healthy ministry environment.Erin and Ramonita also highlight the pivotal reason behind their commitment to...2024-04-2336 minCome.Union PodcastS2E12: How Worship Changed My Life w/ Berm DoranteIn this episode, Berm Dorante shares his journey of resilience and the healing power of worship and community. From his early encounters with church and music in Kansas City to his move to Jacksonville, Florida, Berm found peace and refuge in his faith and in worship music. He discovered his talent and passion for singing in eighth grade, which ignited his love for leading worship. Throughout his journey, Berm experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which prompted him to reevaluate his approach and focus on personal healing and growth. He shares his experiences of...2024-04-161h 01Come.Union PodcastS2E11: The Space Between Not Enough and A Little Too Much w/ Erin OlingerThis is an episode you will not want to miss because it Come.Union’s very own Erin Olinger!In this episode, Erin Olinger, co-host of the Come.Union Podcast shares her personal journey of finding validation and worth in the midst of never feeling enough or at times, a little too much. She discusses her struggles with an eating disorder in middle school and how she found healing and hope. Erin also talks about her career in the music industry and the moment she felt called to walk away and pursue a different path into ministry. It...2024-04-091h 03Come.Union PodcastS2E10: Searching For BelongingS2E10: Searching For BelongingIn this episode, Ramonita and Erin discuss the importance of being authentic and vulnerable in a world that often makes us feel invisible. They reflect on their own experiences of searching for belonging and share how they have learned to embrace their true selves, who God created on purpose, for a purpose. They also explore the concept of fitting in versus belonging and the impact it has on our mental and emotional well-being. Through their personal stories and insights, they inspire listeners to embrace their uniqueness and find their place in the...2024-04-0252 minCome.Union PodcastS2E9: Choosing To Be Seen with Jana KelsayEpisode 9 features our friend Jana Kelsay and we can’t wait for you to listen. Jana Kelsay is an American-born Chinese woman who grew up in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about supporting marginalized communities and finding ways to make people feel valued, seen, heard, and cared for. Jana has a degree in organizational communications and has worked in various administrative support roles for over 15 years. She is currently building her own virtual administrative services business and is actively involved in volunteering and connecting with her community.In this episode, Jana shares her journey of navigating the co...2024-03-2658 minCome.Union PodcastS2E8: Healing Wounds Into ScarsIn season 2, episode 8 of the Come.Union podcast, Ramonita and Erin discuss the powerful quote, "Scars don't bleed, wounds do," shared by their previous guest, Faith Corley. They explore the concept of healing from trauma and how scars serve as reminders of past wounds. They share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of allowing ourselves time to heal and recognizing trauma responses. They also discuss the significance of forgiveness, even when an apology is not received, and the role of safe communities and therapy in the healing process.Key Takeaways:* Healing...2024-03-1936 minCome.Union PodcastS2E7: Healing After Heartache w/ Faith Corley"Scars don't bleed. Wounds bleed." - FaithSeason 2, Episode 7 is with Faith Corley, a former board-certified music therapist and mental health counselor who shares her own story of healing from trauma and heartache she has experienced. Faith opens up about her challenging childhood, the impact of her father's harmful beliefs, and how her view of God was shaped by her family dynamics. Faith also discusses meeting her ex-husband and the abusive relationship that followed in her marriage to him that ultimately lead to divorce. Despite the difficulties she faced, Faith found strength in relationship with Jesus and t...2024-03-121h 03Come.Union PodcastS2E6: Out of Control"Our need for control is evidence of our lack of faith." - Ramonita"Sometimes we have to feel out of control in order to realize that God is in control." - ErinIn episode 6 of Season 2, we discuss the topic of control and how it affects our lives—and the struggles that come with seeking it. We explore the idea that our need for control stems from a desire for safety and security. We also reflect on our own experiences of wrestling with God's plans and the importance of faith in letting go of control. We...2024-02-2944 minCome.Union PodcastS2E5: You Obeying or Nahhh? w/ Deb WilliamsEpisode 5 is jam packed with insight and wisdom as we invite Deb Williams to share her inspiring story of faith and obedience. From her unexpected journey to Georgetown University to her having an incredible career at Nike—and then walking away, Deb's story is a testament to the power of listening to God's voice and following His plan—even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. She discusses the importance of trusting God's provision, finding peace in His guidance, and the challenges of silencing other voices for validation. Deb's story serves as a reminder that obedience to God's...2024-02-2258 minCome.Union PodcastS2E4: The Truth Will Set You Free Confessing the lies we believe and sharing them with others diminishes their power over us. -The Come.Union Podcast In episode 3 of season 2, Ramonita and Erin discuss the power of replacing the lies we believe about ourselves with the truth. Inspired by their guest from episode 3, Mark Godbolt, Ramonita and Erin explore how lies can impact our relationships—and how speaking the truth can lead to forgiveness and healing. They focus on the importance of inviting others into our stories in order to help identify and challenge the lies we believe. They also highlight the significance of read...2024-02-1543 minCome.Union PodcastS2E3: Son Down w/ Mark GodboltWe have so many powerful stories being told in Season 2 of the Come.Union Podcast and this week we get to introduce you to the incredible Mark Godbolt!In Episode 3 of the Come.Union Podcast we invite our guest, Mark Godbolt, to share his powerful story of healing and reconciliation. From a difficult childhood marked by abuse and absent fathers to finding his purpose and starting a community of men that is focused on healing through transparency, accountability, and humility—Mark's journey is one of humility, faith, obedience and forgiveness. He discusses the importance of forgiveness—of self...2024-02-0857 minCome.Union PodcastS2:E2 GriefGrief is a complex and multifaceted emotion, right?! We know that grief can come from many forms of loss, including the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the transition from one phase of life to another. In this episode we explore the different aspects of grief and how it impacts our relationships with God, self and others. We dive into the reality of grief being a journey and what it looks like to walk through grief well, both with yourself and with others.Key Takeaways* Grief is a deeply personal...2024-02-0144 minCome.Union PodcastS2:E1 Difficult Losses and Worthy Wins w/ John OlingerIt’s the Season 2 premiere of the Come.Union Podcast! Your hosts, Erin Olinger and Ramonita Smith, are so excited for this new season and their refreshed vision for the show!In Season 2, you will still find all that you loved about season 1, but this season is all about sharing personal stories—featuring some of their closest friends—and how they found reconciliation with God, self, and others in the midst of their stories.The first special guest is John Olinger, who happens to also be Erin’s husband. :)John shares his journey of losing...2024-01-2548 minCome.Union PodcastThe Gift of Reconcilation (Christmas Episode)Merry Christmas from Come.Union! In this special Christmas episode, titled "The Gift of Reconciliation," Ti-Ti and Erin delve into the topic of reconciliation during the holidays amid the joys and occasional dark clouds that may loom over the season. They explore the connection between Jesus' arrival on earth and the significance of reconciliation in His coming. While sharing their joy, they also express the challenges of the holiday season with honesty and offer encouragement to navigate it with intention. Join us for an incredible episode that will leave you with much to ponder this Christmas season! 2023-12-0727 minCome.Union PodcastThe ‘Cure’ of Receiving LoveSummary:Ti-Ti and Erin open up about their recent experiences and the masks they have worn in their lives. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in friendships, and how true connection can only be achieved when we remove our masks. They discuss the need for grace and understanding in relationships, and the power of being fully seen and known by others. Ti-Ti and Erin also explore the concept of self-love and the role it plays in our ability to receive and give love to others. They highlight the significance of community and the impact it...2023-09-1449 minCome.Union PodcastThe “Cure” of VulnerabilitySummary:E and T discuss the book "The Cure" and its impact on their lives. They explore the concept of vulnerability and the importance of taking off the mask to be truly known and loved. They also discuss the two paths of pleasing God and trusting God, and the rooms of good intentions and grace.E and T share each of their journeys of healing and the role of therapy in their lives. They emphasize the need for authentic community and the power of love to heal and transform.Key Takeaways:...2023-09-0756 minCome.Union PodcastNavigating TransitionsSummary:E and T discuss the challenges and rewards of navigating transitions in life. They share their personal experiences of leaving familiar careers and stepping into the unknown. They emphasize the importance of obedience to God's calling and the role of community in supporting and encouraging one another through the in-between seasons of life.Key Takeaways:* Transition is a process that requires obedience and trust in God's plan.* The in-between seasons of life are where God does profound work and healing.* Community and the faith of...2023-08-3155 minCome.Union PodcastThe Power of GratitudeSummary:Ti-Ti and Erin reflect on the REAL launch of their podcast and the overwhelming support they received. They discuss the importance of focusing on what is already present in their lives and finding gratitude in the midst of challenges. They also emphasize the power of words and the need to speak life and encouragement into others. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, teasing a future discussion on the difficulties of transitions.Key Takeaways:* The answers and blessings we seek are often already present in our lives, but we need to shift our...2023-08-2457 minCome.Union PodcastThe Struggles with and Hopes for the ChurchSummary:In this episode, Ti-Ti and Erin discuss the state of the church and the challenges it faces in today's culture. They reference a video clip by Lecrae, where he talks about the influence of social media and the business-like structure of many churches. They share their own experiences and frustrations with the church, as well as their hopes for a more authentic and community-focused approach to faith.Key Takeaways:* Many churches have become more focused on presentation and growth, resembling American business institutions rather than communities of believers.* The pursuit...2023-08-1755 minCome.Union PodcastThe Importance of Trust in RelationshipsThe Importance of Trust in RelationshipsAbout The Guest(s):Ti-Ti and Erin are the hosts of the podcast "Come.Union," where they explore topics related to faith, relationships, and personal growth. They bring their own experiences and perspectives to the conversations, creating a safe space for listeners to engage with these important topics.Summary:Ti-Ti and Erin discuss the importance of trust and love in relationships, both with God and with others. They reflect on their own experiences in marriage and how trust and teamwork have contributed...2023-08-1052 minCome.Union PodcastFinding Hope in CommunityAbout The Hosts: Erin and Ti-Ti are the hosts of the Come.Union podcast, where they invite people to have real and authentic conversations about faith, life, and the state of the world. They are passionate about creating a space for people to share their stories and perspectives, and they believe in the power of unity and understanding.Summary: In this episode, Erin (E) and T (Ti-Ti) discuss the importance of community. T shares her experience of hosting gatherings and creating a sense of family and fellowship for those who may not have family nearby. She talks a...2023-08-0355 minCome.Union PodcastAuthenticity, Doubts, and Seeking AnswersAbout The Hosts: Erin and Ti-Ti are the hosts of the Come.Union podcast, where they invite people to have real and authentic conversations about faith, life, and the state of the world. They are passionate about creating a space for people to share their stories and perspectives, and they believe in the power of unity and understanding.Summary: Erin and Ti-Ti discuss the challenges of living authentically and pursuing a relationship with Jesus outside of traditional Christianity. They share their personal experiences of feeling lonely and misunderstood, and how they navigate relationships with people who may...2023-07-271h 09Come.Union PodcastCome.Union - Reconciling: Life Happens, Let’s GoRamonita Smith and Erin Olinger are thrilled to finally announce the release of their community and podcast, Come.Union!Ramonita and Erin started their podcast journey three years ago, feeling inspired by God to create a community of belonging and reconciliation. Their first episode focuses on their journey to today and finally releasing something deeply authentic that they believe others will connect with. These friends want to bring reconciliation to a divided world but believe it starts with doing the work in ourselves, first. It is only by doing our own work that we c...2023-07-1341 minCome.Union PodcastCome.Union TrailerWelcome to "Come.Union," a community focused on reconciliation with God, self, and others. Through our podcast, we invite you to join us on a journey of personal growth and transformation, exploring tough conversations that can be uncomfortable but are necessary for reconciliation.At the heart of our Christian faith is the belief in reconciliation, and we strive to cultivate a safe and inclusive space where listeners can engage in self-reflection and explore different perspectives. Our podcast seeks to inspire our community to work towards healing and reconciliation in their personal lives and communities.2023-05-2401 min