Dr. Gabriel Warren: You're Never Too Far Gone

Dr. Gabriel Warren: You're Never Too Far Gone

What if the faith you grew up with… isn't the same faith you live as an adult? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Dr. Gabriel Warren, educator, former Division I athlete, and man of faith, to talk about identity, discipline, and what it really means to choose your faith for yourself. Growing up as a preacher's kid in Alabama, Gabriel was surrounded by faith from the very beginning, revivals, church services, and serving in the community were a normal part of life. But like many, there came a point where he had to decide: Was this his faith… or just something he inherited? In college, Gabriel began to drift, caught up in the pressures, distractions, and lifestyle that many students experience. But after recognizing a growing void and remembering the promises he made to himself, he made a decision to return—and this time, it was personal. We talk about: * Growing up in a faith-filled household and what that really looks like * The difference between inherited faith and chosen faith * Navigating college life, pressure, and identity * Recognizing when you've drifted, and how to come back * The importance of community and having the right people around you * How to live your faith out loud in everyday life Gabriel also shares powerful moments where God showed up, from earning a college scholarship to unexpected "God winks" that shaped his life, including meeting his wife in the middle of a storm. His message is simple, but powerful: You are never too far gone for God to reach you. If you've ever felt lost, disconnected, or unsure where you stand in your faith, this episode will remind you that you can always come back. You can reach Dr. Gabriel Warren at Dr. Gabriel Warren | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgabrielwarren/] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

Faithful Friday #2: Come and See

Welcome to Faithful Friday. This week, we're reflecting on John 1:35-39, where two disciples hear John the Baptist identify Jesus as the Lamb of God and choose to follow Him. When Jesus notices them, He asks a simple yet powerful question: "What do you seek?" Their response leads to an invitation that still echoes today: "Come and see." As you listen, consider this reflection question: What is Jesus inviting you to discover about Him? After the Scripture reading, you'll have an opportunity to pause for personal prayer and reflection before returning to pray the Our Father together. Scripture: John 1:35-39 Reflection Question: What is Jesus inviting you to discover about Him? As you go through the week, keep your eyes open for where God is showing up in your life and where He may be inviting you to take the next step in your faith journey. Thank you for joining me for Faithful Friday. If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

Erin Harrigan: From Hustle to Surrender

What if everything you've been chasing… still leaves you feeling empty? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Erin Harrigan; biblical business coach, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed "daughter of the King", to talk about identity, surrender, and what it really means to build your life with God at the center. Erin's journey didn't start with a deep relationship with Jesus. Raised in the church but without a personal connection, she spent years chasing success, thriving in corporate, building a business, and following new age beliefs like the law of attraction. From the outside, everything looked successful. But on the inside… things were falling apart. At 46, after hitting a breaking point, a mentor spoke truth that changed everything: "You don't know who you are… or whose you are." That moment led Erin to surrender her life to Christ—and everything began to shift. We talk about: * The difference between knowing about God and having a relationship with Him * Walking away from hustle, striving, and performance-based identity * Breaking free from new age beliefs and stepping into truth * Financial struggle, pride, and what true stewardship looks like * How faith transformed her marriage, motherhood, and business * Learning to trust God's provision—even when it doesn't look how you expect Erin's story is powerful, honest, and deeply relevant for anyone who has ever chased success… only to realize it wasn't enough. It's a reminder that your identity isn't found in what you achieve… It's found in who you belong to. If you've been striving, hustling, or searching for something more—this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Erin at Erin Harrigan | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinharrigan/] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

Faithful Friday #1: Jesus Is the Light

Welcome to the very first Faithful Friday. Each Friday, we'll spend a few moments in Scripture, reflection, and prayer as we intentionally pause and make room for God in our busy lives. Today, we're reading John 1:1-5, a powerful reminder that Jesus is the Light of the world and that no darkness can overcome Him. As you listen, take time to reflect on this question: Where in your life do you need Christ's light right now? After the Scripture reading, you'll be invited to pause the episode for personal prayer and reflection before returning to pray the Our Father together. Scripture: John 1:1-5 Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need Christ's light right now? Thank you for joining me for Faithful Friday. As you go into your week, ask yourself: Where do you see God showing up in your life? Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

Michelle Von Ruden: Still Here for a Reason

What if you knew, deep down, that your life had been spared for a reason… but you weren't sure what that reason was yet? In this special episode of Why I Believe, the tables are turned as Marianne Callaghan interviews me, Michelle Von Ruden, about my own journey of faith, survival, and calling. From the very beginning, my story has been marked by moments that shouldn't have happened. Born with a life-threatening heart condition and given a limited life expectancy… walking away from situations that should have ended differently… and surviving a moment doctors later said should have taken my life… I've always had the same question: Why am I still here? We talk about: * Growing up without a strong faith foundation, and finding it through community * Walking through seasons of partying, searching, and trying to "fill the gap" * The life-threatening heart condition that shaped my perspective from the start * Moments where I know God intervened and protected me * A defining burnout moment that could have ended everything * The shift from achievement-driven identity to purpose-driven living * The moment God called me to start this podcast, and why I said yes This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply personal. It's a reminder that sometimes your story doesn't make sense while you're living it… but every moment is shaping something bigger than you can see. If you've ever wondered: * Why am I here? * Is there more to my story? * What is God calling me to do? This episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach me, Michelle Von Ruden at Michelle Von Ruden, MBA | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellervonruden/] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden [https://calendar.vonrudencc.com/discovery-call] 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS [https://vonrudencc.com/individual-coaching] Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.