Let’s Get Real with Justin and Trisha Davis

Episode 086: Identity, Loss, and the One Choice that Changed Everything with Justin, Trisha and Isaiah Davis

What happens when the dream you've spent your entire life chasing suddenly disappears? In this episode, Justin and Trisha are joined by their son Isaiah Davis for an honest and moving conversation about identity, loss, and the one choice that set him on an entirely new path.
If you're in the middle of a season where you feel stuck, lost, or like you're letting everyone down — this episode is for you.
Isaiah Davis is a photographer and videographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. After stepping away from college basketball at Huntington University, he transferred to Lipscomb University where he studied theology and discovered a new calling. He now works with artists, churches, and nonprofits through his creative business. You can find his work on Instagram at @ZayFilmz..
Links & Resources
Get One Choice Away from Change
Follow Isaiah's work: @ZayFilmz on Instagram
Follow Justin & Trisha: justinandtrisha.com
Leave a review of One Choice Away from Change on Amazon

Episode 085: Radically Restored: Stephen McWhirter on Addiction, Forgiveness, and the Song That Became a Prayer

This episode is a powerful, honest conversation, Justin and Trisha sit down with worship leader, songwriter, and author Stephen McWhirter to talk about the messy, non-linear road of redemption. Stephen shares what it was like growing up as the son of a traveling evangelist while witnessing abuse behind closed doors, how that pain shaped his view of God, and the destructive path that followed—leading to years of addiction.
Then comes the turning point: an unexpected encounter with Jesus in the middle of darkness, sparked by reading The Case for Christ—with drugs still on the nightstand. What happened next is a story of grace, transformation, and a life that’s been marked by worship, healing, and restoration.
Stephen also opens up about the long road of forgiving his dad, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why forgiveness is about releasing a debt that could keep us imprisoned.
Finally, Justin and Stephen talk about worship as a “conduit of care,” the story behind the viral prayer-song “Come Jesus Come”, and Stephen’s new book Radically Restored—with a full-circle moment you won’t want to miss. 
 
Links and/or Resources
Stephen’s first Book: Radically Restored
“Come Jesus Come” on Youtube by Stephen McWhirter
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (the book God used to spark Stephen’s turning point)
Follow Stephen McWhirter on Instagram

Episode 084: Surrendered Sexuality: Dr. Juli Slattery on Identity, Healing, and Covenant Love

Why is sexuality one of the hardest topics for Christians to talk about—yet one of the most important areas to surrender to Jesus?
In this episode of the Let’s Get Real Podcast, Justin and Trisha sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery—clinical psychologist, author, and founder of Authentic Intimacy—for an honest conversation about sexual brokenness, shame, identity, and healing.
Juli shares why the Church has often avoided meaningful conversations about sexuality and how behavior-focused teaching without discipleship leaves people stuck. Instead of offering more rules or silence, she invites us into something deeper: surrendered sexuality rooted in identity in Christ.
Together, they unpack:
Why shame keeps people trapped
How purity culture left many unprepared for healthy intimacy
The difference between conviction and shame
Sex as a symbol and celebration of covenant, not just an expression of feelings
What “mature sexual love” actually looks like in marriage
If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or alone in this area, this episode offers both truth and hope.
Links and/or Resources
Authentic Intimacy: AuthenticIntimacy.com
Juli’s Podcast: Java with Juli
Book Featured in This Episode: Surrendered Sexuality by Dr. Juli Slattery
Follow Juli on YouTube + Instagram

Episode 083:Immigration, Border Control and Following Jesus in This Cultural Moment

In this heartfelt and pastoral conversation, Justin and Trisha step into one of the most emotionally charged conversations in our cultural moment — immigration, ICE, border control, Christian nationalism, and what it means to follow Jesus in the middle of it all.
Rather than offering political solutions or partisan talking points, they ask a deeper question: What does it look like to follow the person of Christ right now?
Drawing from their own backgrounds — growing up in very different cultural environments, raising children with diverse political perspectives, adopting African-American children, and pastoring through the collective trauma of COVID and racial unrest — Justin and Trisha reflect on how fear, politics, and personal bias can shape our hearts in ways we don’t always recognize.
Looking at the life of Jesus — His interactions with the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and the woman caught in adultery — they remind us that Christ consistently moved toward the “other,” never compromising truth but always leading with dignity.
This episode is not about telling you how to vote. It’s about inviting you to examine your heart.
If you’ve felt overwhelmed, tense, or unsure how to engage these conversations faithfully, this episode is for you.
Links and/or Resources:
The Middle of Everywhere by Mary Pipher
How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray
Justin & Trisha’s books and relationship resources

Episode 082: Don’t Burn Your Own House Down: How Small Choices Shape the Health of Your Marriage with Lindsay Maestas

What if most marriages don’t fall apart because of one big moment—but a series of small, unaddressed ones?
Justin and Trish sit down with author, podcaster, and speaker Lindsay Maestas to talk about her new book Don’t Burn Your Own House Down and the very real, modern challenges couples face today. From emotional distance and unresolved resentment to attachment styles, prayer, friendship, and intimacy, Lindsay shares vulnerably from her own marriage and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and deeply practical—offering couples tools to recognize the “small fires” early, reconnect with humility, and pursue healing before crisis hits. If you want to strengthen your marriage without waiting for everything to fall apart, this episode is for you.
Links and/or Resources
Don’t Burn Your Own House Down by Lindsay Maestas
Living Easy with Lindsay Podcast
Instagram: @LivingEasyWithLindsay
Lindsay’s website

Ep 081: Deeply Loved: The Power of Empathy in Faith and Relationships with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

What if the missing piece in your faith or relationships isn’t more effort—but empathy?
Justin and Trish are joined again by psychologists and spiritual directors Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, founders of Soul Shepherding, to talk about their new book Deeply Loved. Together, they explore how empathy helps us experience God’s love on a heart level, why many Christians struggle with shame and emotional honesty, and how biblical empathy leads to healing, growth, and healthier relationships.
This conversation addresses common misunderstandings about empathy, including the idea of “toxic empathy,” and offers practical ways to pair empathy with truth and responsibility. If you long to feel deeply known, deeply loved, and more connected to God and others, this episode is for you.
Links and/or Resources
Deeply Loved by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
Soul Shepherding: https://www.soulshepherding.org
Books by Justin & Trisha Davis

Ep 080: Healthy Rhythms: What We Wish We Learned Earlier About Burnout, Boundaries, and Peace with Justin and Trisha Davis

In this honest and personal episode, Justin and Trish talk about life transitions, burnout, and the rhythms they wish they had established much earlier in their marriage, faith, and family life.
From becoming grandparents to navigating grad school, empty nesting, work demands, and emotional exhaustion, they talk candidly about how unrealistic expectations, people-pleasing, and one-size-fits-all solutions can quietly erode our peace. Rather than focusing on goals, this conversation centers on healthy rhythms, understanding your season of life, and making small but meaningful changes that protect your emotional, spiritual, and relational health.
If you feel tired, stretched thin, or unsure how to create sustainable rhythms in this season, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and take a healthier next step.
Links and/or Resources
Check out their website
Books by Justin & Trisha Davis
Email the team: admin@justinandtrisha.com

Episode 079: From Dropout to Doctorate: Dr. Terence Lester on Poverty, Trauma, and the Power of Community

What does it take to break cycles of poverty, trauma, and limitation—and replace them with purpose, healing, and hope?
In this deeply moving episode of the Let’s Get Real Podcast, Justin Davis sits down with Dr. Terence Lester, author of From Dropout to Doctorate, nonprofit leader, and founder of Love Beyond Walls. Dr. Lester shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty, experiencing homelessness, dropping out of high school, and joining a gang—to earning multiple graduate degrees and dedicating his life to serving the most overlooked in our communities.
This conversation goes far beyond personal success. Dr. Lester unpacks how poverty is trauma, how limited exposure can erode imagination, and how one encouraging voice—a teacher, mentor, or advocate—can change the trajectory of a life. He reflects on reconciliation with his father later in life, the healing power of forgiveness, and why community—not individual effort alone—is central to transformation.
Justin and Terence also have an honest, thoughtful dialogue about race, awareness, proximity, and what it truly means for the Church to love its neighbor—not just in theory, but in practice.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about faith, justice, education, reconciliation, and becoming the kind of person who helps others feel seen, known, and valued.
 
Links and/or Resources
From Dropout to Doctorate by Dr. Terrence Lester 
Love Beyond Walls – Dr. Lester’s nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness
Follow Justin and Trish: @justindavis33 | @trishdavis_
 

Episode 078: From Rescue to Freedom with Brittany & Sammy Higgs

Episode Description: 
What does it look like when ordinary obedience turns into extraordinary impact?
In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Justin and Trisha sit down with Brittany and Sammy Higgs, founders of The HER Campaign, to talk about faith, family, and the courageous work of walking with survivors of sex trafficking from rescue to true freedom.
What began as a quiet conviction, and a willingness to open their own home, has grown into a multi-location ministry providing holistic, trauma-informed care for women exiting trafficking. Along the way, Brittany and Sammy share the messy, faith-stretching realities of saying “yes” to God, including selling their business, opening a safe house with young children at home, and even walking 580 miles from Montana to Denver with a baby goat named Freedom to raise awareness.
This episode doesn’t just inform, it confronts hopelessness and helplessness and replaces them with action, faith, and tangible next steps. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the darkness in the world or unsure how your “small yes” could make a difference, this conversation is for you.
 
Links in this episode: 
The HER Campaign Website: https://hercampaign.org
Follow The HER Campaign: @hercampaign (Instagram & social platforms)
Education & Awareness Resource: https://iamonwatch.org
Follow Justin and Trish: @justindavis33 | @trishdavis_

Episode 077: The Last Episode of 2025: Reflections, Roller Coasters & Setting Goals That Actually Transform You with Justin and Trisha Davis

In the final episode of Season 7, Justin and Trish close out 2025 with one of their favorite annual conversations: reflecting on the year that’s ending and preparing intentionally for the year ahead.
This episode is equal parts honest, hilarious, and deeply vulnerable as they unpack the real stories, real struggles, and real growth that shaped their year—personally, spiritually, and relationally.
Justin shares why fulfilled is the word that best captures his 2025, the surprising journey back to seminary, running a half marathon, and rediscovering purpose after seasons of disorientation and loss. Trish opens up about her word for the year—roller coaster—and what it was like to experience grief, joy, transition, and pressure all in rapid succession.
Together they dive into:
Why fulfillment is different from contentment
How grief, transition, and healing shaped their choices
Why they ditched resolutions years ago—and what they do instead
The power of setting goals rooted in identity rather than shame
If you’re entering the new year feeling hopeful, hesitant, exhausted, overwhelmed, or ready for change—this episode will help you breathe, reflect, and take your next step with intention.
Links & Resources
Follow Justin on Instagram: @justindavis33
Follow Trisha on Instagram: @trishdavis_
Have a question or want to share your goals for 2026? Send us a DM!
Learn more or connect with us at JustinandTrisha.com