I’ve Been Struggling… When Life feels Hard & God feels Far

I’ve Been Struggling… When Life feels Hard & God feels Far

Author: Jeanine Amapola October 7, 2025 Duration: 56:11
Welcome back to Happy & Healthy! I didn't post an episode two weeks ago, and when I asked y’all what you wanted, so many of you just said “we wanna hear what’s going on in your life!” So here it is!I cover a lot in this one — from feeling like I’m in a wilderness season, to navigating postpartum life, finding a church in Oklahoma, and struggling to hear God’s voice — this episode is in a real way, my heart poured out. If you’ve ever felt lonely, confused about where God is leading, or just overwhelmed by change, I hope my vulnerability encourages you wherever you're at today. 💛 I also talk about what I look for in a church, the importance of community, slowing down, and how I’m learning to truly savor this slower season of life with Duke. Let’s be real — motherhood is hard, but it’s also the most beautiful, sanctifying journey ever. Love y’all so much — thanks for being here and allowing me to be so honest. God’s still moving, even when it’s quiet. 🙏 In This Episode 00:00 – Struggling to Hear God + Life Update 04:00 – Postpartum, Motherhood, and Adjusting to a Slower Life 10:00 – Community, Church Hunting, and Making Friends in Oklahoma 15:00 – What I Look for in a Church + Spiritual Discernment 24:00 – Wilderness Season, Feeling Distant, and Choosing Gratitude 38:00 – Being Bold in Faith + Sharing the Gospel in Real Life 47:00 – Encouragement for Moms, Purpose, and Trusting God's Timing Mentioned Resources Find Your People by Jennie Allen 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry OUR SPONSORS This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at - ⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/happyhealthy⁠⁠⁠ Function: Function gives you a near-360 view of your health, and my followers get a $100 credit toward membership. Just go to ⁠⁠⁠functionhealth.com/HAPPY⁠⁠⁠ or use gift code HAPPY100 at sign-up to start owning your health today. Our Place: Go to ⁠⁠⁠fromourplace.com/HEALTHY⁠⁠⁠ and use code HEALTHY for 10% off sitewide. Ritual: Get 25% off your first month at ⁠⁠ritual.com/HEALTHY. ⁠⁠ NIV Bible App: You can save an extra 10% on any NIV Application Bible or NIV Application Commentary resource by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠faithgateway.com/ NIVAB⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and using code HEALTHY at checkout. Boll & Branch: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BollAndBranch.com/HAPPYANDHEALTHY.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brooklyn Bedding: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brooklynbedding.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use my promo code HEALTHY at checkout to get 30% off sitewide. Knowing God’s Voice: ⁠⁠⁠It's available now⁠⁠⁠ everywhere books are sold, so grab your copy today! If you’d like to partner with Jeanine as a sponsor for the Happy & Healthy podcast, fill out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form! Follow us on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Happy and Healthy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeanine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeanine and Kaleb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Happy and Healthy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeanine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeanine Amapola has built a life around sharing real stories and practical wisdom, and now she’s bringing that same warm, conversational energy to Happy & Healthy with Jeanine Amapola. As a Texas-born creator and author with a community of millions, Jeanine knows that genuine growth happens at the intersection of faith, culture, and everyday life. In this podcast, you’ll find candid discussions that feel like a coffee chat with a thoughtful friend, covering everything from personal faith and spiritual practices to navigating modern relationships and societal pressures. The conversations are rooted in a Christian perspective but are designed for anyone interested in building a more intentional and joyful life. You’ll hear Jeanine’s own experiences, lessons learned from both stumbles and successes, and insights on how to cultivate resilience and purpose. It’s more than just advice; it’s about finding a healthier mindset and a happier heart through authentic connection. Tune in for a space where self-improvement meets spirituality, all explored with Jeanine’s characteristic positivity and honesty.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy & Healthy with Jeanine Amapola
Podcast Episodes
The Asassination of Charlie Kirk and Where We Go From Here… [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
On today's episode Kaleb and I talk through how heavy everything feels right now—political division, violence, tragedy—and how the murder of Charlie Kirk especially is forcing us to work through where our hearts are and…
Responding To Your Comments About Us & What God Is Teaching Us Lately [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:30
Kaleb is back on the pod and we are CHATTINGGG. We’ve seen your comments and it’s time to respond… We talk about fall vibes (yes to nutmeg, no to matcha!), the amish lol, Justin Bieber’s new album, why I'm maybe ready to…
My Take On The Summer I Turned Pretty as a Christian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:41
Today I’m unpacking the viral teen drama The Summer I Turned Pretty — but from a Christian perspective. Let’s be honest, the show is EVERYWHERE. From team debates (Conrad vs. Jeremiah) to dreamy beach scenes, it’s got ev…
Q&A - You Asked, We Overshared… [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
Kaleb and I sat down (in between law school and nap times 😅) to catch up and answer some of your most-asked questions. We’re talking all about navigating our new season—his first week of law school, me trying to juggle w…
Reacting To Your WILD Confessions & Giving My Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
Today’s episode is honestly WILD. I read through YOUR anonymous confessions and whew… some of y’all are going THROUGH it. From being with someone who doesn’t love you back to struggling with p*rn, judging other moms, and…
The Hidden Dangers of Social Media On Your Mind And Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:03
Hey friends! This week we’re getting real about the double-edged sword that is social media. Yes, there are so many benefits to social media, but if you aren't intentional about how you use it...theres a good chance it's…
9 Life-Changing Traits EVERY Christian Needs to Have [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:36
Today’s episode is all about the transformative qualities that mark a true follower of Jesus—the Fruit of the Spirit. We’re diving into Galatians 5 and John 15 to break down what it really means to abide in Christ and wh…
An Unplanned Pregnancy That Lead to Finding Jesus with Madeline Cope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:52
Today’s episode is so powerful. I sat down with the beautiful Madeline Cope, a full-time makeup artist, mama, and bold woman of God. She shares her deeply vulnerable testimony—from an unexpected pregnancy at 21, to consi…