18. “Perseverance Explained: More Than Just Not Giving Up”
Today, we were joined by two amazing women in our campus ministry here in Gainesville, FL—Jori Baca, a second-year student at Santa Fe College, and Olivia Reilly, a second-year at the University of Florida.
We shared plenty of laughs while having an open and honest conversation about perseverance. They asked thoughtful questions about what it truly means to persevere and what it takes to keep going when things get hard. We explored the difference between facing a closed door and simply refusing to give up.
Together, we reflected on what motivates us to overcome obstacles—the passion and purpose that help us rise again when we fall.
Thanks for tuning in, and we hope you’re encouraged!
Scripture Notes
Hebrews 12:2-3
James 1:2-4
Psalm 37:4
Ephesians 2:10
Psalm 16:5-6
Philippians 4:4-8
2 Corinthians 5:14
Psalm 121:1-2
13 Apr 2025
17. “Finding Security in God”
Today we’re joined by Katrina Bartuah—a wife, mom of three boys, and a faithful minister. Katrina was once a high school athlete, until a head injury drastically changed the course of her life. She’s here to share openly and courageously about that pivotal moment and how it impacted every aspect of who she is.
As insecurities crept in, Katrina learned to fight back—not with fear, but with faith. Her story is powerful, honest, and full of encouragement for anyone navigating unexpected challenges.
We’re so grateful to have her on the podcast. Thanks for listening!
Scripture References:
Psalm 34:9
Psalm 139:14
Ephesians 2:10
11 Mar 2025
16. "Painfully Faithful is Back!"
In this episode, Cash and Maria go back to the beginning- talking about the meaning behind “painfully faithful.” Maria talks openly about the struggle of chronic pain and the distractions that come with that kind of pain. She also shares techniques that she’s learned and help strengthen her faith and grow closer to God through difficult times. She’s learned what it means to be gracious with yourself and have hope through what can feel like hopeless moments. Enjoy the episode and thank you for listening!
Scripture notes:
Romans 8:28
Lamentations 3:19-24
Psalms 62:5-8
22 Nov 2023
15. "Gratitude" with Jennifer Lambert
In this episode, Jennifer Lambert talks about her discovery of and journey with pancreatic cancer. Jennifer shares insights on how she has maintained a faithful and thankful perspective through trials and hardships. Jennifer’s grateful outlook on life has allowed her to experience God’s blessings and His promises.
Scripture notes:
Matthew 26:10
Psalm 139:14-15
Psalm 46:10
Philippians 4:4-7
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 Nov 2023
14. "Kiss the Wave" with Mike Lamb
On this week's episode Maria is joined by Mike Lamb. Mike opens up about his own losses in life as well as his own battle with cancer. He shares vulnerably about his suffering and how embracing the pain has helped him to grow more faithful. Mike is a great example of how not to suffer in silence. Thank you for listening!
scripture notes:
James 1:2-6
Psalm 51
Psalm 103
John 16:34
17 Oct 2023
13. "Heartbreak to Wholeness" with Melissa Abello
In this episode Melissa Abello opens up about her heartbreaking journey of miscarriages and loss. Melissa and her husband are ministers in Columba, Missouri. She is also a practicing licensed professional counselor. Melissa uses the Bible to walk through her painful journey of mourning and grief and how she has found wholeness in Christ. Thank you for listening!
Scripture notes:
Romans 8:28
Isaiah 55:8
Deuteronomy 29:29
James 1:2-5
1 John 4:12
5 Oct 2023
12. "An Eternal Perspective" With Kristen Lamb
In this weeks episode Maria is joined by Kristen Lamb. Kristen and her husband Michael have 4 kids ranging from elementary school to college. As a mom, minister, and disciple of Jesus, Kristen has led the way for many in God's Kingdom, setting an example through her many ups and downs. But nothing has been more difficult than the ongoing challenge of watching her husband battle an incurable cancer. Kristen has fought ferociously in prayer and God has heard her prayers over and over again. Thanks for joining!
Scripture references Rev. 4,5,20 and 21 Proverbs 16:1
13 Apr 2023
11. “Faithful Surrender” with Ashley Mains
In this episode, my friend Ashley Mains who is an incredible mom of 4 children, wife and minister joins the podcast to talk about “Faithful Surrender”. Ashley shares vulnerably about her journey and wrestle to surrender her circumstances to God through several life challenges including the unexpected passing of her father in law and severe health challenges with her third baby both during and after pregnancy. Ashley's faithful perspective and surrender has been both inspiring and a higher calling for all who know her. Thank you for listening!
Scripture references:
Job 1:21-22, Romans 8:28-29, Romans 4:18
7 Mar 2023
10. “Clinging to God”
In this episode Maria shares this simple concept “cling to God” and how it has transformed her heart and increased her faith and trust in God. Grab your pen and journal and cozy up for some encouragement!
Scripture reference:
Psalm 119:81 NLT, Psalm 57:1-2NLT, Psalm 73:26-28, Psalm 46:1
21 Nov 2022
9. "Thanksgiving" with Cash McHargue
In this episode Maria and Cash talk about learning gratitude through life's challenges. They talk about how shattered dreams can teach us to be thankful in all circumstances when we learn to see God's bigger plan and will for our lives. Thanks for listening!
15 Oct 2022
8. “Faithfull to Forgive” with Ionela Testa
On this week’s episode Maria sits down with Ionela Testa who was abandoned and then adopted at 17 along with her sibilings from Romania. Ionela talks about having the faith to forgive her mother and finding her relationship with God.
16 Sept 2022
7. “Depressed yet not Destroyed” with Pat and La Micia Genova
In this week’s episode Maria interviews longtime friends Pat and La Micia Genova. Both of them serve in the full-time ministry and they have both been diagnosed with Major Depression. In this interview they talk about their journey with mental health and spirituality. Thanks for listening.
23 Aug 2022
6. “Mourning & Mercy” with Ryan Kwasniewski
In this episode Maria interviews her friend Ryan Kwasniewski, who is both a professional ballerina and a minister. Ryan shares vulnerably about her journey and grief after losing her dad in a tragic motorcycle accident. She talks openly about meeting the man responsible for the accident and how God helped her to forgive him. Thank you for listening.
15 Jul 2022
5. "Anchored"
In this episode Maria talks about the importance of being anchored to Jesus both in the easy and hard times in life. She gets practical about how she was able to stay anchored when she went through the most challenging time in her own life. Thanks for listening!
21 Jun 2022
4. “Treasures in Tragedies” with Brian and Kristina Campbell
In this episode Maria interviews Brian and Kristina Campbell who despite going through some very difficult times with health and loss have been able to see God work in really incredible ways. Thanks for listening!
1 Jun 2022
3. "You can't do it alone" with Cash McHargue
In this Episode Maria interviews her husband Cash who shares vulnerably about being a caretaker for Maria and their two children.
15 May 2022
2. "No Pressure No Diamonds"
In this Episode Maria shares the value of not giving up when facing pressure and hard times. Much like diamonds are formed through heat and pressure, God uses our hardship and perseverance to make something beautiful. Thanks for listening.
30 Apr 2022
1. "Painfully Changed"
In this episode Maria along with her husband Cash talk about what it was like when Maria was diagnosed with a spinal tumor while living over seas in Madrid Spain. She talks about the difficulty of what it was like to undergo surgery and suffer paralysis as a young mom and wife. Maria gives us a window into her life as she shares about how God walked with her through the journey and continues to teach her through her pain.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,987
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 48 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
53
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
32
Contact Painfully Faithful
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Painfully Faithful?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
