Hello Friend

My name is

Janell

I am the founder and host of Finding Something REAL.

Finding Something REAL Ministries started as a podcast in 2019. It was simple really. I wanted to share the hope I know in Jesus with young women I love.

To many people, Finding Something REAL looks like a regular podcast. But it’s always been more than that. Our ministry creates space for hearing diverse stories, making room for honest questions and objections, and building bridges in a divided world.

I invited Jesus into my life as a little girl. But like many, I’ve walked through seasons of doubt, pain, wandering, and questions. I’ve sat in the proverbial back pew feeling disconnected and wondering if I really believed the faith I claimed. I’ve wrestled with thoughts like:

  • Is this actually true?

  • Why does church sometimes feel like a show?

  • Can I trust the Bible?

  • Does Jesus really love me? And if so, what difference does that make?

  • Do I really belong here?

Spoiler: I’m still asking questions!

But I also no longer wonder where I belong. I’ve found something real in Jesus Christ. And every day, I keep finding Him to be REAL: full of Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love.

My background is in counseling, ministry, teaching, and Christian apologetics, but some of the most important things I’ve learned have come simply from sitting across the table from people, listening to their stories, and taking their questions seriously. That posture has shaped Finding Something REAL from the beginning.

In a world where honest conversations about faith can feel risky or rare, this ministry creates space for them. If you listen to the podcast, you’ll get to know young women with diverse perspectives who have agreed to come on a journey with me. Some of my co-hosts are Christians but many hold other worldviews. Some may not even be particularly interested in faith when we first meet. Regardless of background, together, we invest in sharing their stories and questions. Then we invite thoughtful Christian guests to join us week after week to explore the tough, personal questions my friends are asking. If Jesus Christ truly is the REAL thing, He is worthy of everything and there is no question or objection off-limits.

This is about meeting people where they are, listening well, and reflecting Christ’s love through honest dialogue. Our hope? That every cohost (and every listener) leaves having found something REAL, too.

Some Favs

    1. Change your life by keeping a gratitude journal. Count your blessings one by one.

    2. Pray like you know God cares and is listening. Because He does and He is!

    3. Go to Canva.com and create an invitation. Have a party. Invite friends and people you want to be your friends.

    4. Invite a friend for an outdoor walk. Be present. Leave your phone in your pocket or in the car.

    5. Challenge yourself to drink more water. Purchase a 64 oz water bottle and fill it up with ice water every morning. Add some electrolytes. Pour throughout the day into a smaller glass and celebrate with a happy dance when you finish the whole bottle.

    6. Try going for cold water swims to clear your head. Alternate with some sauna time.

    7. Set up a clothing swap party with friends. Create a boutique and ask everyone to bring items and appetizers to share.

    8. Make morning smoothies with fruit, veggies, vegan protein power, and coconut milk. Add some zinc and probiotics for an extra boost of healthy goodness.

    9. Read the Gospel of John and write out character traits of Jesus Christ along the way. Ask God to show you who He really is.

    1. Terrian “Let Love Lead”

    2. Ryan Leak “From Insecure to Confident”

    3. Francis Chan “The Two Most Dangerous Lies”

    4. The UK Blessing

    5. Tim Keller “Bringing the Gospel to Post-Christian America”

  • A couple of these I haven’t read yet! I’ve asked my husband for the AI book after hearing about it on the Diary of the CEO podcast.

    1. Unoffendable ~ Brant Hansen

    2. God, AI, and the End of History ~ John Lennox

    3. Cold Case Christianity ~ J. Warner Wallace

    4. Confronting Christianity ~ Rebecca McLaughlin

    5. Redeeming Love ~ Francine Rivers

  • Let’s be honest: I don’t really cook. But I make smoothies!

    Favorite Cacao Smoothie Recipe (This makes approx four 16oz smoothies- adjust as needed)

    • 4 C unsweetened coconut or almond vanilla milk

    • 2-3 C spinach or mixed greens (don’t worry you won’t taste them)

    • 4 T Almond Butter

    • 2 Servings Vanilla Protein Powder (Vega or Orgain are my favorites)

    • 1 T Golden Milk Powder (I get ours at Walmart in the baking section)

    • 2 Capsules Probiotics

    • 1 t liquid Zinc

    • ~2 t Cinnamon

    • 2-3 T Cacao Powder

    • 2 T Cacao Nibs

    • A few cups of ice

    • Optional: Pitted dates or banana to sweeten but I prefer without.

      Blend & serve. SO Yummy and good for you!

    Signe’s Danish Zucchini Soup Recipe (this made about enough for six people- but next time we would double it because it was so delicious we wanted seconds)

    • 2 Zucchinis

    • 1 Onion

    • Garlic cream cheese (Signe used minced garlic and 12 ounces of vegan (Daiya brand) cream cheese and it was a great substitute)

    • 2 Buillion Cubes (Signe used the Beef kind but you could use Chicken or Veggie)

    • 1 Liter Water

      Bring to a boil. Simmer. Blend. Serve.