

What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington
iHeartPodcasts
Are you looking to carve out your own spiritual path and connect with a higher power? Maybe you’re on a quest for meaning, purpose, or a sense of belonging?
Perhaps you grew up in a religion that doesn’t quite align with who you are now, or maybe you’ve lost your connection to God and want to find your way back?
Or if you’re like a lot of people, you’re simply trying to make sense of a world that sometimes seems overwhelming and confusing…
Welcome to "What's God Got To Do With It?" – a podcast that’s anything but preachy, but will cut through the noise to meet you exactly where you are in your journey – without judgment or shame. It’s your spiritual safe space, where skepticism and doubt are welcome.
Join our host, Leanne Ellington, a once-skeptical bacon-loving, Hebrew-speaking Jew who, wrestling with her own beliefs, set out on a quest to discover her own faith and found God in the most unexpected places.
Leanne, a “self-image scientist” will be your companion and guide on this incredible adventure, sharing her own unconventional journey while inviting you to discover your own spiritual path and connect with a higher power in a forum where you can build confidence and feel supported.
And if you're wondering What's God Got To Do With It? The short answer is....EVERYTHING!
Perhaps you grew up in a religion that doesn’t quite align with who you are now, or maybe you’ve lost your connection to God and want to find your way back?
Or if you’re like a lot of people, you’re simply trying to make sense of a world that sometimes seems overwhelming and confusing…
Welcome to "What's God Got To Do With It?" – a podcast that’s anything but preachy, but will cut through the noise to meet you exactly where you are in your journey – without judgment or shame. It’s your spiritual safe space, where skepticism and doubt are welcome.
Join our host, Leanne Ellington, a once-skeptical bacon-loving, Hebrew-speaking Jew who, wrestling with her own beliefs, set out on a quest to discover her own faith and found God in the most unexpected places.
Leanne, a “self-image scientist” will be your companion and guide on this incredible adventure, sharing her own unconventional journey while inviting you to discover your own spiritual path and connect with a higher power in a forum where you can build confidence and feel supported.
And if you're wondering What's God Got To Do With It? The short answer is....EVERYTHING!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 3, 2024 • 23min
Candace Cameron Bure on Faith in a Pressure-Filled World, Staying Grounded in the Spotlight, and the Magic of Christmas Movies
In this special episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne welcomes the iconic Candace Cameron Bure—beloved actress, producer, bestselling author, and CEO—to share an intimate look at her journey of faith, purpose, and self-discovery. With two highly anticipated holiday films, A Christmas Less Traveled and Home Sweet Christmas, Candace gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of Christmas storytelling and how the themes of healing and finding unexpected purpose resonate deeply in her own life. But this episode goes far beyond the screen. Candace opens up about the challenges of wearing so many hats in her career and how her unshakable faith has guided her through it all. In a powerful discussion about self-worth and identity, she shares candid reflections on navigating Hollywood’s pressures, embracing her relationship with God, and living boldly in her faith—even in the face of societal expectations. Packed with encouragement and wisdom, this conversation with Candace Cameron Bure will leave you inspired to stand firm in your values, find purpose in the unexpected, and embrace your worth in a world that often tells you otherwise. Whether you’re a fan of her holiday films or seeking a fresh perspective on faith and self-love, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. GUEST: Candace Cameron Bure // @candacecbure Listen to Candace's Podcast by clicking HERE! Get your tickets to the Great American Family Christmas Festival HERE! HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellingtonFollow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26, 2024 • 18min
Why Isn’t Prayer “Working”? Understanding When God’s Answer Is ‘Wait’ or ‘No’
Today we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us: why it sometimes feels like our prayers are going unanswered. Have you ever found yourself pleading with God, pouring out your heart for a breakthrough or a change, only to be met with silence? Maybe you’re asking for healing, clarity, or relief from a burden, but despite your faith and persistence, nothing seems to shift. We’ll explore what it truly means when God’s response is “Wait” or even “No,” and how these answers are not signs of indifference, but rather expressions of His love and wisdom. Through stories of real-life challengesfrom Leanne and her clients, we’ll uncover how God’s timing and decisions often lead to outcomes far greater than we can envision. And while waiting or facing rejection can feel painful and confusing, there is a deeper trust and peace available when we lean into His plan. Join us as we break down the steps to find hope and faith during those seasons of waiting and learn to see God’s “No” as a powerful redirection rather than rejection. Because even in His silence, He is working—moving on your behalf in ways you can’t yet see. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19, 2024 • 46min
From Food Battles to Freedom—and an Unexpected Spiritual Connection
When I met Carley, she felt like she had tried everything under the sun -- and she was so sick of all the black/white, "should"/"shouldn't" rules that were causing her to obsess over food, and eventually cave and binge. And....she was also (at the time) the YOUNGEST woman to come through the Stressless Eating program.Desperate for change and feeling imprisoned by thoughts of food—whether it was obsessing over dieting or feeling like a failure for not sticking with anything long-term—Carley reached out for help, knowing that the path she was on was only worsening her struggles.There was so much information out there, and she was so overwhelmed and tired of thinking about it all, but she knew she had to do SOMETHING radically different. She knew that the problem was in her BRAIN.Carley dives into the details of her challenges, the journey to overcoming them, and the steps that led her to lasting freedom. She also shares how, by transforming her relationship with her self-image, food, and her body, she unexpectedly deepened her relationship with God. Most importantly, Carley reveals why making these changes in her 20s was crucial, ensuring she didn't carry these battles into her future. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 2024 • 54min
Unlocking the Eight Core Emotions: Wisdom from the Voice of the Heart (with Colton Shannon)
In this follow-up episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, I’m joined by Colton Shannon, the founder and clinical director of the Voice of the Heart Center, for an in-depth conversation about the profound impact of understanding and embracing our emotions. Colton shares his journey into emotional health and what inspired him to establish the center dedicated to this transformative work. We explore the uniqueness of Chip Dodd’s The Voice of the Heart and why it stands out among books on emotional wellness. Colton gives listeners a powerful overview of the eight core emotions outlined in The Voice of the Heart, discussing their importance for both emotional and spiritual health. We chat about the real-life challenges people face when trying to reconnect with these emotions and how embracing them can lead to breakthroughs and deeper self-awareness. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode provides insights and practical wisdom to help you listen to your own “voice of the heart” and live a more connected, authentic life. GUEST: Colton Shannon of https://www.vothcenter.com/@vothcenter You can order your copy of The Voice of the Heart: A Call To Full Living HERE! HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5, 2024 • 43min
The Voice of the Heart & Using Emotions as Your Guides: A Conversation with Chip Dodd
Leanne sits down with Chip Dodd, the bestselling author of The Voice of the Heart and many other impactful books. With over 30 years of experience in recovery and redemption work, Chip brings a wealth of wisdom to the table as they dive into what it really means to listen to the ‘voice of the heart.’ They talk about the moments that sparked his belief in the power of emotions and how embracing our feelings can transform the way we connect—with ourselves, others, and God. They also unpack the eight core emotions from The Voice of The Heart, and why they’re so crucial to understanding who we are. If you’ve ever been taught to suppress emotions like anger or fear, Chip offers a fresh perspective on why these emotions are not only okay but necessary for authentic living. And if you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by grief or loneliness, don’t worry—you'll hear practical advice on how to navigate those feelings without getting stuck. This conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to see your emotions as guides, not barriers, on your path to a richer, more connected life. You can order your copy of Chip's book The Voice of the Heart: A Call To Full Living by clicking HERE Listen to the Living With Heart Podcast HERE! Chip's Website: Chipdodd.com HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 29, 2024 • 31min
Breaking the Hustle: Redefining Success and Spirituality in a Fast-Paced World With Stephanie O'Dea
In this episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne is joined by best-selling author and slow-living advocate Stephanie O’Dea for an inspiring conversation about faith, authenticity, and cultivating a life of purpose in a hustle-driven world. Stephanie shares a deeply personal story about how being told she was “going to hell” for her inclusive beliefs left her hesitant to express her faith publicly. This encounter not only shaped her approach to spirituality but also inspired her to embrace a more intentional, authentic way of living. Leanne and Stephanie dive into what it means to practice slow living—finding fulfillment and connection by stepping away from the pressure to hustle and embracing a more thoughtful, faith-centered approach to everyday life. They discuss how to create space for meaningful spiritual exploration without labels or rigid expectations, and how to build a relationship with God that reflects your own unique journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life or uncertain about how to express your faith authentically, this episode will encourage you to slow down, listen, and find your own way. Tune in to hear how you can cultivate a life of purpose, grace, and connection—even in a world that’s constantly telling you to do more and be more. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com. You can order your copy of Stephanie's new book: Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World HERE Check out the Slow Living Podcast HERE! Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 17min
Feeling Like You’re “Not Enough”? Releasing Spiritual Perfectionism
In this heartfelt episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne dives deep into the topic of spiritual perfectionism and the all-too-common feeling of being “not enough.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short or like you need to prove your worthiness—to God or anyone else—this episode is for you. Leanne shares personal stories and biblical truths to help listeners break free from the constant striving and embrace the beautiful truth that God’s love is unconditional. Discover how to release the pressure of being a “perfect” Christian, and instead, lean into God’s grace and acceptance just as you are. Leanne offers practical steps to recognize and reject the lies of perfectionism, redefine what it means to be “enough,” and learn how to show up authentically in your relationship with God. Tune in to hear why God’s love isn’t dependent on your performance, and how letting go of spiritual perfectionism can transform your relationship with Him—and with yourself. If you’ve been running yourself ragged trying to be “good enough,” let this episode be your invitation to rest in God’s love and to finally start feeling enough, exactly as you are. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 15, 2024 • 17min
Is God in the Small Stuff? Finding the Divine in Everyday Moments
In this episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne explores a question that many of us quietly ponder: “Is God really in the small stuff?” While it’s easy to see God’s presence in big miracles or during tough times, what about the mundane moments of our daily lives—like washing dishes, taking a walk, or sitting in traffic? Leanne shares personal stories and biblical insights to show how God is present in the smallest details of our lives, and how we can start noticing Him in those seemingly ordinary moments. She provides practical steps to invite God into our everyday routines, helping us see that nothing is truly “mundane” when God is involved. From starting your day with gratitude to setting divine reminders, this episode will inspire you to find the sacred in the simple and appreciate the divine in the day-to-day. If you’ve ever wondered how to see God beyond the obvious, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how to turn your everyday moments into encounters with God. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8, 2024 • 37min
How This Female Pastor Ditched The Shame & Finally Addressed Her Secret "Demons"
Deedee has been a pastor for decades, preaching faith, healing, and God’s love to her congregation. But behind closed doors, she was secretly struggling with a battle that didn’t have anything to do with her sermons, but everything to do with food. For decades, food felt like her hidden demon—something she couldn’t conquer no matter how much she prayed or tried to “willpower” her way through. Despite her deep-rooted faith and dedication to serving others, food seemed to have a stronghold on her life, leaving her feeling ashamed, defeated, and disconnected. Even though she was pouring herself out for everyone around her, she often felt empty and isolated—especially when it came to her own health and relationship with food. But everything changed when Deedee made the brave choice to invite God into this part of her life, too. She realized that her struggles with food were deeply intertwined with her relationship with God. As you’ll hear in this powerful episode, healing her relationship with food not only freed her from decades of shame and pain—it also allowed her to experience a closeness with God that she’d been seeking for so long. Her faith deepened, her heart softened, and she became a more powerful vessel for God’s love—both for herself and for those she leads. Today, Deedee is not only free from food’s grip—she’s living a life filled with peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. If you’ve ever felt like your struggles are too insignificant or too shameful to bring to God, Deedee’s story is proof that no area of your life is too small—or too big—for God’s love and grace. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 1, 2024 • 22min
Soulful Sitdown: Pathways to Freedom— Strategically Integrating Faith and Science
In this final Soulful Sitdown Session, we revisit a crucial conversation from the What’s God Got To Do With It? and Outweigh crossover series, focusing on the game plan for success and the essential task of earning back your own trust. Even with the perfect plan, what good does it do if you can’t trust yourself to follow through? That’s why in this session, we dive deep into rebuilding self-trust so you can live in alignment and integrity while pursuing your health goals. We challenge the common belief that the alternative to dieting is losing control, offering instead a vision of true freedom—freedom to nourish both your body and soul, to wave the white flag of restriction, and to declare peace in your relationship with food. This session shifts the focus from a mindset of restriction and repair to one of healing and care. We’ll discuss how to truly partner with your body, aligning your mind and heart to create a sustainable, peaceful life. Together, we’ll also confront those sneaky “Never-Gonna” inner voices that sabotage your success before you even begin. By the end of this session, our hope is that you’ll have the tools to reframe your approach, build lasting self-trust, and finally play a game designed for you to win. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


