<![CDATA[My Reason Why]]>Done with the performance? So are we.

In a world of polished Sunday morning testimonies and rigid church culture, where do you go when your faith feels messy? How do you find a personal relationship with Jesus when the "lens" of traditional religion doesn't seem to fit your reality?

My Reason Why is a podcast dedicated to the authentic, the questioning, and the seekers. Hosted by Kechler and Rainell, we pull back the curtain on the "perfect" Christian image to explore real-life journeys of faith, the processing of hard questions, and the beauty of a personal walk with God that belongs to you not an institution.

Each week, we sit down with individuals from all walks of life to hear their unfiltered "Reason Why." No scripts, no performance just honest conversations about finding God in the grey areas and seeking Jesus on your own terms.

In this show, we explore:

  • Authentic Journeys: Moving past "church-speak" to the heart of the matter.
  • Hard Questions: Navigating the difficult questions of faith.
  • Personal Faith: What it looks like to seek Jesus outside of traditional expectations.

Whether you’re deconstructing, rebuilding, or simply looking for a safe space to be vulnerable, you belong here.

Join the walk. Discover your reason why.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 16 Jun 2026 02:34:07 GMTWed, 18 Feb 2026 01:44:49 GMT60My Reason Why<p><b>Done with the performance? So are we.</b></p><p>In a world of polished Sunday morning testimonies and rigid church culture, where do you go when your faith feels messy? How do you find a personal relationship with Jesus when the "lens" of traditional religion doesn't seem to fit your reality?</p><p><b>My Reason Why</b> is a podcast dedicated to the authentic, the questioning, and the seekers. Hosted by Kechler and Rainell, we pull back the curtain on the "perfect" Christian image to explore real-life journeys of faith, the processing of hard questions, and the beauty of a personal walk with God that belongs to <i>you</i> not an institution.</p><p>Each week, we sit down with individuals from all walks of life to hear their unfiltered "Reason Why." No scripts, no performance just honest conversations about finding God in the grey areas and seeking Jesus on your own terms.</p><p><b>In this show, we explore:</b></p><ul><li><b>Authentic Journeys:</b> Moving past "church-speak" to the heart of the matter.</li><li><b>Hard Questions:</b> Navigating the difficult questions of faith.</li><li><b>Personal Faith:</b> What it looks like to seek Jesus outside of traditional expectations.</li></ul><p>Whether you’re deconstructing, rebuilding, or simply looking for a safe space to be vulnerable, you belong here.</p><p><b>Join the walk. Discover your reason why.</b></p>episodicMy Reason Whynewlifesdaalumni@gmail.comno<![CDATA["Stop Playing in God’s Face": Discipline, Freedom, and the Silent Foundation]]>The conversation covers the host's background, passion for mental health, the journey of starting a podcast, the intersection of faith and mental health, views on Christianity and Christian culture, understanding true freedom in faith, and the personal relationship with God. The takeaways include a passion for mental health and a personal relationship with God. The conversation delves into the theme of God's constant reassurance and comfort, highlighting the means through which God communicates with individuals. It explores the reconciliation of personal desires with God's plan, the challenges of reconciling life with God's character, and the reasons for holding onto faith despite difficult circumstances.

Takeaways

  • Passion for Mental Health
  • Personal Relationship with God God's constant reassurance
  • God's provision and favor
  • God's faithfulness and guidance

Chapters

  • 00:00 Personal Relationship with God
  • 30:58 God's Reassurance and Comfort
  • 38:13 God's Means of Communication
  • 46:11 God's Plan vs. Personal Desires
  • 56:12 Reconciling Life with God's Character
]]>a680bc8b-ea8e-4c29-862d-32c5825f533dMon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the host's background, passion for mental health, the journey of starting a podcast, the intersection of faith and mental health, views on Christianity and Christian culture, understanding true freedom in faith, and the personal relationship with God. The takeaways include a passion for mental health and a personal relationship with God. The conversation delves into the theme of God's constant reassurance and comfort, highlighting the means through which God communicates with individuals. It explores the reconciliation of personal desires with God's plan, the challenges of reconciling life with God's character, and the reasons for holding onto faith despite difficult circumstances.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Passion for Mental Health</li><li>Personal Relationship with God God's constant reassurance</li><li>God's provision and favor</li><li>God's faithfulness and guidance</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Personal Relationship with God</li><li>30:58 God's Reassurance and Comfort</li><li>38:13 God's Means of Communication</li><li>46:11 God's Plan vs. Personal Desires</li><li>56:12 Reconciling Life with God's Character</li></ul>no00:56:0321"Stop Playing in God’s Face": Discipline, Freedom, and the Silent Foundationfull<![CDATA[The Season Finale]]>The conversation explores personal journeys, faith, and the concept of justice. Melissa shares her path into criminal justice, while the speakers discuss the impact of personal experiences on their perception of justice and God's role in it. They also reflect on finding purpose in adversity and the influence of church and faith on personal growth. The conversation delves into the discovery of hypocrisy and tensions within the church, encountering spiritual warfare, the role of community in guiding one's faith, the reality of spiritual warfare, the impact of a transformative book, understanding spiritual gifts, a personal journey of returning to God, stewarding spiritual gifts and discerning God's voice, the concept of God as everlasting love, and words of encouragement for those seeking purpose and faith.

Takeaways

  • Personal experiences shape perceptions of justice
  • Faith and perseverance are essential in overcoming trials Discovering hypocrisy and tensions within the church led to a turning point in the speaker's faith journey.
  • Encountering spiritual warfare and discerning spiritual gifts played a significant role in the speaker's return to God.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to My Reason Why
  • 05:58 Impact of Justice and God's Definition
  • 11:17 Understanding Justice and God's Role
  • 20:32 Finding Purpose in Adversity
  • 27:15 Faith and Perseverance in Trials
  • 35:42 Impact of Church and Faith on Personal Growth
  • 42:08 Encountering Spiritual Warfare
  • 47:39 The Real Church: Community and Guidance
  • 54:43 Understanding Spiritual Gifts
  • 01:05:43 Stewarding Spiritual Gifts and Discerning God's Voice
  • 01:12:14 God as Everlasting Love
]]>a3ec84c9-3aa2-4ce4-851a-528493376406Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:12:11 GMT<p>The conversation explores personal journeys, faith, and the concept of justice. Melissa shares her path into criminal justice, while the speakers discuss the impact of personal experiences on their perception of justice and God's role in it. They also reflect on finding purpose in adversity and the influence of church and faith on personal growth. The conversation delves into the discovery of hypocrisy and tensions within the church, encountering spiritual warfare, the role of community in guiding one's faith, the reality of spiritual warfare, the impact of a transformative book, understanding spiritual gifts, a personal journey of returning to God, stewarding spiritual gifts and discerning God's voice, the concept of God as everlasting love, and words of encouragement for those seeking purpose and faith.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Personal experiences shape perceptions of justice</li><li>Faith and perseverance are essential in overcoming trials Discovering hypocrisy and tensions within the church led to a turning point in the speaker's faith journey.</li><li>Encountering spiritual warfare and discerning spiritual gifts played a significant role in the speaker's return to God.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to My Reason Why</li><li>05:58 Impact of Justice and God's Definition</li><li>11:17 Understanding Justice and God's Role</li><li>20:32 Finding Purpose in Adversity</li><li>27:15 Faith and Perseverance in Trials</li><li>35:42 Impact of Church and Faith on Personal Growth</li><li>42:08 Encountering Spiritual Warfare</li><li>47:39 The Real Church: Community and Guidance</li><li>54:43 Understanding Spiritual Gifts</li><li>01:05:43 Stewarding Spiritual Gifts and Discerning God's Voice</li><li>01:12:14 God as Everlasting Love</li></ul>no01:15:0418The Season Finalefull<![CDATA[Many Denominations...One Truth]]>The conversation delves into the speaker's life journey, from moving from Jamaica to Wisconsin, discovering the charm of Milwaukee, and the impact of travel on spiritual growth. It also explores the early perception of God, His role in the speaker's life, and finding peace and assurance in faith. Additionally, it highlights the importance of questioning, seeking answers, and being open to different perspectives. The conversation delves into the importance of open-mindedness in faith and belief, emphasizing the need to listen, consider, and test different perspectives. It explores the practical testing of faith through prayer, study, and engagement with diverse viewpoints. The acknowledgment of personal biases and the shift in the view of God are highlighted, along with the significance of representing God's character and living out the gospel message. The reasons for serving God and practical advice for those searching for their 'reason why' are also discussed.

Takeaways

  • Spiritual development through travel
  • Importance of questioning and seeking answers
  • Finding peace and assurance in faith Open-mindedness in faith
  • Testing and questioning beliefs

Chapters

  • 00:00 Openness to Different Perspectives
  • 33:18 Open-Mindedness in Faith and Belief
  • 41:05 Acknowledging Personal Biases
  • 53:15 Representation of God's Character
  • 59:15 Living Out the Gospel Message
]]>ce1decd8-6cb6-467d-87c5-8fbeaabf8c5eWed, 18 Feb 2026 23:11:41 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the speaker's life journey, from moving from Jamaica to Wisconsin, discovering the charm of Milwaukee, and the impact of travel on spiritual growth. It also explores the early perception of God, His role in the speaker's life, and finding peace and assurance in faith. Additionally, it highlights the importance of questioning, seeking answers, and being open to different perspectives. The conversation delves into the importance of open-mindedness in faith and belief, emphasizing the need to listen, consider, and test different perspectives. It explores the practical testing of faith through prayer, study, and engagement with diverse viewpoints. The acknowledgment of personal biases and the shift in the view of God are highlighted, along with the significance of representing God's character and living out the gospel message. The reasons for serving God and practical advice for those searching for their 'reason why' are also discussed.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Spiritual development through travel</li><li>Importance of questioning and seeking answers</li><li>Finding peace and assurance in faith Open-mindedness in faith</li><li>Testing and questioning beliefs</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Openness to Different Perspectives</li><li>33:18 Open-Mindedness in Faith and Belief</li><li>41:05 Acknowledging Personal Biases</li><li>53:15 Representation of God's Character</li><li>59:15 Living Out the Gospel Message</li></ul>no01:01:4817Many Denominations...One Truthfull<![CDATA[Inherited Faith]]>The conversation explores the personal journeys of faith and spirituality, highlighting the impact of upbringing and the transition to a personal relationship with God. It delves into the challenges and rewards of growing up in a Christian household and the transformative experiences that shape one's faith. The discussion also touches on the practical application of faith in everyday life and the evolving relationship with God. The conversation delves into the role of God as a source of peace and the challenges in understanding God's role in personal experiences. It also provides practical advice for individuals seeking to find faith and peace in their relationship with God.

Takeaways

  • Journey to Faith
  • Impact of Upbringing God as a source of peace
  • Challenges in understanding God's role in personal experiences

Chapters

  • 00:00 Exploring Journeys of Faith
  • 32:10 God as a Source of Peace
  • 47:07 Challenges in Understanding God's Role
  • 01:02:00 Practical Advice for Finding Faith
]]>b51c57c7-1dba-4f06-963f-b352335b34e5Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:10:45 GMT<p>The conversation explores the personal journeys of faith and spirituality, highlighting the impact of upbringing and the transition to a personal relationship with God. It delves into the challenges and rewards of growing up in a Christian household and the transformative experiences that shape one's faith. The discussion also touches on the practical application of faith in everyday life and the evolving relationship with God. The conversation delves into the role of God as a source of peace and the challenges in understanding God's role in personal experiences. It also provides practical advice for individuals seeking to find faith and peace in their relationship with God.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Journey to Faith</li><li>Impact of Upbringing God as a source of peace</li><li>Challenges in understanding God's role in personal experiences</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Exploring Journeys of Faith</li><li>32:10 God as a Source of Peace</li><li>47:07 Challenges in Understanding God's Role</li><li>01:02:00 Practical Advice for Finding Faith</li></ul>no01:05:2416Inherited Faithfull<![CDATA[The Re Spark]]>The conversation explores the journey of faith and the impact of personal relationships with God on personal growth. It delves into the challenges of choosing apostleship, the experience of walking with Jesus, and the transition to a deeper faith. It also highlights the importance of trusting God in times of need and rekindling the relationship with God. The conversation delves into the themes of God's constant presence and guidance, the impact of church experiences on personal faith, and the journey of healing and forgiveness. It explores the process of transformation and the power of prayer and faith in shaping personal beliefs and experiences.

Takeaways

  • Building a personal relationship with God
  • The impact of faith on personal growth God's constant presence and guidance
  • The impact of church experiences on personal faith
  • The journey of healing and forgiveness

Chapters

  • 00:00 Exploring the Reason Why
  • 06:44 Trusting God in Times of Need
  • 13:31 The Impact of Faith on Personal Growth
  • 20:48 Building a Personal Relationship with God
  • 26:17 Church Experiences and Personal Faith
  • 38:12 The Process of Transformation
  • 51:37 The Power of Prayer and Faith
]]>13a2bc66-4f00-4fd0-af7e-64348104f3f8Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:09:56 GMT<p>The conversation explores the journey of faith and the impact of personal relationships with God on personal growth. It delves into the challenges of choosing apostleship, the experience of walking with Jesus, and the transition to a deeper faith. It also highlights the importance of trusting God in times of need and rekindling the relationship with God. The conversation delves into the themes of God's constant presence and guidance, the impact of church experiences on personal faith, and the journey of healing and forgiveness. It explores the process of transformation and the power of prayer and faith in shaping personal beliefs and experiences.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Building a personal relationship with God</li><li>The impact of faith on personal growth God's constant presence and guidance</li><li>The impact of church experiences on personal faith</li><li>The journey of healing and forgiveness</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Exploring the Reason Why</li><li>06:44 Trusting God in Times of Need</li><li>13:31 The Impact of Faith on Personal Growth</li><li>20:48 Building a Personal Relationship with God</li><li>26:17 Church Experiences and Personal Faith</li><li>38:12 The Process of Transformation</li><li>51:37 The Power of Prayer and Faith</li></ul>no00:53:4615The Re Sparkfull<![CDATA[The Exodus ]]>The conversation delves into the early spiritual formation of the speaker, his experiences growing up in the church, the discovery of his personal faith, and the importance of boredom and stillness in fostering a personal relationship with God. The speaker shares insights on the impact of personal experiences and intentional time spent with God. The conversation delves into the concept of intimacy with God and the influence of culture on understanding God. It explores the idea of walking with God and the significance of developing a personal relationship with Him. Additionally, it highlights the impact of cultural upbringing on one's perception of God and the need for a broader understanding of God beyond cultural norms.

Takeaways

  • Personal relationship with God
  • Importance of boredom and stillness Intimacy with God
  • Cultural Influence on Understanding God

Chapters

  • 00:00 Early Spiritual Formation
  • 05:42 Growing Up in the Church
  • 21:36 Discovering Personal Faith
  • 33:05 The Importance of Boredom
  • 40:19 Intimacy with God
  • 01:07:07 Cultural Influence on Understanding God
]]>bd1c9ded-94dd-4d7a-b09d-0bf14ae3cd39Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:08:55 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the early spiritual formation of the speaker, his experiences growing up in the church, the discovery of his personal faith, and the importance of boredom and stillness in fostering a personal relationship with God. The speaker shares insights on the impact of personal experiences and intentional time spent with God. The conversation delves into the concept of intimacy with God and the influence of culture on understanding God. It explores the idea of walking with God and the significance of developing a personal relationship with Him. Additionally, it highlights the impact of cultural upbringing on one's perception of God and the need for a broader understanding of God beyond cultural norms.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Personal relationship with God</li><li>Importance of boredom and stillness Intimacy with God</li><li>Cultural Influence on Understanding God</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Early Spiritual Formation</li><li>05:42 Growing Up in the Church</li><li>21:36 Discovering Personal Faith</li><li>33:05 The Importance of Boredom</li><li>40:19 Intimacy with God</li><li>01:07:07 Cultural Influence on Understanding God</li></ul>no01:21:4214The Exodus full<![CDATA[He's My Dad the Remix]]>The conversation explores the speaker's journey through childhood faith and protection, adolescent rebellion and influence, fatherhood and responsibility, and an encounter with God that led to transformation. The conversation delves into the speaker's personal encounter with God during a challenging time, the transformative journey to church, the role of God in the speaker's life now, advice to the younger self, and the speaker's reason for believing in God. The takeaways include the profound impact of encountering God through personal experience and the discovery of purpose and value in life.

Takeaways

  • Childhood faith and protection
  • Adolescent rebellion and influence
  • Fatherhood and responsibility
  • Encounter with God and transformation Encountering God through personal experience
  • Discovering purpose and value in life

Chapters

  • 00:00 Encounter with God and Transformation
  • 27:22 Encountering God in My Darkest Hour
  • 33:01 The Journey to Church
  • 43:05 Advice to My Younger Self
  • 48:26 My Reason Why
]]>567f7ef0-9044-4cd4-9b15-43f2bd772ad7Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:08:23 GMT<p>The conversation explores the speaker's journey through childhood faith and protection, adolescent rebellion and influence, fatherhood and responsibility, and an encounter with God that led to transformation. The conversation delves into the speaker's personal encounter with God during a challenging time, the transformative journey to church, the role of God in the speaker's life now, advice to the younger self, and the speaker's reason for believing in God. The takeaways include the profound impact of encountering God through personal experience and the discovery of purpose and value in life.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Childhood faith and protection</li><li>Adolescent rebellion and influence</li><li>Fatherhood and responsibility</li><li>Encounter with God and transformation Encountering God through personal experience</li><li>Discovering purpose and value in life</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Encounter with God and Transformation</li><li>27:22 Encountering God in My Darkest Hour</li><li>33:01 The Journey to Church</li><li>43:05 Advice to My Younger Self</li><li>48:26 My Reason Why</li></ul>no00:50:5513He's My Dad the Remixfull<![CDATA[He's My Dad]]>The conversation delves into personal journeys, faith, and relationships. It explores the curiosity about biblical events, the concept of nothingness, the impact of high school experiences on faith, marriage and relationship stories, and the understanding of God as a personal and guiding force. The guests share their spiritual growth, challenges, and the influence of their earthly fathers on their perception of God. The conversation covers the topics of devotional life, church experience, purpose, talents, business, faith, and reflection. It delves into the importance of open and vulnerable devotional life, intentional church experiences, the impact of serving in church, the connection between purpose and talents, and the significance of reflecting on past experiences to strengthen faith.

Takeaways

  • Journey to Faith
  • Relationship with God Devotional life should be open, vulnerable, and intimate with God.
  • Churches should be intentional in reaching the youth and making the experience inviting.
  • Serving in church can be spiritually fulfilling and impactful.
  • Purpose is about glorifying God and seeking His guidance.
  • Reflecting on past experiences of God's faithfulness can strengthen one's faith.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Exploring Life's Journeys
  • 06:20 The Concept of Nothingness
  • 19:48 Understanding God
  • 26:21 Devotional Life and Spiritual Growth
  • 37:35 Church Experience and Serving
  • 48:40 Purpose, Talents, and Business
  • 55:30 Faith and Reflection
]]>97e72ca7-4a6f-422d-bfac-4c17db5265abWed, 18 Feb 2026 22:35:41 GMT<p>The conversation delves into personal journeys, faith, and relationships. It explores the curiosity about biblical events, the concept of nothingness, the impact of high school experiences on faith, marriage and relationship stories, and the understanding of God as a personal and guiding force. The guests share their spiritual growth, challenges, and the influence of their earthly fathers on their perception of God. The conversation covers the topics of devotional life, church experience, purpose, talents, business, faith, and reflection. It delves into the importance of open and vulnerable devotional life, intentional church experiences, the impact of serving in church, the connection between purpose and talents, and the significance of reflecting on past experiences to strengthen faith.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Journey to Faith</li><li>Relationship with God Devotional life should be open, vulnerable, and intimate with God.</li><li>Churches should be intentional in reaching the youth and making the experience inviting.</li><li>Serving in church can be spiritually fulfilling and impactful.</li><li>Purpose is about glorifying God and seeking His guidance.</li><li>Reflecting on past experiences of God's faithfulness can strengthen one's faith.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Exploring Life's Journeys</li><li>06:20 The Concept of Nothingness</li><li>19:48 Understanding God</li><li>26:21 Devotional Life and Spiritual Growth</li><li>37:35 Church Experience and Serving</li><li>48:40 Purpose, Talents, and Business</li><li>55:30 Faith and Reflection</li></ul>no00:57:5712He's My Dadfull<![CDATA[Pilot]]>The podcast 'My Reason Why' explores personal journeys and the power of testimonies. It delves into the purpose of the podcast, college experiences and faith, the simplicity and depth of faith, and exposure to different views of faith. The conversation delves into the discovery of new perspectives and the impact of these discoveries on personal beliefs. It explores the transformation experienced through a sermon series, the revelation of belief and faith, the role of church and denomination, the church as a source of pain and acceptance, finding personal reasons for faith, and the journey of understanding faith.

Takeaways

  • Exploring personal journeys
  • The power of testimonies Openness to different perspectives
  • Understanding the simplicity of the gospel

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to My Reason Why
  • 09:56 College Experiences and Faith
  • 17:12 Simplicity and Depth of Faith
  • 23:53 Exposure to Different Views of Faith
  • 32:02 Revelation of Belief and Faith
  • 41:27 Church as a Source of Pain and Acceptance
  • 49:02 Finding Personal Reasons for Faith
]]>779dfc3a-f4c5-4cf3-b65d-cd962c9e2faeWed, 18 Feb 2026 21:54:20 GMT<p>The podcast 'My Reason Why' explores personal journeys and the power of testimonies. It delves into the purpose of the podcast, college experiences and faith, the simplicity and depth of faith, and exposure to different views of faith. The conversation delves into the discovery of new perspectives and the impact of these discoveries on personal beliefs. It explores the transformation experienced through a sermon series, the revelation of belief and faith, the role of church and denomination, the church as a source of pain and acceptance, finding personal reasons for faith, and the journey of understanding faith.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Exploring personal journeys</li><li>The power of testimonies Openness to different perspectives</li><li>Understanding the simplicity of the gospel</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to My Reason Why</li><li>09:56 College Experiences and Faith</li><li>17:12 Simplicity and Depth of Faith</li><li>23:53 Exposure to Different Views of Faith</li><li>32:02 Revelation of Belief and Faith</li><li>41:27 Church as a Source of Pain and Acceptance</li><li>49:02 Finding Personal Reasons for Faith</li></ul>no00:54:0711Pilotfull