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The Heart Helper
Welcome to The Heart Helper Podcast, hosted by Jodie Shannon—transformational author of The Book of Real S**t, Flowers in the Garden, and the highly anticipated devotional Out of Comfort Into Calling. This award-winning podcast isn't just content—it's a calling. In a world chasing influence, we offer something deeper: connection, conviction, and Christ.
At The Heart Helper, we believe healing happens when hearts get honest. Rooted in biblical truth and spiritual transparency, this podcast is a sacred space for the stories that shape us. Every episode invites you into powerful conversations with people who've overcome alcoholism, depression, divorce, suicidal thoughts, and more—guided back to life through faith, forgiveness, and grace. You'll also hear testimonies of restoration, God-ordained marriages, and the beauty of becoming who you were always meant to be.
This isn't about perfection—it's about the process. And if you're ready to rise from where you are to where God is calling you, you're in the right place.
Named Best Mind, Body & Soul Podcast by the Urban Media Film Festival, we exist to help you manage your mind, strengthen your spirit, and honor your heart. Inspired by Jodie's upcoming book Out of Comfort Into Calling, each episode is your invitation to walk boldly in purpose.
Join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 12PM EST. This is more than a podcast—it's heart work for your healing.
The Heart Helper
Loving Through Vulnerability and Grace: From Church Friends to Kingdom Marriage with Xavier and Ifie Brandon
What started as shared verses and late-night phone calls between two poetry ministry members has blossomed into a 12-year marriage that stands as a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability and grace. On this episode of The Heart Helper Podcast, we sit down with Xavier and Ifie Brandon, hosts of the newly launched King Meets Queen Podcast, as they share the beautiful and raw journey from church friends to kingdom marriage.
Before the age of social media took over, Xavier and Ifie spent countless hours talking on the phone and connecting through Skype, building a friendship rooted in their shared love for poetry and faith. But it was one pivotal conversation early in their dating relationship that changed everything. When Xavier asked Ifie how her day was and she simply responded "okay," he made a declaration that would set the foundation for their entire relationship: "I don't want any surface-level relationships in my life." That moment of loving confrontation opened the door to vulnerability and created the safe space that would carry them through 12 years of marriage, including their darkest seasons.
In this deeply personal episode, you'll discover:
- The beautiful origin story of how two poets found love through late-night conversations and shared faith before social media changed how we connect
- The exact moment that shifted their relationship from surface-level to soul-deep, and the specific words Xavier used that created lasting change
- Why vulnerability is the non-negotiable foundation for any relationship that's built to last, and how to create safety for it to flourish
- Practical strategies for moving past "I'm fine" and "okay" responses to build genuine intimacy and connection
- How they've weathered significant relationship storms, including infidelity, through the power of grace and intentional vulnerability
- The ministry heart behind their new podcast launched in July 2024, and their mission to help couples build God-centered relationships
- Why friendship isn't just a nice bonus in marriage—it's the essential foundation that most couples skip entirely
- Real talk about what it means to include God at the center of your union and how faith transforms how you love
Xavier and Ifie aren't just sharing theory—they're ministers actively using their new podcast platform to help couples navigate the beautiful and challenging journey of godly relationships. Whether you're single and preparing your heart for love, dating and seeking to go deeper, or married and looking to strengthen your foundation, their transparency and biblical wisdom will help, heal, or heighten your relationship with yourself and others.
Are you ready to move beyond surface-level connection and love through vulnerability and grace? This episode will show you exactly how to begin.
Host Jodie Shannon
Guest Xavier Brandon
Guest Ifie Brandon