ExEm Podcast

Conversations around life, faith, and the journey of mental health.

The ExEm (Experience Emerge) Podcast, with musician-turned-mental health therapist, Matt Knabe, uncovers the various ways people find rest and live free amidst the crazy challenges life brings. With a zoned-in focus, Matt carefully probes into the broken places of people’s lives, bringing the listener into the experience, all the while adding life tools and insights.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 10

We’re All “Working” On It

Jeremy Pietrocini from RECREATE joins us to explore God’s design for work and why it is far more than a necessary burden. Together, we discuss how work was part of God’s original plan before the Fall, the difference between work itself and the curse that affected it, and how purpose, calling, and identity shape our relationship with our vocation. This conversation offers a biblical perspective that can help listeners find greater meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in their everyday work.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 9

A Therapist’s Insight On Healthy Parenting

Alexa Riemenschneider, Licensed Professional Counselor at Emerge, joins us for a practical and honest conversation about raising healthy, connected kids in today’s world. We explore how parents can strengthen communication, build emotional connection, and approach discipline in a way that guides. This conversation reminds parents that while they cannot control every outcome, they can create an environment of trust, resilience, and growth that equips their children to thrive.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 8

Still Faithful Through Grief, Loss & God’s Grace

Samantha Vitarella shares a deeply personal story of grief, redemption, and God’s sustaining grace through life’s hardest seasons. From childhood trauma and years away from God to miscarriage, family loss, marital struggles, and the sudden death of her husband, Samantha vulnerably reflects on the pain that shaped her journey and the faith that carried her through. This powerful conversation is a reminder that even in suffering, God remains faithful, present, and full of hope.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 7

Parenting Prodigals

Lori Ross joins us to talk about the difficult journey of parenting prodigals, especially adult children who have chosen a different path than the one their parents hoped for. We explore the grief, fear, unanswered questions, and tension parents often carry as they try to balance boundaries, love, and trust in God through uncertain seasons. This episode offers encouragement and hope for anyone walking this road and that God is still present in unfinished stories.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 6

How Do We Define Success?

Rev. Christan Causey shares pastoral and counseling insight on soul care, wholeness, and the emotional realities ministry leaders face while learning to live with greater health and authenticity. Drawing from her background in pastoral ministry and counseling, Christan shares practical wisdom for ministry leaders navigating the emotional and spiritual demands of their calling while learning to integrate mind, body, and spirit through God’s grace.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 5

Grief & How It Affects Those Leading the Church

In this meaningful conversation, Pastor Rusty Richards shares pastoral insight and personal wisdom on navigating grief, loss, and the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with them. Together, we explore how faith, community, and honest support can help people process grief in healthy ways while reminding us that no one is meant to carry loss alone.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 4

From Chaos to Calling

In this powerful conversation, graphic designer and skateboard ministry leader Lawton Outlaw shares his journey through personal struggle, identity, and redemption, revealing how faith transformed his pain into purpose. From mentoring kids in Texas skate parks to creating spaces where authenticity, hope, and Christ intersect, this episode is a compelling reminder that God can use even our hardest seasons to impact the next generation.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 3

More or Less Medication for Kids?

In this conversation with Dr. Denny King, we explore the complex and often emotional question of medication in children — including when it may be overused, underused, and how Christian families can approach these decisions with wisdom, faith, and compassion. From ADHD and anxiety to common fears and misconceptions, this episode offers a balanced, practical perspective on caring for children’s mental and emotional health without shame or simplistic answers.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 2

Mental Health Ministry: The Struggle is Real

Dr. Jared Pingleton brings a refreshing, honest voice to the conversation around mental health and faith—naming the real struggles people face while offering practical wisdom for churches, leaders, and individuals who want to respond with compassion and clarity. This conversation explores how the Church can better support mental health with honesty, hope, and compassion, offering practical encouragement for pastors, leaders, counselors, and anyone navigating their own journey.

SEASON 7 • EPISODE 1

Generational Generativity

Dr. Robert Crosby, President of Emerge, talks about the idea of “generational generativity” — what it means to intentionally live as a catalyst for healing, growth, and legacy across generations. This conversation about life and leadership discusses what it means to break unhealthy generational patterns, choosing to give generously (emotionally, spiritually, and relationally) to the generation coming behind us, and resisting the temptation to live only for ourselves. Dr. Crosby also reflects on the humility required to be teachable — honoring and learning from those who have gone before us, even when their paths or perspective differ from our own.