“The deepest thing is having a life partner.”
In this episode, Shay and I sat down for something a little different — a rapid fire Q&A (that turned into a heartfelt conversation, of course).
We talk about the funny, the messy, and the meaningful — from who takes longer to get ready, to what marriage has really taught us about love, faith, and vulnerability.
In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about:
• Our love story (and how we knew)
• What freedom in marriage really means
• Strength through vulnerability
• Building a marriage rooted in faith and grace
• The beauty of growing together — not apart
Scriptures we’re reminded of:
• Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 – “Two are better than one…”
• Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…”
I hope this one reminds you that love — real, lasting love — takes faith, friendship, and a lot of grace.
Hannah’s Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/
Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/
Shay’s Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaymooney/
Website: https://www.danandshay.com/
“I didn’t find God. He found me.”That simple, beautiful truth was the moment everything changed for Ben Fuller.
In this episode, I sit down with Ben to walk through pain, addiction, music, and what it looks like when Jesus meets you in the mess.
In this conversation we talk about:
• Growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont
• Struggles with drugs, alcohol & loss
• The pivotal moment of surrender
• How faith reshaped his identity and music
• What it means to walk in freedom daily
Scripture that shaped our talk:
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you…”
• Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”
Connect with Ben Fuller:
Website: https://www.benfullerofficial.com/
Instagram: [@benfullerofficial]
My links:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram
(Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/
Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/
If Jesus has ever met you in your darkest place … this one’s for you.
#FaithJourney #GraceInTheMess #UnexpectedPodcast
Friends, this episode is such a special one for me—I get to sit down with my husband, Shay Mooney, and share some of the most unexpected moments that have shaped our lives.
We talk about:
• The power of words spoken over us and how they shape identity (Proverbs 18:21)
• Pivotal life decisions that seemed small at the time but changed everything
• The importance of speaking life over our children, our marriage, and our community
• Finding God’s faithfulness even in seasons of uncertainty
Shay and I both share personal stories—his journey from small-town Arkansas to music, and mine from Miss Arkansas to meeting him. Looking back, we see God’s hand orchestrating every step, even the detours.
One of my favorite reminders from this episode comes from 1 Timothy 1:18—Paul tells Timothy to “remember the words spoken over you and use them as a weapon.” Words matter. What we say to each other and to our children can change the course of a life.
I hope this conversation encourages you to look at your own story and see God’s fingerprints in the unexpected.
Hannah’s Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/
Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/
#FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #UnexpectedPodcast
Welcome back, friends! Season 2 is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to start it off with a conversation that is so close to my heart—family culture.
In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Erica Bankston, to talk about how we each began shaping the culture of our homes—long before kids came along. We share real stories from marriage, raising little ones, and finding unity even when our backgrounds were very different.
We cover:
• Why your family culture starts with communication
• The importance of finding a church home together
• Traditions that shape peace and belonging for your kids
• How God leads us in building something new and beautiful in our homes
One of my favorite moments in this conversation is remembering that the children who come back home are the ones who grew up seeing it as a place of peace, not chaos. That is my prayer for each of us—that our homes would reflect God’s heart of love, stability, and grace.
Scripture reminds us: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
I hope this conversation encourages you to prayerfully shape your own family culture, no matter where you are starting.
Guest Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/ericabankston_/
Hannah’s Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/
Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/
#FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #UnexpectedPodcast
Welcome back to Unexpected with Hannah Love!Today I’m joined by my sweet friend, Meshali Mitchell — photographer, author, and powerful voice for healing and restoration.💛 Meshali shares her personal journey through brokenness, how pain demanded to be felt in her life, and how God began a slow, beautiful restoration work — not just in her home, but in her heart. We talk about the importance of surrender, confronting the tapes playing in our minds, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into true healing.This conversation is full of honesty, hope, and encouragement for anyone walking through hard seasons. Remember: nothing is too broken for God’s hands to restore.Scriptures Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (Taking thoughts captive) • Matthew 6:26 (Consider the sparrows) • Romans 8:28 (All things work together for good)📖 Meshali’s New Book: Restored: A Modern-Day Parable of Hope and HealingGet your copy here: https://www.meshali.co/Guest Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meshali/Hannah’s Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/⸻
We’re back for part two of the postpartum conversation, because let’s be honest—there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode, I dive even deeper into the emotional and physical shifts that come after having a baby, the things that caught me off guard, and what’s helped me the most in this season.
From the highs to the really tough moments, I want this to be a space where we can talk openly and honestly about postpartum—the parts we celebrate and the parts that feel heavy. If you’re navigating this season or just want to better understand it, I hope this episode makes you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.
I’m getting real about postpartum — the beautiful, messy, and often overwhelming side of new motherhood. I’ll share my own experience, from the emotional rollercoaster to the physical recovery (hello, C-section life) and what it was really like navigating life as now a mom of 4!I know firsthand how isolating postpartum can feel, and my hope is that by opening up, you’ll feel a little less alone and a lot more understood. We’ll talk about giving yourself grace, leaning on your people, and finding the strength you didn’t know you had. So, if you’re in the thick of it, preparing for it, or just curious about what postpartum is really like, this one’s for you. Let’s have an honest conversation — because you’re not alone.
Among the most defining artists in Christian music history, GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter, best-selling author, speaker and actress Rebecca St. James catapulted into the global spotlight following the release of her self-titled Forefront Records debut in 1994. The Australian native’s modern pop sensibilities and uncompromising lyrics set a benchmark in Christian music, leading a new generation of artistry in the genre. St. James has earned multiple Dove Awards, nine #1 Christian radio singles and two GOLD®-certified recordings, and her discography includes such iconic albums as Pray, God and Transform. Author of the best-selling titles Wait For Me (Thomas Nelson) and Pure (Hachette/Faithwords), among others, she starred in the 2009 film Sarah’s Choice; portrayed Mary Magdalene in the groundbreaking rock opera !Hero; and voiced ‘Hope, The Angel’ in VeggieTales’ best-selling The Easter Carol, in addition to other diverse roles.Following a hiatus from recording and touring—during which time she married and started a family—St. James returned to the stage in 2018 to perform with her brothers, multi-GRAMMY® and Dove Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY. In 2022, she released Kingdom Come, her first full-length studio album in 11 years, featuring collaborations with Bethel Music’s Brandon Lake and Josh Baldwin, artist Kalley Heiligenthal, and her brothers from for KING & COUNTRY. The album’s lead single “Kingdom Come” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Christian Digital Song Sales chart.Most recently, St. James’ family story is being brought to the big screen in the upcoming 2024 film “Unsung Hero,” distributed by Lionsgate. The faith-based feature tells the story of the Smallbone family’s journey from Australia to America and particularly highlights Helen Smallbone, the family matriarch whose faith helped guide her family of nine through various struggles. The film, produced in conjunction with Kingdom Story Company and Candace Cameron Bure’s Candy Rock Entertainment, is set to release on April 26, 2024. Adding to her literary accomplishments, St. James and her husband Cubbie Fink are co-authoring a new book titled “Lasting Ever,” which aims to share insights and wisdom about building a strong, lasting marriage.
Finally got the chance to sit down and answer some of the questions you left for us!
Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, host of The Rachel Cruze Show and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people how to avoid debt, budget and win with money at any stage in life. She's an energetic and thought-provoking speaker and has been speaking to audiences as large as 10,000 since the age of 15 when she began making appearances with her father, Dave Ramsey. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, Live With Kelly and Ryan, CNN Tonight, Fox and Friends and the Rachael Ray Show and has been featured in the Woman’s Day, Success and Real Simple magazines. Rachel believes it’s possible for anyone to turn around their finances, win with money, and build a life they love.
Check out her new children's book called "I'm Glad When I Can Share" - https://ter.li/5vu95p
Boy, pregnancy really has a way of working muscles you don’t love working. I mean that in every way… physically AND spiritually. Don’t get me wrong, everything about pregnancy is miraculous…it is a gift and a privilege. BUT, it is also a lot of work. The thing about that work is most of it is unseen or unnoticed.
The first trimester is just waiting… feeling horribly sick and more tired than words can describe. Honestly, it can be a frustrating time! Nobody knows you’re expecting yet. Even if they do know, it doesn’t appear evident. But day in and day out, you’re reminded. Your body is changing and preparing and the ONLY ONE who feels it is YOU.
Isn’t that the way it is, though? Before we birth something new? There is always a process God takes us through. You’ll never meet a speaker who just walked onto stage one day in front of an audience of thousands. Not without years in the trenches of preparation. You’ll never meet a singer who wakes up to fame one day without putting in the years of behind the scenes work, songwriting and performing. You’ll never meet a famous athlete, an incredible author, a gifted chef, an acclaimed artist, an incredible parent, or a successful business owner who just made it without going through the preparation. And the thing about all of it is, once again, the world doesn’t see that part. Rather, the person living it is the one. They feel every failure, endure every “no”, defeat, or setback… and they are the ones with the choice to keep going or give up.
Anyway, the real kicker, and the original connection I had never made (until our pastor pointed it out), was the REASON. The reason behind the wait. He went on to explain that during that time, culturally, Rome began conquering all. With this came the expansion of the roman kingdom and roman roads. Really, these roads were the catalyst for world-change: in communication, in transportation, in economy and culture and kingdom growth! These roads are still in existence. They were so well-constructed… and that work was done by nameless and countless people over the course of hundreds of years. No, we don’t know their names. No, we don’t know the amount of hours and sweat and backbreaking work that went into this preparation… but because of the efforts..because of this time of laborous preparation the whole world would be affected. Including, the new Testament church and the spread of the Gospel all over the world. The great commissioning.
When you put it in these terms, its kind of mind blowing. God orchestrated it in such a way that one man would conquer a vast portion of the known world, and that man would construct and orchestrate one of the most world-changing infrastructures ever known. Now, I’m certain Alexander the Great wasn’t doing this to spread the gospel. BUT, God did know. Just as He knew he could use man to bring out His divine plan: part of which was to prepare the way for the coming One. The Messiah. The man who changed the history of the world beyond it… And THAT is where the new testament begins. 400 years later.
Yes, its easy for me to say as a heavily pregnant woman. The womb is the sacred space for waiting. In darkness. Protected. Alive and growing. And trust me when I say, its hard, too. Hard not to know what the future will hold. The details feel blurred. How will delivery go? Who will this child be and what, even, will they look like. There is expectation but also the unknown. But can I tell you this? Nothing is unknown to God. He knows the promise at the other end. He knows the purpose in the wait, even if we cant see it yet. This instant gratification world we live in makes it even harder, I suspect, to wait with patience.
Hi friends! I've been wanting to make this episode for quite some time now. Today, I'm going to be reading you a book, a children's book. It is written by Max Lucado, who's a pastor, author, and speaker. I highly suggest getting this one if you have little ones and are looking for a sweet book.
We are back with part 2!
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Karen Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Karen Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.
Kate Battistelli is a speaker, author, podcaster, and former actress in the Broadway Theatre world. She loves equipping women to walk into their destinies and take their own personal God Dares. A natural encourager to believe that God has a divine purpose for everyone…planned before the foundation of the world.
Check out her amazing podcast Mom To Mom!
We got SO many messages from so many listeners about talking about Halloween! So I sat down with one of my favorites Erica Bankston to share what the Bible says and how we personally feel about celebrating Halloween.
Sissy is the Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, where she works alongside her puppy counseling assistant-in-training, Patches the Havanese. Since 1993, she has been helping girls and their parents find confidence in who they are and hope in who God is making them to be. Sissy is a sought-after speaker for parenting events across the country and is a frequent guest on media outlets including CNN, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, NBC Nightly News, and Christianity Today. She is the bestselling author of 13 books including her latest, The Worry-Free Parent: Finding the Confidence You Need So Your Kids Can, Too. She is the co-host of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast. Follow Sissy on Instagram @raisingboysandgirls and @sissygoff.
We are back with all the stories
So excited to sit down with my sweet friend Kristen Young today!
Amber Smith is a Christ follower, wife and mama, podcaster and now author. She married her husband, Granger (country music artist) in 2010 and now live on a little farm with lots of animals in central Texas with their kiddos, London, Lincoln and Maverick. Their lives were forever changed when their youngest son River went to be with Jesus in June of 2019. Amber started Arise with Amber to share their journey through grief and how Jesus saved their lives. Amber’s passion since their loss has been to bring good from the pain, to find meaning and purpose instead of reasons and to share the hope they have in Jesus to a lost, hurting and broken world. Amber and Granger started the River Kelly Fund in honor of their son and since its inception, they have given back over half a million dollars to other non-profit organizations and those in need. Amber’s message is to tell you that grief and joy can co-exist.