You Were Made for More
91 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★ - 10 ratingsOur hearts yearn for teenagers to know that they are valued, loved, and created for a purpose. Currently, our culture is feeding teenagers so many lies – telling them that they are defined by what others say about them, how they perform, and what they have to offer to others. The Truth speaks of a completely different narrative, though. Our identities are found in one thing, and that one thing, changes everything: Jesus.That’s a POWERFUL, transformative statement. When it gets from our heads to our hearts it shifts how we live, what we believe, and how we do relationships with others. Our mission is to consistently speak about the abundant life that is freely offered to us because we have seen + believe that when teenagers know what they are worth AND whose they are, they will be more inclined to live for Jesus – following His commandments and walking in His ways. This podcast hosts conversations on tough, relational topics, always pointing back to the hope that God offers us when we understand who we were created to be. Music Credit: Matt Stewart from the band Soldiers and Sons (Waynesburg, PA)Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialsoldiersandsons/
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Episodes
Episode 35: An Inside Look at Depression (With Kristen Friday)
October 26, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBToday, we’re going to have a really important conversation - a conversation about depression, faith, coping, counseling, and so much more. I really believe that this conversation is for everyone, whether you have personally struggled with depression or not, I bet that you are close to somebody who has. I never really had real experience with depression until I was in my early 20’s - my first real exposure to it was when I was still dating my husband. He shared with me that he has struggled w...
Episode 34: Repenting & Refreshment
October 12, 2020 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBHey guys! I am so excited to be back with you for season 3 of the You Were Made for More podcast… this time with some exciting news to share & some big changes happening in the Gallo household over the past 6 weeks! My husband Juan and I welcomed out sweet baby girl, Ofelia Esther into the world on August 24, 2020 at 5:17 PM and she truly is the perfect addition to our family that we didn’t even know we needed. We're just in awe with her and so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to be her...
Episode 33: Season 2 Wrap-Up, Life Updates, and Encouragement
August 03, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBWe can't believe season 2 of the podcast has come to an end! To wrap up the season, we're talking about launching into the next season of life unafraid, learning (and relearning) what is looks like to follow and trust God, and we're updating you about Sammie's life and all the exciting things to come not only for her family, but also for the You Were Made for More Podcast! We hope you'll join us in trusting that the best is yet to come & we hope you know that we are so thankful to our listen...
Episode 32: The History of Feminism and Its Impact on Current Culture (With Frederica Mathewes-Green)
July 20, 2020 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBToday, we have the opportunity to hear from Frederica Mathewes-Green on the subject of feminism, its history, and how it has impacted our current culture, especially as we talk about the sexual revolution and women. Frederica Mathewes-Green is an American author and speaker in the national forum on topics related to Eastern Orthodox belief and practice. She holds a degree in theological studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. She lives with her husband, the Rev. Gregory Mathewes-Green, i...
Episode 32: The History of Feminism and Its Impact on Current Culture
July 20, 2020 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBToday, we have the opportunity to hear from Frederica Mathewes-Green on the subject of feminism, its history, and how it has impacted our current culture, especially as we talk about the sexual revolution and women. Frederica Mathewes-Green is an American author and speaker in the national forum on topics related to Eastern Orthodox belief and practice. She holds a degree in theological studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. She lives with her husband, the Rev. Gregory Mathewes-Green, i...
Episode 31: Relationships Matter (With Toni McFadden)
July 06, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBDisclaimer: This episode contains an abortion testimony and description that may be triggering to some women or men who have not went through healing. For more information on abortion recovery and finding resources near you, please visit https://anglicansforlife.org/2018/05/10/anglicans-action-abortion-healing/, or reach out to Toni personally as she invites you to do in the episode. Today, we’re going to have the opportunity to hear a conversation that I had with Toni McFadden. Toni is so...
Episode 30: Why Talking With Your Kids About Sex Is So Important & How To Do It (Part 2)
June 29, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBIn part 2 of this series on "Why Talking With Your Kids About Sex Is So Important & How To Do It," we are going to hit on some practical "how to" tips of having "the talk" with your children and students. The sex talk is something every parent dreads at one point or another, but the truth is, it needs to be an ongoing conversation and not a one-time "let's get this over with" conversation. I'll tell some personal stories I have of work in youth ministry and I'll also give five suggestions t...
Episode 29: Why Talking With Your Kids About Sex Is So Important & How To Do It (Part 1)
June 15, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIn part 1 of this series on "Why Talking With Your Kids About Sex Is So Important & How To Do It," we are going to hit on the "why" of having "the talk" with your children and students. The sex talk is something every parent dreads at one point or another, but the truth is, it needs to be an ongoing conversation and not a one-time "let's get this over with" conversation. On today’s podcast episode, we’re going to cover first why it’s important to have these conversations with your children...
Episode 28: Transgender to Transformed (With Laura Perry)
June 01, 2020 09:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBToday, we’re going to get a special treat of chatting with Laura Perry. Laura is someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with gender identity. Some of her childhood and teenage experiences molded her as a young woman, just like they do for all of us - but in her case, she began to believe it was a disgusting, filthy, worthless thing to be a female - so, the logical option for her was to begin the journey of “transitioning” into a man. She spent nine years as a transgender, ...
Episode 27: An Alternative To Birth Control That All Women Should Know About (With Robin Turner)
May 18, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBToday, we’re going to have the opportunity to hear a conversation that I had with Robin Turner, who serves as the director of children’s ministry at St. Stephen’s Church in Sewickley, PA, about birth control, alternatives to traditional birth control, and what her husband and she have implemented in their own marriage. I think this is an important conversation to have because women's health is an important topic to be informed on and testimonies can be powerful! Women’s health is so import...
Episode 26: Deeply Rooted Motherhood (With Ashley Setterlind)
May 04, 2020 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBMother's Day 2020 is right around the corner! This conversation on today's episode with Ashley Setterlind could not be more perfectly timed. Ashley is a follower of Jesus, pastor’s wife, mom, and worship leader. She’s also the creator of an online community called Deeply Rooted Motherhood, where she believes that life is better when we encourage each other instead of compare each other. She hopes through writing and social media, moms can lean into the safety that comes from being vulnerabl...
Episode 25: Something Fun – The Enneagram + The Gospel
April 20, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode, we get the awesome opportunity to chat about a topic we haven’t covered ever on the podcast, but maybe you’ve heard us mention in a few interviews - the Enneagram! I wanted to offer y'all a fun episode to really dive into and process in the midst of quarantining and social distancing, so here we go... We’re going to chat with my twin sister, Meesh, who many of you know since she’s appeared on the podcast before and her friend, Kamala Palmer. Kamala has worked as a counse...
Episode 25: Something Fun – The Enneagram + The Gospel
April 20, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode, we get the awesome opportunity to chat about a topic we haven’t covered ever on the podcast, but maybe you’ve heard us mention in a few interviews - the Enneagram! I wanted to offer y'all a fun episode to really dive into and process in the midst of quarantining and social distancing, so here we go... We’re going to chat with my twin sister, Meesh, who many of you know since she’s appeared on the podcast before and her friend, Kamala Palmer. Kamala has worked as a counse...
Episode 24: COVID-19 / Fear & Anxiety / God's Principles and Promises
April 06, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and protection.” Psalm 91:4 (NIV) Welcome to a special episode of the You Were Made for More podcast! If you’re a subscriber and you normally spend time with us, you probably have picked up on the fact that we release episodes once every 2 weeks - so, technically, this is a bonus episode for you guys! I was really feeling called to spend some time talking about everything h...
Episode 23: The Power of An Invitation (With Sarah McSweeney)
March 30, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Sammie talks with one of her former youth group students, turned friend🥰, about the power of an invitation, being faithful to our callings as youth leaders, and what it looks like to partner with parents as a youth leader. Sarah McSweeney is not only one of my dearest friends, but she also holds such a special place in my heart because she actually was one of the first youth group students I ever had when I became a youth leader my freshman year of college. Since then, she h...
Episode 22: Sexual Objectification and What It Really Means to Advocate for Women (With Mindy Summers)
March 16, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBWorldwide, 97 billion dollars per year goes into the sex industry. The average age of someone who enters the sex industry is 12 years old. 80% of human trafficking is done through the commercial sex industry (strip clubs, pornography, etc.). Today, we’re going to have the opportunity to hear a conversation that I had with the founder of SoLoved - Mindy Summers. Mindy is a young wife and mother who six years ago began a ministry to people who are making a living in the sex-industry, which w...
Episode 21: Sexual Assault: When the Gospel Becomes So Real You Can't Ignore It (With Cassidy Mills)
March 02, 2020 10:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB"In my grief, ultimately, there is still a gift." -Cassidy Mills In this episode, Sammie talks with Cassidy Mills about her experience with sexual assault, the healing that she's found in a relationship with Jesus, and ultimately, what it means to walk through life-altering trauma with your eyes on Him. I spent a long time praying about someone who could share their story with truth and vulnerability. Sexual brokenness is so evident in our culture and this is such an important topic; I re...
Episode 20: What Happens When The Party's Over? (A Study of Job's Life)
February 17, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode, Sammie tackles the story of Job's life in the second part of our abundance series. If you missed the first episode, go ahead and listen to episode 19 before you hit play on this one! In that episode, Sammie's husband, Juan dives into an analogy of life being God's party - one where we're all invited, everything we could ever need or want is there, and God is the generous host. He talks about what abundance really means in the here and now, and it sets this week's episode up ...
Episode 19: God's Party (With Juan Gallo)
February 03, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBIn this episode, Sammie's husband, Juan Gallo, dives into what abundance actually means through an analogy of God being the generous host of a party that we're all invited to. If you've ever wondered what John 10:10 really means, what the name of this podcast is all about, and how we lean into abundance in the here and now, this episode is for YOU! Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement because we're sure that it's going to speak to so many of you. Here are some things we...
Episode 18: What We're Up To In January (March for Life Month)
January 20, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.49 MBSeason 2 is BACK. PRAISE! This week's episode is all about why you may have noticed we're a little bit MIA! This month is the March for Life (if you've never been, take a listen to this episode because we talk about it here) but if you have, you know it's an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sammie shares what God has put on her heart about identity, personhood, and how we're all called to believe and fight for who God made us to be. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: Yo...
Season One Wrap-Up & Reflecting on Advent
December 16, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.59 MBIn this episode, Sammie talks about reflecting on Advent, the coming of Jesus, and wraps up Season 1 of the podcast with a short reminder of what the Christmas season is all about. We'll see you in January for Season 2 of the #YouWereMadeForMorePodcast! PS: if you're looking for a great Advent devotional that's reusable throughout the years, check out Paul David Tripp's Devotional! My husband and I are walking through it this Advent season, and it's helped keep our minds on Jesus through e...
Episode 17: Season One Wrap-Up & Reflecting on Advent
December 16, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.59 MBIn this episode, Sammie talks about reflecting on Advent, the coming of Jesus, and wraps up Season 1 of the podcast with a short reminder of what the Christmas season is all about. We'll see you in January for Season 2 of the #YouWereMadeForMorePodcast! PS: if you're looking for a great Advent devotional that's reusable throughout the years, check out Paul David Tripp's Devotional! My husband and I are walking through it this Advent season, and it's helped keep our minds on Jesus through e...
Episode 16: For All The Ladies: Embracing Biblical Femininity
December 09, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode, Sammie talks with Chaney Mullins about lots of topics: sexuality and marriage, femininity, women’s healthcare, and the value, or sanctity, of human life. Chaney serves as Development Coordinator for Divine Mercy Care, an educational and fundraising organization advancing pro-life health care. There, she works to promote the next frontier in the pro-life movement: inspiring pro-life OB/GYNs and building full medical centers that serve all women with good Christian health c...
For All The Ladies: Embracing Biblical Femininity
December 09, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode, Sammie talks with Chaney Mullins about lots of topics: sexuality and marriage, femininity, women’s healthcare, and the value, or sanctity, of human life. Chaney serves as Development Coordinator for Divine Mercy Care, an educational and fundraising organization advancing pro-life health care. There, she works to promote the next frontier in the pro-life movement: inspiring pro-life OB/GYNs and building full medical centers that serve all women with good Christian health c...
Episode 15: What It's Like To Look For "More" + The Power of Identity (With Meesh Franks)
November 18, 2019 10:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBMy twin sister Meesh is joining me today on the You Were Made for More Podcast, so we can talk a little bit more about who we are and our struggle with identity growing up! I’m so thankful that I’m a twin - and it’s also cool to have someone who grew up in the same environment as you, during the same time as you, but with a totally different personality and different perspective. Meesh and I are so similar, but we’re also so different - I hope that this conversation with Meesh enlightens you...
Episode 14: Friendship That Refreshes The Soul (With Ally Carter)
November 04, 2019 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBIn this episode, Sammie talks with her best friend, Ally Carter. If you know Ally, you love her, and you're better for knowing her. Ally Carter is a fierce woman who loves Jesus and loves people equally as well. I met Ally a few years ago through my twin sister, but we formed a relationship when I would go visit Meesh at college. Ally was on staff with Young Life, and we automatically hit it off. Ally’s passionate about loving people - she is one of the best humans I know at striking up co...
Episode 13: Using Your Voice for Good: Voices for the Voiceless (With Josiah Friedman)
October 21, 2019 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB“Abortion is a breakdown in community. In our moment of greatest need for real, compassionate, empowering human relationship, there is a void of connection.” — Josiah Friedman, CEO & Founder of Voices for the Voiceless In this episode, you’re going to meet a legend - Josiah Friedman is the CEO of Voices for the Voiceless, an organization that spends every day advocating for the worth and dignity of human beings. Not only that, he spends each and everyday equipping others to do just that, t...
Episode 13: Using Your Voice for Good: Voices for the Voiceless (With Josiah Friedman)
October 21, 2019 09:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB“Abortion is a breakdown in community. In our moment of greatest need for real, compassionate, empowering human relationship, there is a void of connection.” — Josiah Friedman, CEO & Founder of Voices for the Voiceless In this episode, you’re going to meet a legend - Josiah Friedman is the CEO of Voices for the Voiceless, an organization that spends every day advocating for the worth and dignity of human beings. Not only that, he spends each and everyday equipping others to do just that, t...
Episode 12: Adoption and Loving the Orphan (With Ebie Hepworth)
October 07, 2019 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBIn this episode, Sammie sits down and talks to Ebie Hepworth; Ebie has a vulnerable and relatable heart that has allowed her to encourage countless women across the globe. You may know her from serving with an organization called Wipe Every Tear for five years, where she had the opportunity to be a part of bringing freedom and restoration to women trafficked in the sex trade. She's the author of a 30-day devotional, Fearless Girl, and is in the process of writing her second book! Ebie is a...
Episode 11: Living Unaltered: What Does Purity Really Mean? (With Zach Verrett)
September 23, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBOn this episode of the You Were Made for More podcast, Sammie talks with Zach Verrett. Zach is currently living in Austin, TX working for Austin Stone Community Church as part of their Connections ministry, and he's a magnetic, Jesus-loving, driven guy, who is serving the Kingdom with everything He has. Zach has a passion for relationships and seeing young men and women live into the life that Jesus has called them to, which is why he spent a number of years touring around the country bringi...
Episode 10: Daily Truth to Face the Lies We Battle (With Courtney Wilson)
September 09, 2019 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBIn this episode, Sammie chats with author Courtney Wilson, about the message in her book, It Is Written: Daily Truth to Face the Lies We Battle, and how to grab hold of our God-given identities. Courtney is passionate about sharing the Truth that's rooted in Scripture about who we are and developing dreams of this generation. Courtney's the founder of Trailblazer Journals, an online community that believes this generation is called to be trailblazers in the culture we're in. She's also the f...
Episode 9: A Love Story of Dating, Engagement, and Marriage (With Rachel + Thomas Awtrey)
August 26, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIn this episode, Sammie has a conversation with Rachel and Thomas Awtrey; two people who love Jesus, are chasing after Him, and just happen to have met in their high school youth group. Now, after years of dating and pursuing one another, they've been married for three years and share what they've learned through the love story that God has given them. Rachel and Thomas live in Birmingham, Alabama, where they attend Church of the Highlands; Rachel spends her days sharing tips, tricks, and ...
Episode 8: "The Body Keeps The Score:" An Inside Look at Trauma (With Dana Henry)
August 12, 2019 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode, Sammie interviews Dana Henry, a counselor and pastor's wife from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, who has dedicated her Kingdom calling to helping people find freedom from their traumas, so that they may live abundantly in their relationships. Dana has experience professionally handling traumas, as well as experience in doing the hard work of personal healing herself. If you want a run-down on what trauma is, and how the body scientifically responds to trauma, this is for YOU! We're...
Episode 7: Choosing Revival (With Nadine Mitchell)
July 29, 2019 13:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB"While the mess I experienced, both the things that happened to me & the broken path I chose, was not His heart for my life, He has yet to waste a drop of it. Healing is mine for the taking, victory is mine for the taking, freedom is mine for the taking. And the same is true for you, wherever you are - no matter how heavy the mess you carry. He sees you, He holds you, and He loves you, so much. Do not let the lies you hear make you believe that you are too far from grace." -Nadine Mitchell, ...
Episode 6: Relationship FAQ, Part 2
July 08, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBIn this episode, Sammie continues our relationship "crash course" series and covers more questions that students (and adults!) frequently ask. We talk about these four questions: What role should my parents play in my dating life? What happens if I'm rejected? What happens If I've already messed up? How do you even start building a healthy relationship? Things we mentioned in this episode: Episode 4: Relationship FAQ, Part 1 Sammie's Story The Next Right think by Emily P. Freeman ...
Episode 5: Consistency is Key (With Lexi Moles)
July 01, 2019 01:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBIn this episode, Sammie interviews her friend, Lexi Moles, and they talk about Lexi’s calling – Lexi serves as the Director of Middle School Outreach at Ciudad Nueva, a non-profit that serves the community of El Paso, Texas. Lexi is one of the most relational humans you’ll ever meet in your life, and thankfully, that energy plays into her role as she is learning what it means to do life with middle schoolers. Lexi has chosen to take the head-on approach and has shown an admirable initiativ...
Episode 4: Relationship FAQ, Part 1
May 15, 2019 17:00 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this episode, Sammie covers three of the top questions about relationships that students (and some adults!) ask. Welcome to part 1 of our relationship "crash course!" We talk about these three questions: How do you define dating? How far is "too far" physically? Should I date someone who isn't a Christian? If you have questions you'd like to see us answer in part 2, please send them to Sammie ([email protected]). Things we mentioned in this episode: Single. Dating. Engaged....
Episode 3: Pornography Is Not What You Think It Is (With Kristie Cossel)
May 14, 2019 13:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBDisclaimer: This episode does mention pornography, masturbation, and other mature content. We encourage parents and students to talk about these topics together before listening. In this episode, Sammie interviews Kristie Cossel - a youth director from El Paso, Texas. Kristie has been married for almost two years to her husband, Mark, who she started dating in high school. Kristie has personal experience with what it really means to struggle over sin and seek healing because of the impact...
Episode 3: Pornography Is Not What You Think It Is (With Kristie Cossel)
May 14, 2019 13:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBDisclaimer: This episode does mention pornography, masturbation, and other mature content. We encourage parents and students to talk about these topics together before listening. In this episode, Sammie interviews Kristie Cossel - a youth director from El Paso, Texas. Kristie has been married for almost two years to her husband, Mark, who she started dating in high school. Kristie has personal experience with what it really means to struggle over sin and seek healing because of the impact...
Episode 2: Is This What Life Is All About? (With Taylor Hartz)
May 06, 2019 18:00 - 47 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode, Sammie interviews her friend, Taylor Hartz, about what it means to follow Jesus in your early 20's as a single gal. Taylor brings a ton of wisdom to the table - not only because she's submitting to what the Lord is teaching her, but also because she's learned from her past relational decisions. I'm so thankful for Taylor's heart, her vulnerability, and how she shares honestly about why God makes us for "more" than we even realize! Our prayer is that you know redemption i...
Episode 1: Introduction
April 12, 2019 20:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBIn episode 1, you meet our host - Sammie Gallo - and learn all about her heart behind making sure every person hears the words "you were made for more." Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog. Send guest recommendations to us! We love y'all! Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to follow us on social media :-) Facebook Twitter Instagram