Unexpected with Hannah Love

Latest Episodes:

The Heart Behind a Porter with Beth Barcus Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Today I’m sitting down with my dear friend Beth Barcus, someone who has walked with me for nearly a decade and played a huge role in the birth of this very podcast. Beth is a “porter” with Porter’s Call—an organization dedicated not just to counseling artists, but to truly walking with them in a relational, life-on-life way.

In this conversation, Beth shares the story behind Porter’s Call, the meaning of a “porter,” and how this model of care was built around friendship, presence, and meeting people right where they are. We talk about community, the unique challenges of the creative world, and how God uses safe relationships to bring healing.

There is so much wisdom here—about calling, about serving people well, and about being present in the lives of others the way Jesus is present with us.

Scripture Mentioned:

• “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

• “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I pray this episode reminds you of the importance of having voices in your life who encourage, speak truth, and walk with you through every season.

Guest Social Media:

Porter’s Call: https://www.porterscall.com/

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

Jesus Can Meet You Anywhere | Jo Dee Messina Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Y’all… I’m so excited about today’s guest! I’m joined by the one and only Jo Dee Messina, whose music was the soundtrack to so many of our lives — and now, her testimony is just as powerful.

Jo Dee shares openly about her journey from the height of country music success to a deeply personal encounter with Jesus. We talk about identity, healing, surrender, and how God will meet you in even the most broken places — because He’s already there waiting.

Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

This conversation is raw, honest, and so full of truth. I pray it blesses you like it did me.

Guest: Jo Dee Messina

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodeemessina

Website: https://jodeemessina.com

Hannah’s Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/

Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/

Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/

#FaithStory #JoDeeMessina #UnexpectedPodcast

What Marriage Has Taught Us Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

“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/

When God Finds Us | Ben Fuller Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

“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

Trusting God in Every Season with Shay Mooney Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

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

Family Culture with Erica Bankston Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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

Healing Broken Places with Meshali Mitchell Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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/⸻

Episode 116: Motherhood Unscripted: Pregnancy - Part Two Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

Episode 115: Motherhood Unscripted: Pregnancy Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

Episode 114: Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love with Rebecca St. James Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

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