Episode
Episode 173: Adoption, FASD, & Faith: How Joel Sheagren Turned Family Struggles into a God-Given Mission
- Podcast
- Your Biggest Breakthrough
- Published
- Nov 4, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3100
- Processing state
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Summary
We’ve got an episode today that’s going to stop you in your tracks. You’re going to meet Joel Sheagren, an award-winning filmmaker whose story feels like a movie itself, only this one’s real, raw, and full of God’s fingerprints. Joel grew up in a funeral home, had demonic encounters as a kid, found himself guiding canoes in the wilderness as an agnostic teen, and somehow, through a horror movie of all things, found his way to Christ. But that was only the beginning. What happens when the bottom falls out of your career, your faith gets tested through years of anxiety, and you’re suddenly raising two adopted children, one with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and you realize God’s been writing a redemption story through it all? In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear how Joel turned his pain into purpose through prayer, perseverance, and creativity. His story will help you see your own trials differently. Because sometimes, what feels like chaos is actually the setup for your calling. Chapters: [00:00] Podcast Preview [01:38] Topic and Guest Introduction [04:24] The Awakening: From Agnosticism to Faith [13:00] The Long Path: Growth Through Trials [19:48] Learning Patience When God’s Timing Feels Slow [22:45] Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Trust [25:25] The Moment Joel and His Wife Said “Yes” to Adoption [28:00] The Miraculous Two-Month Adoption Story [30:00] Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) [34:30] Navigating Parenting Challenges with FASD [36:48] How God Used Filmmaking to Raise Awareness for FASD [40:07] Teaching Neuroplasticity and Renewing the Mind [43:05] Spiritual Breakthroughs and Mindset Shifts [47:21] About the Embracing Hope Caregiver Guide [49:35] Final Encouragement and Where to Find Joel’s Resources Resources mentioned: Embr…