logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
28m 2s

Illuminating Hope in the Shadows of Adve...

Jesus Calling
About this episode

This week, we’re joined by Nikki Walton, host of GoOD fMornings with CurlyNikki and an influential voice in personal transformation, who shares her struggles with self-esteem and identity as a young woman to achieving massive success through her groundbreaking platform, CurlyNikki.com. Nikki's life was filled with accomplishments—but also a profound sense of emptiness.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tori Hope Petersen, an author, speaker, and podcaster. After enduring twelve different homes in the foster care system, Tori aged out without a permanent family. Through the kindness of a foster mom who introduced her to faith, the guidance of a track coach who became a father figure, and her own unwavering determination, Tori rose above her circumstances to find meaning and mission for her life.

 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Patsy Clairmont

Upcoming interview: Loren Ridinger

Jesus Listens for Lent & Easter

 

Nikki Walton

GoOD Mornings with CurlyNikki

 www.curlynikki.com

Wake Up To Love: Meditations to Start Your Day

 

Tori Hope Petersen

Orphan Sunday

www.torihopepetersen.com

Breaking the Patterns That Break You

 

Interview Quotes:

“I knew something was missing because I could look around and see what looked like success, like the American dream, and I felt empty. There was still this void. I had not found God and I didn't even know that that's what I was looking for.” - Nikki Walton

“I love myself and it's not in that superficial, surface-level love. It's like I went from outer beauty to inner beauty to beyond beauty entirely, and I appear beautiful to some because of His light shining through me.” - Nikki Walton

“I listen not for [God’s] voice booming, but for His silence, for His stillness, for His peace, And then I feel His stillness. I feel His peace. I know I'm in contact with Him when I feel lighter.” - Nikki Walton 

“You can still be aware of that humbled nature, that humbled posture inside. That way, when you go out into the world, even though you are smiling and walking upright, you're still bowing to Jesus everywhere you go.” - Nikki Walton 

“I had to learn through time that God doesn't just save us, He keeps us.” - Toire Hope Petersen

“I do think that God speaks to us in the way that we can understand how to do what's next.” - Tori Hope Petersen

“Our brokenness does not just point to the deficit in us. Sometimes our brokenness points to the disciples that we are, points to our faithfulness.” - Tori Hope Petersen

“God does not hate you and He doesn't want you to hate yourself. He wants you to embrace who He has called you to be, because when we do that, we can walk out the calling that God has placed on our life. God did a good job making you and you’re allowed to be loved.” - Tori Hope Petersen

“God is just so glad when we show up to be in His presence and to pray. He just welcomes me with open arms. He is our safe place.” - Tori Hope Petersen 

________________________

Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 

Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw 

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C 

Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj 

Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u 

What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj 

Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY 

________________________ 

Connect with Jesus Calling

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

Website

TikTok

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Up next
Yesterday
Our Divine Bond with Animals and Nature featuring Steve Wohlberg & Sy Garte
In honor of National Dog Day, we’re sharing a heartfelt story about the special bond we share with our pets—and the comfort they bring in life’s hardest moments. Steve Wohlberg, a husband, father, author, and speaker, grew up in Hollywood with a deep love for animals. From Great ... Show More
27m 36s
Aug 14
Lights, Camera, Hope: Patricia Heaton & Anita Vogel on Persevering Through Adversity
This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners. This week, we’ll hear from actress and producer Patricia Heaton. Beloved for her roles in Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, Patricia has faced seasons of grief and depression while navig ... Show More
27m 15s
Aug 12
[BONUS] Reckless Love in the Face of Disaster: Cory Asbury and the Texas Flood Relief Effort
Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, focusing on the tragic events in Texas that happened in July 2025 with deadly flooding in Kerr County, and the heroic folks who have come to the aid of those who have lost so much. Devastating floods, triggered by t ... Show More
13m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Tasha Cobbs Leonard on Worship and Fighting for Deep Community
This week, Jennie Allen is joined by gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Growing up as a pastor's kid surrounded by music and the Word, Tasha shares how worship has shaped her life and ministry. Her passion is helping people find and fulfill their purpose through faith and worship ... Show More
33m 1s
Jun 14
Philip Anthony Mitchell | Girls Gone Bible
Hiiii GGB! This week we’re joined by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell — and trust us, this conversation will stir something deep in you. We dive into identity, calling, spiritual warfare, and what it really means to follow Jesus in a world full of distractions — and so much more. w ... Show More
1h 50m
Sep 2024
Faith, Relationships, Holidays, and Bible Basics: Listener Q&A
I am back with a brand new episode after a little hiatus. In this episode, we dive into some of the most frequently asked questions from our listeners! We’ll talk about dating as a Christian—how to navigate relationships with faith at the center. Plus, we’ll explore how believers ... Show More
27m 31s
Oct 2022
John 1: Who Is Jesus And Why Was He Here?
In this episode, we focus on John 1. The first chapter of John begins with a clear, expressive description of Jesus as identical to God the Father. It then segues to the ministry of John the Baptist, and the local religious leaders who questioned him. By the end of the chapter, J ... Show More
27m 40s
Nov 2023
S15 Ep17: What It Means To Love Like Jesus
In this episode, we take a look at the advice Paul gives in his letter to the Galatians. Jennie explores the importance of restoring one another with gentleness, bearing each other's burdens, and avoiding the trap of pride. We will also discuss how the Gospel sets us free and the ... Show More
18m 44s
Nov 2024
A Prayer for a Thankful Heart through a Disappointing Season
I pray you will open your eyes to God today while he holds your hand and heart through all the hard stuff surrounding you. Let’s choose thankfulness. It absolutely does help, dear friend. - Keri Eichberger SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.li ... Show More
6m 6s
Aug 3
Psalm 1 & 2
Journey with us through Psalm 1 & 2 at Into the Word, a radio and online program committed to reading, loving, and living the whole Counsel of God. In this program we will work our way chapter by chapter through the whole Bible. Our host and Bible teacher for this adventure is Pa ... Show More
24m 23s
Dec 2020
Agnostic Pastor Drives Christian Pop Singer to Find Truth
Alisa Childers was a member of the Christian pop group ZOEgirl. When the group broke up and Alisa joined a Nashville church, she discovered her pastor was a self-described “hopeful agnostic.” Under his Bible study teaching, Alisa’s faith was “getting wrecked.” Determined to find ... Show More
21 m
Sep 2024
Joy of the Lord | Girls Gone Bible
hiiiii GGB:) this week we dive into joy. Jesus calls us to live a life filled with joy, even in challenging times. embracing His love can bring us lasting happiness. we go in depth on how we experience joy, and how we’ve been navigating a season where our joy has been attacked. w ... Show More
58m 52s
Dec 2023
The Birth of Christ and the Death of Death - Louie Giglio
Highlighting the detail of “the myrrh” in the Christmas story, Louie Giglio shows listeners how death’s place in the story is that of a defeated enemy. Our God is acquainted with death and very familiar with its sting, but He has also conquered it once and for all through the lif ... Show More
36m 59s