Hardly Initiated

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Can You Defend Your Faith Without Being Rude? | Da' T.R.U.T.H

join our waitlist to our EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY and be the first to have access https://stayinitiated.com You grew up hearing about God. You learned the scriptures. You inh

Sep 29
1 h 43 min

Lust, Lies, and Liberation Keisha Gibsons Faith Journey

Keisha Gibson’s story is a powerful testimony of survival, faith, and transformation. Born into trauma and generational curses, Keisha faced molestation, addiction, and y

Sep 22
1 h 33 min

From Billboard, Nightlife & the Nation of Islam to Jesus

Kelz had Billboard success, nightlife access, and a place to belong—but he still could not find peace. Then one sentence inside the Nation of Islam made him decide: **I

Sep 15
1 h 51 min

The Hood Bible: P Lo on Rikers Island, Drug Dealing and Faith

He was selling drugs. Then a man in jail called him a witch. P Lo says that conversation made him confront the harm behind his hustle. Follow Guest: https://www.instagr

Sep 8
2 h 02 min

Why I Hate Satan: Pain, Alcohol & the Battle for Your Soul

When the person everyone depends on starts breaking, where do they take the pain? Michael was carrying a private family crisis and crying only when nobody could see—unt

Sep 1
1 h 39 min

Fear of Death, Finding Faith & the Search for Real Peace

Michael J. MacDonald has been afraid of death since losing his grandmother at eight years old. In this episode, he and Kira Oliver explore how childhood loss, uncomfortab

Aug 25
1 h 10 min

God’s Test or Satan’s Trap? How to Know the Difference

Michael was searching for a home-theater system when a stranger suddenly offered him a $10,000 system for only $1,000. It arrived at exactly the right time, so Michael a

Aug 18
1 h 11 min

She Left The Weeknd’s Concert After Two Songs: Music, Conviction & Spiritual Warfare

After spending 30 days focused on worship, faith, and getting closer to God, Kira Oliver accepted an invitation to see The Weeknd in concert. She expected a fun night ou

Aug 4
50 min

Kira Oliver: Does a Good Heart Get You Into Heaven? | Hardly Initiated Ep. 1

A year ago, Kira Oliver didn't own a Bible. She was out every weekend — drinking, chasing the world, putting "God first" with her mouth but last with her life. Then duri

Jul 28
56 min

HI #20: Purpose and Partnership: Michael and Jessica's New Beginning

In this episode, Michael J. MacDonald sits down with his wife, Jessica Lane MacDonald, to introduce her to the audience and explain why she has stepped into hosting this

Jun 29
48 min

HI #19: The Ripple Effect: When Loyalty Becomes a Betrayal to Your Own Soul

What happens to the people left standing when a marriage suddenly collapses? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Gail Wells is joined by her closest friends — Dr. Si

Jun 25
1 h 45 min

Betrayal's Pain From Heartbreak to Fighting Back

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/WxTFDB-qr4g Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.har

Jun 22
14 min

Lost Identity After Betrayal: Finding Strength in Faith

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/WxTFDB-qr4g Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hard

Jun 20
12 min

HI #18: Married and Divorced: A wife’s triumph over BETRAYAL

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Betrayal Hits Like Trauma 00:22 The Airline Call Clue 00:45 Truth Comes Crashing Down 01:18 Welcome to the Story 04:39 Who Is Gail Wells 05:36 Wha

Jun 18
1 h 25 min

The Strength in Vulnerability: What Men Really Need to Hear

WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/Sou08F9p3Z0 Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.

Jun 17
10 min

Women Ask THIS, Men Get Intimidated Dating Secrets REVEALED!

Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight

Jun 16
11 min

Unlock Your Power Handle Temptation & Win!

WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/Sou08F9p3Z0 Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.h

Jun 15
10 min

Fix Relationships, Unpacking Trauma & Finding Common Ground

Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight

Jun 15
12 min

Men's Emotional Wounds Why They're Scared to Love Again

Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight

Jun 13
10 min

Marriage Secrets SYMBIS, Communication, and Mutual Happiness

Host Jessica Laine-MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/itsjessicalaine/ Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight

Jun 12
10 min

Chart trend

Position in the Relationships chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#101#200JulAugSep

#34

all-time peak

days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where Hardly Initiated ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 30, 2026).

#189 ▼ 17 Relationships US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I love your podcast because you all discuss topics that many people stray away from, however, I think that you all need to have more discussions about men and their mental health in relationships. Many men are struggling with their mental health and they refuse to accept this fate and get the help that they need to be whole, yet they are bringing this trauma into relationships.

CharisseWC · Dec 2024

There are episodes that are so enlightening and encouraging, convicting even at times. However, some of these episodes are click bait and have conflicting messages. I think they need to revamp their mission and refocus the content at this point. I have learned so many life changing virtues and even grown closer to God through this podcast. Sometimes when money gets involved (sponsorship) you start to notice the shift in the message and unfortunately I feel like that is happening here. I’m going to keep listening for a while longer but so far 2024 is looking more and more like Tonight’s Conversation which happens to be void of any real substance or direction. I really hope they can redirect and quickly because I love this podcast, share the episodes, and even apply some of the knowledge gained. Please continue to stand on virtue! More love, life, and abundance.

JustMeandILikeIt90 · Jan 2024

I really love the dynamic you both play in the podcast. I love how you both are your own person & that you don’t always agree and have different personalities so it brings a great contrast than just a generic “frat boy” podcast. Topics are very relative to the culture and I admire how you accommodate the men & women. This podcast is worth plugging into!

MilitaryMom Bri · Oct 2023

Some of the content has depth to it, but many episodes are all over the place with random and sporadic topics. It’s hard to tell if this is still content I want to listen to now.

Brown Sugar5 · Nov 2024

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.