When You Love a Prodigal

When You Love a Prodigal

Loving a prodigal is a long, desperate journey. Fear. Worry. Anger. Blame. But God intends to use your valley to fill you with grace and hope. In each episode, author and speaker Judy Douglass will guide you through lessons she’s learned in her son's 15-year prodigal journey to help mold your spirit...

The player is loading ...
The Value of Grandparents for Prodigals with Larry Fowler

Recent Episodes

The Value of Grandparents for Prodigals with Larry Fowler
Feb. 17, 2026

The Value of Grandparents for Prodigals with Larry Fowler

New on the When You Love a Prodigal podcast I am thrilled to be a grandmother—of 10 fabulous grands. I have a great desire to be a positive contributor to their growth, wisdom, and lives. I especially desire to help them not ...
Gifts God Would Love
Dec. 23, 2025

Gifts God Would Love

Rebroadcast of Episode 125: As you wrap up your Christmas shopping and wrapping, perhaps you would want to think of some gifts for Jesus. After all, it is His birthday we are celebrating. I like to consider what Jesus might l...
Can You Love the Holidays When You Love a Prodigal? Interview with Dena Yohe
Dec. 16, 2025

Can You Love the Holidays When You Love a Prodigal? Interview with Dena Yohe

Rebroadcast of Episode Forty-Two: If you love a prodigal, you probably have a horror story to tell of a holiday with that loved wanderer. I certainly do, and so does Dena Yohe, co-founder of Hope for Hurting Parents, and pare...
The Navy and a Guitar with Justin Gambino, episode 173
Dec. 12, 2025

The Navy and a Guitar with Justin Gambino, episode 173

It’s not often I interview someone who comes from Freeport, Texas, which was like a summer home for me in high school. As Justin and I talked we knew many of the same places. And I loved his redemptive story. He grew up in th...
Preparing for Prodigal Prayer Day, episode 172
May 28, 2025

Preparing for Prodigal Prayer Day, episode 172

On June 2, about 25 years ago, our prodigal, Josh, met Jesus. He was living at House of Hope, a nearby residential home for troubled teens. His house dad, Mike, loved him, prayed for him, sought to guide him into better life ...
Pam Henkelman, Empty Nest Coach, episode 171
May 13, 2025

Pam Henkelman, Empty Nest Coach, episode 171

Pamela Henkelman is a certified Empty Nest Coach, speaker, writer, and host of the Midlife Momma Podcast. With her bright smile and enthusiastic personality, she is passionate about encouraging women, particularly the often-f...
Resisting the Enemy, episode 170
April 29, 2025

Resisting the Enemy, episode 170

This might be the most helpful episode we’ve done on this podcast. Loving a prodigal can be like a roller coaster—the ups and downs, the unexpected turns. The dashed hopes. In our last episode we looked at our persistent enem...
Can You See the Lion Stalking?, episode 169
April 15, 2025

Can You See the Lion Stalking?, episode 169

When you love a prodigal, you get used to the lion stalking. Sometimes it seems that, no matter what you do to rescue your prodigal, to win her heart, to capture his mind, nothing works. Even when your prodigal is seeking to ...
In Just the Right Time episode 168
April 1, 2025

In Just the Right Time episode 168

One of the hardest parts of living with and loving a prodigal is the waiting, isn’t it. I have said many times: I thought it was time! Isn’t it time, Lord? Are we doing this again? How long, Lord? We hate the uncertainty, f...
Finding Joy on Your Prodigal Journey with Jill Baughan (episode 167)
March 18, 2025

Finding Joy on Your Prodigal Journey with Jill Baughan (episode 167)

Jill Baughan radiates joy! In my several conversations with her, joy flows from her. I can't help but smile when I'm with her. But more than that, she is able to share, even slosh, that joy with you and me. Joy even for hard ...
Seeking Transformation, episode 166
March 4, 2025

Seeking Transformation, episode 166

In my conversations with those who love a prodigal, or with someone going through hard times, with anyone in an uncertain time, I usually end up at the same place, with four words that can make a real difference, even bring t...
Pursuing Healthy Families-Interview with Casey Gann, episode 165
Feb. 18, 2025

Pursuing Healthy Families-Interview with Casey Gann, episode 165

Casey has much to offer as she shares her journey to become a counselor and her passion to encourage healthy families. She talks about the pain experienced by parents and by the children. And the conversations that can lead t...
Giving Up My Idols, episode 164
Feb. 4, 2025

Giving Up My Idols, episode 164

The prophet Isaiah repeatedly mocks them for carving idols to worship out of half a log, and cooking dinner with the other half. How could anyone think that “god” could save them? We read in 1 Samuel that rebellion is like t...
Setting Your Loved One Free, episode 163
Jan. 21, 2025

Setting Your Loved One Free, episode 163

Today we are talking about liberation. As we consider the strongholds in the lives of our loved ones—and perhaps ourselves—be sure to note the verses that will give you hope. Judy’s Resources: Read Breaking Life Bondages: htt...
Hope for the New Year, episode 127 (rebroadcast)
Dec. 31, 2024

Hope for the New Year, episode 127 (rebroadcast)

A new year lifts us up, shaking off the remnants of last year’s mistakes, opening a panorama of a better future. We love to leave the hurts and failures of yesterday, believing that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and promi...
All I Want for Christmas, episode 44 (rebroadcast)
Dec. 17, 2024

All I Want for Christmas, episode 44 (rebroadcast)

Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home? Would you set him free from his addictions? May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas. Whe...
A Story of Real Life Giving Thanks, episode 162
Dec. 10, 2024

A Story of Real Life Giving Thanks, episode 162

If you have listened to many of my podcasts, then you know I encourage all of us to give thanks in everything. I got to practice what I preach in real life last week. And though this story is not about a prodigal, it’s certai...
Waiting in Advent for Jesus and Your Prodigal with Judy Lewis, episode 161
Dec. 3, 2024

Waiting in Advent for Jesus and Your Prodigal with Judy Lewis, episode 161

Judy Nelson Lewis and I go way back. She's been a magazine editor, writer, and now a spiritual director. We had a great conversation about advent, waiting, and how that can help us through our prodigal journey. It's a gift t...
Praying with Thanksgiving, episode 160
Nov. 26, 2024

Praying with Thanksgiving, episode 160

In Philippian 4:6 the instructions are more specific: Pray about everything, with thanksgiving. Pray, of course. Give thanks? Much harder. But that is exactly what we are told to do, even in scary, out-of-control circumstance...
Is It Possible to Give Thanks in Everything?, episode 159
Nov. 19, 2024

Is It Possible to Give Thanks in Everything?, episode 159

Our natural response in times of uncertainty and in life with a prodigal and the fears and frustrations we encounter, is to name everything that is wrong, to complain about all we don’t like. And our God receives our honest l...
Dennis and Barbara Rainey: Relating to Your Adult Children, episode 158
Nov. 12, 2024

Dennis and Barbara Rainey: Relating to Your Adult Children, episode 158

I was reading Barbara Rainey’s blog recently and saw a post Relating to Your Adult Children. For most of the years God has had me in a loving a prodigal ministry, we have focused mostly on teens and young adults. But in recen...
Your Prodigal Is a Gift, episode 157
Nov. 5, 2024

Your Prodigal Is a Gift, episode 157

As I have listened to the stories of friends’ prodigals and prayed for my son and many others, God took me on a journey back into the wilderness. Gratefully I was reminded over and over of the transforming truths that I have ...
A Message from Steve, episode 156
Oct. 29, 2024

A Message from Steve, episode 156

Today, October 29, 2024, marks two years since my wonderful husband, Steve, was called home to Heaven. He was a wise, loving man, and had much to offer everyone he encountered. Today’s podcast is a gift from Steve, telling of...
The Power of Grace, episode 155
Oct. 22, 2024

The Power of Grace, episode 155

In all my years of loving a prodigal and seeking to help others love their prodigal, one word has been the key, the difference, the change agent: GRACE Early in my journey with my prodigal, God gave me a guiding word. He said...
Remember to Breathe, episode 154
Oct. 15, 2024

Remember to Breathe, episode 154

About 10 years ago we went through a scary time with our adopted son. Josh had twice, in response to great disappointments, threatened to take his life. We reasoned with him, assured him of our love, stayed with him. Grateful...
From Guilt to Grace with Dawn Ward, episode 153
Oct. 8, 2024

From Guilt to Grace with Dawn Ward, episode 153

Does that title entice you? In your journey with a prodigal, would you like to be moving from guilt to grace? Our guest today is Dawn Ward, a life and mental health coach, writer, speaker, and one of us. Her ministry is Faith...
Questions that Make a Difference, episode 152
Oct. 1, 2024

Questions that Make a Difference, episode 152

It’s noisy out there, isn’t it? Online, at school, in the neighborhood. And certainly in your home when you have a prodigal. So many strong but differing opinions! We often seem to be more committed to making our point and ho...
Nancy Squires: Just Be Held Retreats, episode 151
Sept. 24, 2024

Nancy Squires: Just Be Held Retreats, episode 151

Today, I am chatting with Nancy Squires, and she's a new friend. And she has a ministry called the Just Be Held Retreats, and we're going to get to learn what those are, how they came about, and how you might engage. Nancy’s ...
What is a Prodigal?, episode 4 (rebroadcast)
Sept. 17, 2024

What is a Prodigal?, episode 4 (rebroadcast)

It’s the five year anniversary of my book, When You Love a Prodigal , the inspiration for this podcast! So I thought we should take it back to the beginning of the podcast and revisit the core question of “what is a prodigal?...
10 Reasons for Hope, episode 56 (rebroadcast)
Sept. 10, 2024

10 Reasons for Hope, episode 56 (rebroadcast)

Most of us are bruised people who desperately need to be reminded, however subtly, that hope is real, grace is often present, goodness counts, love is possible and our lives matter. I believe this is more than mere artistic p...

Recent Blog Posts

What Are You Afraid Of?
May 24, 2024

What Are You Afraid Of?

Today I am sharing the first of three posts leading up to June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. Our theme this year is Fear Not. These three posts are designed to prepare us as we engage in battle for the hearts and minds of loved ones who are &ldqu…

Read the Blog Post

About the Host

Judy Douglass Profile Photo
Judy Douglass

My name is Judy. I love Jesus, my family, Texas, words, books, horses, Mexican food—and quite a few other things.

I was married to a wonderful man and have three delightful children and 10 superb grandchildren. My friends fill my cup so much that I am drinking from the saucer.

I am a writer, speaker, and missionary with cru. Most of all I am an encourager, urging everyone I encounter to know God and to entrust their lives to Him for all He wants them to be and all He has prepared for them to do. I get to go all over the world for this mission—what an incredible job!

I’ve written a few books, edited a couple of magazines, and helped found Synergy Women’s Network. I have spoken to groups from eight to 8,000. I write about women, prodigals, becoming a true follower of Jesus, the homeless, grandparenting, and learning from children.

I am amazingly blessed, totally inadequate, woefully unworthy, and eternally grateful for the grace and mercy of God.

Related Shows

When You Love a Prodigal

3rd Heaven Authority with Mike Thompson

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

23 Minutes In Hell Podcast

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

AlongTheWay

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Battle Plan with Steve Hemphill

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Be Healed with Steve Hannett

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

The Breakers with Mike Signorelli

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Charisma Connection

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Charisma News

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Courage in the Line of Fire

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Cutting Edge Faith

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Day of Destiny with Dr. Michelle Corral

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Discover Your Spiritual Identity with Mike Shreve

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Discovering The Jewish Jesus Audio Podcast

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Divine Health with Dr. Don Colbert

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Empower Your Thinking with C.T. Johnson

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Expect A Miracle with Richard Roberts

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Faith & Finance

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Faith, Family, and Finances with Lenika Scott the Millionaire Mom

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Freedom Global Prophetic Podcast

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Gems For The Journey with Matthew and Stephanie Gerrity

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Global Outpouring

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

God and Cancel Culture

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

God, Trump and the 2020 Election

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Heavenly Interventions with Belma Vardy

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Her God Story with Jodie Chiricosta

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Inspiration from Zion from Jonathan Feldstein

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Invested with Purpose

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Keep It 100 with Sean & Christa Smith

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Live Your Best Life with Liz Wright

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Manifest His Presence with Candice Smithyman

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Mavericks & Misfits with Jeff Lyle

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Moms for America Podcast

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

More Faith More Life

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Next Level Leaders with Dr. Joseph Walker, III

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Prayer & Purpose

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Preparing the Way: The Practical Prophetic with Diane Lake

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Prophetic Perspective With Amanda Grace

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Quality Christian Living with David C. Friend

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Revealing The True Light with Mike Shreve

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Revival Lifestyle with Isaiah Saldivar

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

RISE RADIO

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Shatterproof with Pastor Todd Callahan

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Shift the Atmosphere with Philip Renner

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Strang Report

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Supernatural Leadership Podcast - Shawn Gabie

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Taking It On with Paula Price

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

The Cost of Freedom with Georgian Banov

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

The Curt Landry Podcast

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

The Jaime Luce Podcast

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

The School of The Holy Spirit

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Today with Marilyn and Sarah

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Today's Mystery

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

VIEWPOINT with Chuck Crismier

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

WAKE UP INTO YOUR DREAM with Barry Maracle

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

What The Prophets Say with Emma Stark

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

When You Love a Prodigal

Visit Page
When You Love a Prodigal

Faith Chats with Andrew Brunet

Visit Page