What happens when everything you've been taught about God is challenged by your own life experiences? When April Nevels found herself divorced and rejected by her church community, she faced a choice: remain in familiar pain or take a leap of faith into the unknown. Her decision to pack 19 trash bags into her PT Cruiser and drive to Dallas with no concrete plan became the first step in a profound journey of healing and rediscovery.

Growing up as the youngest of five children in a pastor's home, April faced the unique pressures that come with being a PK (Pastor's Kid). Constantly reminded that "people are watching," she navigated the weight of expectations, including being told she couldn't sing despite coming from a musical family. This early messaging created wounds that would take years to heal, especially when her decision to divorce was met with complete rejection from her church community—the only support system she'd ever known.

In this raw and honest conversation, April shares how this rejection led to her darkest moment—a suicide attempt that unexpectedly became a pivotal encounter with God. "That's when I learned who He was on the bed of suicide, when He refused to leave," she reveals, describing how God began showing her His true nature through unexpected provision and grace that contradicted everything she'd been taught about how He would respond to her choices.

April's story takes us through her miraculous transition to Dallas, where within three months she found employment at The Potter's House under Bishop T.D. Jakes—beginning a 12-year journey of healing that transformed her understanding of ministry and herself. Now leading Virtual Enhancement Company, which helps churches build effective online ministries, April demonstrates how stepping into the unknown can lead to unimagined purpose.

Whether you're a PK, have experienced religious trauma, or are simply facing a moment of transition, April's testimony reminds us that sometimes our greatest healing comes when we're brave enough to leave what's familiar—even when we don't know what's next. As she powerfully sings at the episode's conclusion: "I'm standing here only because You made a way."

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Emmy award-winning writer, actress, and comedian Ashley Black joins Thee PK Pod for a soul-stirring conversation about growing up as a pastor's kid and forging her own path in Hollywood. With warmth and candor, Ashley reveals how her unique upbringing shaped her creative journey, from believing God would report her childhood misdeeds directly to her pastor father, to navigating the expectations of being in the "first family" of the church.

Ashley's story illuminates the powerful intersection of faith and creativity. While her parents hoped she might pursue something more conventional than entertainment, Ashley's unwavering passion for acting and comedy eventually led her to phenomenal success – including winning an Emmy Award in just her second year working in television. Her frank admission that "God wouldn't have to yell at you if you would listen the first time" resonates deeply as she describes the discomfort of trying to force herself into practical career paths before embracing her true calling.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Ashley discusses her father's passing and the ongoing influence of his legacy. Musicians and church members across the country continue to share how John Black impacted their lives, revealing dimensions of his influence Ashley hadn't fully appreciated. This reflection prompts her to consider what brings true peace and purpose, questioning "what would allow me to go that way?" as she evaluates her own creative path and what she wants to leave behind.

For creators struggling to find their voice, Ashley offers liberating advice: "Get fired as soon as you can. Show them exactly who you are." Rather than chasing trends or playing it safe, she encourages authentic self-expression, even when it risks rejection. This commitment to truth-telling extends to her insights on faith-based entertainment, where she identifies how avoiding necessary conflict and complexity undermines storytelling potential. Her refreshing perspective invites listeners to embrace the fullness of their stories – messiness and all.

Ashley's resume includes some of our favorite series whether your a fan of Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Bad Monkey or recognize her from A Black Lady's Sketch Show, this episode will leave you inspired. Listen now to discover how Ashley Black found her purpose beyond the pulpit and why being true to yourself might be the most powerful ministry of all.

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What happens when you faithfully steward what seems like a mundane season? For Roman Collins, washing cars at Enterprise Rent-A-Car became the unlikely foundation for his journey to American Idol, touring with CeCe Winans, and releasing his debut album.

In this soul-stirring conversation, Roman shares the raw truth about losing his mother at 18 and how that profound grief awakened his calling as a psalmist. "I feel like that's when I woke up," he reveals, describing how pain became the catalyst for authentic ministry. With disarming honesty, Roman discusses how therapy helped him finally process his grief years later during the pandemic: "I realized I never really met me. I was busy taking care of everyone else."

The episode unpacks the viral moment that changed everything—performing with gospel legend CeCe Winans on American Idol, amassing over 120 million views. Yet Roman emphasizes that this "overnight success" came while he was already working faithfully on his music: "Due to me already working, the Lord provided the unimaginable to promote what He had already given me." His father's wisdom echoes throughout: "The Lord won't give you the next step until you finish this step."

Perhaps most powerful is Roman's charge to fellow creatives: "Don't wait to see the storm to build the ark. Build anyway. They're not going to understand because they're not supposed to." His partnership with Compassion International further demonstrates how true worship extends beyond singing into tangible acts of compassion.

Ready to sponsor a child and make a difference? Text 83393 with "ROMAN" to join this life-changing mission. And don't forget to follow @theePKpod on Instagram and TikTok to continue the conversation!

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