S9 Episode #3- Joy in the Storm with Jenna Schutt
THE ONE WITH Jenna Schutt
This week on The Collected Podcast, we are excited to welcome Jenna Schutt, founder of Faith with Jenna and author of the forthcoming book The Joy Reflex, for a hope‑filled conversation about the faith that carried her through a rare, incurable bone marrow disease. Jenna shares how chemotherapy, isolation, and a stem cell transplant became the unexpected classroom where she learned to train her heart to reach for God’s truth before fear, building what she calls The Joy Reflex. Through stories of God’s provision, Jenna offers practical ways to cultivate spiritual strength in calm seasons so we’re prepared for the storms. Jenna invites listeners to anchor themselves in Scripture, practice peace, and discover joy that isn’t circumstantial.
ABOUT Jenna
Jenna Schutt is the founder of Faith with Jenna, and author of the forthcoming book The Joy Reflex™, a speaker, devotional writer, Christian nonfiction writer, former cardiac RN, homeschool mom, and stem cell transplant survivor. After being diagnosed with an incurable, rare bone marrow disease, at 30 years old with two young children at home, Jenna walked through IV chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, survivorship, and the deep process of learning how to cling to God’s truth when fear had every reason to take over. Through her message, The Joy Reflex, Jenna helps women practice faith, peace, and joy as their first response before fear takes over. She shares through speaking, devotionals, podcast conversations, and faith-based resources at jennaschutt.com.
Click here to get your free Joy Reflex Guide
LISTEN
WATCH
SHOW NOTES
Faith Journey THROUGH CANCER
Jenna shared how she came to know the Lord at a young age and how her faith was tested during her treatment for a rare, incurable bone marrow disease at age 30.
She advised others facing difficult circumstances to take small steps in their faith journey and emphasized that joy is not circumstantial but can be trained. Jenna also described a specific instance where she saw God provide during her chemotherapy treatment, when insurance approval and hospital admission were crucial for her care.
Jenna's Journey Through Illness
Jenna shared her journey with a serious illness, including multiple hospital stays, chemotherapy treatments, and ultimately a successful stem cell transplant with her brother as the donor.
She discussed how she overcame isolation during her hospitalization by focusing on positive thoughts and faith, developing what she calls the "joy reflex" - training her mind to respond with peace and joy rather than fear.
Jenna emphasized that despite challenging medical circumstances, she learned that God wants people to draw out their inner strengths of love, faith, peace, and joy, though these qualities must be developed through intentional practice.
The Joy Reflex
Jenna explained the Joy Reflex concept, describing it as training oneself to reach for God's truth and peace before responding to fear or negative circumstances.
She outlined a practical framework involving acknowledging difficult situations while anchoring oneself in biblical verses, particularly using passages about joy, strength, and peace.
When asked about resources for beginners, Jenna suggested finding a local church and pastor, and provided a free 7-day guide to help people start incorporating these principles into their daily lives.
Book Writing and Publishing Journey
Jenna shared her journey of writing a book about her transplant experience, which began as a memoir but evolved into a teaching tool about faith and joy training. She discussed her recent signing with a literary agent and her belief that God will provide the right opportunities for publishing at the right time.
Jenna encouraged listeners to start building their spiritual muscles during calm times rather than waiting for storms.
Click here to get your free Joy Reflex Guide
NEXT STEPS
Here are a few REFLEction questions to help you dip deeper this week!
Pick a passage about joy, peace, or strength and meditate on it for a week, letting it become the reflex you reach for when life feels heavy. Repeat it often and use it as your first response when stress or fear shows up.
Download Jenna’s 7‑day guide. Work through the simple daily prompts to begin building your spiritual muscles during calm moments, not crisis moments.
Identify one “training moment” this week. Notice a small challenge or frustration and intentionally practice reaching for God’s truth before reacting.
CONNECT WITH Jenna:
| Instagram | Website | Joy Reflex Guide |
Thank you, as always, for listening! Please remember that everything we do is funded by those who benefit from our ministry. Our ministry a 501(c)3, so your contribution is tax-deductible.
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The Collected Podcast is a production of Collected Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disciples of Jesus discover and live from their true identity in Christ, recognize and walk in their divine purpose within the Kingdom of God, and experience growth in their capacity for mature, healthy relationships.
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The Collected Podcast is produced by Jes French and edited by Jacob Early. Cover art designed by Ben Biondo.