Nancy Kay Grace is a pastor’s wife, cancer survivor, and author. She understands dealing with unexpected challenges. Today, Nancy shares about how the Lord provided in ministry, her struggle with cancer, and learning rest in the Lord when those challenges arise. She reminds us to remember that we are his children and that he loves us, which is pure comfort when challenges arise. Listen to Nancy’s story today! Stories Nancy shared: Serving in ministry for 45 years with her husband Growing up in C...
Feb 28, 2022•49 min
Brandon is the author of What Can't Be Hidden (2021) and bestselling Beauty in the Wreckage: Finding Peace in the Age of Outrage . Today, Brandon shares how he learned not to be afraid of new ideas, the spiritual grief he suffered, and what he learned about being a good shepherd through it. We also discuss the radical idea of Christlike love and what makes it so controversial. Brandon’s story reminds us that the journey with the Lord sometimes leads to unexpected places. Listen to Brandon’s stor...
Feb 14, 2022•46 min
Becky Antkowiak is a writer, leader of the 540 Community for writers, and my new best friend. Today, Becky shares with us her story of following a calling that seemed to not work out only to discover how God uses everything. Becky also opens up about a season of grief and lets us in on how she found the Lord when he seemed absent. Becky leads a group of writers called the 540 Community and explains why everyone has a story to tell. Becky’s story reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves,...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Rodney Olsen is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster. Today, Rodney shares the moment he knew he wanted to be in radio, the somewhat meandering path he took to get there, and the providential meeting that sealed the deal. Rodney is passionate about helping believers anchor their faith in Christ with a Kingdom view of the world. His story will remind you to take action against the darkness. Oh, there’s a cool Bruck Cockburn reference in there, too. Listen to Rodney’s story today! Sto...
Jan 31, 2022•54 min
LaTrae Wilson is an author and podcaster. Today, Trea shares what it was like growing up as a pastor’s kid, why she walked away after high school, and how the Lord brought her back. Her journey to healing the wounds took a commitment to valuing herself and accepting the grace and love of God. Trea’s story reminds us that no matter how far away we go, it’s only one step back. Listen to Trea’s story now! Stories LaTrae shared: Growing up in Oakland, CA as a pastor’s kid Why she moved to Texas Givi...
Jan 24, 2022•46 min
Brian Zahnd is a pastor, author, and America mystic. Today, Brian shares his first experience with Jesus, the season when he began to “renovate his theological house,” and how to think about deconstruction. Through his writing, Brian has become one of the pastors shining light on the path for those ready to leave American Evangelicalism but not ready to leave Christ. His latest book, When Everything’s On Fire, is his latest spotlight on the path toward Christ. Listen to Brian’s story now! Storie...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Conell & Rhonda Hollins our podcasters and are first time authors of their forthcoming book marriage material which is a training manual base on their experience teaching for the last 13 years. Today, Conell and Rhonda share how their relationship sharpened their faith, how they became marriage teachers, and tips for staying connected. Conell and Rhonda’s story reminds us that prioritizing your marriage is always a good idea. Listen to Conell & Rhonda’s story today! Stories Conell & ...
Jan 10, 2022•46 min
Christopher Smith is the Senior Editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and author of several books, including most recently: How The Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church . Today, Christopher shares the place of reading in his spiritual journey, how he learned to untangle depression from doubt, and why he believes in the power of a great conversation. We also talk about some best practices for hosting conversations at your church. Christopher’s story remin...
Jan 05, 2022•1 hr 15 min
Jerry Dugan is the producer and host of Beyond the Rut podcast, a show that discusses pursuing and achieving your dreams without compromising your faith, family, or health. Today, Jerry shares about growing up through divorce, his dad's attempted suicide, and combat experiences that gave him resilience and perspective on life. He also shares how it all led him to give his life to Christ and eventually start serving men through his podcast. Jerry’s story reminds us that the Lord often has plans f...
Dec 20, 2021•53 min
Felicia Song is a professor of sociology who studies social and cultural impact of digital technologies. Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age. Today, Felicia share her experience growing up in a fundamentalist, Chinese church, discovering the Holy Spirit in college, and what she’s learned about God by studying sociology. We also talk about her book and how Christians can be wise as we live with technology. Felicia’s story reminds us to be wise about how ...
Dec 13, 2021•56 min
Brian Sexton is the host of The Intentional Encourager Podcast and author of People Buy From People: 10 Powerful People Lessons From the Ultimate People Person, My Dad . Today, Brian shares how prayer influenced his life early, his dad’s profound influence, and how he stopped running from a call to preach. He also shares an interesting connection between his family and his wife’s family that he never saw coming. Brian’s story reminds us that with a little intionality, we can all encourage someon...
Dec 06, 2021•57 min
Hope Johnson is a writer and podcaster based in Upstate New York. She is the host of Hope Unyielding, a podcast where people share stories of God's faithfulness in the dark and difficult times of their lives. Today, Hope shares the story of how she learned Russian, struggled during a year teaching English, and how she wrestles with God because her “five year plan” didn’t come to fruition. Hope is a deep thinker whose story will remind you to honor and love the Lord even when you feel like he’s a...
Nov 29, 2021•53 min
Dorsey Ross is a public speaker and podcaster. He was born with Apert’s Syndrome. Today, Dorsey shares his parent’s choice to nurture and support him, going to college when many didn’t think he could, and becoming a speaker and podcaster. Dorsey’s story is full of challenges that he’s overcome with God’s help. His spirit will encourage you to face your challenges, too. Listen to Dorsey’s story now! Stories Dorsey shared: Growing up in Queens, New York Being born with Apert's Syndrome His parent’...
Nov 22, 2021•35 min
Christa Hutchins equips busy communicators and leaders with project management and problem solving skills so they can turn their big ideas into a successful ministry or business. Today, Christa shares how she experienced her faith as just one part of her life, how a public failure taught her humility, and how that led her to new opportunities. She also shares how she learned to use her gifts to help others bring their dreams to life. Christa’s story reminds us that God uses failure to refine us....
Nov 15, 2021•44 min
Travis Johnson is an active duty officer in the United States navy and the host of the Nonprofit Architect Podcast. Today, Travis shares about moving dozens of times as a child because of his mom’s mental illness. He also shares how he felt the Lord’s presence, got out of the abusive situation, and found stability in the Navy. Travis has found a way to give back by enabling and supporting nonprofit organizations through podcasting and his own service. Travis’s story reminds us that the Lord can ...
Nov 08, 2021•44 min
Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two teen girls, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility. Today, Tiffany shares how she went her own, self-destructive way as a teenager, and the dramatic steps her parents took to get her back. She also shares how she became a surrogate mom, and the calling the Lord gave her to help others bring their dreams to life. Tiffany’s story reminds us that no matter where you are, God has plans for you if you’ll onl...
Nov 01, 2021•41 min
Scott Distler is an author and the lead pastor of an Evangelical Free church in Northern Michigan. Today, Scott shares about the mentors who shaped him, how a betrayal sent him into a dark time, and the steps he took to get out of it. Scott learned to slow down and make space for his relationship with God in the difficult season and he shares those lessons. Scott’s story reminds us that our identity must come from who Jesus says we are not our accomplishments. Listen to Scott’s story now! Storie...
Oct 25, 2021•45 min
Alicia Michelle is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster and certified NeuroCoach. Known as the Mindset Makeover Coach, she equips Christian women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools so they know HOW to renew their minds in order to overcome negative thinking and cultivate godly confidence. Today, Alicia shares how campus ministry changed her life, the health crisis that made her reevaluate, and what she has learned about renewing your mind in a godly way. Alicia’s story reminds us tha...
Oct 18, 2021•55 min
John Ramstead is a keynote speaker and trainer, former combat Navy fighter pilot, leadership coach, international podcast host and bestselling author of On Purpose with Purpose–Discovering How to Live Your Best Life. Today, John shares about losing his dream of being a Top Gun pilot, the accident that nearly killed him, and the process of healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. John discovered that the Lord w0uld provide and give him a new identity. John’s story reminds us that God works ...
Oct 11, 2021•55 min
Dr. Heather Thompson Day is a speaker, writer, author of 7 books including her latest It's Not Your Turn . Today, Heather shares how her faith changed when she broke off an engagement and decided to wait on the Lord. She tells how she learned to listen to her feelings but not let them drive her and why she is striving to be more present in her interactions. Through it all, Heather has experienced the Lord guiding, directing, and providing unexpectedly. Heather’s story reminds us that sometimes o...
Oct 04, 2021•43 min
Traci Rhoades is an author, blogger, and Bible teacher. Today, Traci shares her early curiosity with hands on faith, why a humanities class opened her up to more Christian traditions, and how reading more widely led her deeper. She also shares why she wrote her book Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost . Traci’s story teaches us that different traditions give us fresh understanding of our ancient faith. Listen to Traci’s story now! Stories Traci shared: How her blog opened her up to new tra...
Sep 20, 2021•59 min
Joe Pomeroy is a businessman, speaker, and author. Today, Joe shares how he came to the end of himself when his marriage was breaking down, what he did to get help, and how he learned to accept grace. Now, Joe helps men apply what they know from business to their family in order to become the fathers and husbands they want to be. Joe’s story reminds us that even when we feel no worth, Jesus still finds us valuable. Listen to Joe’s story now! Stories Joe shared: How he became a family leadership ...
Sep 13, 2021•45 min
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, author, and fellow podcaster. Today, Michelle shares about struggling with depression and anxiety, how she worked so hard she made herself sick, and the practice that helped her trust the Lord with everything. She also shares how to train your brain to think positively and let God’s Word give us identity instead. Michelle’s story reminds us that the Lord nevers wastes our pain. Listen to Michelle’s story now! Stories Michelle...
Sep 06, 2021•48 min
Cliff Haddox is a pastor and TikToker (@RevnGeek). Today, we talk about his TikTok, why he started it, and how the platform has influenced his ministry. Cliff also shares the dangerous prayer he prayed, why community is so great in seminary, and the struggle of being unwanted at his church. We also talk about ways to engage people online during Sunday services. Cliff’s story reminds us that God is always leading when we’re open to following him. Listen to Cliff’s story now! Stories Cliff shared:...
Aug 30, 2021•57 min
Janell Wood is the podcaster behind Finding Something Real . Today, Janell shares about the youth pastor who served as a great example of God’s love, when she wrestled with a sinful relationship, and how the Lord met her through a series of miscarriages. Janell learned to trust the Lord with each experience and finally accepted that he gets to choose who she becomes. Her podcast serves young women with questions about faith by making them part of the conversation. Janell’s story reminds us that ...
Aug 24, 2021•53 min
Jeff Brown is an award winning radio producer and personality, who launched his podcast in 2013. He is the host of Read to Lead and just published his first book of the same title. Today, Jeff shares how the Lord provided a job and moved him into Christian radio, how dark moments motivate him to draw closer to the Lord, and why he started Read to Lead. He also shares why reading is such a valuable habit that you cannot afford to miss out on. Jeff’s story reminds us that learning is an essential ...
Aug 16, 2021•49 min
Erica Wiggenhorn a speaker and author of three Bible studies including her most recent, Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck & How Surrender Sets You Free . Today, Erica shares how she learned to enjoy studying the Bible, how she learned the difference between faith and trust, and the moment she realized that God is enough for her. Erica also takes us through some painful moments when the Lord shaped her identity. Erica’s story reminds us that the Lord will always lead even th...
Aug 10, 2021•55 min
Mark Brownson is a pastor and author. Mark’s recently published book is Honesty, A Believer’s Struggle with Prayer and Faith . Today, Mark shares his struggle to teach himself to read, achieving his dream to go to seminary, and his experience pastoring churches. Through it all, Mark has wrestled with God in prayer with an honesty seldom found among God’s people. Mark’s story reminds us that the Christian life is one of being with God even when it’s not easy. Listen to Mark’s story now! Stories M...
Aug 02, 2021•49 min
Shā Sparks is the CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Sparks of Fire International, a Certified Fearless Living Coach and Trainer, host of The Power of Investing in People Podcast, and Co-Founder of #FIRESTARTERS Book Project. Today, Shā shares how she spent much of her life without love and waiting to die, how she broke up with alcohol, and why she decided to pray for herself. Shā also tells us how God led her into her calling helping other as a coach. Her story reminds us that learning to receiv...
Jul 26, 2021•49 min
Chuck DeGroat is professor of pastoral care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and author of When Narcissism Comes to Church. Today, Chuck shares about dealing with anxiety his entire life, pursuing a life of influence, and how stepping back from that helped him find wholeness. Chuck also discusses the brokenness that so many pastors experience and how we can facilitate wholeness. Chuck’s story reminds us that honesty is the key to walking with the Lord. Listen to Chuck’s...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 5 min
