Send us a text In this episode, I’m excited to introduce you to Naeem Fazal, a man whose incredible journey from a Muslim upbringing in Pakistan to a transformative encounter with Christ in the United States is nothing short of inspiring. Naeem moved to the U.S. in 1992 after the Gulf War, and that same year, he had a powerful, supernatural experience with Jesus that forever changed his life. In this episode, Naeem shares parts of his remarkable story and how God’s intervention redirected his pa...
Aug 23, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text If you have never seen any of the I Am Second short films, you are missing out! I Am Second is about story; real stories of life transformation that happens by putting God first and living second. Joining me for this episode is the Executive Director, Mike Jorgensen. He has such great insights into the short films that have had such a wide appeal, but the accompanying resources as well. From their website: It all began as an experiment. We wanted to challenge the status-quo in peo...
Aug 16, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text You wake up one morning and while you're catching up on your news feed and you see that a terrible storm hit in another part of the country; maybe you read a little further only to find that hundreds of people lost homes and priceless possessions. This is one of the times when Convoy of Hope quickly mobilizes and gets people, supplies, and equipment on the ground in that devastated area. If you've ever wondered what you can do to help when you feel unequipped to do so, you can hel...
Aug 09, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text One family death can send you reeling for a long time... imagine dealing with the passing of your father only to be followed by your younger brother just a few weeks later. Stephen Melniszyn dealt with this very thing earlier this year (2021). This discussion will give you some insights into what walking through that process did for his faith. Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10 *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join The...
Aug 02, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text In this powerful episode, we take you to Hildale, Utah—home of the Short Creek Dream Center, a ministry of healing and restoration located in the former residence of convicted FLDS cult leader Warren Jeffs. Though Jeffs has been imprisoned for years, the trauma and abuse he inflicted on the community still echo throughout the region. My guests, Luke and Konstance Merideth, now co-lead the Dream Center, transforming this once-dark place into a refuge of hope, healing, and redemptio...
Jul 26, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text One aspect of real wisdom is the understanding that you still have so much to learn. As a follower of Christ, I am more than a little embarrassed that I have just recently started a real concerted effort to read the bible on a daily basis. Like so many other things, it wasn't easy getting started, but now it is a good habit that I so enjoy! Does it seem like getting to know God is just too hard? Does so much of the bible just seem to go over your head? You are not alone. This is a...
Jul 19, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Jason Romano, host of The Sports Spectrum Podcast and former producer at ESPN. For 17 years, Jason lived the dream, working with some of the biggest names in college and professional sports, as well as legendary sportscasters in the industry. But everything changed after a pivotal conversation with Coach Tony Dungy, which shifted Jason’s perspective and led him to pursue a higher calling. Now, he uses his extensive experience in sports media to hig...
Jul 12, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text Ray De La Nuez grew up with the understanding that manhood was based on notching countless, meaningless encounters with women and a carefree party lifestyle. It wasn't until he had a near panic attack on a San Diego beach that he realized in a moment that his trajectory was going nowhere. He knew he needed God, even though he had no idea what that looked like at the time. While he will be the first to tell you that he has not mastered it yet, he strives to live in the calling to b...
Jul 05, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text Joining me today is author and speaker, Tabitha Caplinger . She shares some insights on her own writing process as well as the importance of being vulnerable enough to share your own story. *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join The Nook Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media: @Murphy24p Instagram and Twitter Support the show Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected] Join The Nook Facebook page ! Steven's Social ...
Jun 28, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text It has been said that marriage is the hardest job you may ever have; to stay with it takes work, patience, and endless grace. Seth and Melanie Studley have been through the fire with some immense marital challenges. But rather than give up and walk away, they chose to show up, own their own messes, and do the hard work necessary to have a great marriage. They will be the first to tell you that they are far from perfect on this topic, but they have chosen to make helping others wit...
Jun 21, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text Over 21 years ago, Pat Bradley took a life-changing trip to South Sudan that opened his eyes to the devastating effects of extreme poverty and hunger. What started as a simple effort, distributing two-pound bags of rice, has grown into Crisis Aid International , a global humanitarian organization now serving people in 11 countries. In this powerful episode, Pat shares how Crisis Aid has expanded to include a pediatric malnutrition clinic in East Africa and a safe house for women r...
Jun 14, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text While mental health is mentioned with more frequency these days, I'm becoming more convinced that a mere awareness of anxiety, depression, and the effects isn't enough. All too often, we look the other way when it comes to having tough conversations with friends and family who seem to be on a downward spiral. Add a global pandemic to the mix of an already stressed out world and the isolation and panic that came with it just seems to escalate things all the more. My guest, Chad Dan...
Jun 07, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text The country of Israel is an amazing place to visit; I went in 2017 and it really gave me a whole new perspective on the bible. It gave me an awareness beyond what I had expected. I came across some great videos last year that were so good at giving insights into the connections between various locations in Israel and the scriptures. One of the hosts in those videos is Kayla Sprague; I believe that you will enjoy hearing some of her story and how she got involved with FIRM , The Fe...
May 31, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text Christian ministry is not for the faint of heart; no matter what aspect people work in, there will be unthinkable challenges. Ask anyone who has ever volunteered at their church or been on a church or para-church staff about their time spent and you will likely find stories of personal challenges, misunderstandings, and burnout. My guest today has lived in all of that and then some. But rather than walk away from her faith, as so many others have done, Brandy Verner chose to do so...
May 24, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text It seems that there is rarely a shortage of voices that want to motivate you or pump you up. What you will find in Justin Keller is an encouraging voice that comes from some adversity; but rather than dwell on that adversity he views the hardships as luxuries, choosing to learn from the hard times instead of getting stuck in them. Justin's Instagram *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join The Nook Facebook page ! Steven's Social M...
May 17, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text With over three decades of experience in television, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for those who dedicate their careers to the industry. In this episode, I sit down with longtime TV host, reporter, and anchor Andrea Robinson. Andrea began her journey at Fox10 in Phoenix, Arizona, as an intern fresh out of college and went on to spend more than 14 years as a traffic reporter, feature reporter, and eventually, a co-host of one of the most successful morning shows in Phoenix his...
May 10, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text I have been blessed to meet and work with some amazing people over the years. Neal Hopson is one such individual. He's a radio disc jockey , choreographer, and an emcee, as well as a husband and father. He's not only a multi-faceted professional, he's a deep thinker and a life long learner. Neal has a deep understanding of who he is and what a great responsibility he has with his voice and presence on a radio station with great reach, not only in his home market of St. Louis, Miss...
May 03, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text I think we can all agree that many of our personal relationships can lack a certain depth, especially when we get into a discussion of real discipleship; realizing that we could benefit from spending time with people who can ask us the hard questions. My guest in the Episode is Tracy Sullivan . Her book, Small Batch Discipleship , is a great read for those looking to take relationships to a whole new level. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good work...
Apr 26, 2021•25 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text When you meet someone, are you taking the time to know what really makes them tick? Realizing that each person has unique gifts and talents that serve as a means to connect with others. Phil Cooke joins me in this episode to discuss how to be more intentional with the people that we meet. Phil's website . My Video: Most Advertising Sucks *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join The Nook Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media: @Murph...
Apr 19, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text When I was a kid, I won a free album on a radio call in contest. I got to visit the radio station to pick up my prize and seeing all of the technical gear and feeling the atmosphere there made me want to be a radio DJ so badly! Obviously, my career path went a different direction, but it still lives on in the form of this podcast. In this episode, we meet Dan Arthur; he and his wife, Michelle, are the morning team at nationally syndicated Air1 Radio . This is a great conversation!...
Apr 12, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send us a text Pastor Tony Gilmore isn't just the leader at the St. Louis Dream Center, he is a success story of someone who was restored by God at the Dream Center. He has walked a brutal mile and now he serves people who are in the middle of very similar struggles. Check out what's happening at the St. Louis Dream Center *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join our Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media: @Murphy24p Instagram and Twitter Support ...
Apr 05, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text HE IS RISEN, YES- HE IS RISEN INDEED! Jesus' resurrection from the dead separates him from every other human to ever walk this earth. Today's Texts: Matthew 28:1-7 John 11:25 Philippians 3:10 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day this week and invite a friend to listen and discuss things with you! "Abba's Child" by Brennan Manning *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join in the discussion on The Nook Facebook page...
Apr 04, 2021•10 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text It is the day after Jesus was crucified and buried... I'm imagining that no one who knew him got any sleep the night before. Todays Text: Matthew 27:62-66 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day this week and invite a friend to listen and discuss things with you! *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join in the discussion on The Nook Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media: @Murphy24p Instagram and Twitter Support the ...
Apr 03, 2021•5 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text RECOMMENDATION: Headphones or earbuds for this episode. The last 48 hours of Jesus' life were a brutal prediction coming true, down to the last detail. In this episode, you are invited to be in a quiet place and contemplate all that Jesus endured on that eventful Friday. There are moments built in to give you time to process what you are hearing. Todays text is from select passages in Matthew 26 and 27 and Ephesian 3:14-19 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day th...
Apr 02, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text Life will bring you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and sometimes, it's hard to navigate with such extremes... unless you have Jesus right in the middle of it all with you. Todays Text: Matthew 20:17 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day this week and invite a friend to listen and discuss things with you! *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join in the discussion on The Nook Facebook page ! Social Medi...
Apr 01, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text When you are facing a very dark time, the most important thing to remember is to keep walking. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Today's text: Matthew 17:22-23 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day this week and invite a friend to listen and discuss things with you! Also; if you are in a dark time, check out this episode where I interviewed my ...
Mar 31, 2021•11 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text What would you do if a friend of yours suddenly started predicting the future, and it wasn't a very happy picture? You'd probably step in and correct him, right? Today's text: Matthew 16:21-16 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day this week and invite a friend to listen and discuss things with you! *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join in the discussion on The Nook Facebook page ! Social Media: @Murphy24p Insta...
Mar 30, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text Welcome to The Nook Podcast and a special week of daily episodes highlighting the last months and days of Jesus' life as we head into the Easter Weekend. Today's study centers around Matthew chapter 10 NLT and Mark 9:24 Read along in the YouVersion Bible App Join me each day this week and invite a friend to listen and discuss things with you! *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join in the discussion on The Nook Facebook page ! Ste...
Mar 29, 2021•9 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Send us a text Trey Van Camp is a church planter in Phoenix, AZ - He's also a husband, father of 3 beautiful girls, and he pours concrete to make ends meet. Being a young pastor in a new church is something he knew was in his future from the time he was 12 years old. He will be the first to tell you that he still has so much to learn but he is in it for the long haul. Trey's YOUTUBE channel His Instagram feed *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] J...
Mar 22, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send us a text Imagine seeing a life-long dream come to life... maybe it has happened for you. But just as it was really picking up momentum, it comes to an abrupt halt. In this episode, you get to meet Katie Peslis; she's got one of the most beautiful singing voices you will ever hear. She had only just begun to do a short tour as a Karen Carpenter tribute singer when all of the Covid madness started and sadly, shut all of that down. You'll appreciate Katie's heart to not let any of that mess u...
Mar 15, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 9