Send us a text In this episode, you will meet Josh &. Renae Bradley. They are the parents of four adoptive kids, each with their own set of challenges... some medical and some with mental issues. Josh and Renee will tell you that no matter what each of these kids is dealing with, they know that they were called to be the parents of these beautiful children. Josh and Renae are on the board of SOFT which tirelessly advocates for research innovations and new approaches to the search for treatme...
Mar 14, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Send us a text In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, I share a story that is very close to home—literally. You’ll hear powerful insights about how both my sister, Erin Smalley, and I were adopted, and how those early beginnings shaped our lives in meaningful ways. But that’s only the beginning. We also dive into the extraordinary journey of my niece’s adoption from China; a beautiful, faith-filled story of love, waiting, and God's perfect timing. It’s a reminder that adoption doesn’t ju...
Mar 07, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Send us a text Going solo for this one as we finish a series of shows on making regular, intentional bible study a good habit. I break down my own habits as a guideline for you. I hope that you have enjoyed this month of focus on the bible. Make sure that you are subscribed/following on your favorite podcast app. Please email me if you have any questions; [email protected] I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. –Psalm 119:11 Study to show yourself approved by...
Feb 28, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Send us a text A bonus episode! This is a valuable, previously unpublished portion of the conversation from this week's regular episode with Tim Shelton . Having a small group of people that you trust to speak into your life and to help you be accountable is so important. This extra bit of content will encourage you to find a circle of friends who will stir you up to love and good works. Check out the book from Seek Well, "Listen" Use the discount code EXP for 20% off! *** Support the show Quest...
Feb 24, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Send us a text In this episode, Tim Shelton from Seek Well returns to the show to talk about how our rhythms with God, spending time with God in the Word, and being intentional are so critical for a healthy relationship with Jesus. You will learn some key elements in starting your own healthy patterns of drawing in closer to God. Spiritual Rhythm; A disciplined, unhurried, effortless connection with Jesus that produces intimacy. Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get aw...
Feb 21, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Send us a text In this episode, I have gathered a small group of friends to discuss our own experiences in bible study habits. None of us claim to be an expert in this area; we're just people who love God and want to know him more. It's a good conversation that will encourage you to go deeper in your own pursuit of Jesus. Resources mentioned: Download the free YouVersion bible app " The Invitation to a Journey " by Robert Mulholland Tabitha Caplinger's Instagram feed My favorite bible; The New L...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Send us a text The Nook Podcast is one year old! Thank you so much to all of the subscribers! The whole month of February will be dedicated to discussing the importance of regular bible study; how we as believers can keep learning about the depths of God through consistent reading. In this episode, I'm happy to introduce you to Carrie Cristancho . She's a young wife, mom and graphic designer, and she's runs an Instagram account with more than 63,000 followers where she regularly shares what she'...
Feb 07, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Send us a text In this episode, we discuss the importance of godly, authentic, and vulnerable community with author, Justin Camp. Justin and Jennifer Camp are passionate about helping busy, modern men and women find ways to connect with God. With honest teaching about who He is and who we are, they try to write and create things that are beautiful and stirring, yet stripped-down and unpretentious. Justin's new book, RESCUE *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: steven@noo...
Jan 31, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Scott Wood—a devoted husband, father, and talented photographer from Bentonville, AR. More than 20 years ago, a single, unexpected panic attack landed him in the hospital. What was meant to be a short-term solution—a prescribed medication—quickly turned into a gripping addiction, making it an immense struggle to break free. Scott shares his powerful journey of battling dependency, the challenges of withdrawal, and the lessons he’s learned along th...
Jan 24, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Send us a text In this episode, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Chris Kuti—husband, father of three, and the Global Worship Pastor at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, TX. Chris brings incredible wisdom on maintaining the right priorities and embracing the reality that God’s calling isn’t always comfortable. Beyond his leadership in worship ministry, Chris has made a significant impact in Christian music. He has co-written songs featured on major label releases, including Cody Carnes' De...
Jan 17, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Send us a text In this episode I get to introduce you to author, Peyton Garland . Her book, Not So By Myself ; a safe space where God doesn't fix the loneliness, but sits with you instead. She shares so much of what happened in a very dark season of her life and how God met her at such a low point and helped her to navigate to a healthier place. Peyton's Instagram *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join our Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media:...
Jan 10, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Send us a text In this episode, I'd like to introduce a different way of approaching the new year. Scriptures discussed: Matt. 6:33 Psalm 42:1-3 Psalm 63:1 Luke 5:17-20 Mark 10:46-52 Matt. 9: 27-30 Nehemiah 8:10 Philippians 4:7 Philippians 4:13 Check out Martin Chalk's Music HERE God, we are desperate for you Jesus, we are desperate for you Holy Spirit, we are desperate for you *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join The Nook Facebook page ! Ste...
Jan 03, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Send us a text In this episode, we take a look back at a portion of a discussion with Andrea Robinson , former morning anchor at FOX10 in Phoenix, Arizona. Her decision to leave TV news was not an easy one, but she knew that God was changing the desires of her heart. (Check the full episode HERE ) Check out Andrea's Instagram feed . *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join our Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media: @Murphy24p Instagram and Twitte...
Dec 27, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Send us a text In this episode, we will take a look back at a conversation with Katie Peslis from March of 2021. (Full episode Here ) 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. Katie's WEBSITE and her INSTAGRAM *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join our Facebook page ! Steven's Social Media: @Murphy24p Instagram and Twitter If you app...
Dec 20, 2021•11 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Send us a text As this podcast has come together over the past year, I have met some incredible people and had some amazing conversations that I hope have added value to my growing audience. The full conversation was originally released on March 22, 2021. My friend Trey spoke so candidly about a season of hurt and loss in his family that I hope will encourage you. 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 en...
Dec 13, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Send us a text As this podcast has come together over the past year, I have met some incredible people and had some amazing conversations that I hope have added value to my growing audience. In this episode, we will take a look back at a very unexpected moment with Dan Arthur from Air1 Radio . He took time to be so open and vulnerable and I will never forget how good this discussion was. *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join our Facebook page ...
Dec 06, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Send us a text In this episode, we will check in with Neil Greathouse. He was on the show back in March of this year talking about the hard steps of planting a new church in the middle of a global pandemic. (Click HERE for that episode) Try as he might, the church was simply unsustainable and they had to shut it down. Neil shares some amazing insights on what it means to follow God, even when it seems to make no sense. Neil's podcast: Tyler and Neil Explain Everything Neil's Instagram *** Questi...
Nov 29, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Send us a text Thanksgiving is so much more than just another holiday on the calendar. In this episode, we will look at why gratitude is so important on a daily basis. Scriptures: 1 Timothy 2:1-5 Colossians 2:6-7 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Hebrews 13:15 Habakkuk 3:17-18 *** 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 If this show has added value to you, please consider financial su...
Nov 22, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Send us a text The world has been in upheaval for the better part of two years and that leaves many of us who consider ourselves as followers of Christ wondering what our faith looks like in the current climate. This episode features Pastor Josh Earls from Faith Community Church in House Springs, MO and Kyle Tilley, a marketing specialist in St. Louis, MO. Heading into the Christmas season, we are batting around the question, " How relevant is Jesus in the now? " and how do we live our lives in ...
Nov 15, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Send us a text In this episode of the Nook podcast, host Steven Murphy interviews Ron Hildreth, a retired high school teacher who taught photography and yearbook classes for 32 years. They discuss Ron's teaching career, his approach to teaching, and the role of faith in his life. Ron shares how he started teaching photography and the transition to digital photography. He also talks about the importance of trust and discipline in the classroom, and how he encouraged his students to find their own...
Nov 08, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Send us a text November officially marks the start of the holiday season and that means the inevitable gatherings; Thanksgiving, office parties, Christmas, New Years Eve... it can be a lot, and it can be stressful. I've asked Seth and Melanie Studley to come back and talk about the concepts of Family of Origin and how having a better understanding of how each of us is wired can help us navigate these times of getting together and the frictions that can arise. Check out the Studleys website HERE ...
Nov 01, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Send us a text This episode takes you behind the police crime scene tape into situations where people are in need of someone who can show great compassion and care. My guest, Jared Altic, is a chaplain with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. He's also a pastor at Wyandotte County Christian Church. Anyone in this kind of work has to rely on a calling to be present for people who might be dealing with their worst day ever, as well as being available to police officers who are in the trench...
Oct 25, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Send us a text In this episode, you will meet Josh Roberie . He started life as a kid who loved God so much that he was, quite literally, in church every time the doors opened. That continued into high school and college. After taking a position at his church as the youth pastor, he started to feel the affects of that constant pull to be involved and be present at everything that was happening at the church, and the more he was there, the less he was present for his family... and something had t...
Oct 18, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Send us a text Continuing with Pastor Appreciation Month: In this episode, you’ll hear about some of the toils of what it means to even consider planting a new church and the big changes that come for families. And even in the midst of following God, all new challenges will arise. I'm honored to introduce you to my friend, Ernest Smith. Check out Front Range Church *** Questions or comments about this or any episode: My email: [email protected] Join The Nook Facebook page ! Steven's Social ...
Oct 11, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Send us a text October is Pastor Appreciation Month and I will be having discussions with people that I have an immense amount of respect for. Starting things off with my friend, Brad Klassen. He's the pastor of Copper Hills Church in Peoria, Arizona. Brad was actually born and raised in Canada and had a successful career in construction and building materials before making a big shift into pastoral ministry. He and his wife, Elfie, have been leading Copper Hills since 1997. *** Questions or com...
Oct 04, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Send us a text Note: If you haven't listened to parts 1 and 2 of this series, it is highly advised that you do so; there is just so much context that sets up this episode. While marriage and family life brought Travis some peace and normalcy, he could only bury parts of his past for so long. Check out America's Mighty Warriors This is chapter 3 of a 3-part series here in The Nook. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn mo...
Sep 27, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Send us a text Note: If you haven't listened to part 1 of this series, it is highly advised that you do so; there is just so much context that sets up this episode. The injuries Travis received in combat forced an early exit from service and he did his best to meld back into some kind of normal life in returning to the United States. Attempts at pain management and PTSD would make that a difficult transition. This is chapter 2 of a 3-part series here in The Nook. *** National Suicide Prevention ...
Sep 20, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text Heads-up: Sensitive topics and sounds are featured in this episode. In this powerful episode, we kick off a 3-part series on The Nook Podcast by following Travis’s transformative journey from a young man inspired by war films, the guidance of a mentor, and the tragic events of September 11, 2001, to his decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 2002. With unwavering dedication, Travis trained and fought, fully aware of the sacrifices military service required. While ...
Sep 13, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text Just a short episode to tell you about what's coming up this month on The Nook Podcast. Starting September 13, I will have a 3 part series for you that I think you will really enjoy. Give this preview a listen and commit to being here for the next three weeks; this is an amazing 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 Free Give -Away! Leave a g...
Sep 06, 2021•6 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text We will call this the beginning of a semi-regular feature here in The Nook; "Pastors Are People Too" . Kicking it off is my friend, Josh Earls. He's the Lead Pastor of Faith Family Church in House Springs, MO, a church with long roots in the community, having been founded in 1965. Josh took the reins just 7 years ago and in some ways is still just getting started. I think you will enjoy his honest, candid ways of approaching how he leads and serves his people. *** Questions or com...
Aug 30, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 38
