In this episode, Ken, Barney, and Jacob sit down with Steve Kalmeyer, a passionate volunteer in prison ministry whose journey of faith, empathy, and personal transformation leads him into Oklahoma's correctional centers. Steve shares how COVID sparked his call to serve, how authentic presence breaks down barriers, and why donuts, eye contact, and showing up truly matter. His stories, ranging from Thanksgiving invitations to movie nights and heartfelt conversations, highlight the humanity of thos...
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 25
In this episode, Ken, Barney, and Jacob dive into themes of longing, meaning, and spiritual mystery through the lens of an unforgettable fish story from Northern Exposure Season 5, Episode 18.
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Join Ken, Barney and Jacob as they share personal memories and highlights from their visits to Portland, Oregon, exploring iconic spots like the Japanese Gardens, Powell's Bookstore, alongside unique local events.
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 23
It’s that time of year—school’s out! In this episode, we chat about what the end of the school year means for students, teachers, and parents. We share stories from both sides of the classroom, dive into cultural differences between Japan and the US, and talk about why a good summer break matters for everyone. Come join us for reflections, laughs, and a little nostalgia about those last-day-of-school vibes.
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Romance author Liz Johnson joins Ken and Barney to talk about her writing journey and the inspiration behind her Red Door Inn series. They explore her shift from romantic suspense to modern romance, the influence of real-life experiences on her characters, and how setting her stories in Prince Edward Island shapes everything.
May 17, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Ken, Barney, and Jacob sit down with bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher to explore the story behind her new book, "Capture the Moment" and her deep love for storytelling, nature, and national parks. Suzanne shares insight into her character development process, the unique challenge of writing novellas, and how curiosity and reader engagement shape her stories.
May 02, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 20
In this Easter Sunday episode, Barney and Jacob explore Luke 24:1-12 and the breathtaking moment when the followers of Jesus arrive at the empty tomb. What does it mean to live in light of this moment and how might resurrection shape our priorities, expectations, and hope?
Apr 19, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Barney and Jacob speak with author and photographer Meshali Mitchell about her journey of restoration and how she sees God at work in the world. From rebuilding her historic farmhouse to capturing beauty through her lens, Meshali reflects on how broken places can become sacred spaces. Her upcoming book, Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming Our Broken Places (Revell; April 15, 2025; $34.99; Cloth; ISBN 9780800746209; Ebook ISBN 9781493448579), invites readers into a deeper exploration of...
Apr 10, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Barney and Jacob share their favorite moments from the Nintendo Museum in Japan, including rare consoles, interactive exhibits, and tips for anyone hoping to visit this one-of-a-kind destination.
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this episode, Barney and Ken talk with authors Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron about their journey as mentor and friend in the writing world. Lauraine reflects on her early publishing experiences, the role of editors, and the historical research behind her novels, while Kiersti shares how teaching internationally and living near the Navajo reservation shaped her storytelling. Together, they discuss their collaboration, the themes of Land of Dreams, and the challenges of crafting complex c...
Mar 31, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 16
What draws us to love stories? What makes them resonate so deeply? In this episode, we talk with Patricia Johns, a gifted author whose novels explore the beauty, struggles, and redemptive power of love. We discuss her passion for writing, the inspiration behind her stories, and how faith shapes her portrayal of relationships.
Mar 12, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Barney and Jacob sit with Psalm 119, reflecting on its beauty, depth, and what inspires them most about this powerful passage of Scripture.
Feb 22, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode, Barney and guest host Jason chat with author Jill Eileen Smith about bringing biblical figures to life through storytelling, balancing historical accuracy with imagination, and how faith and perseverance shape the writing journey. Don't miss her latest release, Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story!
Feb 17, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Join us for a conversation with historical romance author Laura Frantz as we explore the art of bringing history to life, the research that fuels her storytelling, and the personal connections that shape her work. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her books, you won’t want to miss this discussion.
Jan 31, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Barney and Jacob discuss smarter ways for saving and spending, budgeting for new tech, and managing impulse buying.
Jan 28, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Join Barney, Jacob, and special guest Jennifer Deibel, author of A Dance in Donegal and The Lady of Galway Manor, for a fascinating discussion on the themes, inspirations, and cultural connections in her Irish-inspired novels. Jennifer shares how she weaves faith, family, and the idea of "home" into her stories while highlighting the beauty and complexities of Irish culture. Plus, hear an exclusive preview of her upcoming novel, Heart of the Glen, releasing January 21, 2025.
Jan 19, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Barney and Jacob reflect on foundations of the Anabaptist Community and its continued relevance.
Jan 13, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Ken, Barney, and Jacob display their favorite ties and shares meaningful stories associated with them.
Dec 17, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Gather 'round the fireplace as we dive into the magic of holiday films! In this episode, we discuss Christmas movies that hold a special place in our hearts and celebrate the season with a dose of festive fun!
Dec 10, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this special episode, we sit down with bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher to discuss the creative journey behind her fiction and the role of faith, family, and curiosity in her storytelling. Suzanne shares the inspirations drawn from her grandfather's heritage, her reflections on balancing writing with raising four kids, and the heart behind her beloved characters. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and join us for an insightful conversation that explores themes of forgiveness, simplicity, bea...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Barney and Jacob explore influential passages from the Bible that have impacted their lives.
Oct 26, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Barney and Jacob take themselves on a walk alongside pets old and new.
Oct 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Ken, Barney, and Jacob uncover the importance of community as it relates to Jewish practices of mourning, family feuds, and a yearly dance competition.
Oct 03, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Barney and Jacob delve into random icebreaker questions to learn unexpected things about each other.
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 2
Barney and Jacob share pictures and stories about their summer vacations and highlight some fun activities and memorable meals.
Sep 20, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Barney and Jacob look back at their podcasting journey and share hopes for the future beyond their 100th episode.
Sep 13, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Barney and Jacob explore the deeper meaning of biblical words for "living rightly" and how they relate to modern life.
Sep 07, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Barney and Jacob share about their experiences at the local county fair.
Aug 29, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Barney and Jacob talk about the city of Narita and the mutual sense of gratitude in helping others.
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Ken, Barney, and Jacob uncover how the impending birth of a child connects members of the community in Cicely, Alaska.
Jun 14, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 22
