PorchTalks: Recent Episodes
thePorch Missional Community
thePorch is a Missional Community from Long Island, New York. We are a group of believers who have a simple vision, that hope looks like home, and revival looks like family. PorchTalks are weekly conversations between friends tackling issues from racial tension, consumer church, missional faith, political ideologies, and more! We hope you'll join the conversation!
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We're so excited to announce the newest podcast from The Porch - Around the Table.
Around the Table is a discipleship podcast made up of moments from our House Church gatherings, Bible Studies, Community Conversations, and more!
If you're searching for more of Jesus, and looking for a community to take the journey with, Around the Table is for you!
So find it now on all major streaming platforms and get ready for the first episode coming July 6th!
And get ready for season 2 of Sacred & Strange coming later this summer!
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For the first time this season, the hosts of Sacred & Strange are not the ones asking the questions.
In the Season One finale, the conversation turns as the team behind the podcast interviews Jay and Erinn Urena about faith, leadership, marriage, parenting, anxiety, calling, and the quiet places where God does His deepest work.
This episode is less concerned with answers and more focused on posture—questions that shape a life, silence that creates space, and stories that emerge not from performance, but from shared life and trust.
Throughout the conversation, themes of anxiety and peace, surrender and self-awareness, and the long work of spiritual formation come into view. Jason reflects on learning to release control and allow God to stand in places once held by striving, while Erinn shares about discernment, waiting, and recognizing God’s timing. Together, they speak candidly about ministry, family, discipleship, and the importance of presence over productivity.
Rather than serving as a highlight reel or a summary of accomplishments, this finale offers a pause—a listening posture shaped by honesty, relationship, and time at the table.
The Questions, The Silence, and The Stories That Find Us
closes Season One of Sacred & Strange with gratitude, humility, and room to breathe.
Season Two is coming soon.
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00:00 Introduction and Team Setup
02:52 The Art of Asking Questions
08:16 Impact of Questions on Personal Growth
14:25 Parenting and Passing Down Values
27:27 Challenges and Joys of Raising Pastor's Kids
36:31 Ministry Insights and Leadership Values
52:05 Balancing Family and Ministry
55:35 Dreaming with God: Future Plans
01:02:05 Prophetic Insights and Communication
01:29:20 Victory in Personal Struggles
01:37:15 Closing Thoughts and Prayers
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This Wednesday, Sacred & Strange closes out Season One.
For the first time, we’re not the ones asking the questions.
We’re sitting in them.
In this final episode, my wife and I are interviewed by our team—people who’ve shared the work, the table, the prayers, and the quiet moments in between. We talk about questions that shape us, the silence we often rush past, and the stories that don’t come from performance—but from shared life.
This isn’t a highlight reel.
It’s a pause.
A listening posture.
A conversation that lets the story find us.
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This episode marks the beginning of FOUNDATIONS, a teaching segment of Sacred & Strange created to build deep, lasting roots of faith rather than just host conversations. While many episodes on this podcast take the form of interviews and shared stories, FOUNDATIONS is where we slow down, open the Scriptures, and engage in intentional formation — teaching meant to shape identity, practice, and the way we live as followers of Jesus.
In The Temple, The Table, and The Family of God, we explore a central biblical truth often overlooked in modern conversations about revival: God’s plan has always been family. From the Garden of Eden, where humanity was formed as a priestly household, to the Temple where God dwelled among His people, to the Upper Room where the Spirit fell in a home, Scripture reveals a consistent pattern — revival is sustained not by events, platforms, or personalities, but by transformed people living in covenant relationship with one another.
This teaching traces the biblical story of sacred space and priesthood, showing how God’s presence moves from gardens, to tabernacles, to temples — and ultimately into homes and hearts. We look at how the tearing of the veil, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the language of adoption and sonship all point to the same reality: God is building a household, not just gathering a crowd.
FOUNDATIONS exists to help bridge belief and practice — to move theology from information into formation. These teachings are meant to ground faith, call believers into mature discipleship, and invite listeners to consider how revival begins not in conferences, but around tables, within families, and through lives surrendered to the way of Jesus.
Whether you’re a pastor, a parent, a leader, or someone longing for deeper roots, this episode invites you to reimagine revival as something we carry, something we live, and something we pass on.
00:00 Introduction and New Year's Greetings
00:26 Special Message from the Kingdom Convergence Conference
02:28 Opening Remarks and Prayer
04:35 Defining Revival and Its Importance
08:32 The Role of Family in Revival
11:48 Priestly Functions and Family
15:13 From Genesis to the Tabernacle: A Journey
18:54 Revival in the Old Testament
19:53 The Role of Family in Revival
20:52 Pentecost: The Culmination of Themes
22:56 Revival in the Home
24:51 Carrying Revival Within
26:29 Practical Steps to Embrace Revival
29:25 The Story of Zacchaeus
32:35 Revival Starts at Home
33:46 Personal Testimony and Final Thoughts
38:41 Closing Prayer
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What does it mean to carry a promise from God—and what does it require of us while we wait?
In this Advent-centered episode, Jay revisits a message shared with the Porch missional community, exploring the story of Mary in Luke 1 and what it teaches us about promise, favor, and faith. Advent isn’t just about waiting for Christmas—it’s about the coming of something God has spoken, something growing, something not yet seen.
Through Mary’s response, we’re invited to consider what it looks like to be pregnant with promise—to receive a word from God, to carry it faithfully through uncertainty, and to bring it into community where it can be confirmed and strengthened. From the angel’s announcement, to the quiet waiting, to the witness of Elizabeth and John, this conversation unpacks how God often works: depositing promise, forming it in hidden places, and revealing it through the Holy Spirit and the people around us.
If you’ve ever sensed God speaking something over your life—a calling, a dream, a new season—but felt unsure how to steward it, this episode is an invitation to slow down, lean in, and trust the process.
Because God’s promises aren’t just meant to be heard—they’re meant to be carried, witnessed, and brought to life.
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings
00:24 Reloaded Episode: Message on Mary and Advent
02:13 Understanding Advent and Promise
04:09 The Annunciation: Mary's Encounter with Gabriel
06:29 Mary's Response and Reflection
11:51 Mary Visits Elizabeth: Confirmation of the Promise
13:46 Community and Partnership in Promise
18:00 Reflection and Group Activity
29:09 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
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⚠️ Content Warning:
This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.
Some stories don’t begin with calling — they begin with survival.
In this deeply moving episode of Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with Steve and Brandyn Gipe, longtime friends and the founders of Cedar Refuge, a nonprofit building safe, long-term homes for young survivors of human trafficking—specifically boys ages 6–18 and girls ages 6–10, two of the most overlooked demographics in the system.
Together, they trace the long road from broken beginnings to redemptive purpose.
Steve shares his journey from a rigid, legalistic upbringing, through rebellion, addiction, and a radical roadside encounter with God that redirected his life toward loving and shepherding at-risk youth. Brandyn opens up about growing up amid instability, domestic violence, abandonment, and emotional shutdown—and how God preserved her, healed her, and shaped her heart for vulnerable children.
This conversation explores:
What it means to be lost—and unseen
How people are found through love, presence, and obedience
Why some are called to become a refuge for others
The heartbreaking gaps in care for trafficked children in America
Why there are currently no residential homes for male trafficking victims and none for victims under 10
How Cedar Refuge is responding by building something that doesn’t yet exist
This is not a polished testimony episode.
It’s raw. Honest. Pastoral. And hopeful.
It’s about saying yes when God asks you to stand in the gap—especially when the cost is high and the work is heavy.
If you’ve ever wondered how personal pain can become purpose…
If you’ve ever felt burdened for the overlooked…
If you’ve ever asked what faith looks like when it moves toward suffering instead of away from it…
This episode is for you.
☕ Special Note:
To support Cedar Refuge, 100% of proceeds from coffee sales on release day and the following day are being donated directly to their mission.
Head over to www.theporchny.com for more info!
00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guests
00:39 Fundraising for Cedar Refuge
02:41 Welcome to Sacred and Strange
03:10 Steve and Brandyn's Backgrounds
07:29 Steve's Early Life and Challenges
09:01 Moving to Ohio and New Beginnings
22:15 Steve's Encounter with the Lord
30:39 Starting a Nonprofit and Youth Work
36:45 Pursuing a Purpose Beyond College
37:09 Empathy for the Shooters
37:58 A Calling to Help At-Risk Youth
39:14 Journey to California
41:53 A Life-Changing Encounter at the Border
45:11 Starting a New Job and Meeting Erin
49:45 Brandyn's Early Life and Family Struggles
01:04:41 Moving to Arkansas and Experiencing Racism
01:10:06 Returning to California and Finding Stability
01:15:20 Joining the Choir and Finding a Team
01:16:25 Introduction to Movies and Choir
01:17:30 Science Class Confrontation
01:18:48 Youth Group and Mission Trips
01:19:46 Miraculous Healing Stories
01:23:05 Life-Changing Uganda Trip
01:29:04 Discovering Human Trafficking
01:32:36 Founding Cedar Refuge
01:39:34 Vision and Future Plans
01:47:11 Call to Action and Conclusion
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Some stories don’t start clean.
They start broken. Lost. Complicated.
In this episode of Sacred & Strange, I sit down with Steve & Brandyn Gipe to talk about the long road from pain to purpose — stories shaped by fractured childhoods, radical encounters with God, and a calling to stand in the gap for kids the world often overlooks.
We talk about what it means to be lost, what it looks like to be found, and why some people are called to become a refuge for others.
This conversation is raw, redemptive, and deeply human — and it points to the kind of faith that shows up when things are messy, not polished.
🎧 The Lost, The Found, and The Refuge
Full episode drops next Wednesday on YouTube and all major streaming platforms.
⚠️ Content Warning:
This episode includes discussion of traumatic experiences, including domestic violence and human trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.
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What does it really mean to be the Bride of Christ?
In this special throwback episode, Jay and Levi crack open one of the most powerful—yet most misunderstood—ideas in the entire biblical story: Covenant.
This isn’t a sermon. It’s a raw, unscripted conversation about the kind of relationship God invites us into…
Not a surface-level “Sunday Christian” thing, but a life-on-life, blood-bound, transformational covenant that stretches from Abraham to Jesus and all the way into our everyday lives.
Jay and Levi explore:
- Why being “the Bride” is far deeper than a metaphor
- How covenant always requires cost, commitment, and pursuit
- Why God is the ultimate Bridegroom who comes after us first
- How church culture has shaped (and sometimes distorted) our view of covenant
- What it looks like to die to ourselves in relationship—just like a real marriage
- And how Jesus embodies both the Bridegroom and the blueprint of the Bride
This episode will challenge the way you see church, community, and your walk with Jesus.
It’s intimate. It’s theologically rich. And it’s the perfect kickoff to a series that asks the question:
If we’re the Bride… are we living like it?
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:15 Throwback to Old Recordings
00:47 Upcoming Episodes and Announcements
02:13 Introduction to The Bride Series
03:17 Porch Talks: A New Way of Conversation
04:54 Understanding Covenant and The Bride of Christ
07:02 Personal Experiences and Church Culture
13:32 The Biblical Perspective on Covenant
20:01 The Cost of Covenant and Transformation
26:40 Challenges and Observations in Church Culture
31:48 Exploring Faith and Community
32:18 The Importance of Church Community
34:33 Covenant with Christ and His Bride
36:27 Biblical Narratives of Covenant
43:21 Jesus: The Fulfillment of Covenant
54:41 Risk and Commitment in Faith
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Sacred & Strange, Ray Sullivan sits down with Jay to share a story that feels like a modern-day parable—raw, honest, and marked by the unmistakable fingerprints of God.
Ray grew up in church, but not the kind you easily forget. He talks candidly about the dogmatic rules, the church split that fractured families, and the disillusionment that pushed him away. What followed was a whirlwind of rebellion: drifting through bars, new-age circles, the occult, and years of running from the faith he once knew.
But even in the chaos, God never stopped chasing him.
Ray opens up about the long season of “doing life his own way,” the spiritual confusion he didn’t realize he was walking into, and the gut-level honesty he eventually had to bring before God. And then—he shares the moment everything changed. A random Facebook livestream. A worship gathering in his hometown. A presence he couldn’t deny. Tears he couldn't stop. And a God who didn’t just welcome him back… but revealed the calling on his life.
Ray’s journey is one of rebellion, deconstruction, rediscovery, discipleship, and consecration. He talks about:
- The impact of growing up in a divided church
- Running with the wrong crowd and spiritual danger he didn’t recognize
- The long stretch where he refused to step foot in a church
- The hunger that returned out of nowhere
- The encounter that broke him wide open
- The beauty of community that actually reflects Jesus
- The call of God that keeps echoing over his life
- What it really means to be a disciple—not just a believer
This episode is full of wisdom, humor, vulnerability, and holy moments. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned with church, wrestled with faith, or wondered if you can really come home after drifting far away—Ray’s story is going to speak straight to your heart.
This is an episode about rebellion… about redemption… and about the Presence that never stops pursuing us.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:23 Ray's Early Life and Faith Journey
02:29 Teenage Years and Family Influence
03:46 Struggles with Faith and Personal Growth
07:51 Reconnecting with Church and Marriage
10:05 Joining the Journey Church
16:02 Discovering Home Church
18:39 Building Community and New Beginnings
35:45 The Refining Path and Life's Call
36:31 Consecration and Favor
38:40 Samuel's Story and Consecration
42:41 Church Hurt and Personal Growth
53:17 Discipleship and Following Jesus
57:26 Creative and Entrepreneurial Journey
01:04:28 Parenting and Repentance
01:09:36 Final Reflections and Prayer
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This week on Sacred & Strange, we sit down with Ray Sullivan—a man whose story feels like a whole book of the Bible packed into one life. From running with the wrong crowd to wrestling with church hurt, to unexpectedly breaking down in the middle of a worship livestream, Ray’s journey is raw, honest, and full of the fingerprints of God.
In this preview, Ray opens up about his early years drifting through bars, occult circles, and a faith he kept at arm’s length… until the Presence broke in. What followed was a radical reshaping of his life: deconstruction with Jesus, rediscovering authentic community, and learning what it truly means to be a disciple.
If you’ve ever felt lost, burnt out, disillusioned, or unsure where you stand with God, this story is going to hit deep.
The full episode drops this Wednesday.
Get ready — this one’s vulnerable, powerful, and absolutely soaked in the nearness of God.
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This week on Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with Joe Johnson—the family court judge who looks like Santa Claus and talks like a man who has actually wrestled with God. From the bench to the Bible, Joe pulls back the curtain on what justice really looks like when you’re dealing with real families, real failures, and real heartbreak.
He opens up about the loss of his brother, the guilt that nearly crushed him, and the shocking way God broke through the grief. Joe talks spiritual warfare, Holy Spirit nudges, prophetic dreams, and even the exorcism he’ll never forget. But he also talks about compassion in the courtroom, why mercy is not weakness, and why following Jesus means choosing responsibility over excuses.
It’s raw. It’s honest. It’s surprisingly funny. And it’s a conversation that will leave you rethinking justice, grief, calling—and maybe even Santa Claus.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:34 Joe Johnson's Background and Career
03:14 Journey into Family Law
10:04 Faith and Professional Life
19:52 Personal Loss and Faith Rediscovery
33:22 Ecumenical Work and Alpha Program
36:47 Questioning Faith and Catholicism
37:10 Understanding Sainthood and Idolatry
38:15 Reverence in Catholicism vs. Charismatic Churches
39:02 Evangelism and Denominational Differences
40:22 Dreams and Divine Conversations
42:21 Writing and Sharing Personal Faith
47:53 Exorcism Experience
54:26 Understanding Evil and Blame
59:41 Relationship with the Holy Spirit
01:06:43 Books and Christmas Message
01:09:10 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts
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Next Wednesday, Sacred & Strange gets wild. Jay sits down with family-court judge, author, and honorary Santa-lookalike Joe Johnson for a conversation that swings from the courtroom to the supernatural—and somehow lands right in the heart of Jesus.
In this preview, Joe opens up about the kind of justice you never see on TV, the grief that nearly broke him after losing his brother, and the moment God stepped into the story with a kind of mercy he didn’t expect. You’ll hear about prophetic dreams, spiritual warfare, the hardest parts of judging people fairly, and why Joe says he’s more of a “sheepdog” than a shepherd.
It’s raw, funny, challenging, and filled with the kind of honesty that Sacred & Strange is all about.
The Courtroom, The Savior, and The Santa Claus w/ Joe Johnson — dropping next Wednesday.
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Trigger Warning: Child Loss, Grief, Trauma
This week on Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with his close friend, Rip Wahlberg, for an honest, vulnerable, and deeply sacred conversation about walking through unimaginable grief. This episode includes a trigger warning: we discuss the death of Rip and Annemarie’s young son, Aiden, who tragically drowned in 2008. If this topic is tender or activating for you, please listen with care or wait until you feel ready.
Rip opens his heart to share the story no parent ever wants to tell—how their son’s accident unfolded, the immediate shock that shattered their world, and the long, painful journey that followed. But this isn’t just a story about loss. It’s a story about grief, healing, emotional honesty, spiritual formation, community, and the faithfulness of God in the places we least expect it.
Throughout the conversation, Jay and Rip explore:
- The moment life changed forever and what those first hours and days were really like
- How Rip and Annemarie processed grief differently, and why both paths were valid
- Why avoiding pain traps us—and walking into pain with God sets us free
- How vulnerability, therapy, community, and Scripture shaped their healing
- The danger of spiritual bypassing, clichés, and “speaking truth to pain”
- Identity, guilt, shame, and idolatry—and how false beliefs can become prisons
- Why God can handle your anger, your questions, your honesty, and your breaking
- How their children processed the loss, even those too young to remember
- What redemption and restoration really look like 15+ years later
- Why testimony matters, and how sharing their scars now brings hope to others
Despite the heaviness of the story, this episode radiates hope. Rip and his family didn’t bypass the valley—they walked through it. And what emerges on the other side is a tender, hard-won testimony of a God who meets us in grief, sits with us in sorrow, and leads us—slowly—into healing.
If you’re carrying pain, trauma, or loss, this episode may be difficult, but it may also be deeply validating. You’re not alone. Your grief matters. And there is a way forward.
00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
01:47 Welcoming Rip Wahlberg
02:51 Rip's Tragic Story Begins
04:26 The Drowning Incident
05:50 Immediate Aftermath and Community Support
19:39 Therapy and Coping Mechanisms
25:31 Reflections on Grief and Healing
34:11 Theological Insights on Pain and Comfort
43:33 Cultural and Generational Perspectives on Grief
46:32 Introduction to Grief and Faith
48:03 Exploring the Retribution Principle
52:16 The Story of Job and Human Suffering
01:02:56 Idolatry and Inner Healing
01:11:31 Family Testimonies and Healing
01:25:27 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
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“Shattered: The Tragedy, the Truth, and the God Who Stays w/ Rip Wahlberg”
Full episode drops next Wednesday.
This week’s preview comes with a trigger warning: we’re stepping into a story of unimaginable loss — the sudden passing of a child.
In this trailer, Jay gives listeners a raw glimpse into next Wednesday’s conversation with Rip Wahlberg, a father who walked through every parent’s worst nightmare… and somehow found God waiting in the middle of the wreckage.
You’ll hear pieces of Rip’s journey — the phone call that shattered their world, the grief that nearly swallowed them, and the surprising ways God met their family in the pain. It’s honest, vulnerable, and sacred.
This isn’t an episode about tidy answers.
It’s about truth, trauma, healing, and a God who doesn’t run from our darkness — He sits with us in it.
If you’ve ever walked through grief…
If you’ve ever questioned God in suffering…
If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible after tragedy…
This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
“Shattered: The Tragedy, the Truth, and the God Who Stays” premieres next Wednesday.
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In this episode, Jay sits down with Aaron Dolce, co-pastor of The Rock of Roseville in California, for a vulnerable, hilarious, and deeply honest conversation about what it really means to live in community.
Aaron shares his story of growing up in a cessationist church, encountering the Holy Spirit for the first time at a youth camp, and discovering the messy beauty of the charismatic life. Together, he and Jay unpack how community forms us — and how isolation, gossip, and consumer Christianity quietly destroy the Church from within.
They dive into:
- Why revival starts with reconciliation
- The hidden dangers of Christian “witchcraft” (words that wound)
- How gossip and offense erode trust and unity
- Learning to love people — not just agree with them
- The supernatural power of communion, confession, and friendship
- And why joy, feasting, and celebration are spiritual disciplines
It’s raw, funny, challenging, and full of hope for what the Church can look like when we choose to stay connected — even when it costs us something.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:46 Aaron's Journey to Co-Pastor
08:36 The Impact of Youth Camp
13:15 Exploring Theological Backgrounds
21:00 Healing and the Supernatural
29:51 Challenges in Church Leadership
39:39 Mexican Food and Football
40:02 The Importance of Community in Healing
43:10 The Role of Vulnerability in Community
45:25 Co-Pastoring and Leadership
47:50 Joy and Healing in Community
01:00:25 The Impact of Gossip on Community
01:09:16 Miracles of Reconciliation
01:16:51 Prayer and Blessings
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Coming next Wednesday — Jay sits down with The Rock of Roseville co-pastor Aaron Dolce for a real and raw conversation on what it truly costs to live in community. From confronting gossip and burnout to rediscovering joy, friendship, and the presence of God in everyday life, this episode dives deep into why we can’t heal alone — and how communion with others might be the most supernatural thing we ever experience.
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In this heartfelt conversation, host Jay Urena sits down with friend and mentor Mike Stalker — a man whose quiet strength, wisdom, and faith have deeply shaped those around him. From growing up on a horse farm near Buffalo to leading global operations at GE and learning how to listen for God’s voice in the chaos, Mike shares a life marked by humility, discipline, and an ever-deepening communion with Jesus.
Through stories of family, career crossroads, and the simple practice of prayer in everyday moments, Mike invites listeners to see how God shows up in both the mundane and the miraculous. Whether it’s hearing his earthly father’s voice cheering him on in a crowded stadium or recognizing God’s gentle guidance through seasons of exhaustion and uncertainty, Mike reminds us that faith is less about a single mountaintop moment and more about a lifetime of conversation with our Creator.
This episode is equal parts wisdom and warmth — touching on themes of fatherhood, perseverance, obedience, leadership under pressure, and the beauty of learning to walk with God in every detail of life.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:44 Mike's Early Life and Family Background
04:58 Musical Journey and Career Choices
08:55 Faith and Personal Growth
16:48 Professional Challenges and Spiritual Insights
28:34 Influential Figures and Their Impact
30:33 Conversations with God in Daily Life
34:22 A Father's Love and Lessons
39:13 Navigating Faith and Church Community
49:55 Reflections on Bigfoot and the Unknown
52:24 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
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Next week on Sacred & Strange, we’re sitting down with Mike Stalker — a man whose steady faith and quiet wisdom have shaped everyone around him.
Before he was a mentor, a leader in the corporate world, or a voice on The Porch’s board, Mike was a kid from western New York who learned to ride horses, play bass, and run track — and whose father’s words, “Hold your form,” would one day echo through every season of his life.
Here's glimpse of the conversation — from Mike’s story of crying out to God in the middle of a career breakdown, to the lessons learned about leadership, endurance, and listening for the Father’s voice when life feels like a long race.
It’s a story about faith that isn’t flashy, about learning to trust through the process, and about discovering that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do… is just keep holding form.
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In this powerful continuation of his story, Dennis R. returns to Sacred & Strange to share the deeply human side of faith — where hope and heartbreak collide. From surviving cancer and discovering his calling to walking through the loss of both parents, Dennis opens up about what it means to trust God in the tension between grief and growth.
He shares how pain became his teacher, how boundaries became opportunities for healing, and how God turned brokenness into something whole. Through dreams, loss, and divine timing, Dennis reveals a faith that isn’t afraid of hard questions — one forged in honesty, humility, and relentless grace.
If you’ve ever wrestled with disappointment, distance, or the long road to redemption, this conversation will remind you: if it’s not good, it’s not over.
🎙️ Listen now on Sacred & Strange — where the holy and the human meet in the mystery of faith.
00:00 Welcome Back to Sacred and Strange
01:36 Dennis' Motto: Tears Over Cheers
02:18 The Impact of Youth Ministry
06:20 Dennis' Journey to Ministry School
10:50 A Dream and a Vision: The Call to Redding
16:42 Choosing Faith Over College
40:00 First Year Struggles and Revelations
49:05 The Rollercoaster of Life
49:43 Cherishing Hard Times
52:08 Ministry School and Personal Growth
53:12 Losing My Father
55:06 Grieving My Stepdad
01:02:16 Regret and Boundaries with My Mom
01:05:45 The Gift of Grief
01:14:11 Victim and Assailant: A Personal Revelation
01:32:11 Partnering with Your Season
01:35:48 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
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This week on Sacred & Strange, we sit down once again with Dennis R. for part two of his powerful story — a journey through grief, growth, and grace. From surviving cancer and navigating ministry to losing his parents and confronting forgiveness, Dennis opens up about how God met him in the middle of pain and turned suffering into redemption.
In this preview, we dive into the moments that shaped him — the dreams, the heartbreaks, and the quiet revelations that redefined what faith and healing really look like.
🎧 Full episode drops Wednesday — “Brokenness, Boundaries, and Becoming Whole.”
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In this episode, Jay sits down with Rachel Stalker — a teacher, traveler, and leader at The Porch — to explore what it means to wrestle with God and still walk in friendship with Him. From growing up in Catholic roots to encountering the Holy Spirit in Spain and Mexico, Rachel shares how her faith has been shaped by questions, tears, and quiet moments of surrender.
This conversation dives into the holy tension between wrestling and resting, how curiosity can lead us closer to holiness, and what it looks like to create space for God to move — even when the answers don’t come easy.
Come for the stories of fire, fear, and faith — stay for the invitation into holy friendship.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:34 Rachel's Background and Teaching Journey
02:02 Living Abroad: Spain and Mexico Adventures
03:57 Facing Fears and Personal Growth
08:12 Spiritual Journey and Personal Walk with Jesus
17:55 Foundational Moments with God
33:15 Eclectic Religious Background and Influence
35:03 Wrestling with Baptism and Faith
36:01 A Turning Point in Spain
36:58 Embracing the Holy Spirit
38:58 Growing in the Spirit
40:30 Experiencing Prophetic Words
48:30 Physical Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
01:02:39 Balancing Honor for God and People
01:04:24 Encouragement for Questioning Faith
01:10:06 Closing Prayer and Reflections
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In this episode, Jay sits down with Rachel Stalker — a teacher, traveler, and dear friend of The Porch — to explore what it means to wrestle with God and still walk in friendship with Him. From growing up in Catholic roots to encountering the Holy Spirit in Spain and Mexico, Rachel shares how her faith has been shaped by questions, tears, and quiet moments of surrender.
This conversation dives into the holy tension between wrestling and resting, how curiosity can lead us closer to holiness, and what it looks like to create space for God to move — even when the answers don’t come easy.
Come for the stories of fire, fear, and faith — stay for the invitation into holy friendship.
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At seventeen, Levi found himself locked in a bathroom, his mind spiraling and his faith unraveling. What began as a breaking point became the moment God broke through.
In this raw and deeply human conversation, Jason and Levi explore the tension between belief and doubt, the strange beauty of divine encounters, and the slow work of healing from shame. From small-town revival stories and family legacy to spiritual disciplines, therapy, and the wisdom found in failure — this episode captures the heart of what it means to meet God in the chaos.
Sometimes the most sacred moments happen in the strangest places.
00:00 Welcome to Sacred and Strange
01:26 Levi's Small Town Origins
03:06 A Life-Changing Encounter with God
04:20 Struggles with Faith and Identity
14:21 The Turning Point: A Profound God Encounter
27:20 Aftermath and Mentorship
33:55 Secularization of the Church
34:48 The Road to Emmaus
35:22 Encountering Shame and Rejoicing
37:03 The Journey of Healing
39:59 Struggles and Community
41:55 Wisdom and Knowledge
48:28 The Role of the Bible
51:43 Embracing Failure
01:01:04 Final Reflections and Prayer
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At seventeen, Levi found himself locked in a bathroom, his mind spiraling and his faith unraveling. What began as a breaking point became the moment God broke through.
In this raw and deeply human conversation, Jason and Levi explore the tension between belief and doubt, the strange beauty of divine encounters, and the slow work of healing from shame. From small-town revival stories and family legacy to spiritual disciplines, therapy, and the wisdom found in failure — this episode captures the heart of what it means to meet God in the chaos.
Sometimes the most sacred moments happen in the strangest places.
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In this episode of Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with his longtime friend Josh to explore a story marked by trauma, transformation, and the search for belonging. From a chaotic childhood to ministry, mental health work, and the sacred solitude of the wilderness, Josh shares how he’s learned to face his wounds, protect sacred space, and step fully into the role of father. Their conversation moves through raw honesty, dark humor, and moments of grace—ending with a challenge to be kind to yourself and embrace what remains when the noise fades.
00:00 Welcome to Sacred and Strange
00:52 A 14-Year Friendship
02:15 Josh's Family Life
05:53 Working in Youth Mental Health
14:57 The Journey to Self-Care
30:09 The Impact of Technology on Family
33:54 Exploring Mental Health and Antidepressants
34:51 Finding Belonging and Purpose
35:47 Adjusting to a New Environment
38:12 Challenges of Building Community
40:16 Loneliness and Personal Growth
48:15 A Father Figure's Impact
53:43 Embracing Fatherhood
57:28 Wilderness Experiences and Reflections
01:04:44 Advice for Overcoming Trauma
01:07:21 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
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In this episode of Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with his longtime friend Josh to explore a story marked by trauma, transformation, and the search for belonging. From a chaotic childhood to ministry, mental health work, and the sacred solitude of the wilderness, Josh shares how he’s learned to face his wounds, protect sacred space, and step fully into the role of father. Their conversation moves through raw honesty, dark humor, and moments of grace—ending with a challenge to be kind to yourself and embrace what remains when the noise fades.
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In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with his longtime friend and brother-in-arms, Tristan, a pitmaster from Northern California with a gift for creating safe spaces through food, faith, and fierce loyalty.
Together, they unpack nearly a decade of friendship forged through church, campfires, conflict—and even a shared Bigfoot encounter in the Shasta-Lassen wilderness. With humor and humility, Tristan recounts the moment he went from skeptic to believer… in more ways than one.
But this episode goes deeper than cryptids and campfire stories.
Tristan opens up about his complicated family dynamics, growing up in a divided home, navigating estrangement from his father, and eventually discovering healing through spiritual family and intentional mentorship. From youth ministry to weddings, from barista to “Master of Meat,” he reflects on how food and hospitality became his way of pastoring people—one plate at a time.
Jay and Tristan also dive into:
- The spiritual weirdness of Mount Shasta and why some believe it's a supernatural portal
- The difference between transparency and intimacy in mentoring relationships
- How to love without an agenda, especially when family doesn’t share your faith
- Why softball leagues and DJ booths matter more than you think
- The simple, sacred power of being present—whether through pulled pork or prayer
Whether you’re here for the laughs, the real talk, or the Bigfoot theories, this episode is a reminder that belonging often shows up in the strangest places.
00:00 Welcome to Sacred and Strange
01:37 Meet Tristan: The Master of Meat
03:12 Bigfoot Encounter: A Tale of Two Friends
10:32 The Mystery of Mount Shasta
13:10 Church League Softball and Friendships
14:27 Tristan's Family Dynamics
22:00 Finding Family in the Church
24:36 Battling the Heat: Personal Stories
25:17 Faith and Family: A Personal Journey
26:47 Connecting Through Love and Understanding
36:46 Mentorship and Its Impact
43:20 The Power of Food and Hospitality
49:22 Final Reflections and Encouragement
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Join host Jay and his longtime friend Tristan as they delve into nearly a decade of brotherhood filled with wisdom, adventures, and challenges. In this episode of Sacred and Strange, Tristan shares his life story, from growing up in a tumultuous household in Redding, California to becoming a pit master at Odell Craft Barbecue. The friends recount eerie Bigfoot sightings and discuss the importance of mentorship, community, and faith. Tune in for a compelling conversation that covers everything from mystical encounters to finding emotional healing and building meaningful relationships. Don't miss the full episode on Wednesday, October 1st!
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In this episode of Sacred & Strange, host Jay Urena sits down with longtime friend, mentor, and fellow Bible nerd Rip Wahlberg for a raw, thoughtful conversation about calling, loss, theology, and the evolving shape of church and leadership.
Rip shares his journey from bi-vocational pastor to biblical theology enthusiast, opening up about his decades of ministry, the painful loss of his son Aiden just weeks after accepting a pastoral role, and how that tragedy reshaped his understanding of faith, community, and purpose. The two unpack the differences between preaching and teaching, the burnout of institutional leadership, and why many modern churches have traded discipleship for performance.
Together, they explore the beauty of biblical theology, the four major narrative themes Rip teaches (Temple, Kingdom, Bride, and Exile), and the need to reclaim God's story as the center of our faith—not just systems, doctrines, or conferences. Along the way, they laugh about heresies, reference Stranger Things, and reflect on what it means to show up broken, still called, and fully dependent on grace.
Whether you're a church leader, a theology nerd, or someone wondering how to keep going when ministry hurts, this episode will meet you where you are—with honesty, depth, and hope.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:28 Rip's Background and Ministry Journey
02:54 Balancing Ministry and Personal Life
05:11 Challenges in Church Leadership
11:26 Defining Preaching vs. Teaching
20:45 Rip's Calling and Early Ministry
34:14 Tragedy and Resilience
37:15 The Drive to Continue Ministry
47:56 Embracing the Calling
48:21 The Vision for Teaching
49:36 Understanding the Story of God
50:15 The Role of the Church and Individual
50:51 The Beauty of Biblical Theology
53:47 The Mission of God and Exile
56:25 The Revival of Biblical Theology
01:08:19 Challenges and Reflections on Ministry
01:11:29 The Importance of Community and Relationships
01:32:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
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Next Wednesday, Jay sits down with Rip Wahlberg. Dive into the heartfelt journey of a pastor who wrestles with being a relational introvert and the intense challenges of ministry. From confronting personal insecurities to craving genuine faith over facade, the story is filled with raw reflections and moments of vulnerability. Experience a renewed passion for biblical theology, where the Bible comes alive like ancient Jedi texts, and witness the profound impact of Jesus beyond childhood stories. This is a tale of perseverance, discovery, and a deeper connection with faith.
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In this episode, Jay and Levi wrap-up The Bride series by recapping the three previous weeks, and looking to the future. The Bride is meant to be the place where Heaven and Earth meet, transforming family, culture, and society. YOU are a part of The Bride, and we have some amazing things ahead of us!
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Hey all! Sorry for the radio silence these past few weeks. There's been a lot going on at thePorch. From babies, to new homes, and a new school year, time slipped away from us.
We're sorry!
However, we're ready to go with our scheduled podcast releases from this point forward.
This week, we're in Part 3 of 4 of our series on The Bride. In this episode, Jay and Levi talk about what it means to be Living Temples of encounter between Heaven and Earth. You don't want to miss this!
So click, download, tell a friend, and enjoy!
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This week we continue our conversation on the Bride. Following up our talk on Covenant (with Jesus and His Church), we find ourselves looking at the present and future purpose of the Church. Join us for another PorchTalk!
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This is part 1 of a 4 part series we did LIVE discussing the Bride. This week we talk about Covenant, why scripture uses familial and martial language to describe our relationship with Jesus, and how we've gotten it wrong in the past.
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We all have promises we hold to, but what do we do in the waiting? This week, Levi wraps up our Advent Series by sharing with us the importance of hope in seeing our promises fulfilled.
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We often base our expectations on experience. We know that the sun comes up in the morning, winters are cold, and night is dark. But often times our experience inhibits us from expecting how good God really is. This week, Krista Wurlitzer takes us into our expectations, and asks us to look at how good we actually expect God to be!
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Ever dream of being a superhero? What if we told you you already were one? What if, instead of being able to fly, or have super strength, you were created to fight injustice with HOPE? Join us this week as we dive into what it means to carry hope and release it to a world in need of it.
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The story of Mary is one of mystery, beauty, hope, and promise. A character study on how to respond to the call of God on our lives. Join us this week as we look at the life of the mother of Jesus, and discover what it means to be pregnant with promise.
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This week we continue the conversation where we left off between Andrew John & Jay. Join us for Part 2 of this conversation, and please go follow Andrew on all of his Social Media platforms:
Facebook: Andrew John
Instagram: @simple_drew
For the original live conversation, watch here:
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.john.583/videos/10157473166046680/
Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/theporchli)
Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/theporchli)
This week's episode is a really important and profound conversation between Jay and his friend Andrew John. Andrew was kind enough to invite Jay on for a Live discussion on Facebook regarding, race, the Church, and "reaching across the table" to find understanding in the midst of the injustice and chaos. Join us this week for Part 1 of this conversation, and please go follow Andrew on all of his Social Media platforms:
Facebook: Andrew John
Instagram: @simple_drew
For the original live conversation, watch here:
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.john.583/videos/10157473166046680/
Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/theporchli)
We were all created with purpose and promise. And the purpose and promise of our lives is always meant to go beyond us! This week we look at how when we lean into the journey that our promises send us on, we're formed into the answers others are crying out for.
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We all have dreams, hopes, vision, and desires for our lives. These often play out in the Promises of God for us too! This week, we look at what it means to put on the armor of God and practically live out an empowered lifestyle that brings the Promises of God into the forefront of our lives.
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Throughout the Bible, there's a theme; a promise from God that He will never leave us nor forsake us. But what does it look like to know God is close in all circumstances? This week Erinn shares how His presence is Peace, and it's the promise He keeps!
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Each of us have been given promises. The things we know we're meant to live for, move towards, and create. But what if the promises on your life are bigger than you? What if that's exactly how it's meant to be? This week we start a new series, looking at Promises, and the partnership they're meant to create in us with God.
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In Matthew 18, we find Jesus being asked a question on leadership and authority. Which, he follows up by answering the question, by not answering the question; he shares on the power of being a forgiving leader. This week, Jay unpacks what it means to carry the authority to give not only for others, but for ourselves as well.
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You were made to be live authentically in freedom. But when we choose to keep things hidden, we choose hypocrisy over freedom. This week Jay takes a look at the Parable of the Wedding Feast and shares how we can move into the authentic freedom that Jesus makes possible for us.
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In this BONUS EPISODE, Krista Wurlitzer gives us some practical insights into what it means to belong as citizens of Heaven.
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You were created to carry the Kingdom of Heaven everywhere you go. This week, Levi Crognale takes us deeper into what it means for Jesus to be our King, and to live out our citizenship every day.
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There's a war going on all around us trying to gain our attention and tell us that our peace can be bought or achieved through something physical. However, the Bible tells us that Peace is a person and His name is Jesus. This week we'll look at what it means to live from Peace while being honest about the things that give us anxiety, so we can be kind to ourselves and bring those things to community.
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