You Too?: Recent Episodes
Waterbrook Digital Network
Hosts Jeff Denton and Dave Burchett interview fascinating people about their personal faith stories and how it applies to life, relationships and meaning. The title comes from a quote by C.S. Lewis: "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one!**" By sharing our stories we discover our story is our own, but we're not alone. Hearing what others have gone through you can discover you're not alone on the highs and lows of life. As you listen to these stories, you might find yourself saying, "You Too?"
How do you work for a top secret government contractor and live a life of transparency with your family? Mark Tapee had to learn to walk that line. As with most men, striving to find a balance between a demanding career and a family can be difficult. Mark talks openly about the pull and push of life lived in two worlds while trying to honor the Lord in all of it. Plus, as Waterbrook Elder Council member and Men's Ministry Deacon, Mark talks about the value of relationships between men. Mark has learned many lessons along the way that can encourage others. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Mark Tapee about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
Ed Underwood went from a party life to a Christ-centered life when he came to faith as part of the California Jesus Movement. He learned what real discipleship was and learned to follow Jesus and love His Word. It led to ministry in both healthy and unhealthy churches as a pastor. Eventually it led to Ed's role as Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door. In "retirement", Ed extended his impact on churches, pastors and leadership through The Recentered Group. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Ed Underwood about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
From a child growing up in a communist country to a force for change in the next generation, Iulian Avramescu tells his story on this new podcast. He explains the difference in life before and after the revolution in Romania. His desire to be cool is overcome by a radical conversion from a friend who kept inviting him to a Bible club for students. That led him to more education at Word of Life Hungary and eventually the USA. He knew God was calling him back to his home country to impact the next generation. It led to Life Romania, MIA College and a nationwide evangelistic and discipleship ministry that continues to change his country to this day. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Iulian Avramescu about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
Dave Burchett turns the tables on Waterbrook Lead Pastor Jeff Denton and interviews him about his life, journey to Texas and recent cancer diagnosis. This intimate and personal interview is the launch of season two of the YOU TOO podcast.
"If we're not going...who is?" says Jonathan Buchanan in this special crossover event with an interview that begins in this episode of YouToo and concludes in the PreGame Show (also on the Waterbrook Digital Network). Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton welcome Waterbrook Student Ministry Pastor John Robbins and Harbor Young Adult Ministry Director Jonathan Buchanan in for a two-episode event in which they talk about the motivation to go to Ukraine and help those being pummeled by war. Jonathan shares that "Trust was the key word." To be propelled into action as the world is still rebuilding from the pandemic may be the best medicine for what we've been through. Again, Jonathan said, "sometimes the way to heal a body is to get moving." The guys reveal details that have been kept silent and we learn the danger Jonathan was in and the peace they all experienced. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Jonathan Buchanan and John Robbins about their experiences on this edition of You Too?. The rest of the interview (with more of the fun stories) concludes on the PreGame Show (released Friday, April 29, 2022).
"I didn't see that coming" might be the book title of my life, says Ray Miranda. "That Sunday morning I walked into church I was still drunk from Saturday night." But that Sunday changed everything in Ray's life. "I became a Christian and didn't even know it." Ray has spent the days since growing in his faith and, eventually, shepherding others in faith as a pastor. His story is one of encouragement as he gradually grows and ends up founding The Story Church (Wylie) in 2009. But the pandemic ended up leading to a new change that might seem like a death to some. "I had always thought about the end and how hard that would be." But, God actually revealed a new path through old relationships. It's a story of change, openness to God's plan, and how allowing your story to be God's story can lead to things you didn't see coming. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Ray Miranda about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
"My journey has been excruciatingly slow," says Eric Snodderly. That journey from a childhood that convinced him to want to be the opposite of his father to addiction to unconditional love has been decades in the making. That included the transition of God from a rehab program "higher power" to a personal God who really cares for him. Eric opens up regarding his life story that he says is still a work in progress. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Eric Snodderly about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
What does Texas Rangers baseball, Stars hockey games, Barney the purple dinosaur and Waterbrook live streams have in common? The influence of broadcast audio engineer Malcolm Johnson. A musician living a sex, drugs and rock-and-roll lifestyle, he wandered into a church service to hear a rock band. That night changed his life and life direction. An accidental date with a fellow college student led to the love of his life. A career change led to a role behind the scenes of a global children's show. An Emmy-winning broadcast engineer is respected for his work on live televised events (including Texas professional sports teams and the Olympics). He tells us his story and how he finds the voice of God cutting through all the audio channels filled with sound. "It's not me in control. I'd given that up long ago." Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Malcolm Johnson about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
"You can never get close enough to God" is the lesson John Rossetti has learned in his life. He tells his story to Dave and Jeff on this episode from days of living for a good time to finding real purpose and meaning. He shares about healing a broken relationship with his father, meeting Vicki, serving in ministry and starting his own business. He tells how they didn't know what they were doing in the early days of starting Waterbrook and how friendships become the glue that makes the unknown parts of life bearable. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with John Rossetti about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
The story of how one man went from food stamps to school administrator with a heart full of love for all. He became an educator who has stuck with high risk schools to impact students who can identify with his own life. Duke Barnett shares his powerful stories of impact as a principal who has gone to great measures to impact students, including going to pull one out of bed and taking him to classes. Wait until you hear the conclusion of that story in this episode of the You Too podcast. Duke also talks about dealing with racism as a black man married to a white woman, and what caused a change in family who had rejected their relationship. He also explains why the phrase "One Love" is important to him. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Duke Barnett about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
Dave and Jeff talk with one of the Amoeba Sister, Sarina Peterson. They talk about Sarina's path from agnostic to Christian believer. Her story includes an initial awkward date with Ross that led to another date immediately. Being hospitalized, and separated from a baby, during the pandemic. Why she cried at church when she didn't believe. How reading one of Dave's books had an impact. And many more details of her fascinating story. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Sarina Peterson about her life journey on this edition of You Too?.
The discussion becomes personal this week as Dave's wife, Joni Burchett, drops by to tell her story. From a childhood feeling responsible for protecting a father who would eventually take his life to discovering a love for special needs children, Joni couldn't have protected the path her life has taken. A special needs child of her own and a cancer diagnosis in her 50s reveal life hasn't been a fairytale for Joni, but she's survived and found postcards from God along the way. Though unlikely to want to ask for help, Joni has discovered the value of allowing people to help during rough times. This has led to her own incredible ministry of noticing others who need help around her. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Joni Burchett about her life journey on this edition of You Too?.
An interview with John Hau about his life becomes a conversation about internal spiritual growth, leadership, and how to interact with people going through a spiritual journey. Everything from internal struggles of faith to becoming comfortable with those who are "deconstructing" their faith. John is a pastor from Canada who has served with CRU and currently pastors Reality Church in Vancouver. They discuss changing identities and becoming comfortable living life in tension. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with John Hau about his life journey on this edition of You Too?.
Heather Smyder wears many hats - wife, mom, educator, school counselor, Christian. While sitting in the studio for this podcast, she's wearing a hat that says "Love Your Story". You're going to love hearing Heather tell the story of her life growing up as a pastor's kid, pursuing her passion to be an educator, finding Greg (the love of her life), and becoming a mom...then a foster mom. She shares advice for parents of middle school / junior high students based on her experience as a counselor and mom. She shares incredible insight about shepherding a child's heart and discovering unconditional love along the way. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Heather Taylor about her life journey on this edition of You Too?.
Waterbrook Teaching Pastor and Bible Professor, Dr. Stephen Bramer, returns for the second in a two-part episode to talk about the biblical Christmas story. This week we talk about Christmas with adult children and grandchildren. We discuss the importance of Mary. We consider what is true and myth regarding the birthplace of Jesus. We cover a sad footnote often skipped in the Christmas story and the important role of the wise men. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Stephen Bramer on this edition of You Too?.
Waterbrook Teaching Pastor and Bible Professor, Dr. Stephen Bramer, joins us for a special two-part episode to talk about the biblical Christmas story. We also talk about our own childhood Christmas traditions. Then, we start the Christmas story from the beginning (Genesis) and through the Old Testament back story that leads up to the birth of Jesus. We consider that verse sung every holiday from Handel's Messiah based on Isaiah 9:6. We discuss genealogies and two special babies set to arrive on similar timelines. We also ask Stephen about the role of the temple priests around the time of Jesus' birth. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Stephen Bramer on this edition of You Too?.
Meet Meg and Christian Taylor who are a young married couple called to the mission field in Germany. Meg knew she wanted to serve there from an early age and Christian understood that before marrying her. However, a a global pandemic messed up their plans and timeframe. Hear their fascinating story of trusting God's timing and what their future holds. (Hint: They leave for Germany with Greater Europe Mission in January 2022.). Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with Christian and Meg Taylor about their lives on this edition of You Too?.
*A link to more about their mission work can be found in the show notes. This includes opportunities to connect with or support them.
A radical transformation caused James Potter to change his answer to the question, "Is this business and your career the most important thing in your life?". He had to decide what was number one in his life and priorities. James had assumed the balance of scales would get him into heaven one day because he was "good enough". A realization in his 20's while studying the bible led him to trust Jesus as the Savior he needed for the forgiveness of his sins. The words of the Bible continued to impact James' life thought family loss and business success. Then, at retirement, he discovered a new calling. This time with the Gideon's International. Now serving as Texas Gideon's President Emeritus, James has found a new passion for talking about his faith and sharing the gospel and God's Word with others. Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton talk with James Potter about his experiences on this edition of You Too?.
*A link to more about The Gideon's International can be found in the show notes.
Can God really be good if you've grown up in an abusive household where the abuser gets celebrated as a good guy? What about when you're kicked out of your church and support system? How about when your 19 year old son is diagnosed with cancer? Aundi Woolard's reply was, "Is this stuff I say I believe really true? We're about to find out." Hear Aundi's testimony of God's goodness through the good and bad of life. All as Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton sit down for this vulnerable conversation with Aundi Woolard on this edition of You Too?.
Is there a giftedness that is just plodding through life? Dan Carnefix describes himself as a faithful plodder who doesn't get too excited about much. However, his faithfulness gives stability to those around him. Dan is a husband, father and seminary graduate who God didn't lead into a full-time pastorate. Where some might question whether it was then God's will; Dan sees value in the time and years getting a deep spiritual education. He talks about family life and developing relationships with adult children. As current Elder Chairman at Waterbrook Bible Fellowship, Dan talks about leading from a position and grace toward all. All as Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton sit down for this revealing conversation with Dan Carnefix on this edition of You Too?.
Every child should grow up in a nurturing and caring home. That wasn't the case for Renee Johnson. However, abuse and addiction around her was part of the fuel that pushed her toward a loving God. Then, when she wanted to use her gifts as a singer and songwriter to help others worship, God pushed her toward those who were lost. Meeting the Lord (and husband, Malcolm) helped her discover the love and security she had needed. Renee shares insights of worship, love, marriage and family as revealed in a heart for those who are still hurting. All as Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton sit down for this revealing conversation with Renee Johnson on this edition of You Too?.
Adam Bowman trained in theology, but went into the corporate world. His role as chaplain and volunteer coordinator for Interstate Batteries was a life course he didn't imagine for himself. However, he admittedly didn't really have a plan anyway. How does a kid who moved often in his early years become a man open to deep relationships? Adam opens up with encouragement for living out a Christian life in the workplace and parenting well by listening when children ask the important questions. Plus, learn how he decided he was in love while on a trip to Israel. All as Dave Burchett and Jeff Denton sit down for this revealing conversation with Adam Bowman.
How does one go from an aspiring Hip Hop artist to pastor? That's the journey of Patrick Nolen, pastor of Vibrant Life Baptist Church in Sachse, Texas. Jeff and Dave ask their friend about how he met his amazing wife and what a support she has been. They talk about parenting children who were raised by a father before and after Christ came into the picture. They talk racism and why it's still around. They discuss how difficult it is to be a church planter and how pastors can't be perfect, but can be perfectly broken and real. This incredible conversation will help you realize how much Pastor Patrick values words and being an example to children as an educator.
How does a 19-year-old college student go from the death bed of a friend to global missionary? Sam Ingrassia shares his story and lessons from a life lived pursuing God's will. Sam explains what it means to "hear from God" on life direction and how his wife has been the voice of incredible change moments in his life. He also explains the struggle of parents pleading with God on behalf of a prodigal child. Join Jeff Denton and Dave Burchett in this open conversation with Sam Ingrassia in this episode.
How does someone go from being raised without relationship skills start to believe people can love her? What if she discovers she's been living her life the way other people expect; but not based on what she wants? Fran Farrelly shares a very intimate story of her journey from low self esteem and depression to faith, friends and fellowship. Plus, at 70, she reveals that her journey is still picking up speed toward even greater adventure. Join Jeff Denton and Dave Burchett in this vulnerable conversation with their friend in this episode.
A cancer diagnosis comes into one's life and changes everything in an instant. That was very much the case with Donna Greenwood. She left her house one day for a routine doctor's appointment and found herself rushed to the hospital where she lived for the next five weeks (the first stay). A retired teacher and loving grandmother suddenly found herself being immersed in the world of lymphoma (blood cancer). Can you still praise God when you don't get the answers you want to your prayers? Is God still good in those times? Plus, the value Donna found in music and scripture through her journey. A powerful story that will encourage and touch your heart.
The power of friendship while navigating tough moments of life. Trusting people who confront you. The value of family. Reconciling how grief can lead you to arrive at a new, better place. Chris Taylor is a police officer who shares his experiences with students as an SRO for years. He shares insights for dealing with troubled kids and quiet consistency. Plus, a personal insight on giving to those in need. This is a conversation that is touching and encouraging.
Jeff & Dave talk with Judy Ervien about her journey of faith and work as a counselor with Operation 220. They discuss the issue of self worth and methods for implementing life change. They also learn the very interesting story of when Bob sort of proposed to Judy 42+ years ago.