Sweet Tea and Coffee: Recent Episodes

Fredonia Hill

Conversations about life, faith, and friendship. Hosted by Kendall McDonald and Blake Russell at Fredonia Hill Baptist Church, Nacogdoches, TX.

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David and Jo Custead come on the podcast to share how they saw God's hand and faithfulness throughout difficult times.

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Another Middlebrook joins us at the table! George Middlebrook III is a man of many stories and on this episode he doesn't disappoint. Make sure and tune in.

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Our friend R.J. Bohac sits down with us to talk about his story, selling houses, and looking for opportunities to minister to people in the everyday spaces.

Email us: stc@fredoniahill.org

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Today we're joined by singer/songwriter, author, and TV/podcast host Andrew Greer! We cover a ton of topics like the importance of community, the impact of Rich Mullins, and more.

Learn more about Andrew: https://www.andrew-greer.com/

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Carrie Quigley joins us to talk about growing up in Columbia on a cattle ranch and what prayer can look like throughout a day.

We want to hear from you! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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We've made it to Season 4. Josh Williford visits us from New York City! Learn more about how he and his family got there... and what the Lord is doing at Maranatha Baptist Church.

https://maranatha.nyc/

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A new podcast series from Fredonia Hill. Make sure and search "Fredonia Hill" on your favorite podcast app, look for "History of the Present," and follow the new show page. 

History of the Present - a discussion on evangelicalism in the making of modern America, hosted by Dr. Hunter Hampton, Kendall McDonald, and Blake Russell. We start Tuesday, March 7th with episode 01, "Early Church to the Reformation." New episodes released bi-weekly.

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Season finale - Part 2 of 2. Janis Robertson is back as we discuss the importance of investing in others and the next generation. 

Who needs to be a guest next season? We want to know! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. See you next year. 

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Season 3 finale - Part 1 of 2. The legendary Janis Robertson is in the studio. In part one she talks about her childhood, tragedy in her early adult years, and meeting Jack. 

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Hunter Hampton joins us and talks a little bit about his background in history, plus we give a sneak peek at a brand new podcast series coming from Fredonia Hill in the Spring. Don't miss this episode!

Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Today, Ken Awtrey aka, "the man of many stories," stopped by to share a little bit about his life. We talk about growing up in Oklahoma, living in Hawaii, and the Oklahoma State Skydiving club. 

Only a couple of episodes left in season 3! We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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We're joined by Dane Phillips as we discuss the importance of family and his journey in professional baseball. 

We love to hear from you. How do these stories of God's faithfulness impact you? Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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We sit down with Shelia Cupit to talk about growing up in Nacogdoches and what it means to slow down and sit with the Lord. 

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Sweet Tea and Coffee team member, Haley Chapman, joins us to talk about growing up in a small town and the power of telling a story through creative means. 

Reach out to us! STC@fredoniahill.org

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We're joined by Caleb Homer today as he describes his journey with God... from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to gym ownership on South Street. 

We want to hear from you - STC@fredoniahill.org 

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Tune in to hear how the Lord spoke to Matt during sabbatical and where He is calling him next!

Let us hear from you! STC@fredoniahill.org

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You won't want to miss this episode. Blake and Kendall are joined by David Cowee, a man full of surprises! 

How are these stories impacting you? We want to know! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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We're joined by Gracie Thomas and Madi Wright as they talk about their summer trip to New York City and what it means to live a life on mission. 

Let us hear from you - STC@fredoniahill.org

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With brand new music on the horizon from Fredonia Hill, the tables are turned as our friend Todd Wright returns to interview Blake and Kendall. Tune in to hear the "behind the music" stories as well as an exclusive early listen to a song off the new EP. 

We love hearing feedback. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Angela Moore joins us to discuss what it's like living a life open to interruptions and the importance of prayer. 

Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Listen in to get to know Brent McLemore, and hear how God used a unique circumstance to completely change the course of his life.  How are these stories impacting you? Suggestions for future guests? Reach out - STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Season 3 continues with Brittany Middlebrook joining Blake and Kendall. We chat about her family history, learning Spanish, and God's continual provision for her and her family as they experience heartbreaking tragedy. Don't miss this story! 

Let us hear from you. STC@fredoniahill.org

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We're back for Season 3, and we're starting with a bang! Listen in to our first episode recorded in front of a live audience. George Middlebrook IV joins us as we hear story after story of God's faithfulness in the life of his family. 

A special thank you to this episode's sponsors, Brendyn's BBQ and University Coffee, for supplying the "Friends of the Pod" with fantastic sweet tea and coffee. 

We want to hear from you - email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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Friends of the Pod! You are invited to join in on the fun. Sweet Tea & Coffee is taping an episode live in front of an audience. 

STC Live!

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Fredonia Hill - Gateway Cafe

6pm

We'll provide the sweet tea and the coffee... and maybe some swag!

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It's episode 50, the final episode of season 2... and because we just celebrated Father's Day, we decided to bring in the man often referenced on the podcast and Blake's dad, Roger Russell. Roger is a master storyteller and he shares what it was like growing up in the Bogg as well as how God so often provided for him throughout his life. 

SWEET TEA AND COFFEE WILL RETURN FOR SEASON 3 IN AUGUST. Stay tuned for details concerning the first ever live recording of an episode and how you can be a part of the experience. 

Hope to hear from you soon. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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It's been 1 year since the very first Sweet Tea and Coffee episode! Today, Kendall and Blake reflect on the process and some special moments over the last 12 months. 

Friends of the Pod! Let us hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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You asked for it! Maddison Duty joins Kendall and Blake to share her story and how God spoke to her through grief. 

Email us! STC@fredoniahill.org

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We are joined by the "original friend of the pod," Holly Middlebrook. She shares her story of growing up around a vet clinic, the influence of the Church, and thoughts on parenting.

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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NPD Officer Nathan Jessup comes on the show to talk about how he ended up in Nacogdoches and how his faith is central to everything he does as a police officer. 

Email us your thoughts on today's episode at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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Part 2 of 2

Kara Cooper comes on the show to talk about how through trial and adversity the Lord is still faithful. Don't miss this incredible story of faith. 

Let us know how this story impacted you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Part 1 of 2

Kara Cooper comes on the show to talk about how through trial and adversity the Lord is still faithful. Don't miss this incredible story of faith. 

Part 2 will be released next week! Let us know how this story impacted you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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This week we're joined by Jordan Allen. Jordan is on staff with Campus Crusade at Stephen F. Austin. We talk about asking good questions, getting uncomfortable, and trusting God wherever He sends you. 

Friends of the pod! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org 

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Wilma Jones joins Blake and Kendall to talk about how God has been faithful in her life time and time again. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Email us: STC@fredoniahill.org

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Part 2 of 2.

Mark Clark returns as we continue to look at the history of Fredonia Hill. We talk about the good, bad, and ugly, and remember how through it all - God was still working and how He is moving today.

How did this episode impact you? Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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Part 1 of 2

We are joined by long-time member and Elder at Fredonia Hill, Mark Clark. Mark takes us on a deep dive of Fredonia Hill church history, his family's story, and what God has been teaching him in recent years. Stay tuned for part 2 releasing next week. 

Let's hear from the Friends of the Pod! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Our guest this week is Nathan Dutton. Nathan shares about growing up as a pastor's kid, meeting his wife, Julianna, and how God called him in to ministry. 

Send us your thoughts! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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Today we have Rhonda Goodwin on the podcast. We talk to her about life growing up on a remote ranch in New Mexico, taking care of family, and the importance of being grounded in the Word of God. 

How are folks stories impacting you? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Get ready for some wisdom! Kendall and Blake are joined by Margie Berger. She shares what it's like raising two boys as a single parent and what it means to rest in God's faithfulness over the span of a lifetime. 

Friends of the pod - let us hear from you! Reach out at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Our good friend Keith Ellison stops by to chat with Kendall and Blake. We talk about classic cars, football, and how God is still moving and shaping us in dry seasons. 

Friends of the pod! We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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We're joined by the man who holds down the low end each and every Sunday, John Kennon. We talk about his background, how he got into music, and the impact of his father in his life. 

Let us hear from you! 

STC@fredoniahill.org

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On this episode, we are joined by pitmaster and guitar man, Brendyn Todd. Brendyn discusses his journey leading worship, discovering BBQ, opening a restaurant, and mourning through loss. 

Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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Our guest today is Teresia Allen, principal at Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy. In this episode Kendall and Teresia discover common ground on West Texas and bean burritos. We also hear about the amazing things God is doing at FHBA. 

Learn more about FHBA - https://www.fhbacademy.com

We want to hear from you. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org

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We are joined by criminologist and professor, George Day. George shares how he got into the criminal justice field and how God has used his experience to minister to those who are incarcerated. 

Learn more about Angel Tree:

https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/angel-tree/angel-tree-christmas/

Let us hear from you! Email use at STC@fredoniahill.org 

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On this episode, we sit down with one of our favorite couples - Bill and Amy Plunkett. We hear some incredible stories of faith and the power of prayer, as well as receive some solid marriage advice. You might even get to hear Bill sing a few notes at the very end of the episode. Don't miss this one!

Let us hear from you!

STC@fredoniahill.org

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It's the first episode of the new season of Sweet Tea and Coffee. Kendall is back, and Matt Murray returns to talk about the importance of Biblical friendship and relationships in the context of the Church family. 

We'd love to get your input! Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org

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It's John's last episode as guest co-host and we decided to bring on his wife, Meleena, as a special guest. Tune in to hear how God transformed Meleena's life and her journey into university ministry. 

Sweet Tea & Coffee will be on a short break in January - but we will return February 1, 2022. We'd love to hear from you! Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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You've got questions, we've got answers. Blake and John talk about favorite dinners, children's books, and New Years Eve. 

We'd love to hear from you... email us at STC@fredoniahill.org.

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Merry Christmas from Blake and John. On this episode, we try and answer all the important Christmas questions like: real tree or fake tree, colored lights or white lights, did Mary know? All this and more on The Sweet Tea and Coffee Christmas Special!

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Kendall is on the road in Arkansas this week! In this very special episode, Kendall is joined by his high school mentor, Larry Grayson, as well as two of his friends (Brad Latson and Blaine Stewart). They discuss the impact that Larry's spiritual investment had on their lives, as well as share some of the hilarious stories from their younger years. Don't miss this episode. 

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Our guest today is Emily Singer. Emily is on staff at Fredonia Hill as our ministry Resident. Listen in to hear her story, how she ended up in Nacogdoches, as well as John test her pop culture knowledge. 

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Kendall stops by to tell us what he's been up to. Hear about his sabbatical routine, time in solitude, and we finally get an answer to how long he's going to grow his beard!

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Meet retired Air Force Colonel, Stephen Shrewsbury. Stephen shares his incredible journey to faith after being raised as a fundamentalist Mormon and and later a Scientologist. This is an incredibly interesting episode that you don't want to miss. 

Remember, we're taking your questions for the upcoming Q&A episode. Email us - STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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Asher Stuart is one of our Armor Bearers at Fredonia Hill, and widely known as an adventurer. Tune in to get to know Asher and hear about his 99 day cross country adventure, living in the back of his car and seeing some of the most beautiful sights America has to offer. 

We want to answer your questions! Another Q&A episode is coming soon. Email us at STC@fredoniahill.org. 

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It's John's first episode as guest host. We take a deep dive into his story - his childhood aspirations, coming to faith, and how he got to Nacogdoches. 

We're doing another Q&A episode soon and we need your questions! Email them to us at STC@fredoniahill.org 

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It's Kendall's last episode before sabbatical, so we had a lot to cover. We announce the mystery guest host during his absence, share with you a brand new song from Fredonia Hill, talk about the importance of understanding the overarching narrative of scripture, AND some of Blake's hobbies. Buckle up. 

Let us know what you think - stc@fredoniahill.org

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Let us introduce you to a man of many titles - Dr. Rod Jones. Rod is the pastor at Nacogdoches Bible Fellowship, and on the podcast today he shares his incredible journey of faith and how he ended up in Nacogdoches. 

We want to hear from you. Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org

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Kendall and Blake are joined by Jason and Audrey Spurlin, pastor and missionaries in Portland, Oregon. Listen in to hear about their journey, ministry, and how Jason won free chicken for a year from Raising Canes. 

Learn more about the Spurlin's and their church:

http://pathwaychurch.net/meet-jason-spurlin/

https://www.instagram.com/jspurlin/

Contact us:

stc@fredoniahill.org

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We're a few weeks from Kendall's sabbatical. In this episode we discuss sabbath, give a brief overview of Kendall's plans, and talk about what's next for the podcast. 

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Blake and Kendall introduce you to worship pastor, songwriter, and fellow podcaster, Todd Wright. Todd has co-written several songs with Blake such as All My Hope, The Lord Our God Will Provide, and Praise God. In this episode Todd gives us some constructive criticism on our podcasting and also interprets Blake's thoughts for Kendall. 

Check out Todd's podcast: "Average Everyday Worship Leader"

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/average-everyday-worship-leader/id1081925630

Email us:

stc@fredoniahill.org

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We introduce you to one of the most interesting people we know, Randal Cooper. Randal talks about not washing his coffee mug, explains what a luthier is, and his favorite concept albums. 

Let us know your thoughts: stc@fredoniahill.org

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The long awaited wives episode! Ashley and Lindsey join us for the first time on the podcast. What secrets will they reveal about their husbands? 

We love to hear from you! Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org.

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How did Kendall end up at Fredonia Hill? In this episode we go on a journey from West Texas to Missouri, and finally Nacogdoches. Kendall gives us a little insight into the moments and people that were important in his development as a pastor. 

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Brinn Williford is an elder at Fredonia Hill. He joins Blake and Kendall to discuss some of his favorite topics like wrestling, Andy Griffith, and the importance of a church family. 

Make sure to check out Brinn's blog:

https://fairlysmart.wordpress.com

Email us your suggestions for future guests! stc@fredoniahill.org

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You sent in your questions, and we answered them... sorta. Kendall and Blake tackle listener submitted questions. 

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Becky Weems joins us to shed light on where to get the best Diet Coke in town. She also dives into her story and experiences finding the peace of God through moments of anger, grief, and sadness. 

Send us your questions for the upcoming Q&A episode! stc@fredoniahill.org

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Journey back to the early 2000s when Kendall and Blake were in college. We talk about picking a major AND how we met our future spouses.

We want your questions! Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org 

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Do Kendall and Blake disagree on anything... and what are the central questions we should be asking ourselves concerning spiritual disciplines? 

We want to answer your questions! Be sure and send them in - stc@fredoniahill.org 

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Nancy Batzloff joins Blake and Kendall to tell her story: from a small farm in Michigan, becoming a nurse anesthetist, moving to East Texas, and meeting Jack and Janis Robertson. Don't miss this episode. 

Send your suggestions for topics of discussion or guests! Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org.

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Matt Murray joins Blake and Kendall to share some of his stories growing up in Florida and the transition to Texas. 

Remember, send your suggestions for topics of discussion or guests! Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org.

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Kendall and Blake journey back to their adolescent years, and recall the formational work God was doing in their lives. 

Send your suggestions for topics of discussion or guests! Email us at stc@fredoniahill.org.

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Former Armor Bearer, Caleb Castro, joins Blake and Kendall to discuss his story, his time as an Armor Bearer at Fredonia Hill, and his new role in ministry.

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Mitch Vanya joins Kendall and Blake to discuss his experiences as part of coaching staffs in collegiate level basketball and the NBA, and how his faith has directed that journey. 

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It's the second episode of Sweet Tea and Coffee, and this time we dive into Kendall's upbringing in the Church and how that shaped his perspective on community and friendships. BONUS: Hear a brand new song from Blake that hasn't been released yet!

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In our first episode of Sweet Tea and Coffee, Kendall interviews Blake about his background, first experiences with worship and church music, and how that was formational in the worship ministry today at Fredonia Hill. 

Music from this episode:

The First Revival - 2005

https://music.apple.com/us/album/2005-ep/1563792004

Fredonia Hill - All My Hope

https://music.apple.com/us/album/all-my-hope-single/1536586399