True Joy Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kevin Fuqua
Joy can be found in all sorts of places. Here on the True Joy Podcast, we spotlight uplifting stories of friendship, family, faith and fellowship so the light of joy can shine with you.
Join us for engaging interviews and stories that will both inspire and challenge you with hosts Kevin Fuqua and Gary Lyons.
And visit our website www.yourtruejoy.com to follow along with the show, submit prayer requests and topic suggestions.
How did India differ from life in the United States and how did Kira and Michaela adapt? What is it like to work with children now compared to then?
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-33-michaela-and-kira-experiencing-india-part-2/560/
What we discuss today:
1:10 - What were some of the fun stories?
3:54 - What was transportation like?
5:25 - What are the kids like?
8:06 - What kinds of things did people have?
9:26 - What was the weather like?
11:01 - What are the religious differences?
15:00 - How did they share the love of Jesus with children?
16:37 - What was the highlight of their time there?
19:28 - What are they doing now and how does it compare?
22:15 - What does true joy mean?
What does it look like to follow God, even to the other side of the world? Kira and Michaela share about their experience in India and what they learned during that time.
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-32-michaela-and-kira-experiencing-india/552/
What we discuss today:
1:28 - Today’s guest is Kevin’s daughter Michaela and her friend, Kira!
3:08 - Why did Kira go to India?
5:42 - She saw an opportunity to learn about running a children’s home.
7:00 - Did God have a calling for Kira?
7:52 - What was the food like?
8:30 - What are the beliefs about cows?
10:46 - How did Michaela and Kira connect?
12:29 - What purpose did God have for them in India?
14:05 - How did they communicate with people there?
18:20 - What takeaways did they have?
20:54 - What were the children like?
How can we love others by using our gifts? Mary and Roger join us today as we discuss what caring for others can look like and why it’s important in finding joy.
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-31-mary-and-roger-doing-unto-others/547/
What we discuss today:
1:41 - What joy can you get from doing unto others?
5:56 - What happens if you feel taken advantage of?
6:58 - What does everyone need?
7:57 - How has God prepared Mary for this?
9:43 - What does Roger think about heaven?
11:18 - Death is not the end.
15:11 - Look for God’s timing to find a spouse.
17:58 - What does it mean to listen to the Lord?
On past episodes, we’ve discussed how we can help widows in the name of Jesus. Today, we invite Mary, a widow herself, to share her story. We will learn how God guided her through the pain of losing a spouse and how she embraces God’s love daily.
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-30-marys-story-knowing-true-love-through-god/542/
What we discuss today:
2:01 – Mary and her journey to God.
4:20 - Mary's loss of her husband.
6:45 - How we can help widows?
8:37 – What can we learn from Psalms 46:10?
9:28 - Finding comfort in Jesus.
10:40 - How do you know true love?
12:16 - Mary's father finding Jesus.
14:10 - How does she bring joy to others?
16:20 - Mary's love for music.
19:16 - What are Mary's thoughts on the Trinity?
20:29 - How can you encourage people to get involved?
21:04 - What does true joy mean for Mary?
We’ve had 28 great shows before this one, so we take a look back on some of the guests we’ve had and all the great wisdom they’ve shared. Which one was your favorite?
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-29-reflecting-back-on-past-shows/537/
What we discuss today:
1:44 - Where does true joy come from?
3:34 - Some have overcome addiction with the help of Jesus.
6:30 - What episode was the most popular?
8:25 - What does belief mean?
12:03 - Where can we seek truth?
13:36 - Kevin shares about his relationship with church.
16:34 - What was God’s plan for Jesus?
20:36 - Who else stuck out to you?
How do we face today’s world? What can we do to make it a better place in a way that’s pleasing to the Lord? Hear the discussion between Roger, Gary, and Kevin on today’s show!
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-28-conversation-with-roger-living-a-life-for-christ/532/
What we discuss today:
1:21 - How are times different today?
4:14 - Is sin worse today?
8:45 - What can we do to fix it?
16:21 - Kevin shares about caring for his neighbor.
18:07 - What can listeners do to be more Christ-like?
20:32 - What’s worth being busy for?
26:16 - What does true joy mean for Roger?
What kind of difference can Jesus make in someone’s life? Roger shares about the supernatural power that God provided to help him overcome his struggles with alcohol.
Show Notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-27-rogers-repentance-finding-transformation-with-jesus/527/
Key Points:
1:13 - Who is Roger Greenway?
12:06 - What was it like to quit drinking alcohol?
13:10 - What does “repent” actually mean?
14:35 - What is life like now?
16:21 - Is that a believable transformation?
17:58 - Roger shares about his uncles
20:39 - What truths can you find in scripture?
A show that started out helping 8 widows has grown into helping thousands across the country. If you are wondering how to get involved, you can use your gifts for God. From watching the show to volunteering your skills there are many ways to be part of this wonderful project.
Show Notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-26-rebuilding-and-restoring-with-ken-using-your-gifts-for-god/519/
Key Points:
0:54 - How can you get involved?
4:40 - What’s the future of the show?
7:12 - Who subscribes to Pureflix?
8:28 - How can the church be active in media?
10:31 - How can you help widows?
15:18 - What kind of funding can create a legacy?
19:53 - Using our money for good.
What does it mean to love others? Today we are particularly focusing on widows. Ken shares how his show, Rebuild and Restore, cares for widows and their homes.
Show Notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-25-restoring-and-rebuilding-with-ken-caring-for-widows/513/
Key Points:
1:51 - Ken shares about his home fix-it show.
6:40 - What is Ken working on now?
9:23 - Why does he work with widows?
15:54 - The pain and suffering of today will not be in heaven.
18:31 - How are the shows being funded?
19:45 - What was the purpose of the early church?
23:02 - How can you bless widows and love one another?
How do you know what God’s plan is for your life? Today, Jonathan is back to speak with us about how to find God and His plan for your life.
Show Notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-24-wisdom-from-jonathan-seeking-gods-plan-for-your-life/509/
Key Points:
0:55 - Did you know that God has a plan for you?
4:00 - How do you know when God is talking to you?
8:01 - We are called to make disciples
13:01 - Don’t forget prayer
16:16 - What if you’re worried about what other people think?
18:39 - Was there this much sin 40-50 years ago?
21:03 - Read 2 Timothy, chapter 3
What is happening in the world we’re living in? And what does it have to do with our relationship with Jesus? Find out on today’s podcast with Jonathan.
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-23-jonathans-predictions-why-we-need-to-get-our-lives-on-track/498/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:36 - What’s going on in the world today?
2:56 - Are these the last days?
7:30 - Where will this take place?
12:45 - Who are you worshipping?
14:51 - What does the Bible say?
19:00 - How do you have a relationship with Jesus?
22:11 - What’s it really all about?
Yvonne shares what the past few years of her life has looked like and how God has taken care of her during that time. From sickness to health and unequally yoked to engaged, you’ll want to hear how God has provided in her life.
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-22-yvonnes-life-story-finding-love-and-support/492/
Part 1: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-21-yvonnes-life-story-seeking-to-be-loved/487/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:02 - What are the that have been happening in Yvonne’s life?
10:29 - What happened after she got out of the hospital?
13:44 - What did the church family do while she was in chemo?
17:10 - Who’s the new guy in her life?
19:21 What does true joy mean now?
Ever feel like you’re looking for love in all the wrong places? Yvonne spent much of her life doing just that until she found true love with God.
Get the show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-21-yvonnes-life-story-seeking-to-be-loved/487/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:39 - What were Yvonne’s younger years like?
4:10 - When did Yvonne go to church?
5:56 - What happened after Yvonne got married?
7:30 - What advice does Yvonne have for people going through a tough time?
9:44 - What does the Bible say about divorce?
11:34 - What are God’s intentions for our lives?
18:01 - What does it mean to be equally yoked?
20:53 - What happened after getting divorced a second time?
Last week, we heard about Mike’s work, but there’s so much more to his story. After Mike graduated from high school in Georgia, he decided to immediately head west to California. Once he got there, he decided to stay awhile and worked at IHOP. When he returned to church his life changed after he went to an alter call and got saved.
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-20-mikes-life-story-what-gods-done-part-2/481/
Part 1: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-19-mikes-work-protecting-against-hackers-part-1/476/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:58 - What has God done in Mike’s life?
8:14 - What happened with Mike’s accident?
17:41 - Was it coincidence or God’s plan?
18:19 - What was it like to thank the doctor who saved him?
20:47 - What was it like to get back into the workforce?
21:55 - What is Mike’s family life like?
26:51 - What does true joy mean to Mike?
Mike shares about his work and experience protecting companies and individuals from internet scams, spoofs, and hackers. Are you appropriately protected from a cyber issue?
Show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-19-mikes-work-protecting-against-hackers-part-1/476/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:22 - Introducing Mike Frost of Cybergate.
2:36 - What kind of jobs started Mike into his career path?
4:34 - What does Mike protect companies from?
7:51 - Mike’s company was voted Best and Brightest.
9:29 - What are Mike’s hobbies?
13:31 - How common are scams?
14:02 - Where do the scams come from?
16:10 - What can the average person do to protect themselves?
17:57 - Why are people out to scam others?
21:01 - What does Mike allow his kids to do with social media?
22:57 - How do we defend and counsel our families?
24:40 - Are our phones listening to us?
On today’s episode of the podcast, Kevin interviews his grandpa, Roy. In part two of Roy’s story, we hear more about his experiences staying married, raising children, and playing sports with family.
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-18-roys-story-finding-joy-with-family-part-2/469/
Check out Part 1: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-17-roys-story-life-in-the-past-part-1/464/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:43 - What was Roy’s life like after the war?
2:37 - What family golfing memories does Roy enjoy?
3:58 - How long has Roy been married?
4:43 - What’s the secret to marriage?
7:44 - When did their children start going to church?
8:13 - What brings Roy true joy?
9:41 - What would Roy like to tell his kids?
Today, we have the pleasure of talking with Kevin’s grandfather, a man who was born nearly 100 years ago in 1923. From fighting in WWII and traveling the world to telling his story of salvation, Roy has a lot of experiences to share with us.
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-17-roys-story-life-in-the-past-part-1/464/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:23 - What was life like when Roy was growing up vs. today?
2:30 - How did Roy meet his wife?
4:25 - Roy fought in WWII.
8:46 - What kind of life did people have on the ship?
13:10 - How long was Roy at war before coming home?
14:32 - What was Roy’s surprise homecoming gift?
15:32 - What was it like working again once home?
16:48 - What was church like for Roy then?
17:35 - When did Roy get saved?
As a continuation of our discussion with Doug last week, his daughter joins us on the podcast today to ask Doug some follow-up questions. From what his past was like to what the future holds, even after he’s gone, Doug shares about what really matters in life.
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-16-dougs-deliverance-gods-timing-and-forgiveness/458/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:02 - Today we’re talking with Doug and his daughter, Tonya.
1:29 - Why did Doug move back to Alabama?
3:09 - Doug and his wife ended up getting divorced.
11:40 - What is the difference between God’s timing and our timing?
13:40 - What is Doug’s church like?
17:55 - How many people around Doug went to church growing up?
20:19 - How is church attendance different today?
22:11 - What really matters in life?
24:50 - Doug shares about forgiveness in his life and his marriage.
Doug tells his story of getting saved on the podcast today. From finding truth in Jesus and his word to raising his family in the church, Doug shares about his life.
Read more here: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-15-dougs-deliverance-finding-salvation-away-from-sin/453/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:35 - Introducing our guest: Doug Overton.
1:33 - What’s Doug’s background?
2:51 - How has work changed over the years?
6:10 - How does work look for young kids today?
9:20 - When did Doug start going to church?
14:05 - What is the importance of baptism?
14:45 - Did life change after Doug was saved?
17:08 - How should you lead a family?
18:58 - What kind of church should you go to?
21:29 - What happens when we sin?
How did Corey’s life change after finding salvation through Jesus? We talk to him to hear about the transformation and how he’s now shared the Gospel with countless others.
Get the show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-14-coreys-story-sharing-and-evangelizing-part-2/446/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:03 - What happened after he was saved?
5:26 - When did Corey’s wife get saved?
8:15 - What’s happening in Israel?
10:16 - What’s the difference in being saved?
13:26 - What was it like sharing with people who are unsaved?
18:08 - What should we be scared of?
From growing up Catholic to later finding the Lord, Corey shares his journey to salvation, including his work in the entertainment industry.
Read more:
https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-13-coreys-story-searching-for-finding-salvation/441/
What we discuss on this episode:
Corey shares more about the following:
- Working in the entertainment industry
- Life in California
- The Truth
- Facing challenges
- How everything changed in 2019-2020
- True joy
- Finding salvation
1:10 - Introducing Corey, a listener suggestion!
1:57 - What is Corey’s background?
4:23 - What was his acting career like?
6:23 - What’s the industry like in California?
10:06 - There’s only one truth.
20:00 - What was Corey’s church experience?
We continue to talk with Mickey about his ministry in part two of his story. As someone who has worked with people in crisis, he has led hundreds of volunteers and got to see God at work through that.
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-12-mickey-and-his-ministry-making-disciples-part-2/434/
Part 1: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-11-mickey-and-his-ministry-bringing-help-healing-and-hope/428/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:30 - What was it like helping after September 11th?
3:54 - What would volunteers say?
7:05 - What does it mean to love others, like the Good Samaritan?
8:15 - What’s the difference in people between now and 10, 30, 50 years ago?
13:45 - What risks are in the United States?
15:18 - What did the volunteers gain?
18:22 - What’s important to know?
23:22 - What does Mickey tell his children and grandchildren?
In the middle of disaster, what do people need most? Mickey shares his experience serving in disaster relief, how to best help, and why it matters.
Read more: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-11-mickey-and-his-ministry-bringing-help-healing-and-hope/428/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:52 - Meet Mickey.
2:22 - What was Mickey’s career like?
3:19 - What keeps Mickey busy?
5:01 - What’s Mickey’s testimony?
9:41 - What does the disaster relief organization do?
15:27 - How do people respond to the ministry?
20:05 - What is “stuff”?
22:36 - How to help through a local church.
24:22 - The importance of being organized with the work.
29:50 - What does true joy mean to Mickey?
God created everyone in His image. While Jonathan is a Black man and Kevin is white man, they have a lot in common and have been friends for a long time. Treating someone different and having a preconceived notion of what someone is like because of their skin is racism. America has a lot of past history with racism and slavery. If God had a problem with racism, shouldn’t we have a problem with racism? What is Jonathan’s perspective on racism in America today?
Read more here: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-10-jonathans-words-of-wisdom-on-racism-and-forgiveness/422/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:48 - Jonathan is back!
1:27 - We live in a race-driven world.
3:11 - God created everyone in his image.
7:08 - Are we in a racist country?
9:39 - How can we look at the bright side?
13:01 - Sparing the rod and spoiling the child.
14:17 - What’s an acronym for the B-I-B-L-E?
18:01 - What does living only for yourself look like?
19:47 - How to pray and listen to God.
Jonathan has been a close friend of Kevin’s for many years and he’s someone that we’re excited to spend time with for the first time on the podcast. Today we’ll get his view of the world and the good and evil that we face every day.
Read more here: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-9-jonathans-viewpoint-what-challenges-exist-in-todays-world-part-1/414/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:54 – Introducing Jonathan
1:43 – Jonathan’s background
2:34 – The quick move to Oklahoma
4:07 – What he’s unhappy with today
6:01 – The current moral compass
7:54 – His trip to Israel
10:26 – How much has changed over 60-70 years
13:36 – False Evidence Appearing Real
15:57 – Does everyone go to heaven?
20:57 – We get consumed with material things.
23:21 – Decisions have consequences
24:27 – Kevin shares a story about children
Mike shares about his life with Jesus as well as his life fighting off bugs as a business. From being saved to getting rid of spiders, there’s a lot to discuss on today’s podcast.
See the show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-8-mikes-story-everything-from-bugs-to-faith/407/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:08 - What is the bug business like?
4:02 - What’s a good bug story to squirm about?
6:02 - How do you know if a restaurant has a bug problem or not?
7:43 - Are spiders hard to kill?
10:01 - What will retirement look like for Mike?
12:38 - Is Mike in church?
13:51 - Why does God allow certain things to happen?
23:26 - When is the second coming? Are people ready?
25:38 - How often can a bug man get every spider web?
28:03 - Is God really real?
30:17 - What does Mike believe?
36:02 - What does true joy mean to Mike?
On today’s podcast of the True Joy podcast, we talk to Peter Breese about a little bit of everything. From his upbringing to his marriage and to what he thinks about life today, Peter shares his thoughts in this discussion of faith.
See the show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-7-peters-beliefs-and-how-that-shapes-his-life-today/400/
What we discuss on this episode:
0:53 - Today’s guest is Peter.
4:34 - How did he meet his wife?
8:02 - What was it like having a famous father-in-law?
11:28 - What does Peter think about life today?
16:14 - What does Peter believe about Jesus?
18:57 - What are Peter’s thoughts about heaven?
21:14 - What do we know about Jesus?
24:44 - We have choices in life.
31:01 - God knows what will happen.
35:37 - What if you’re wrong?
39:54 - How are you living now?
We continue to hear more of Stephanie’s story to find out how she came to lead Forever Grateful Ministries today. She also shares more about where her hope and joy come from.
See the show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-6-stephanies-story-part-2-the-hope-we-have-in-jesus/377/
Check out Part 1: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/stephanies-story-always-be-ready-for-jesus-part-1/369/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:25 - What happened with Stephanie’s dad?
5:32 - What does true joy mean to Stephanie?
8:53 - How do we know about heaven?
13:08 - How did they decide to keep running the ministry?
20:15 - What kind of hope and joy Stephanie has.
One man’s passion became a family ministry of generosity and service to others. Stephanie shares about her faith and her work with Forever Grateful Ministries.
Read more here: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/stephanies-story-always-be-ready-for-jesus-part-1/369/
About Forever Grateful Ministries: https://forever-grateful.org/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:06 - What did Stephanie do to stay ready for Jesus as a kid?
2:05 - Growing up, Stephanie was raised like an only child.
3:16 - Where is Stephanie from?
3:32 - Stephanie talks about her husband and daughter.
5:25 - What was Stephanie’s faith journey?
7:31 - What did her father do to benefit others?
10:41 - How many bikes did he give away?
12:10 - Kevin shares about his trip to West Virginia and exposure to poverty.
15:10 - Stephanie inherited Forever Grateful Ministries from her dad.
18:13 - Where did donations and money come from for the ministry?
Kirk has had a long road to recovery. He was in the hospital for more than 30 days with COVID. He shares his story of the long, emotional battle back to health.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-4-kirks-long-road-to-recovery-after-covid/359/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:06 – Meet Kirk
2:55 – Going to Germany
5:22 – Learning a language
7:13 – Getting Covid
16:06 – Emotional time in ICU
17:33 – Contemplating death
22:08 – God’s plan
27:52 – True joy
31:03 – Living life
Some problems impact the entire family. Erica shares her experience as the daughter of a drug addict who later experienced a transformation and is now a loving grandpa to her kids.
Read more here: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-3-ericas-story-never-giving-up-and-seeing-redemption-in-her-family/351/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:02 - What was it like growing up?
2:21 - What was it like when her dad was living on the streets?
4:11 - What did Erica do to help point him in the right direction?
5:42 - What was the root cause for the problems?
9:30 - Erica shares about her husband and kids.
11:29 - You can overcome things and have a purpose.
13:25 - What brings Erica true joy?
15:47 - God’s timing is beyond our imagination.
Today we’re talking with the legendary Verney Turner, known as “Grandpa” to the kids. Find out how he went from the streets of Atlanta to the seats of the church.
See the show notes: https://yourtruejoy.com/podcast/ep-2-grandpa-tur…ts-of-the-church/140/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:15 – Meet Verney Turner
3:49 – Did he fear for his life?
4:11 – God had a purpose
4:51 – Verney’s children
5:33 – What got him straight
7:17 – How he stays clean
11:17 – How drugs affected his body and life
13:50 – What brings him joy
14:32 – When he got saved
18:23 – How faith helped him
We kick off this podcast by laying down a foundation for what’s to come on this show. Join us as we introduce you to our two hosts, Kevin Fuqua and Gary Lyons, and explain what true joy is all about.
Before we begin this journey with you, we wanted to take some time to set the table for what’s to come on this show. To do that, we thought it would be best to lay a foundation by explaining the meaning of true joy, how it applies to our lives, and why it’s the focus for this podcast.
This episode will give you some background on the two hosts, Kevin Fuqua and Gary Lyons, and fill you in on the mission to find true joy.
As you listen to this first episode, keep an ear out for these topics:
- What true joy means to each of us.
- Why it’s important to keep a positive outlook on life despite the negativity that surrounds us.
- What we can do differently in our lives to improve the lives of ourselves and others.
- The gifts that God has blessed each of us with.
- Using love more purposefully in our conversations and relationships.
Use the timestamps below to skip around to the specific topics you’d like to hear.
0:41 – What does True Joy mean to you?
2:30 – Who we are
5:31 – Keeping a positive outlook
7:09 – What can we do different today?
10:16 – Overcoming your situation
12:26 – God gives us gifts
13:47 – Love
18:07 – How to connect with us
Joy can be found in all sorts of places. Here on the True Joy Podcast, we spotlight uplifting stories of friendship, family, faith and fellowship so the light of joy can shine with you.
Join us for engaging interviews and stories that will both inspire and challenge you with hosts Kevin Fuqua and Gary Lyons.
And visit our website www.yourtruejoy.com to follow along with the show, submit prayer requests and topic suggestions. The show launches on April 1, 2021.