The Storyfield: Recent Episodes
The StoryField
LIFE is complex. The frustrating issues never seem to stop.BUSINESS is hard. Right answers are not easily found and making progress is difficult. Living a life of FAITH can feel complicated. Your relationship with God may feel broken. You may be uninspired in your faith. It becomes lonely. It is discouraging when MOVEMENT in your life, business, or faith has stopped.Positive, encouraging, and inspiring stories seem to be hard to find. Most of the information circulating is negative. It shouldn’t be this way. Why we created this: Stop discouragement - Listen to encouraging stories of normal people dealing with the same problems. Be inspired - in life and business. Take a step forward - Ignite a spark in your faith.
In this episode, Grant Gustafson shares a deeply personal and honest story of faith, family, ministry, suffering, and redemption. He opens up about growing up in a broken home marked by divorce, addiction, church hurt, and generational pain, and how those early experiences shaped his view of God, himself, and relationships. He also shares the unexpected moment in high school when faith became personal, leading to baptism, a growing hunger for Jesus, and eventually a long season of vocational ministry.
Grant walks through the realities of life in ministry, the tension of fundraising and leadership, and the internal pressure that can come with trying to hold everything together. He then takes listeners into one of the hardest seasons of his life: marriage struggles, a major health crisis, his wife’s cancer diagnosis, financial instability, and the emotional weight of feeling like he had hit rock bottom. In the middle of it all, he describes how Scripture, prayer, community, and a renewed understanding of suffering helped reframe his story.
This conversation is especially powerful for anyone navigating trauma, burnout, marriage difficulty, chronic health issues, spiritual wrestling, or a season that feels unanswered and overwhelming. Grant’s story is a reminder that healing is often slow, faith is often forged in suffering, and Jesus is present even when life feels like it is falling apart.
Listeners will come away encouraged by Grant’s vulnerability, challenged by his perspective on suffering and humility, and strengthened by the hope that God can redeem even the most painful seasons of life.
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In this episode, Micah sits down with Mark Stephens and Ed Hanson of Go Big Business Group to talk about how a golf and promotional products company grew from a small consulting idea into a multi-division business built on service, relationships, and faith. They share stories from the course, lessons from military and corporate careers, and the importance of saying no to the wrong work so you can say yes to doing the right thing well.
The conversation also dives into how Christian values shape their leadership, customer service, hiring, and decision-making. From charity tournaments and memorable golf experiences to servant leadership and a new benevolent fund, this episode is packed with practical business wisdom, authentic faith, and a few fun golf stories along the way.
https://gobigbg.com/
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In this episode of The Story Field, rodeo legend Ted Nuce shares his journey from an adopted child in California to one of the most respected bull riders in rodeo history. Ted opens up about the fear, discipline, and mental toughness it took to ride bulls at the highest level, as well as the faith that carried him through the danger, injuries, and pressure of competition. He also reflects on the friendships, mentors, and moments that shaped his career, including the rise of the PBR and the lessons he learned about identity, purpose, and trusting God through every season of life.
Ted’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and faith can carry you farther than you ever imagined.
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In this episode of The StoryField, Dr. Allen Williams — 6th-generation farmer, former tenured professor, and founder of Libertas Land — explains regenerative (or “redemptive”) agriculture and why restoring life in the soil matters.
Allen explains six core principles which can change everything for both agriculture producers and the environment
- Context
- Armor/cover
- minimize disturbance
- living roots
- Diversity,
- integrated livestock
We cover practical first steps, common barriers (peer pressure, debt, lack of education), and simple on-farm tests to track progress.
Tune in today to hear real-world wins: lower input costs, higher net profits (often within year one), faster restoration timelines (major gains in ~3 years), improved carrying capacity, re-greened desertland, and much higher nutrient density in food.
If you want hope, actionable steps, and a faith-informed view of stewarding the land, this episode is for you.
Resources:
Email - Dr. Allen Williams: allen@radicallyregenerative.com
Libertas Land (libertas-land.com)
Roots So Deep docu-series. https://rootssodeep.org/
Carbon Cowboys https://carboncowboys.org/
The ECDYSIS Thousand Farms research. https://www.ecdysis.bio/1000-farms
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In this 100th episode, Josh and Micah look back on the story behind The StoryField—how it began during COVID, how they chose the name, and why the podcast has always been about sharing meaningful stories rather than chasing numbers or money.
They reflect on favorite guests, including Dr. Ben Edwards, Sue Becker, Bob Goff, Jamie and Donna Winship, Matt Chandler, and others whose stories have encouraged, challenged, and inspired listeners.
The conversation also highlights the deeper purpose behind the show: helping people find hope, grow in faith, and see the value of obedience, authenticity, and real-life testimony.
They also share about The Unstuck Project, a new video series and coaching resource designed to help people get unstuck in life, family, and business - you can see what its about at Unstuck Coaches. It’s a warm, honest, and celebratory look at 100 episodes of stories that matter.
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Craig Scoville shared his life story, recounting a difficult childhood marked by his father’s alcoholism, early substance abuse, and eventual deep addiction through his twenties.
After a decisive spiritual encounter where he repented and found peace, Craig was delivered from addiction and began discipleship in small Texas churches, which led to marriage and a calling to missions. He and his wife served over seven years in East Asia with Kids Across Cultures, focusing on education, medical care, clean water, and community transformation through local churches.
Craig described practical insights for helping addicts, emphasizing godly sorrow, confronting enabling behaviors, and long-term discipleship and highlighted the Father’s restorative love and purpose for each life. He encouraged others to pursue God’s purpose, get involved with mission work like Kids Across Cultures, and support initiatives that provide education, clean water, and medical care for impoverished children.
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“The answer to suffering is always more love”.
– Jonathan Tepper
In this deeply moving conversation, Jonathan Tepper joins Storyfield to discuss his memoir “Shooting Up: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Addiction.”
Jonathan recounts growing up as a missionary kid in 1980s Madrid, where his parents founded a drug-rehab center amidst a heroin and AIDS epidemic. He shares vivid memories of the people who became like family — especially Raul — the painful losses his community endured, and how compassion and service shaped his life.
We explore the realities of addiction and recovery, the emotional toll of grief (including the tragic death of his brother), and how his upbringing inspired a life of learning and resilience that led him from Madrid to Chapel Hill and eventually to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Jonathan reflects on the lessons of dignity, presence, and “more love” as the response to suffering, and how ordinary acts of compassion had extraordinary impact.
Listen for honest storytelling, tough questions about loss and mental health, and practical hope for anyone walking through grief.
Grab Jonathan’s book Shooting Up: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Addiction and visit his website to connect and learn more.
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Dr. Karl Payne joined us for an incredible interview with this long-time pastor who served 20+ years as a chaplain for the Seattle Seahawks.
Dr. Payne tells the story of who how spiritual warfare walked into his front room and changed his ministry forever, which all led to him writing this MUST HAVE book for all Christians:
Spiritual Warfare: Christian, Demonization, and Deliverance
We did a deep dive with Dr. Payne about:
- Demonization
- Oppression v. Demonization
- Practical ways to discern if you are hearing from God vs the demonic.
Finally, we learn a simple, transferable framework to engage in spiritual warfare and help set people free: the three C’s — Confess, Cancel, Command.
This is a practical, Bible-centered conversation for pastors, counselors and any believer wanting clear, usable tools for spiritual battles.
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W. Paul Young, author of “The Shack” joined us on The StoryField.
We had a deeply honest conversation with Paul touching some major parts of his story:
- growing up as a missionary kid.
- surviving abuse and generational wounds.
- the first time he told the truth after getting caught in an affair.
- the long journey into healing, trust and presence.
Join us for this amazing interview with Paul Young where we explored some other ideas that could change your life -
Expectations: why releasing expectations frees relationships.
Trusting God: how living in the moment is the heart of real trust and how to move from control to healthy trust.
Grace: for the moment.
Responsibility: is not what has been taught; it’s really the “ability to respond”.
And, of course we learned the surprising origin of The Shack.
Why listen: This episode is for anyone wrestling with shame, control, or the fear-driven future-trip. Paul’s hard-won wisdom invites a life of present-tense trust, radical honesty, and deeper, safer relationships.
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The One With Matt Chandler — From a troubled, performance-driven childhood to a life shaped by grace.
Pastor Matt Chandler tells his slow, unhurried story: how an unlikely friendship and a youth camp encounter led to a life in Christ, the winding path into vocational ministry, and the rhythms that sustain him.
Matt reflects on the effectual call that changed him at 17, early ministry in small Texas churches, the formation of the Waiting Room Ministries with Shane & Shane, and the surprising journey that lead him to an almost extinct church which has now become a highly influential, life-changing church now known as “The Village Church” with regular attendance of thousands weekly.
Matt is executive chairman of Acts 29, a global church-planting network; a clear, gospel-centered preacher; an author, speaker, and podcast host.
Listen today and hear wisdom from Matt who has helped believers follow Jesus for decades. Matt would encourage you to exchange performance for affection and presence with Jesus.
For more information about Matt and The Village Church visit www.thevillagechurch.net
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Join Micah as he sits down with Mandy Hedrick, owner of MJ Designs and Marketing, for an insightful conversation on the power of marketing for small businesses.
In this episode, they break down the unique quirks of different social media platforms and share practical, real-world tips for new business owners looking to make the most of their marketing efforts. Mandy offers her expert perspective on navigating the ever-changing world of digital marketing and highlights why consistency and genuine engagement are key to building a brand online.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your marketing approach, this episode is packed with honest advice and encouragement. Micah and Mandy also dive into the realities of entrepreneurship—reminding listeners that growth takes time and setbacks are part of the journey. Tune in for inspiration, actionable strategies, and a reminder to keep chasing your business dreams with both passion and a practical mindset!
If you’d like to connect with Mandy or learn more about her services, you can visit MJ Designs and Marketing or reach out to her directly at mandy@mjdesignsandmarketing.com. She’s always happy to help fellow entrepreneurs take their marketing to the next level!
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Join us for an incredible interview on The Storyfield where Aaron Young shares his journey from an abusive, approval-driven childhood through struggles in marriage, ministry, and personal sin, including his wife’s long-term affair with his good friend.
In this amazing episode of Hope, you will see how community, accountability, and faith paved the way for God to completely restore his marriage.
After walking through recovery groups, discipleship, and mutual vulnerability, Aaron and his bride now a lead marriage-reconciliation ministry and offer counseling to other couples.
If you have ever needed an episode showing there is hope for your marriage; even in horrible circumstances like adultery, you must listen in today.
This amazing couple would want you to hear this message - God redeems pain and community is essential for healing.
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What does it really mean to be “attached” to God—and why do so many of us feel disconnected even while doing all the “right” spiritual things?
In this episode, counselor and pastor Phil Herndon shares his journey from “churchianity” in Marietta, Georgia, through addiction, marital struggle, and inner chaos, to sobriety and a deeper experience of attachment to God. He talks about his path into counseling, his work at the Center for Professional Excellence, and his partnership with Tin Man, where he helps leaders and pastors who are burned out, addicted, or emotionally shut down.
Phil explains how the brain is wired for protection, how trauma and unprocessed grief keep us stuck, and why lament—especially as seen in Scripture—is a kind of “cheat code” to attachment. He unpacks the eight core emotions (anger, hurt, lonely, sadness, fear, guilt, shame, and gladness) and shows how they act as a transport system to bring our stories into the light and reconnect us to God and others.
We also explore what real courage looks like: staying present, being vulnerable again, and letting trusted people into the painful parts of our story. If you’ve ever felt spiritually numb, emotionally shut down, or stuck in patterns you can’t explain, this conversation offers language, hope, and a practical path back to connection.
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Phillip Warren entered prison at 22 and walked out at 45 after 23.5 years for murder. In this raw, unfiltered episode of The Story Field, Phillip shares his spiral from a broken home, teenage rebellion, and a fateful night of rage to a life-altering encounter with Christ inside maximum-security walls.
Hear how God met him in the pit—while he was still digging—and the jaw-dropping moment the victim's grieving parents offered not just forgiveness, but a job and a future.
From parole setbacks to sobriety, fatherhood, and a marriage transformed by grace, Phillip’s story is proof: no pit is too deep for God to reach, and no past disqualifies you from His better plan.
If you’re hopeless, hurting, or just need hope—email hope@thestoryfield.com
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Chuck Gschwend, co-founder of the Eden Project, shares his journey from attorney to minister and how his calling led him to help others connect deeply with God and each other. The Eden Project offers free resources, retreats, and small group experiences to nurture spiritual growth and authentic relationships.
In this episode, Chuck discusses the “God gap”—the disconnect many people feel between knowing about God and truly experiencing His goodness. He offers practical steps for bridging this gap, like honest self-reflection, simple daily prayers, and embracing our neediness as a path to deeper intimacy with God.
Listeners will discover that real spiritual transformation comes through loving relationships and honest connection, not just more information. Chuck encourages practices like emotions check-ins and solitude, reminding us that God’s love is unwavering and available to us right now, no matter where we are on our journey.
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Ryan Hurt joined us today on The StoryField.
In the small town of Lingleville, Texas (166 residents as of the last census) you will find this church: Lingleville Baptist Church.
You will find Ryan Hurt preaching each Sunday to a crowd of around 1,200 people.
Ryan doesn’t look like your typically small-town Baptist preacher with his full arm sleeve tattoos. And, he certainly doesn’t have a typical story about how the Lord used him to grow a church from 38 people to 1,200 in regular attendance in a town with only 166 residents.
Join us today for a CRAZY journey known as Ryan’s life which includes playing professional country music; snorting line after line of cocaine in hopes he didn’t wake up the next day; to the drunk driving car wreck that started the transformation which landed Ryan on the stage of a church each week.
Ryan prays all the time for the Lord to not let him lose his first love – Jesus and his amazing grace.
Join us for this amazing story of God’s goodness and all the cool things He is doing out in Lingleville! Ryan would want you to come as you are and receive the love of Jesus.
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Roland Warren joined us today on The StoryField.
He has been fighting for over 20 years to end abortion and is the author of an incredible new book entitled: The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must Be Pro Abundant Life. You can order it HERE.
Roland is the President and CEO of Care Net. He is a graduate of both Princeton and the Wharton School of Business and has spent 20 years in the corporate world before serving as president of the National Fatherhood Initiative then Care Net.
We asked Roland a hard question to kick the interview off:
As a person who is a huge advocate for life – how in the world do you engage with a pro-choice person?
Join us for this incredible interview where Roland unpacks some big topics like:
- what it means to love your “neighbor” – in context of abortion.
- how the Great Commandment and Great Commission play a huge role in the abortion conversation.
- why we must include fathers when helping in unplanned pregnancies.
- why pro-abundant life approach to abortion alternatives creates amazing transformation.
Do you know what God did in response to the most celebrated unplanned pregnancy ever? He created a family. Let’s help do the same!
Listen in today as Roland helps us understand this incredible alternative to abortion - Pro Abundant Life.
Want more information about Roland? Check out his website here: https://rolandcwarren.com/
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Emily Edwards joined us today on The StoryField.
Join us for a great story of Emily’s journey from being recruited by 70 colleges to play basketball; to tearing her ACL which changed the course of her career.
Emily is a licensed Physical Therapist and is the Director of the Corporate Wellness program at Veritas Wellness. She also is a Wellness Navigator for Veritas.
Veritas provides a lot of great information about the 4 main pillars of health:
- Peace
- Movement
- Hydration
- Nutrition
Emily is the Movement expert. Recent studies have concluded that sitting is the new smoking – it can be that harmful to your body.
Listen today for some practical and helpful tips on the basic things a person can do which will make a big difference to transform their lives. Some are really practical, like-
- Go for a walk outside.
- Set a timer each hour – stand up and walk around.
- Do some basic stretching and strength training.
Emily will tell you to keep it simple and be intentional.
Join us today for a great story with practical tips to encourage you to get moving!
PS. Check out Veritas Wellness. Become a Member. Book a session with Emily today.
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Jake Weidmann joined us today on The StoryField.
Jake is an artist and master penman. In fact, he is the youngest person to receive that certification by decades.
Join us today when we talk with Jake about the slow pace and process it takes to produce incredible works of art with God.
You must check out Jake’s work at https://www.jakeweidmann.com/.
Do not forget to grab a copy of his new book “Old Soul, New Creation: Experiencing God through a Life of Art and Faith” HERE.
PS. You love amazing jewelry? Check out the jewelry company Jake and his wife Hannah created: www.everydayheirloomco.com
PSS. You can also find Jake on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@JakeWeidmannArtist
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This is a freedom episode you will not want to miss.
Here is the deal. Your brain is designed by God to run on Joy but most of us run on Fear. This produces a “fear-bond” to God instead of a “joy-bond”.
A couple cool things you need to know about Dr. Warner:
1) He is the author of many incredible books, some of the most recent are:
Breakthrough! 5 essential Strategies for Freedom, Healing, and Wholeness (March 2024)
The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled People (2023)
A Deeper Walk: A Proven Path for Developing a More Vibrant Faith (2022)
Rare Leadership in the Workplace – with Jim Wilder (2021)
2) He has a great podcast called On the Trail
3) He is the founder/president of www.deeperwalk.com for almost 20 years.
This episode is an incredible overview of some amazing topics which will open the door to some incredible life-changing topics such as:
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The 4Cs of spiritual warfare
-
The FISH discipleship model showing us to how live a victorious Christian life.
Join us today for this incredible episode.
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Jon Seidl joined us today on The StoryField, and wow. Jon is the Christian who became an alcoholic—not the other way around. Usually we celebrate stories of non-Christians coming to Jesus. But what about Christians who stumble in their walks? Those stories of what Jon calls “messy sanctification” that can be hard to make sense of.
This is an episode of encouragement and hope – not judgment and condemnation so don’t tune out. You will not want to miss this radically vulnerable interview with him.
Jon tells us the story of how he spiraled into addiction and how he climbed out of it – all of which led and is the focus of his upcoming book “Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free” which is set to release on October 7. However, you can lock in a 40% discount and FREE shopping by pre-ordering the book right here!
There are 4 main steps the Lord used in Jon’s life to help him break free of his unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Tune in today and listen how each of these steps can help anyone in their life – they are not only for people struggling with alcohol. They helped Jon finally stop the destructive cycle of shame and find freedom—and the key to doing that is something we all need in our lives! Listen today to this wild story of God’s transformation and be encouraged.
PS. Want to help Jon get the Gospel and his book into 50 treatment centers in all 50 States? Check out: The 50/50 Campaign
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Dr. Ben Edwards joined us today on The StoryField.
Dr. Ben’s mentor shocked him when they first met when he said “There is no such thing as diseases. They are all consequences”. To a traditionally trained medical doctor – this was blasphemy.
Hours and hours of research and a year later – Dr. Ben was trying some different approaches which resulted in radically difference health outcomes for patients.
He started seeing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart diseases, asthma, and other “consequences” get reversed.
Join us today as we hear practical tips you can implement tomorrow which may completely change your life and health.
We covered getting rid of the “Big 3”. And adding the “Big 5”. We talked about stress and the impact on your body and the 4 pillars of health along with other topics.
Just listening to this episode may make you healthier.
Check out some great resources from Dr. Ben’s company called Veritas Wellness here: https://veritaswellnessmember.com/ and on his YouTube channel You're the Cure.
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Donna Winship joined us today on The StoryField.
Stop Right Now! Before we talk more about Donna Winship, you must know there are some fantastic videos on Identity Exchange’s YouTube channel.
Their YouTube channel will be a great place to start!
Ok, so there two (2) things seem true for many people:
· We are always in conflict.
· We feel stuck and are not aware of a clear path to transformation.
Donna Winship was kind enough to dive deep into a few big areas:
1) The Check-In Process and how you can learn to tell the truth about your negative emotions you are experiencing and how it can lead to complete transformation.
2) The Identity Method explaining where all conflict comes from and the process you can use today to walk in peace and resolve conflict with those around you.
Donna and her husband Jamie Winship have decades of experience bringing peaceful solutions to some of the world’s highest conflict areas. They are the co-founders of Identity Exchange which provides training and consulting on the transformative power of living fearlessly in your true identity and Identity Impact.
Your identity impacts everything! You can start your identity journey by clicking here: All Things Identity Exchange
Join us today for an incredible interview with Donna Winship. Transformation and fearless, conflict-free living is found within!
Couple great books to purchase:
Living Fearless
Living Fearless Guided Journal
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Don Armstrong joined us today on The StoryField.
If you are listening to this episode, you have either faced or are in the middle of a big challenge. It may be ranging from a minor inconvenience to a major life-threatening event. Either way – its adversity and you need help getting through it.
Don is your adversity guide! Within a week, he went from a normal day to a leukemia diagnosis to starting his first round of chemo.
He knows the deepest level of adversity have been through 5 rounds of chemo and spent 63 days in the hospital. Now, he is a survivor; author of the book “Finish Your Race”; and has run 20+ marathons.
Listen today and learn how your adversity can be seen as an opportunity and gift which can help you live your best life.
Don has an incredible new online course called “From Adversity to Living your Best Life” which will give you the tools you need to take a step forward in your difficult challenge. Check out Don’s great Course Here.
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Krissey Byrd joined us today on The StoryField.
Her relationship with God was “check the box” until something horrible happened in 2017 that made her realize she “really needed God”.
Krissey’s life was immediately and suddenly changed. She lost her mind within a few days and felt like “she was dying from the inside” as she explained. Over the next three (3) years was a battle with suicidal thoughts and panic attacks and extreme anxiety.
This was the most difficult suffering Krissey has faced and now she says she would do it all again. Why? Because of her relationship with Jesus now!
Tune in today – leave encouraged.
Want to email Krissey? Have a question for her? Krissey.byrd@sville.us
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Drawing from personal experience, Jay Lowder is committed to reaching those struggling daily. Called to full-time evangelism in 1989, Jay is the founder of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries, an organization dedicated to reaching diverse groups of people with the message of Jesus Christ.
At a young age, Jay turned away from God and headed towards a life of destruction, eventually reasoning that his life was no longer worth living. With a pistol at his temple, Jay considered suicide; however, his attempt came to an abrupt halt when his roommate unexpectedly walked through the door.
Sensing God spared his life to fulfill a purpose, Jay's search for truth began. After several months, it culminated at a Sunday night outreach where he committed his life to Christ. Soon after, he attended a youth event where he witnessed hundreds of teens respond to the call to accept Jesus Christ. There, he realized God calling him to spend the rest of his life proclaiming his personal story and faith and helping others find God’s purpose for their life.
Jay's Books:
Midnight in Aisle Seven
Navigate - Kindle Edition
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Charlie Lewis joined us today on The StoryField.
What the world calls success and how God defines it are entirely different things.
We asked Charlie to shed some light on success:
· World Success = asset based; time driven; pursuit of money and earth-based results.
· God’s Success = purpose based; eternity designed; driven by pursuit of outcomes.
It can be so frustrating to work with the system of the world, but Charlie invited us to consider operating within God’s system of government on earth – the Kingdom of God.
Let’s get this straight though - Charlie is a businessman. He founded Kingdom Insurance Group – a successful national insurance business which works with more than 25,000 representatives; but you will find out quick that he loves Jesus and pursues the Kingdom of God for his life and businesses and ventures.
Charlie helped us understand much about the Kingdom of God beginning with how you enter and operate within the Kingdom – all beginning with redemption.
Listen today and be encouraged to stop exhausting yourself trying to gather more assets with no time while pursing hard after money and getting unsatisfactory results. How about consider doing it God’s way?
Grad a copy of Charlie’s book “The Kingdom System: A Pattern for Guaranteed Success” today.
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Dr. Dan Allender joined us today on The StoryField.
Ever found yourself in a big conflict with your spouse because they did something that just set you off?
Maybe your marriage is full of consistent, slow boiling conflict under the surfaces due to the differences between you both.
Dr. Allender pressed deep into marriage, conflicts, and helping us think entirely differently about it while discussing the book he wrote with Dr. Steve Call entitled 'The Deep Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Healing, Intimacy and Delight which can be found HERE.
Listen in today and be encouraged. There is hope for your marriage and healing will begin when you begin considering a few things we covered in this episode:
- the story you brought into your marriage
- your desires
- find out what is blinding you
- how do you hide in marriage
- becoming very curious about your spouse.
You will love this very authentic episode with Dr. Allender – he even told us about the recent big conflict in his marriage over a baked potato.
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Pastor Ed Dittfurth joined us today on The StoryField.
Here is the deal. Pastoring requires bearing a lot of burdens. It requires counseling, hospital visits, death and funerals, constant calls of crisis or problems, weddings, and many many hours with people.
Its easy to see how Pastors or ministers can get numb, neutral, and burned out.
We were honored to interview Pastor Ed today. He has served as Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Stephenville, Texas for over 26 years, but served it for 30+ years.
Pastors, Ministry Leaders – this episode is a must-listen for you.
Ed walks through his advice on maintaining “ministry rhythm” so you don’t burn out. Talks about hard lessons learned and how to bear people’s burdens and gives us some practical advice on hospital visits; funerals; and counseling.
At God’s request, Ed has been asked to focus his efforts “outside the walls of the church” and let God handle the congregation.
Listen today for the encouragement you need from a long-term Pastor of a single church in one community.
You can reach Pastor Ed by email at dittfurth@gmail.com. Shoot him an email and give him some encouragement.
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Mike McHargue joined us today on The StoryField.
Mike has coached leaders and teams for over 25 years.
He is the Founder/President of his consulting firm - Mike McHargue Consulting and is a Principal Consultant with Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group.
He has worked with thousands of leaders and 500+ leadership teams during his career.
You must check out Mike’s recent book titled “That’s On Me: Seasoned Executives Confess Their Rookie Mistakes” where he collected stories of almost 40 seasoned C-suite veterans who share wisdom learned from big mistakes.
Grab a copy of his book HERE.
If you are a business leader then tune in as Mike unpacks 5 big mistakes that if you stop making today, it will feel like shortcut for your business.
PS. Want more information about Mike – check out
www.mikemchargueconsulting.com
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Sue Becker joined us today on The StoryField.
Sue is an expert on the incredible benefits of whole grain nutrition and baking with fresh milled flour. The results are proven—your health and life will completely change if you start eating bread the way God intended – fresh milled.
But don’t worry if you have no idea what that means. We asked Sue!
Milling your own flour is way easier than you think and eating its bread has been shown to be incredibly helpful to your health (even to the point of reversing major conditions) just by adding this miracle bread to your diet.
Sue is the founder of The Bread Beckers – check them out at https://www.breadbeckers.com/. There you can find REAL FOOD; ideas on complete nutrition lifestyle; and order everything you need to make God’s bread.
Don’t forget to grab a copy of Sue’s book The Essential Home-Ground Flour.
PS: Still have questions – check out https://www.youtube.com/@BreadBeckers for a ton of helpful videos.
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We sat around the table with Charles Davis – a man who lives 3571 miles away in Petersburg, Alaska.
Charles is the owner and captain of an 84ft yacht known as the “Alaskan Legend”. If you have ever wanted to visit Alaska or spend some time on a Yacht, check out www.alaskayacht.com.
Charles loves Jesus; hears the voice of God; and has lived fearless in his very adventurous life.
Listen in today when we ask Charles about being one of the first people to ride a jet ski from Seattle, Washington through the Canadian and Alaskan inside passage into the Bearing Sea then across to Russia. They made a TV series about the adventures called Dangerous Waters – you can watch them on Amazon Prime here.
Finally, you do not want to miss Charles give his testimony how tithing changed everything for him and his businesses.
Do not miss this amazing episode with this fearless man of God.
PS. Don’t forget to checkout www.alaskayacht.com to get information and book a trip on the Alaskan Legend.
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AJ Chambers joined us today on The StoryField.
AJ is the Associate Regional Director for the 83-year-old outreach ministry known world-wide as “Young Life”.
Young Life exists to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.
What is the secret of Young Life? We asked AJ pointedly—the answer: Relationships.
If you are around YL long enough, you know they deeply believe in “earning the right to be heard”.
Listen in today to learn from a Young Life veteran who has been reaching young people for Jesus for 18 years. You’ll hear about “contact work”, “club”, “camp”, and “Campaigners”.
Our hope is you will be encouraged to jump in the mission and start introducing young people to Jesus – just like Young Life has been doing for 83 years.
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Joel Penton joined The StoryField today and shed some amazing light on what is available to public school kids DURING school--- Bible Education.
Yep, you heard it correctly.
LifeWise Academy was formed in 2019. In just a few short years they are operating in 24 states and 530+ schools with tens of thousands of children receiving Bible education during public school.
Joel and team have made it as easy as possible to get LifeWise Academy going in your community. Check out LifeWise Academy to find out how!
Join us for this amazing interview to hear Joel’s story – one which includes playing football for the Ohio State University Buckeyes under Jim Tressel; speaking to thousands of students through the Speaker’s Bureau and Network he formed after graduation; and some more details about LifeWise’s large impact on many kids.
Joel is a husband; a father of 5 children; and the author of the book: “During School Hours: Why and How LifeWise Academy is reinstalling religious education into the public school day.”
Grab a copy of his book here.
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Echo VanderWal joined the StoryField from Eswatini, the African country formerly known as Swaziland.
Echo and her husband Harry moved to Eswatini in the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 2005 the results of which left 20% of the entire country’s population orphaned. The country had the highest infection rate of HIV of anywhere.
They moved with 4-year-old triplets and a 1-year old daughter.
20 years later, we caught up with Echo and asked her about the origin story of The Luke Commission – www.lukecommission.org – which started with 8 local team members but now as a staff of 700 people; 45 departments; and operate out of the location called the Miracle Campus.
The Luke Commission provides 1/3 of the entire country’s population with free, compassionate, patient-centered health care.
If you need a faith re-charge then you must listen to this incredible interview and learn how God showed Echo and Harry how to scale a nonprofit with compassion and how faithful God has been at every “blind step of faith” as Echo says.
Please consider supporting The Luke Commission by visiting www.lukecommission.org and becoming a partner today.
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If you knew Keven Hallock in years past, it would utterly shock you to know he is 2 years into his Christian journey and is walking so closely with Jesus. What he knows about God is this – God’s love is unconditional. Keven has the story to prove it.
In fact, God calls Keven Hallock the “Son of a Shepherd”.
Once you hear of Keven’s story you will be encouraged to learn how patient and loving God is towards people.
Join us for this amazing in-person interview but here are some highlights:
- He left home at age 17.
- Lived in a hotel room in Las Vegas which was frequented by prostitutes.
- After being kicked out of Las Vegas for underage gambling, he drifted to California.
- Keven lived homeless in California for 4 years.
- Was a functioning alcoholic by age 18 and was a heavy drug user.
- Landed in Stephenville, Texas after his nation-wide journey of running away from his pain.
Keven just wanted to know where the Lord was in all the pain and trauma. Well, he has an answer now. Listen to this fascinating story of complete devastation and destruction to complete transformation and redemption about the “Son of a Shepherd” and know that God loves you unconditionally.
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I met Trey ages ago as our kiddos went to the same Daycare. Trey and Jen were just my type of crazy: loved the arts (band & theatre), loved the local community and encouraged kiddos everywhere they went to be better humans.
Trey has got do some amazing things in his life. March with The University of Texas
Longhorn Band, delivering some of the best cookies ever while running
Kevin’s Cookies, get to serve at local church and do some CHAOAWESOME things and then finally finding his sweet spot in helping local kids & those in Guatemala with basic food needs and malnutrition.
Join us for a journey through the ups and downs of kid born in Mississippi, to Del Rio, Texas to Austin, Texas, and to the mountainous areas of Guatemala.
Please consider supporting Ancora Ministries and all they work they are doing in central Texas and in Guatemala.
AncoraMinistries.org
Ancora means “anchor” but is also means " Hope, Support, and Refuge"
- $5 feeds a Central TX child for a weekend.
- $5 provides a month of nutrition for a child in Guatemala.
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If you want to know how to take your business from 0$ to $70,000,000 in annual sales, then this is the interview for you.
Mark Walker has the answer. Jesus.
Mark founded his business back in 1980 for the sole purpose of building a successful business to finance the spread of the gospel and the advancement of the kingdom of God.
The company has been wildly successful because Mark made God his business partner from the first day.
Mark is the author of the Multiplication Factor: 16 Truths about Partnering with God in Business and Life. You can grab a copy HERE. This is not a prosperity gospel; name it and claim message; rather, Mark graciously encourages us how to partner with God in His promises and how to activate them in your life and business. Mark lays out these 16 big truths from the Bible and shows you how God used them in his and others lives.
Join us today for a great interview with a humble man of God to hear how God led him to write this book and build a very large and successful business. There are a few key things you do not want to miss.
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Michael Dotts said the noise in his head was like a scene from the movies when someone is trying to break another person to get information. He goes on to explain it being as if large speaker was playing full volume in his head all the time with flashing lights, chaos, noise, loud and horrible sounds. It was awful.
That is what it sounded like in his head all the time.
And that was his condition when he was on his hands and knees at the altar of a church at a drug rehab facility when all he could do was think “Jesus, help!” The demonic activity in his life wouldn’t even allow him to speak.
Immediately after this thought, for the first time in his entire life, instant peace hit him. It was his first experience of quiet he ever recalls.
That was when everything changed. That was his salvation moment.
Join us for Michael’s incredible journey of transformation: from abuse, trauma, major drug use; arrest to rehab, salvation, ministry, freedom, sonship, and fatherhood.
Michael’s story is the story of the prodigal son and just like that story – God was always there waiting to welcome Michael home.
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Three seriously important questions:
· How many times a day are you measuring yourself?
· How many times are you saying these two words “Not Enough”? ex: “I am not enough; they are not enough; we are not enough; I don’t have enough”
· Where did you learn you were “Not Enough?”
We are honored to welcome back Jamie Winship to The StoryField.
Jamie Winship has decades of experience bringing peaceful solutions to some of the world’s highest conflict areas.
He is the author of the book Living Fearless. He and his wife, Donna, are co-founders of Identity Exchange and its corporate arm, Identity Method, providing training and consulting on the transformative power of living fearlessly in your true identity.
Check out Identity Exchange for many excellent online courses, resources, and materials all directed at helping you discover your true identity and live fearless.
Listen in to this incredible interview where we covered two major things:
1) What is you’re the lens you see the world through? – aka your Worldview. Is it Scarcity or Connected. (are you enough?)
2) How you can utilize the intuitive mind and imagination to discover the false beliefs and identities you’ve lived with your entire life which are still hurting you today.
PS. Jamie and Donna Winship are coming to Stephenville and Granbury, Texas – October 1,2, 2024 – for more information on schedule and to help support the events, please visit www.blessedcommunities.org.
PSS. Be sure to check out “Finding Hope in Depression” a short video series with some great exercises. Find it at: https://www.findinghopeindepression.com/
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Today, we visit again with Dr. Ben Edwards.
Dr. Ben founded Veritas Medical, a medical clinic with locations in Lubbock, Abilene, and San Angelo which offer alternative/integrative medical options and Veritas Wellness, an education and support platform to help guide people in gaining knowledge of the American diet and lifestyle choices.
You can listen to Dr. Ben’s podcast “You’re the Cure” on apple podcast and all interviews on YouTube through the Veritas Medical channel.
We pick up on Dr. Ben’s story and bring it current after God flipped the script on Ben informing him that operating in Peace is one of the most important things a person can do for their health.
Join us today as we spent time speaking about stress and how it comes from your beliefs (how you view yourself and the world). Do you believe lies? Believing wrongly ultimately causes stress and damage to your body.
Dr. Ben would encourage you to stop and consider your life. Consider the lenses you view the world through. He would invite you to meet and have a relationship with the creator of it all – so you can operate in peace and far greater health.
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Dr. Ben Edwards was part of the medical “system” for years until he got fired after God completely disrupted his thinking.
Before the disruption - he followed suit. He played by the rules. He had great success in everyone’s eyes (he even was featured on the front page of the Washington Post).God didn’t want Dr. Ben in that model, though, and started to unravel everything by leaving Ben a copy of “Radical” by David Platt on an empty bus seat in the middle of nowhere in Zambia.
Shortly after, his physician’s assistant completely reversed his Celiac disease after meeting with a physician from Amarillo, Texas who thought completely differently than Ben did about the body.
Years later, Dr. Ben is operating 100% differently and has seen many people’s bodies heal after learning the truth and receiving a little guidance.
Dr. Ben founded Veritas Medical, a medical clinic with locations in Lubbock, Abilene, and San Angelo which offer alternative/integrative medical options and Veritas Wellness, an education and support platform to help guide people in gaining knowledge of the American diet and lifestyle choices.
You can listen to Dr. Ben’s podcast “You’re the Cure” on apple podcast and all interviews on YouTube through the Veritas Medical channel.
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Chris Randall wrote “Crazy God Story: Faith Isn’t Blind” to document all the incredible things God has done in, to, and through him. You can grab a copy of his book here.
He was basically a gypsy by family heritage, having 45 addresses before the age of 18.
He grew up a “Christian Schizophrenic” as he describes. A pseudo-Christian.
His life was trashed and in shambles as of December 2008, when everything changed, and he became a true believer and follower of Jesus.
Then, the Lord asked Chris to begin a nonprofit mechanic company where he would fix cars for broke people for free and share the good news. Behind the scenes, the Lord had both promised and was providing for his family as he worked for no pay.
Join us today as we hear Chris’s amazing life story and all the incredible and crazy God things that happens when you follow in complete obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Check Chris out on Instagram, FB, or TikTok – you will be encouraged!
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In the fifth episode of our series with Matt Doud, we focus our spiritual discussions, aiming not to present ourselves as experts but to share insights that might resonate and encourage deeper reflection and a more authentic relationship with Jesus.
This time, Matt explores the notions of provision, responsibility, and protection from a biblical perspective, challenging common cultural and even church-taught beliefs.
He invites listeners to reconsider what it means to truly rely on God for provision, questioning where the responsibility for our lives and safety truly lies, and whether our traditional understanding aligns with scripture.
Matt shares personal experiences and biblical insights to illustrate how shifting our focus from self-sufficiency to seeking first the kingdom of God can transform our approach to life's needs and challenges. He addresses the fear and uncertainty that often accompany such a paradigm shift, reassuring listeners of God's faithful provision and care.
Through thoughtful questions and reflections, Matt encourages a journey of discovery, inviting us to examine our deepest beliefs about God's nature and His role in our lives.
This episode is a call to open our hearts to the possibility that living in alignment with God's will can lead us to a life of greater freedom, purpose, and joy.
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Episode 4 in our series with Matt Doud, we're excited to welcome him back to continue discussing the transformative power of spiritual concepts in everyday life.
Continuing from our previous conversations, Matt delves deeper into the concept of sin, not just as wrong actions, but as a state that separates us from experiencing fullness in life.
He introduces a fresh perspective on sin as a lack of participation, an existence outside of God’s intended community for us, and how this understanding shifts our approach to spiritual growth.
Matt challenges us to move beyond traditional views of sin, repentance, and salvation. And emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance as pathways to rediscovering our true identities and aligning our lives with God’s truth.
Through experiential knowledge and a deep dive into biblical teachings, Matt shares how embracing our genuine selves can lead to a life marked by freedom, joy, and a deeper connection with God.
This episode invites listeners to reconsider their spiritual perceptions, encouraging a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of living in harmony with divine will.
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**Welcome back for our third episode with Matt Doud,rejoining us to further unravel the essence of spiritual living and divine connection. Continuing from our previous discussions, Matt delves into Jesus' earthly mission and its impact on our everyday lives.
Matt explores repentance, divine love's might, and the journey to embracing our authentic selves in Christ. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, he aims to deepen listeners' connection with God.
This chat illuminates the path to recognizing our true selves and finding our unique purposes, urging listeners to rethink their spiritual views and embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine acceptance.
A must-listen for those seeking to live a kingdom-focused life, this episode with Matt offers profound insights on aligning with God's will, discovering our true identities, and confidently pursuing our destinies.
Join us in exploring these life-changing concepts with Matt, your guide to a fulfilling spiritual journey.**
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In this engaging follow-up episode, we're thrilled to have Matt Doud back with us for another heart-to-heart.
**If you caught our last chat, you know Matt opened up about his incredible journey from a happy childhood to facing some really tough times, including a pivotal moment in his life after his first marriage ended.
This time, Matt dives into the deep end with us, talking about Jesus' mission on Earth and what the kingdom of God really means, including some personal stories, thoughtful reflections and practical tips for anyone to use.
Matt has a unique way of making complex spiritual concepts feel accessible and relatable. He shares his insights on repentance, the transformative power of love, and how to foster a real connection with Jesus.
We also get into how overcoming fear and embracing who we truly are can change everything. It's not about having all the answers but starting a conversation and seeing where it takes us.**
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**Excited to bring you episode 1 of 5 with Matt Doud, we will peel back the layers of living a spiritually rich life. Matt's personal evolution serves as a beacon for those on the precipice of transformation, seeking to navigate the intricate dance between faith and daily existence.
This episode delves into the subtleties of discerning truth amidst life's chaos, where Matt shares his practical experiences of identifying and confronting inner battles.
Embarking on what he describes as a pivotal 'line in the sand' moment, Matt imparts the potent lessons of confession, the power of vulnerability, and the treasures found in truthfulness. His story acts as a testament to the profound shifts that unfold when one earnestly seeks clarity from God.
Whether you're wrestling with personal demons, seeking spiritual renewal, or simply looking for a dose of heartfelt wisdom, join us for these soul-stirring episodes with Matt—your guide to cultivating a life of authenticity, purpose, and deep spiritual connection.**
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Matt told us his childhood was “really amazing” and that growing up he was “super blessed”.
Given his amazing childhood, Matt’s story may shock you since we learned he went through many struggles in an effort to discover who he was and what he was really made to do.
Even more shocking is how his first marriage ended, the reason it ended and what a low point he was at when an invitation from a friend changed everything.
A couple hours of honest conversation, some confession, and learning a new way to pray rocked Matt’s world and changed everything.
Listen today to Matt’s incredible story and be encouraged.
Matt is a gifted communicator and teacher and we have asked him to spend a few more episodes with us covering different topics. Together we will dig into some really pertinent ideas around who we are, how we’re designed to live fully alive and free, and give you a few simple tools which will help you move in the direction of your true identity and destiny.
But, first, you need to hear Matt’s story…
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Dr. Terry Powell has battled depression his entire life.
The battle has not stopped him from serving 50+ years in ministry; nor has the battle stopped him from writing or co-authoring 19 books.
We were honored to question Dr. Powell about his book entitled “Serve Strong. Biblical Encouragement to Sustain God’s Servants”. You can grab a copy of Serve Strong HERE.
Serve Strong will answer these thoughts that everyone attempting to serve God will have:
“Is this even worth it?”
“I am not good enough.”
“I am not making a difference."
You do not want to miss this great interview with a seasoned ministry brother who has been through the battles. We promise – you will leave encouraged.
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The morning after being laid off from his 25+ year career in the healthcare technology industry, Bruce awoke to the single word “STRONG” clearly speaking to him.
He took the word and within a minute wrote:
Stand
Tall
Remain
Optimistic
Now
Go for it
That single word changed his life forever as he focused on finding a way to be STRONG that day just as he wrote it.
Over the next 400 days, he awoke with a single word or phrase clearly speaking to him in the same manner. These words, divinely downloaded, built a purpose and understanding of the power of a single word and its impact on how we handle go through and emerge from life’s challenges.
Bruce understands words are powerful. Words are his passion. He knows our words can completely change our mindset and our life – just like they did for him.
After this layoff (his “Bam” moment) – he took each word and wrote to create an Amazon best-selling book entitled “Above the Chatter, Our Words Matter – Powerful words that changed my life forever”. Pick up your signed copy here.
Bruce has gone on to do a TedTalk already reaching 340,000+ people. Click here to watch it and be inspired.
Bruce is now speaking globally sharing his vital message that if we change the way we use our words, we can change the trajectory of our lives for the better.
Listen to this fascinating episode today and learn to ways to use words that will change your life forever!
Just like Bruce says “we all have unique GIFTS (God Installed Features To Share). They are ours to uncover, understand, develop and share with the world to make it a better place for all.
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Chris is an American hero who served as an Army Ranger in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He did 4 combat deployments in Afghanistan with over 200 direct action night raids on high-value terrorist targets.
- He was a walk-on for the Oregon Ducks football team.
- He helped grow some highly successful venture-backed software startups.
- He is the founder of Mission Fit Dads – a coaching platform helping men improve their health and fitness, and dive deeper into spiritual formation.
- He is also the founder of Impact Driven Sales – a sales consulting agency for business & NPOs that aim to deliver faith-based content.
- He is a father of 4 boys; soon to be 5.
Chris has had big success in his life so far, but his real passion is helping people move from unbelief to belief of the truth in every area of their lives and doing this in partnership with Jesus.
Listen to this incredible story of Chris’ life and be encouraged to take a big step moving from unbelief to belief. Remember “our actions and emotions always perfectly align with our true beliefs”.Men – don’t forgot to check out Mission Fit Dads to connect with Chris today. It is time to get unstuck!
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Sam is still discovering his story. His life events may seem disconnected but when you step back and look - there is a common theme: He is here help people discover and live their best story.
Sam is the son of famous parents – John and Stasi Eldredge. Think “Wild at Heart” and “Captivating”.
· He co-authored a book titled “Killing Lions” with his father. Get your copy HERE.
· He helped create a podcast which had over 2,000,000 downloads.
· He helped create “And Sons Magazine” a “no B.S. men’s magazine produced by guys who love Jesus”.
· He’s traveled the world; climbed Kilimanjaro; is an Iron Men participant.
But, most importantly, Sam is now a husband and a father.
Most recently, Sam founded Noble Workshops – a counseling intensive retreat set in Colorado which has been changing people’s lives.
Click HERE to learn more about Noble Workshops – it may be the best thing you could do to start your journey of becoming whole.
You do not want to miss Sam’s incredible story-
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Blaine is 32 and just finished this book: The Paradise King.
The book is about “The tragic history and spectacular future of everything according to Jesus of Nazareth”.
Blaine has already accomplished much in life but is slowly beginning to develop a life where his time reflects his priorities in life. He’s a dad. He’s a husband.
Blaine also holds a master’s degree and has started several journaling/publication platforms for young men trying to take on the nature of Jesus (including “And Sons Magazine” and its podcast which was downloaded over 2,000,000 times and "Mount Vigil").
Blaine is dripping with passion for Jesus; history; the Bible and it comes out on the pages of The Paradise King.
You do not want to miss out on this incredible story.
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Micah WANTED to be a professional baseball player. He then WANTED to be the next Garth Brooks. Then he WANTED to be the next great record producer. BUT, what God WANTED was totally different.
Join us as we talk to Micah, Co-Host of the Storyfield, as he talks about growing up in Houston, the twists and turns of life before marriage, and the twists and turns of life after marriage. God then took over with His plan and his life has never been the same.
Micah has served as Worship Pastor, church planter, audio consultant for churches for the last 15 years and owns several businesses that serve his local community.
Riot Monkey Creative
The Brand Hat
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Josh was crushed with worry, anxiety, and depression for years.
At the peak of his law career Josh was told to – “Step out of the boat”. In obedience to God’s request, Josh stepped out of the boat and is trusting God will direct and care for him, but it didn’t come without some risk; pressure; and pain.
He thought he would be a practicing attorney forever, but God had different plans. This request from God has changed Josh’s life and completely shuffled his own life plans. Now, looking back, he is so thankful for those hard years because God used those terrible times to completely free him and change his life as well as those close to him.
He use to not hear the Lord, now he does. He use to not obey the Lord, now he does.
It is a surprising twist to the Josh Allen many of you know.
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Mike Fritscher loves the feel and culture of New Orleans and REALLY Loves people. Growing up in Metairie, Louisiana, he found a love for the local culture, found he could relate to people easily and knew he was headed for ministry. He might have been about 8-10 when he knew that’s what he was going to do.
Let’s see: he played football, was FCA Co-Captain, part of student council, went to college and found the love of his life all before the age of 20. All while starting a brand new youth group in West Houston. All of those lessons and meeting thousands of people in that time frame helped mold him into the shepherding type leader he is today.
Join us as we talk about the 42 years of marriage to the amazing JonAnne, the almost 39 years at Cottonwood Church in Dublin Texas and why we should all be living Glory to Glory given our short time on this earth.
Contact Mike: 254.485.6545
Pastor Mike’s Impactful books:
Shadow of the Almighty and Through the Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliott
Daws
Outliers - Malcom Gladwell
The Walking Drum
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Eric was puking up blood (from all the drug/alcohol use) for three days and laying on his bathroom floor when Jesus showed on the scene. He was as broken as it gets.
He went on to become a high-level combat Marine and fought in the Iraq War.
Jesus showed up powerfully again to Eric during a moment of complete misery while working in the business world.
Then, a prophetic word landed Eric in seminary.
Now, he is the founder and leader of The Alliance to End the Fatherless Epidemic, a large-scale ministry to end the fatherless epidemic and Outdoor Adventures, a nonprofit created to end fatherlessness through mentorship.
Check out The Fatherless Epidemic Documentary 2023 to understand what Eric and his team are working to eradicate.
Eric understands two verses well:
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.
James 1.27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”.
You do not want to miss this incredible story of a life transformed and the love of a Father.
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Todd Dionne is a maverick. Not the kind from Cool Hand Luke or Tom Cruise in Top Gun. He just knows he is the most comfortable when he is truly aligned and being his authentic self. And as you’ll hear it didn’t happen overnight.
Todd ’s story takes us on a journey of finding rhythm and using the gifts God has given you no matter the stage of life or location. Sometimes the best time to do ministry is when you are separated from leading ministry.
Join us as we get to talk to Todd about Huck Finn adventures, finding your Faith in small town Georgia & Pastoring churches, how his Real Estate business became a surprising new means of ministry fulfillment and how being willing to defy expectations has now got him hangin with Hollywood on TV Series sets.
Get to your favorite spot and check out this amazing story.
You can find Todd online here
Real Estate: https://todddionne.higroupatx.com/
Hollywood: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14696648/
Fishing: https://www.youtube.com/@fishonwithtodddionne
Health and Wellness: https://www.cryo512.com/invisa-red
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Kaynon just graduated high school and is on his way to a school of ministry.
He is 17 years old but has considerable experience preaching the gospel in both English and Spanish.
He is a bold evangelist who has helped organized a successful youth event where 14+ people were baptized.
This is now; however, he went through terrible darkness to get here. Including being demonized; in and out of mental hospitals; drug use; and more.
Listen in to Kaynon’s incredible journey and see how Good and Faithful Jesus.
Parents, tune in because we also asked him some advice for parents who may be concerned about a child.
Thank you Kaynon for your encouraging; raw; authentic; and beautiful interview.
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Marc was out of control in his youth. Heavy alcohol and drug abuse often being found passed out in front yard. Sexually active at an early age. Fighting all the time for the smallest offenses. Marc left home early and lived on friend’s couches.
Marc was on a path to serious destruction.
But, God had a different plan. In a series of incredible life events, Marc received Jesus, and everything completely changed.
Now, Marc and is wife Leslie are the founders of ElevateHim and lead the Fully Alive events which have impacted thousands of people in all walks. He has worked personally alongside James and Betty Robinson at LIFE Outreach International – traveling the world.
Marc is the author of several books including The Original Sanctuary and The All in Life and Fully Connected Marriage.
You do not want to miss this incredible story of a life transformed and the love of a Father.
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Brian Carpenter and the Refuge Foundation have been fighting what he calls the “Great Lie” for years.
As Brian explains the Great Lie -- “everyone assumes church and ministry leaders are doing ok; they are at the top of their game; they are in great shape”. This is a complete lie – just look around.
Leaders are not doing well. In fact, according to a recent impact report of the Refuge Foundation, 44% of pastors seriously considered quitting in the last 12 months.
What started out as a regular fishing trip with some friends which involved adventure, fun, and authentic conversations now looks like the Refuge Foundation hosting 1000s of guests each year (50% of which are in full-time vocational ministry) on several of their amazing properties.
From 2018-2021 alone, the 3,000 unique guests attending a Refuge trip have an influential reach of over 16.4mm people.
If you want to help ministry leaders get healthy and continue serving then give Brian an email at brian@refugefoundation.org.
The Refuge Foundation is greatly helping the leaders who help us.
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Chris Beth did not even want to be standing on the porch of a partially flooded house on the banks of the Amazon River that day. But it was the day that changed his life.
The lady who lived there just handed Chris a cup of water to drink which she scooped up from the Amazon River. He could literally see things swimming in it.
This is when Chris heard from God -- “Help Them”. This was when The Bucket Ministry was really created.
Listen in today to this incredible story of how The Bucket Ministry has provided generational access to clean and safe drinking water to people in over 20 countries and has been privileged to share the good news of Jesus with around 1,000,000 people.
Chris and The Bucket Ministry team have spent a lot of time in recent years working in Kibera which is home to over 400,000 people and one of the largest slums in Africa.
Check out a few videos for more information:
The Bucket Ministry Video
Kibera Video
Kibera Testimony
It only costs about $50 to provide a family with 20 years of clean water. Would
you visit The Bucket Ministry and help some families today?
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Jon Seidl is the author of Finding Rest: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life.
Immediately upon release it become a #1 Amazon bestseller in several categories. In fact, it shot up to the #17 new release on all of Amazon and quickly became a top 100 bestseller. The overwhelming response led to his releasing a companion workbook entitled Finding Rest: An Invitation to Go Deeper.
You can find both books on Amazon or findrestnow.com.
Jon’s life was wrecked with anxiety and OCD. He lived with it for years, but it came crashing to the surface in a coffee shop one day when he found the wrong sweetener in his coffee and it led to an OCD episode.
Fast forward a few years, in a moment of prompting and conviction from God, while working as editor-in-chief at the non-profit I Am Second, he told the world his secret by releasing this article. The rest is history.
He is not a psychiatrist. He is not a therapist. But he was walked through and gained valuable insights about anxiety, OCD, and depression and now wants to help others who struggle and are looking for help and hope.
If you need rest in the midst of anxiety today, please listen to Jon’s amazing interview.
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Abraham was kicked out of his house early. Came to America illegally. Got caught up in a life of drugs and the pain which comes with it. He came to the point of complete despair and hopelessness.
But God had a different plan.
Join us today for an incredible story of transformation.
You will hear how good God has been to this Pastor (Yes. You heard correctly!)
Abraham is now the founder/owner of several successful businesses; has been a Pastor for years; and has a great family. He walks with God every moment.
If you need hope for life. Encouragement of God’s goodness. Want to hear of the kindness of God, then you must hear Abraham’s story today.
Support the show
This is being said as kind as possible -- this episode will take away some of your excuses for being slow in obeying what God is speaking to you. You will be encouraged to take a step. Move forward. Go for it.
This is what Dumbi Mabiala will tell you because God loves you so much and He will provide. Dumbi understands her God-given identity and she hears clearly from the Holy Spirit.
In 2016, she was living in Baltimore, Maryland, and was in her office preparing for a speech when out of the blue she heard in her spirit the words “Dirty Virgin”.
Now, in 2023, she lives in Texas after making a move across the country based on a word from God and is the author of the book called Dirty Virgin.
When she moved – she had only been in Texas a few times.
You will learn how to hear from God better after this episode.
Hold onto your seat!
Here is how we started this incredible interview:
“Shawn, tell us a story about a time when God gave you a prophetic word for someone that was used to change their life?”
Shawn Bolz is a TV host; an author; media producer; and a Christian minister who has been leading conversations in the church world, entertainment industry, and the media to help inspire people around the world.
Shawn:
- Is the author of 13 books including best sellers “Translating God,” “God Secrets,” and “Wired to Hear”.
- Hosts two top ranking podcast/vodcasts “Exploring the Marketplace” and “Prophetic Perspectives” with over 9,500,000 downloads between them.
- Produces shows airing on TBN.
- Created and leads an online educational platform called “Spiritual Growth Academy”.
Shawn helps us understand prophecy – the goal of which is to help the person see Jesus more and to understand the God of the Bible is not only real but is acting on the person’s behalf right now.
This interview with Dirk Smith will bring you both encouragement and extreme clarity.
Over two years ago, his wife of 34 years was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's Disease and he was so gracious to open the door to this journey.
This is not a discouraging episode though! Dirk will encourage you with some big things:
· Prayer has amazing power. You can experience God’s peace through terrible circumstances.
· Life is temporary so Give Up and Let Go of control to Jesus.
· Things to do and not do to help people going through difficulties.
Dirk is the vice-president of EEM – Eastern European Mission; a non-profit which distributes Bibles and Bible-based materials in 30+ countries and 20+ languages. They have impacted 4,500,000 million public school students in over 4,000 public schools.
Bob’s company uses about 50,000 gallons of paint each year but that wasn’t always the case.
He has learned to partner with God and use a few “rocket science” principles to grow his painting company which started out of a Volkswagen bug with surf racks to one in the top 1% of its industry in the nation handling huge projects like stadiums, hospitals, and airports.
Bob is the author of several books; has a consulting business; and actively serves as a board member for many nonprofits, churches, and ministries.
If you want to know how hearing from God works in business- you must listen to this episode. You will love hearing how to partner with God in your business and watch God breakthrough for you time and time again.
Oh, did we mention Bob is the co-host of a podcast with Shawn Bolz called “Exploring the Marketplace” – currently in the top 100 of all Christian podcasts?
PS. Interested in reading one of Bob’s life-changing books? Click below and grab a copy today:
Shortcuts
Business of Honor
Wired to Hear
Make sure you check out thestoryfield.com for more information.
Michael’s life is a series of providential events, big bets, and risky transitions…
Today, Michael is the CFO and co-founder of Pray.com – the world’s #1 app for daily prayer and faith content which has been downloaded over 12,000,000 times.
Before PRAY, Mike grew up to a normal, blue-collar family in Green Bay, WI.
His life miraculously changed over pizza on a Wednesday evening in 2016 when he left all his clients, licenses, and everything surrounding a 13-year career to start Pray.com – the “digital destination for faith”.
If you need encouragement to make the jump; face the risk; and trust God’s providence – then you will love this episode.
Make sure you check out thestoryfiled.com for more information.
Occasionally, a person will get an experience of their lifetime.
It happened for Josh Allen (podcast co-host) at 10:30p on a Tuesday night when Bob Goff ended up as a passenger in his pickup.
Listen in today to hear from the New York times best seller author; lawyer; the Honorary Consul to Uganda; and founder of an organization impacting children in Uganda, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations.
Bob brings a one-of-a-kind excitement level and way of viewing and loving the world which will encourage you to move forward in your life.
Make sure you check out thestoryfiled.com for more information.
Here is how we started our conversation with Jamie Winship:
-
What is one of the most dangerous situations you have ever been in?
-
Is it possible to live fearlessly?
-
What is your identity?
You do not want to miss the answers.
Jamie Winship has decades of experience bringing peaceful solutions to some of the world’s highest conflict areas.
Jamie is the author of the book Living Fearless. He and his wife, Donna, are co-founders of Identity Exchange and its corporate arm, Identity Method, providing training and consulting on the transformative power of living fearlessly in your true identity.
If you feel anxious and out of control, then you’re most likely experiencing an inner conflict that is causing you to self-protect, compete, and compare. Peace and perfect rest are available.
Make sure you check out thestoryfiled.com for more information.
Is this a coincidence?
A 15-year girl was pregnant and scared.
She needed advice and went to a local church to speak with a brand-new pastor.
Pastor didn’t know what to say so he called a friend who just started a 20-person church in Los Angeles, CA. A couple attending the new church had been trying unsuccessfully for 10 years to have children.
The girl gave her baby boy up for adoption to the couple in Los Angeles.
Boy grew up and co-founded Pray.com - the worlds #1 app for daily prayer and faith content.
Pray.com impacts 13,000,000 worldwide and has been shared by 97,000,000 people.
We were honored to speak with Matthew Potter about his life and journey which led to the co-founding of Pray.com and the incredible impact it is having on the world.
Matthew Potter does not believe in accidents or luck. You do not want to miss this interview.
Make sure you check out thestoryfiled.com for more information.
I have an idea for you –
You should quit your job. Sell your house. Sell 80% of your belongings. Then, move to another State far far away where you only know one person. Sound good?
Well, that’s what Chad Wallen did. We had a chance to get some more details. You must tune in.
Chad is the founder of a non-profit called Advance Camp which is quite literally saving the lives of young men who have no father around
Advanced Camp operates in Oregon, Texas, Florida, and soon- Tennessee.
For Chad, this verse is a command; not a suggestion—
Here are the beliefs and way of life that God our Father accepts as pure and without fault. When widows are in trouble, take care of them. Do the same for children who have no parents. And don’t let the world make you impure. James 1.27
Chad, we are glad your RV broke down in Granbury, Texas and you decided to stay..
Ron graduated from a class of 28 people in west Texas.
Years later though – he found himself involved in helping build a company which grew from $100k in startup funds to revenues peaking at 1.7 billion (that’s right… billion) with customers in 49 states; 10 European countries; Canada; and Mexico.
You will not want to miss this great interview our good friend and soak up wisdom from a man who has been on the big rollercoaster.
You’ll never believe what happened to the company.
Meet Chuck.
He is a lawyer… actually, no… a minister/lead pastor…actually, no…. a spiritual director…and the director of culture and spiritual formation…
Ok – he is all of that and more.
Here is what we do know. Life is hard and can be discouraging. Living a life of faith is very difficult. Sometimes you just need to be renewed and refreshed – spiritually speaking… that’s where Chuck comes to the rescue.
Please listen to this interview if you feel a heavy burden and need some tips and direction to feel a sense of relief and want to know of the great, steady, kind, and wonderful love God has for you. It’s time for refreshment.
Meet Blessed Matai.
He loves getting punched in the face. Be careful if you try though because he is a blackbelt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Stephenville locals will recognize Blessed as the owner and coach of Makhuwa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym serving over 100 kids/adults.
He was born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique, Africa and first came to America with a small bag and $500 to play college basketball in Midland.
Blessed is a man of great faith- listen in today to hear how faithful God has been to him in his journey from Africa to Stephenville. You will be encouraged.
Meet Lee Ellis. Founder and owner of at least four (4) companies in Fort Worth; including one of the largest real estate brokerages in Tarrant County.
Lee joined us for a short mini-cast covering one of the most helpful things they ever did in their 20+ years of business.
If a business owner gets this correct, then everything will change. So, what is it?
Thank you Lee for making time to teach and encourage and make our companies way better.
If you have any questions or feedback for Lee, email him at (lee@indwellrealestate.com).
Meet John Strappazon aka “Strap”.
Strap grew up on the wrong side of the tracks outside of Chicago but found himself living with a friend’s family attending college 1,200 miles away.
He knew nothing about the gospel or faith; he had no interest at all in the Bible, but his life changed one Sunday morning when he heard from God “If you give your life to me, you will find what you are looking for”.
Since then, he has been in ministry 40+ years; been chaplain for the Texas Tech Football Team; was used to help create Paradigm Bible Study which is still thriving in many locations; and has become a great disciple-maker.
At one point, an English professor give him a “C minus minus minus “ on his final class portfolio and actually wrote the words “you still do not know how to write a paper”. Strap got the last laugh as he is now the author of two (2) books – Life’s Equipment Bag and Gear for the Game.
Get them here-
Gear for the Game
Life's Equipment Bag
Want some tips on how to live a life of discipleship? Strap has you covered – listen in today.
Meet Marlon Woods.
Marlon has more followers on Instagram (80,000 followers) than Stephenville’s population.
Marlon’s name may sound familiar to you if you’ve ever heard of Les Mills International. In fact, you can stream Marlon and let him lead you through some Body Combat and Body Pump through Les Mill’s massive online streaming workouts.
We covered a lot of ground during the interview including -
· Growing up with the great pressure to perform in sports as a child.
· Serving in the military in Afghanistan.
· Working on Capitol Hill and why he said ‘no” so many times to some dream jobs.
· The deep struggle when opening a gym.
Marlon is the author of “The Only One in the Room”. You can purchase it HERE.
Listen in today to soak up some encouragement from Marlon’s incredible story. If anything, he would tell you that whatever the circumstance you are in just “walk through the door”.
Meet Darrel – our guest on The StoryField Podcast.
He should not be alive right now – except for a miracle.
This is what Darrel heard from God immediately after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer:
“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Psalm 118:17”
Tune in today to hear his incredible story which included founding Southside City Church (Fort Worth) which was planted years ago to love and serve the Homeless and those with HIV and AIDS.
Thank you Darrel for being so vulnerable and honest. You will find encouragement in this episode.
Shine in the City
Email Darrel - Dauvenshine@aol.com
The StoryField w/ Jeremy Davis.
Jeremy Davis apparently needs the desert seasons.
He is a 3rd generation pastor’s kid but after an early divorce in his family he became far enough away from God he became “unchurched”.
In college, the Lord found him; plugged him into a “random TV church” as he says jokingly where the pastor gave his weekly message on a screen. Later, he became the Fort Worth campus pastor of that church (Life.Church) which now has 40 campuses and reaches 65,000 weekly.
Jeremy is the owner/founder of a staff training and development company. He is obsessed with people’s unrealized potential, and he reminds us to remember – do not objectify your employees or people. Learn to be empathetic because it is the greatest force in the entire universe.
Listen to Jeremy’s fascinating story today. You will both learn and be encouraged.
Ross is a partner with Hotchkiss Insurance but there is way more to the story of his life. In fact, one episode did not do it justice.
When trying to explain in writing what his life story is to date – “a series of pivotal moments” and “crushed identities” and “God’s goodness” is what comes to mind.
Ross Conner joined us for an authentic episode where we discussed many topics including-
- Divorce of parents
- Place kicking (or lack thereof) for Texas A&M
- Life changing mission trip
- A long drive to “get the girl”
- Adoption and large families
- Bankruptcy
- Listening Prayer
If you need encouragement – you must listen in today. Hope is found in Ross’s story.
The Company of the Rock House:
· Has 500 employees;
· Is in 8 locations across Texas; and
· Has provided life skills needs and training to adults with intellectual disabilities in Texas for over 40 years.
Rock House all began in 1978 when a letter came across Brad’s desk.
Tune in today to see how the Rock House grew from humble beginnings in Stephenville to daily serving almost 500 families across Texas.
When it officially opened in 1979 – individuals with mental retardation lived in state institutions, not in the community. Rock House help change that by opening one of the first private group homes in Texas.
Business leaders – you will not want to miss some of the secret ingredients that made Rock House so great.
Also, Brad gave us his secret as to how a business can get and keep enough employees to care for 500 people. Here it is—
Matthew 9:37-38: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Thank you, Brad, for giving us such an honest behind the scenes look at your story and God’s favor in your life and business.
He wakes up each day ready to “Attack the Day” but that wasn’t always the case...
Savion is the owner/founder of SDUB Fitness – Stephenville, Texas as well as –
- A fitness motivator
- Motivational speaker
- Author of – SDUB, the real meaning
Join us today to hear how Savion went from growing up in a fatherless home (raised by a superhero mom) to playing football at TSU to starting SDUB Fitness in a Garland, Texas park after seriously considering suicide.
This is a fascinating episode which will encourage and motivate you. Like Savion says – “You only lose if you quit”.
He knows “Why” he exists, and it is clearly playing itself out. Thanks Savion for the authentic conversation!
“You look horrible.”
As an act of concern, two people told Don that exact phrase in one day.
Within the next week Don was diagnosed with leukemia and had already begun receiving his first chemo treatment.
The former golf course superintendent of one of America’s best golf courses- the Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas -- discusses his journey leading to working his dream job and the difficult years which followed.
Don is on the other side of 5 rounds of chemo; 63 days in the hospital; and 150 consecutive days of doctor’s visits.
He is:
- A survivor;
- Author of “Finish Your Race”;
- A motivational speaker;
- A business owner; and
- A major volunteer for NTX Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Oh – did we mention he has since completed 22 marathons.
You will have no excuses once you listen to this episode; but you will be very encouraged.
On May 27, 1987, he was busted by the DEA. Life changed forever on that day for Barney.
“By the time I was 16, I was already dealing drugs.”
This is how Barney’s story began and he found himself in a California prison at age 21.
Listen in today to hear how we went from prison to Director of Campus Development – a major role with Gateway Church – one of America’s largest and most influential churches.
Life is about decisions you make and in today’s episode we get a behind the scenes look of the great impact choices have on a person’s life.
Thank you Barney for this authentic and amazing life story.
His dad’s life was dramatically changed at a tee ball practice when a stranger introduced Jesus (and Romans 10:9) into the picture.
The story of the Klimis family is simply incredible. Here are few descriptors:
- Adultery/Betrayal
- Drugs/Alcohol
- Death/Suffering
- Transformation
- Life with Jesus
- Peace
- Church
- Complete Restoration
Thank you to Jason Klimis (a resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida) for giving us the chance to hear the most gritty and beautiful story of transformation.
“My plan was shot and all I could do was call out on the Lord and I didn’t really know how”.
“I woke up from that prayer with the most ridiculous joy I’ve ever had”.
Joel was standing at the top of a 95ft high power line pole when two major life decisions where clarified:
“I do not think I want to do this job anymore” and
“I am leaving California”
25 years later we caught up with Joel – the owner and operator of three businesses in South Fork, Colorado:
· 8200 Mountain Sports
· Mountain Man Rafting
· Switchback Liquors in South Fork, Colorado.
Tune in to listen to Joel’s great journey from working as an electrician in California to owning several recreational-focused companies in the mountains of Colorado.
Joel is now a seasoned entrepreneur but in the beginning he lived almost exclusively on wild game just to survive. Years later he happily shares the years of wisdom in this wide-ranging interview that every new and seasoned business owner must hear.
8200 Sports
Switchback Liquors
* the podcast created + sponsored by The Allen Firm team | Your Legal Guides
Meet Adam Feriend. Many Parker County residents know Adam from his countless volunteer roles including the WISD school board.
Adam is an owner/COO of the 60mm+ construction company named JRJ Construction Inc. but started out his post-college degree with plans on singing Opera professionally.
He has navigated the death of all the owners of JRJ soon after he joined and walked through the 2008/9 recession.
Adam spoke honestly about the difficulties of being in the leadership role but how God has faithfully carried them through every situation.
We were privileged to ask Adam very pointed questions about how to operate a business with “all-in” Christian values and the impact it has on the business.
People’s lives are being completely transformed once they discover the answer to this question.
The problem of discovering the truth about yourself is that we believe so many lies about ourselves which create false identities.
Today’s guest walks us through this discovery process.
Norris Williams and his wife have been missionaries since 1983. He has also:
· played professional football;
· ran a large ranch for juvenile delinquent boys;
· works as an international leadership trainer/mentor/coach; and
· operates an organic cherry tree orchard.
Tune in today for this amazing interview with Norris if you want to get the process started about discovering who you really are!
Identity Exchange
You will really enjoy today’s guest if you are a client or friend of The Allen Firm, PC.
We were honored to be able to interview Scott Allen. He is the founder of our almost 50-year old law firm. (Our 50th Anniversary is June, 2022).
Scott has practiced law for over 50 years and has literally seen everything. He has had thousands of clients over the years and it all started with his uncle asking the college-senior Scott “what are you going to do next year?”
He is a lifelong businessman. In addition to the law firm Scott has been involved in different aspects of owning, operating, and forming a bank, a title company, and a real estate investment holding business.
Today’s episode will let you behind the scenes of the Firm where you will learn:
· the heart of the founder of the Firm.
· why the Firm treats people the way we do.
· how our culture of providing excellent legal work was created.
We asked Scott some pointed questions about what things he has seen people do that get them into the most trouble and what is some of the best advice he would give someone.
Hope you enjoy this great interview.
Jenifer’s 6-Word Memoir is “She lived a life that mattered.” What is yours?
Today’s conversation is fascinating with topics ranging from:
- the tragic loss of her mother and how to help people who have been through such loss.
- taking a leap of faith and moving to Washington D.C. without a job and then becoming a speechwriter for Former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and volunteering with the Republican National Convention, among other roles.
- starting her own communications consultancy called Sarver Strategies based in Austin.
- running for U.S. Congress in the 2018 Primary Election.
She also provides us great bonus tips about giving a speech.
Join us today for an incredible conversation with Jenifer Sarver.
https://sarverstrategies.com
Today’s episode will encourage and challenge you – in a good way.
Christian is unbelievably courageous in his following the voice of the Lord which led him into a few wild adventures we discuss in this episode.
He was diagnosed with some serious medical conditions but refused to accept that “label” because in Christ, he is healed and perfect – that is his identity; that is how he was made. He never agreed with what the physicians were saying.
Join in today for a story of peaks and valleys and of healing and complete transformation.
In his own words, Jake Freels grew up in “the best world you could grow up in”.
He grew up surrounded with wonderful family and friends; they were active in ministry and in the community – life was literally perfect…. until Jake’s world was instantly changed at age 9.
Late one evening a young man decided to end his life by driving his car without headlights into oncoming traffic. He was driving over 100mph. The young man collided with the pickup Jake and his family were driving and it claimed the life of his father and caused major injuries to him and his other family members.
His childhood was completely changed forever.
Jake’s junior high and high school experience was empty, broken, and consumed with wild-living, but then God showed up in an amazing way soon after graduating.
For those of you who know Jake - then you already know that after he encountered the Holy Spirit – the rest is history… he has never turned back.
Join us today for an incredible testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jake’s story is a full circle of brokenness, restoration, and God’s incredible faithfulness through it all. Jake would love to tell you of the amazing relationship you can have with Jesus. Tune in today.
Check out Heart of Many Colors to learn more about Jake and the incredible video series he created with Jarrod Brown (Bite of Brownie Productions).
There is a high probability you already know Jahmicah; have had some great conversations with him; and have noticed the recent national recognition of him and his local outdoor gear shop named SlimPickins Outfitters (SPO).
The amazing thing about SPO is that it is the first Black-owned gear shop in America! Right here in small-town Stephenville!
Jahmicah came to Tarleton State University to be a horse trainer but ended up owning a gear shop.
He has a big vision for engaging, educating, and providing access for the community; and building one that lasts beyond him. You will not want to miss this fantastic story.
Most people from these parts know Kevin Kolb.
He played 7 years as an NFL Quarterback – for the Eagles, Cardinals, and Bills. Someone once told him -- “You are not going to make it in the NFL”.
Kevin grew up as a coach’s kid living in the gym. He came to Stephenville as a freshman; played under Art Briles; and received some playing time on the varsity team in their route to win State that year.
From Stephenville – he went to University of Houston then onto the NFL.
At age 29, Kevin had retired from the NFL and had everything a person could want – money, a large ranch, and a great family --- but, at the most successful point in his life he broke down and met Jesus. “At the top” was all empty and pointless to him.
This is where God met him and changed his heart and life, including being involved in First Priority of America.
Kevin is now a true entrepreneur and has a few things to say about looking for the right people + right industry + right timing.
Hope you enjoy the show!
Meet Jeremy.
Jeremy is a former church planter and pastor. Now, he is an Edward Jones advisor in Lakeway, Texas.
The amazing thing is that his transition from ministry to business was on purpose and he is still an active and healthy member of the church he planted and left.
Listen today to Jeremy’s amazing life story. His adventure includes -
· Growing up in a broken home and meeting Jesus in a real way at age 17 after the death of one of his high school friends.
· God’s call on Jeremy’s life into ministry and the experiences which led to him to planting a church in Austin.
· Spending time in Florida on staff with a church as a young married couple before heading back to Texas for seminary.
· Raising 5 incredible children.
· Transition out of ministry into the business world.
Hope you enjoy the show!
~ Your friends at The StoryField *
* the podcast created + sponsored by The Allen Firm team | Your Legal Guides
How many countries have you traveled to in your life?
Well- meet Nathan. He is 21 years old and has traveled to 40 countries already and he is heading to Romania to open up a coffee shop and rock-climbing gym.
Nathan was a professional climber in high school and first left the country at age 15. (We can’t accuse his parents of being helicopter parents!)
On top of that, he has –
· spent 6 days climbing El Capitan;
· lived in 14 different locations in America;
· spent a large amount of time in world missions;
· just dropped out of college to pursue God’s plans for his life; and
· hears and is used by God in very cool and unique ways.
We had an incredible conversation with Nathan (and a surprise guest toward the end of the show).
Listen in to this young man’s fascinating journey and how you can help him (and his soon-to-be wife, Chase) get to Romania. You do not want to miss this.
For more information about today’s guest, check out: https://www.thehutsonsblog.com/
Nathan and Chase are raising money for the 9-month G42 Leadership Academy. Want to support these future leaders? – https://tinyurl.com/SupportHutsons. (every penny helps).
Hope you enjoy the show!
Les McKeown is a best-selling author and a true expert in organizational growth and leadership. Here is why this can be confidently stated:
- He started 42 companies by the time he was 35 years old.
- He co-created an incubation consulting company which launched hundreds of businesses with thousands of employees peaking at 13 offices in 7 different countries.
- He has over 25 years of global business experience.
Les has given talks at Google and many other Fortune 500 companies and has appeared on ABC, CNN, BBC, and in Inc., NY Times, USA Today and more.
Some of his clients include T-Mobile, American Express, Harvard University, the US Army, and Chevron.
Les has a podcast where he has interviewed the Former Starbucks president; Daniel Pink – author and former presidential advisor; the Dean of the London School of Business – you get the point!
Here is the biggest deal though- Les has developed the Predictable Success model for businesses. This is where we crossed paths.
- If you feel like the wheels are falling off your business and not sure why or what to do – you need to listen to this episode!
- If you are starting a business and need to know the type of people which will make it successful so you can beat the large rate of early business failures – you need to listen to this episode!
- If you want a diagnostic as to where your business is in this life cycle below – tune in today! Its very important and there are specific steps for each stage.
Les gave us an incredible gift of time and knowledge you will not want to miss.
Les's List of Things:
Learn your style
Life Cycle of your business
Predictable Success
What if we told you this was the location of a very successful country store bringing unbelievably great coffee, tea, craft beer, and food to a town of approximately 200 people.
Would you believe us?
What if we said the owner first came to Texas from Louisiana in a covered wagon!
Would you believe us?
We couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried. It is all true.
In this episode of The StoryField, we sat down for our first face-to-face interview with Lance Battenfield - the owner of the well-known Lingleville Country Store (in Lingleville, Texas – population 200) and Black Jacks (in Dublin, Texas- population 3000).
Listen today for an incredible true story of how Lance’s passion for great coffee and products coupled with his faith in God has led to a booming business in the middle of town with only a church, school, post office, and the store – no stoplights. This just scratches the surface of where the interview went!
You do not want to miss this show!
Who says you have to go to college to start an incredible business?
Scott Randolph – creator and owner of Skinny’s Repair Shop didn’t believe that – thankfully.
From an early age Scott’s father taught him some timeless principles about running a great business. He lost his father early, but it is obvious his legacy lives on once you hear our conversation with this businessman without a degree.
Listen today for a honest and vulnerable conversation with Scott about losing your parent to an illness; starting a business from nothing; and what it feels like to at times to be a business owner .. ie “I had a night where I just broke down and was crying”.
This episode is a field guide for “bootstrapping.” If you are about to start a business this will be an extremely helpful interview.
So what happens when a high school senior goes fishing with his buddy on a beautiful Texas afternoon?
Well, he-
- decides to go to college in a different state
- learns how to make disciples
- works for Jon Randals - the “most known/unknown evangelist ever”
- creates a Colorado/Arkansas based life-changing adventure ministry
- spearheads the creation of many college ministries
- starts a church
- leads the faith-based division at Parkhill (Architects/Engineers) – a national Top 500 Design Firm
In this Storyfield episode, we have a fascinating conversation with our friend Nick Cooper. Listen in to find out all the ways his college decision literally changed his life and led to many incredible things.
Nick has discovered the life changing impacts of getting men and women outdoors and connecting them to God through the outdoors. It could be a missing ingredient.
Nick's List of things:
IDM
Parkhill
Listen to today’s interview if you feel a little bored or not happy with the condition of Christian life right now. Duke Revard was a linebacker in the Big 12 conference; went on to receiving his Masters in Theology; and now is a high level leader for the Soma Family of Churches – an organization with many church plants who have some incredible ways of engaging with the everyday world around them and encouraging Christians to be who God has made them to be.
You are going to love and be encouraged by this discussion.
“Every believer is sent into the everyday stuff of life to make disciples.” - Duke Revard.
Duke's List of Things:
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
We Are Soma
Saturate Podcast
So you want to be an entrepreneur? Quit your job and enter the wild unknown... Before you do it tune in to this interview. An interview with a hopeless entrepreneur who understands the grit and fortitude it takes to pull it off.
Our first guest on the Storyfield Podcast is Craig Kautsch. He’s made some 7 figure mistakes and has some gray hair to prove it. At 22 he bought an Orvis store; grew it to 3 stores and ended up burned out in retail and 2,000,000 in debt. After the crash, Craig and his partner Lee started a real estate business which has bought, restored, and sold over 1,000 houses in the last 19 years.
We have a broad ranging discussion and we were able to extract some useful tools for your tool belt. You’re gonna love it!
Craig's List of Things:
Craig KautschSober SisRich Dad, Poor Dad
