Watermelon Seeds: Recent Episodes
Joseph Dokken and Elie Zimmerman
Candice Ruh tells the story of her mid career life change. From back surgery, to writing a book on a roadtrip, to returning to grad school, Candy shares the lessons and learning she uncovered in each stage. She also raves about being a teacher, a mom, and a yogi!1:15 Meet Candy!6:35 When you can’t do it on your own 9:04 Writing a book 19:48 Path to a PhD 25:13 Communication32:21 Being a mom 35:28 Yoga
Tune in to learn about Pauls life. Joseph met Paul through Doxa church and has really enjoyed getting to know him and his love for Jesus is evident. Paul shares real struggles and triumphs throughout his life and is very candid about his plans for the future. If you're wrestling with a decision or in a season of transition, this episode is for you!
Boston Ziegler talks about life after graduation. From job searching, to making impact in the St. Louis community and beyond, to living for Jesus in all things, every thing he shares is full of wisdom and joy. Get ready to learn a lot from Boston and community development and life! 1:12 Meet Boston 6:31 Growing up11:49 Heads up future dates 14:01 “Community development” 17:15 The people are the best part22:07 Just like golf24:10 Advice for the college grad 25:59 A Christian in the workplace31:26 Why Boston?34:05 Looking ahead 41:20 Let’s pray
Oluwatunmise Sarah Fasipe shares her experiences of childhood in Nigeria, moving to the US, family traditions and memories, communication grad school, and dating her boyfriend. She has infectious joy and a curiosity for the world and people and culture. 0:48 Meet Sarah 6:45 Moving from Nigeria9:50 Food & language & music 12:50 Family traditions 16:50 Diverse culture podcast 19:21 Defining moment 21:09 Long distance family 24:16 Good and bad of grad school 29:52 Boyfriend!!38:43 Prayer
Anthony Rineer, owner of Teddywedgers and The Cardinal Bar in Madison, Wisconsin, shares his experiences as an entrepreneur and community member. He views the people as the most important element of what he does. Businesses and cities are shaped by unique, diverse communities of people that end up walking through his doors daily. 0:28 Meet Anthony 2:10 Buying Teddywedgers 9:27 The Isthmus13:11 Cardinal Bar16:00 The people 18:07 A “typical” work week 22:40 Madison suggestions 25:51 Meg Ryan?29:20 Rewarding parts of business owning 30:08 What’s next…32:29 Defining moment 35:00 Teddywedgers order 39:20 Pray
Happy 2024! Dr. Kurt Owens joins us to discuss his story from a pastors kid to a drug dealer to a pastor, church planter, and business owner. You don't want to miss this one! Dr. Owens shares great advice applicable to anyone wanting to connect with and love people from the inside out.
- Loving Milwaukee - 1:28
- History of Milwaukee - 3:35
- Bridge Builders - 7:22
- What was the passion to start your business? - 12:13
- Proudest Accomplishment of Bridge Builders - 19:54
- What’s your story? - 23:00
- Deciding to be a Pastor - 31:40
- What do you love about UFloruish: 37:58
- A lesson learned through church planting - 40:23
- What’s been a defining moment in your life? - 43:13
- Prayer - 45:10
Watermelon Seeds hosts Joseph and Elie have been dating “long” distance for 7 months now! Listen to hear how they have learned to make the most out of living in different cities, and some of their advice for anyone else in long distance relationships.1:40 Just J + E3:58 The beginning of long distance 15:24 The hard parts 17:30 The good parts 21:20 Advice for long distance 29:05 When is long distance over?29:32 Pray with us
Joined by Gunnar Edlund, we discuss life from the perspectives of childhood, college, and leaving good to find great in a job.
Gabby talks about her experiences in college ministry, as a ministry staff member, and about life in Milwaukee. She brings truth and insight while sharing so many laughs. She is truly a gift!1:20 Christmas fan?2:30 Gabby in 3 words6:12 North Myrtle Beach8:05 Ministry Staff13:02 Minority 17:31 Rickert shoutout!!23:50 Advice for college students27:19 Milwaukee30:08 Defining life moment 32:46 Saying yes 35:21 Podcast Lessons37:32 Let’s Pray
Tune in to listen to a story of transition, perspective, and life lessons through sports and college. David is a Milwaukee native and has transferred colleges each year for four years in a row for baseball. We get to learn more about those transitions and his lessons and struggles throughout the process. David loves to read and write and hopes to someday be a sports journalist.
Tune in to hear about family traditions, favorite memories, and our experiences going to each others houses for the first time!
This week is a girl talk edition. Listen to Elie debrief the “behind the scenes” of her experience with boys and her first boyfriend ever. 🍉1:15 You are loved4:28 Elie and boys 8:16 Elie and Joseph 13:45 The list 22:50 Recent reflections 30:03 Final advice 33:51 Pray
Tyler and Mya’s stories continue in this week’s episode. Join us in getting to know them and their hearts better! We loved talking with them and y’all will too.0:48 Blind leading the blind 3:44 How to say you’re a Christian without saying you’re a Christian 11:32 A lesson you’ve learned 15:10 Looking forward 17:01 Money and God26:50 Prayer
Tyler and Mya share about both the good and hard things they’ve experienced in their lives. They are vulnerable, fun, and wise, and we loved hearing their stories & how they have found God in the midst of it all.0:28 Meet Tyler and Mya2:15 Life story 6:32 Love story 18:02 God story
Join us in a weekly motivation and devotional to help you tackle your tough or easy week this week! We look to the book of Daniel and the Psalms to bring us hope and peace amid a hectic time for most.
- 2:40 - Devo/Encouragement
- 8:15 - Practical tip to get through hard days
- 9:45 - That darn Gibson!
- 11:33 - Prayer
Jordyn Berg is a grad student in Michigan! She is navigating adulthood, school, friends, and life, and learning to rely on Jesus in all of it. Listen for wisdom and laughs! Also, listen to her podcast with Hannah here: https://spotify.link/ZJ5cbAu2LDb1:02 Meet Jordyn Berg1:30 Grad school 5:15 Defining life moment 6:17 Graduating early 10:30 What everyone needs to know 14:07 Goals!16:40 Relying on Jesus19:31 Making friends 24:43 Dreams? Dream day??31:20 Jet ski story 35:15 Pray
Kenz Ladd is so wise and so fun. She shares her experiences as a D1 athlete, Younglife staff member, and follower of Jesus learning how to love life in her 20s. We loved learning so much from her!
You don't want to miss this episode! Elie and Joseph get to talk to Mary Brown, a new friend of ours that Elie met in Milwaukee. She is spunky, and fun, and full of joy! We hope that this episode highlights Mary's positive outlook on life and how her experiences have helped shape her as a person.
Joseph’s older sister, Ellie, and younger brother, Connor, share memorable childhood moments, wise pieces of life wisdom, and plenty of laughs. Listen as Joseph and his siblings reminisce on being part of the same family! This episode is fun and meaningful all at the same time.
Timestamps 0:25 Meet the sibs 3:50 Defining life moments 11:42 Who has been influential in your life? 14:31 Best part about being a sibling!! 20:44 Favorite family memories + chaos 29:33 Wear your seatbelt 35:45 First impressions 38:27 Most important characteristic 43:05 24 hours to live 45:18 Questions for the hosts 51:50 Pray!!
Elie and Joseph briefly discuss the first whole year of dating. This episode has been shortened so Elie and Joseph can spend sweet time together on 09.05.2023. Enjoy!
- 3:55 - What is one month that stands out to you?
- 6:49 - What is something that you didn’t expect but are glad about because of dating me?
- 14:29 - Prayers
Elie is living with her Grandpa temporarily as she moves to Milwaukee, and it is so fun to learn from and laugh with Grandpa Roy together on this episode. He is humble, generous, and content, and has lived a lot of life that he shares with the listeners today.
Time stamps 1:12 Meet Grandpa 1:30 What is “Watermelon Seeds” 1:51 Best part of being a grandpa 5:21 Hobbies 8:35 Childhood 15:18 Differences in generations 18:51 Living in Milwaukee 20:39 Defining life moment 25:07 Advice for the twenty-somethings 26:21 Question for Joseph 41:18 Pray
Listen to this week's episode to learn about Petray and Jessiie's story from growing up in China to living all across the globe to the everyday stuff of life. Joseph & Elie learned a lot and we hope you do too!
- 1:10 - what’s been a defining moment in your life?
- 3:46 - Favorite place on earth
- 5:52 - Favorite summer memories
- 12:05 - Petray & Jessiie’s Story
- 17:40 - Petray got stopped by the PoPo!
- 19:30 - Long-distance dating advice
- 22:25 - What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
- 27:55 - Why should someone travel?
- 34:12 - American Tradition that doesn’t make sense
- 35:42 - One Chinese you wish America would adopt
- 39:00 - What’s next?
- 42:08 - What’s a question you have for us?
- 48:40 - Prayer
Also, please check out Petray's application he made, it can be found here: papertoilet.com
Sveva Clay, Elie’s Texas bestie, shares all about her life! From graduating college, to working in the music industry, to being a fiancée, she seeks to glorify God through it all. Her joy and wisdom are contagious.
0:20 Meet Sveva 4:12 Producing original music 7:30 New job!! 9:25 “Do you want to start playing violin?” 12:30 Coming to know Jesus 14:42 Dreaming 17:05 Engaged!!! 18:51 Meet Mateo 24:30 Glorifying God together 28:29 Dating advice 33:16 Wedding details 36:31 Defining life moment 41:55 Let’s pray
Week 3 of Esther! This episode unpacks the undeniable foreshadowing of Jesus as our Savior. Joseph and Elie share their thoughts, observations, and snippets of wisdom they’ve learned.
1:12 - Esther recap 3:58 - Esther saves the Jews 5:52 - Jesus saves 9:20 - Romans truth 10:15 - Unexpected Savior 19:10 - Haman parallel 21:20 - What do you think? 23:15 - Pray together
The story of Esther continues in this week’s episode. Specifically following the last chapters of Esther, Joseph and Elie discuss things they noticed, what God is teaching them, and other applications. Listen to find out what happens to Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews.
Join Elie and Joseph as they jump into a mini series all about Esther! Together we will learn about the lives of Esther and Mordecai and see how God is sovereign throughout the entire story. If you’ve never read the Bible, don’t worry, we’re doing it together this week.
0:13 Mini series intro! 3:40 Esther zoom out 7:45 Esther zoom in 11:03 “For such a time as this” 14:59 True to your identity 15:52 A little nervous 18:20 Bye bye Haman 20:47 The story is a U 22:01 Redemptive God 24:09 Biggest takeaways 25:37 Let’s pray
Watermelon Seeds is back! Joseph and Elie share about their summers (so far!) and answer questions from listeners. Listen to learn about their relationship, college memories, future dreams, and love for Eau Claire.
Timestamps 1:06 What is WS?? 6:04 LaCroix review 7:20 June recap 17:57 Q&A 18:41 Eau Claire eats 20:15 Jorts 22:30 Best part of the school year 24:29 We miss EC. 26:30 Trip plannin’ 31:42 Favorite college memory 34:12 Growing together 36:25 Favorite parts about eachother 38:25 Lessons we’ve learned 45:43 Juicy 46:07 Pray
It’s not goodbye, just talk to you soon! Joseph and Elie share info about the coming weeks, and reflect on the learning they’ve experienced since the beginning of the Watermelon Seeds Podcast.
0:48 Coming soon. 4:55 Finance fun fact & communication theory 8:15 Unique learning 14:30 Learning about eachother & ourselves 20:03 Learning from Jesus 23:25 Summer 26:57 Pray with us
Jordyn and Jake talk about dating life, share their careers & goals, and tell fun stories. They are kind and joyful and just the best!!!0:05 Introduce Jordyn & Jake 6:48 How did you meet?11:05 Non-negotiables 17:20 What have you learned about yourselves and eachother?24:12 Best dating advice 28:31 Professional goals 32:25 On mission at work35:02 Strengths 44:40 Areas of growth 46:05 Leaning on Jesus54:22 Pray!
Elie’s favorite people ever… her sisters!! Ember and Evie have lots to share about family, life, and their own unique passions. Thank you, Jesus, for built in best friends. 0:25 Meet Elie’s sisters2:20 Fun facts + chaotic moment 4:50 Thoughts on Joseph8:15 Childhood memories 12:30 Family change 17:39 For Grandpa Leon ❤️20:02 Best part of being a sister 24:22 LIZZY24:51 Bucket list 31:11 Passions and dreams 36:30 Jesus to me40:10 Pray
“Take advantage of every opportunity you can.” Martin Kocher has truly followed his own advice. He has accomplished so many unique things in his life by such a young age. Listen to learn about the world through Martin’s eyes.0:32 Martin Kocher 3:02 Where’s the water?4:50 After college 7:37 Indonesia & Dubai 19:06 Language for Lombok 25:01 Big picture 29:54 MK Global34:29 Staying grounded39:28 Advice 44:41 Pray
Everyone meet Lissy Meyer and Shelley Fraundorf! Grab a cup of coffee and listen to these women share vulnerable parts of their childhood, lessons they are learning as moms, and how they treasure Jesus daily. Elie loved this sweet conversation with sisters in Christ!Timestamps 0:09 Meet the girls1:40 Defining life moments 8:32 Walking with Jesus15:02 Little Lissy 17:11 Shelley’s childhood 26:03 Being a mom!!!!30:15 Little “t” trauma 41:13 Let’s pray
Brian Moen is an accomplished drummer, graphic designer, and dad. Jill Heinke Moen is an accomplished flutist, bassist, business owner, and mother. Together they have built a life founded on hard work, passion, and love. Coachella, Carnegie Hall, and Austin City Limits have all been checked off their musician bucket lists, and they are now learning what success looks like in the chapter of life entitled parenthood! Listen to be seriously wowed. 0:25 Introduce Jill and Brian6:20 So many roles8:38 Favorite thing to play 10:05 Their love story // Magical night 14:52 Coachella with Justin Vernon18:01 Landing in Eau Claire 23:05 Making big decisions 24:32 Creativity in music 29:49 Dear new musician….32:50 Proud moments35:55 Parenting38:50 Zest for life 40:12 Starting a business 50:05 Pray
Logan and Lauren!!! Two college grads living life, learning lessons, and loving people well. Listen for practical advice and real, vulnerable conversation.0:28 Meet Logan and Lauren!4:13 Our friendship 8:20 Tips from college grads 9:49 Change 14:15 Post grad life 21:10 Challenges in community27:31 Looking ahead 32:50 Depending on God36:18 Defining moments 42:55 Everyone should know!!49:02 Belly button pennies 50:05 We love Eau Claire54:51 Prayer
Local Water Street bar owner, Steve, shares his life and his heart. He loves Jesus and people, and he lives in a way that shows that. And he is fun to talk to!!0:20 Introduction1:00 Defining life moments 8:15 Bar business 9:50 Unique bar names 11:40 Best & worst part of your job 14:00 A week in the life 18:30 The Brat 27:21 Jesus moments31:45 “It’s Water Street”33:50 Scrambled omelets 34:45 Renew church 38:15 Advice for younger self 42:31 Knowing God45:50 Pray
Elie’s mom and Joseph’s mom take a mini road trip to Eau Claire to share their stories with the podcast. Listen to learn all about life as a mama - and so much more. We love you moms!0:35 Intro2:30 Defining life moments9:55 What did your parents instill in you?13:25 Dating advice!16:45 How did you know you were ready for marriage?21:00 Favorite memories as a mom 24:12 Bean counter24:40 Parenting adults 26:08 What makes you most proud of your kids?29:22 How do you know you raised your kids well? 32:41 First impressions39:12 Kid Joseph & Elie 43:10 What do you appreciate about your kids?46:15 Pray for our moms
The boys went on a mission trip with Cru over spring break. Listen to hear all about it! I promise you will laugh a ton and learn so much about dating from a guy’s perspective. Thank you, Jay, Victor, Grant, and Erik. Elie, we will see you next week!0:25 - Intro3:12 - Favorite thing in Texas 9:08 - Evangelism11:28 - Why did you go to Texas16:20 - Life lessons 25:43 - Proverbs 3132:04 - Ladies and dating45:19 - Kia51:05 - Defining moments58:55 - Prayer
Carissa is spunky, lovable, wise, and so full of fun. Listen to hear all about some of her favorite college moments and life lessons!0:50 Meet Carissa 2:20 Research5:00 Spain9:10 Traveling alone 13:35 Spring break in Texas19:10 Miss Adventure 21:50 Barista at the Goat 25:00 Sisters 33:20 Defining moments: College36:42 Cooking39:15 Track star 41:04 Prayer
Listen to Elie and Joseph share big decisions and life updates, share watermelon seeds about Miss Doris, and even play a song. This conversation is candid but also very relatable. Thanks for listening! Time stamps 0:10 Introduction 1:30 Unfiltered thoughts 2:30 Chicken story3:28 Elie’s spring break 5:42 Joseph got a job!!!!9:27 Grad school decision 20:21 Pros & cons24:20 Send us questions!25:10 Miss Doris Clay29:19 Let’s pray 31:30 Bye!32:04 “This is How I Thank the Lord”
Join us to hear more about the story of Elie and Joseph! This episode consists of everything that has happened once Elie got home from Spain and well, I won't spoil the rest!
Story time... Listen to hear how Joseph and Elie met and how their dating journey began. This episode shares lots of watermelon seeds from the lives of Elie and Joseph, and we hope you enjoy hearing from just the hosts this week and next week. Fun fact: The cover picture of this episode is the first picture they ever took together!
Timestamps
- 0:20 - Introduction
- 1:24 - Elie and Joseph meet
- 6:30 - First conversation
- 8:10 - Winter conference
- 9:48 - Friends!!
- 14:30 - Snapchat lol
- 19:45 - Guitar vids
- 21:20 - The walk
- 26:20 - What's your number ;)
- 28:20 - An important bench talk
- 33:20 - I like you
- 35:05 - Pre-Spain letter
- 38:15 - Prayer
Do not be fooled by the title! Logan Erickson has a bright future ahead of him. A finance student, avid runner, advocate of financial literacy, and goal-oriented individual, this episode is full of both wisdom and laughs. Let us know what you think by writing a review or messaging the instagram @watermelonseedspodcast. Thank you!
Timestamps:
- 0:40 - Meet Logan
- 1:55 - Running
- 7:50 - Journey > Destination
- 10:10 - Financial upbringing
- 12:30 - Identity from elementary to middle school
- 22:18 - Finding a job!! + Tangents
- 34:15 - Interview process
- 38:10 - Milwaukee
- 39:30 - Proud Elie
- 43:50 - A question from Logan
- 50:10 - Prayer
- 51:41 - Lemon Tea Podcast
Listen in to hear about how Sam and Madi have gotten acclimated to college life and found meaningful community in the midst of all the craziness. Along the way you will get to know them a little better, laugh, and of course be very entertained and inspired. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
Timestamps:
- Introductions - 0:45
- College Majors - 2:10
- Defining Life Moments - 5:50
- Madi & Jesus - 7:30
- Cru!!! - 10:25
- Two Hours Free = Skydiving - 13:20
- Lessons From God - 16:25
- Potty Accidents - 21:30
- What Makes You Unique? - 25:05
- Favorite Bible Verses - 30:50
- Game Time! - 32:05
College student and close friend Kate Hoffmann shares wise words about life in her 20s, pursuing passions, and creativity through social media. Tune in to hear about her experiences and lessons she's learned over the years.
Timestamps
- Swim team - 0:42
- Passions & the future - 2:08
- Creativity & inspiration - 3:05
- Dream jobs - 5:05
- Aesthetic (aka Madison Beer) - 7:02
- College life - 9:42
- Changing - 10:30
- Prayer - 12:35
Listen in to Elie and Joseph as we unpack the last month and look forward to how we are hoping to be faithful and successful in this new season.
P.S. this episode is very funny as well, I bet you will laugh!
Timestamps
- Unpack Our Break! - 1:43
- Border Patrol Interrogation - 7:47
- Passing Time in a Car Ride - 12:14
- Syndication - 14:15
- Looking Forward - 16:00
- Cooking Resolution & Calling Momma - 25:35
- Advice for entering a new season in College (Just Do It!) - 29:22
- Prayer for you! - 30:20
Join Elie and Joseph as we talk about the loss of our Grandmas and how we saw and see God through even the toughest of times. Please be warned this episode is very emotional. Timestamps: Joseph's week leading up to Thursday - 1:50 Grandma DeAnn Dokken <3 - 3:10 Grandma Sharon Stott <3 - 23:00This is also our last episode of Season 1. Crazy to think that the semester is already over! Once we return to school for the spring semester we will start up Season 2 of Watermelon Seeds!
Elie and Joseph sit down with Jamie Staples, Senior Pastor of Renew Church. He has lots of wisdom to share about life, how we are called to live in the world, and how we can find the most fulfillment and joy when in relationship with Jesus. Enjoy!
Timestamps:
- How to win front row Dixie Chicks tickets - 0:45
- What's been a defining moment in your life? - 2:15
- What is your advice to a 20-something struggling to find purpose? - 5:10
- What would your college-self think of your life now? Would you do anything differently? - 7:42
- Best piece of dating advice - 9:07
- What made you want to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus? - 11:05
- What would you say to the person that thinks life is better without God? - 14:37
- What is one thing that you're working on in yourself? - 16:53
- One practical way to live in the world but not of the world - 24:05
- What has been the most surprising thing about being a pastor? - 27:37
- Prayer - 29:55
We are back with another episode! Today Joseph and Elie bring you two friends of ours that are not only comical but also very wise and relatable. We talk about everything from defining moments to life with a significant other. We very much enjoyed having them on the podcast and really appreciate how humors and serious they can be at the same time.
Timestamps:
- Introductions - 0:17
- First Impressions of Elie & Joseph - 1:26
- Funniest Tabling Story - 4:40
- What's been a defining moment in your life? - 5:50
- Something we are proud of - 10:00
- Vikings Break - 14:18
- What it's like having a girlfriend - 15:20
- How to get yourself a girlfriend - 17:38
- How to pick where to eat - 21:08
- Moment of Silence - 22:40
- Piece of Advice - 23:06
- Prayer - 26:33
We are back with another episode! Join Elie and Joseph as they engage in conversation with UW-Eau Claire's student body President Yoshi Gaitan and Vice President Brett Farmer. Hear how Yoshi and Brett have experienced grief in their lives, what things bring them joy, and how their year is going.
Timestamps
- Introductions - 0:00
- Furry friends - 0:50
- Living with loss - 3:27
- Proud moments - 16:17
- Hopes and dreams for UW-Eau Claire - 21:07
- "Go with grace" - 27:08
- Prayer - 28:28
Hello everyone! We are so excited to start the Watermelon Seeds Podcast. In today's episode we are going to discuss the hope and heart behind this awesome idea and we are going to tell you a few stories of our lives!
Timestamps
- SKOL! - 2:05
- "Watermelon Seeds" Story - 3:56
- High School Perspectives - 7:42
- Jesus Note - 11:54
- Our Favorite Podcasts! - 13:05
- Elie's Fantastic Accents - 14:30
- "What's something people might not know about you?" - 17:00
- Prayer - 23:00