2 Pastors and a Mic

What if success was never about climbing the ladder - but learning to redefine it altogether?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock kick off a brand-new 12-week series walking through Cory’s free eBooks, starting with “How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder.” Together they challenge the cultural obsession with achievement, status, and performance, offering a refreshing perspective rooted in identity, peace, and purpose.

You’ll hear:
🪜 Why success isn’t about climbing higher - it’s about going deeper
💭 How to define success for yourself (and why you must write it down)
💬 The power of positive self-talk and believing what God believes about you
👥 Why relationships matter more than recognition
🔥 The story of Bundini Brown and how to find “corner people” who believe in you
⚖️ Ten practical ways to live successfully without hurry, pressure, or comparison

If you’ve ever felt like you’re striving but never arriving, this episode will help you reimagine success through grace, joy, and wholeness.

👉 Download How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder (Free eBook) → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/howtohavesuccess
📚 Explore all free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com
🌐 Connect with us → hillcity.tv

00:00 - Intro & Welcome
01:00 - Listener Questions & New Series Setup
02:26 - 12 Free eBooks Overview
03:56 - Why “How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder”
05:09 - The Pressure to Perform & Redefining Success
05:29 - How Do You Define Success?
06:31 - Success in Different Life Roles
07:27 - Defining Success as Husband & Father
08:42 - Success as a Pastor
09:29 - Personal Success: Peace & Purpose
10:06 - Step 1: Define Success for Yourself
11:01 - The Five Words That Define Success
11:41 - Most People Link Success to Money
12:49 - Step 2: Know Who You Are (Identity)
13:11 - Step 3: Practice Positive Self-Talk
14:21 - Step 4: Create What You Love
15:23 - Why Everyone Is Creative
16:00 - Do What You Love — And Love What You Do
16:02 - Step 5: Find and Keep the Right Relationships
17:01 - The Story of Bundini Brown & Muhammad Ali
18:07 - Step 6: Stay Curious and Talk Less
18:29 - Step 7: Celebrate Small Victories
18:36 - Step 8: Practice Gratitude and Contentment
19:45 - Step 9: Criticize Less, Affirm More
20:44 - Step 10: Eliminate Hurry from Your Life
21:20 - Success, Margin, and the Bourbon Metaphor
22:22 - Success Is the Journey, Not the Destination
23:37 - Reflection Questions for the Listener
25:00 - You Are Already Enough (Final Encouragement)

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock close out their series on Enough Already with Chapters 14 & 15 - “Rethinking Church” and “Letting Go of the Mic.” They unpack what it means to be the church beyond Sunday services and how freedom comes when you release the need for performance and control.

You’ll hear:
🏠 How ReLife was born from a dream to serve the community beyond the building
❤️ Why loving without strings attached is the most radical form of church
🕊 The long, messy, and beautiful process of shifting from frustration to fruit
🌎 What it looks like when passion meets purpose in real-world impact
🎤 Why “letting go of the mic” isn’t quitting - it’s trusting God enough to share the stage

This episode will inspire you to see church differently, lead with love, and rest in the freedom of who you already are.

👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already...
📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/
🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Intro & Welcome 
01:03 - First Lions Game Recap 
02:45 - Book Finale Setup (Ch. 14–15) 
03:39 - Banter & Pastor Appreciation 
04:12 - Rethinking Church (Ch. 14) 
05:24 - Birth of ReLife: Church Beyond Sundays 
08:44 - Providence Moment: The Stove Story 
10:33 - From 2018 to Now: The Long Process 
13:36 - Both/And Church: Serving as “Church” 
15:03 - Letting Go of the Mic (Ch. 15) 
18:07 - Finale Reading: “Enough Already” 
19:30 - Events & Invites 
20:23 - You Are Loved (Sign-off)

What if success in ministry isn’t measured by numbers - but by love?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 12 & 13 of Enough Already - Mind the Fields and Lead with Love, Not Metrics. Together they unpack how healed identity reshapes the way we see people and how redefining success changes the way we lead.

You’ll hear:
🌱 Why every person carries love and divinity - even if they don’t know it
👀 How to see others through the lens of Christ-in-you
🧮 The “whiteboard moment” when metrics were erased for good
❤️ Why stories of care matter more than Sunday numbers
💡 Practical ways to measure success by love, not outcomes

This episode will encourage you to rethink how you see people and how you define success - in ministry, leadership, and life.

👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already...
📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/
🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Welcome Back & Listener Shout-Outs
01:21 - Worship Live Recording Announcement (Nov 18)
03:00 - Why We’re Doing This Series
04:34 - Ch. 12: “Mind the Fields” — Seeing People Differently
06:00 - The Three Fields: People, Provision & Perseverance
08:22 - Christ in Everyone (Acts 17: “God’s Offspring”)
09:20 - Reveal Jesus in People, Not to People
11:53 - Ch. 13: Lead with Love, Not Metrics
15:00 - The Whiteboard Moment: Erasing the Numbers
15:34 - Sunday Is a Part, Not the Pinnacle
16:20 - Measure Stories & Care, Not Attendance
18:00 - Redefining Success Across Ministries
19:47 - Youth Ministry Stories & Lessons
20:52 - Free eBooks & New Release Schedule
21:11 - Closing Challenge: Find Love & Divinity in Everyone
22:01 - “Call No One Unclean” (Acts 10:28)
23:05 - Outro

What if the greatest act of faith isn’t calming the storm - but resting in it?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 10 & 11 of Enough Already - Margin Saved My Life and Make Your Bed in the Boat. Together they explore the importance of building margin, fighting burnout, and learning to embrace rest as holy, not lazy.

You’ll hear:
🌱 How margin became a lifeline during sabbatical and beyond
📅 Practical tools for scheduling relational, resource, and reflection time
⚡ Why living without margin leads to hurry, burnout, and heaviness
🌊 The Gospel story that redefines faith - not in calming storms, but in joining Jesus at rest
💡 Why rest changes your perspective, your leadership, and your relationships

This episode will encourage you to rethink margin and discover peace in the midst of chaos.

👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068
📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/
🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Intro & Audience Feedback
00:28 - Book Promotion & Gratitude
01:00 - Processing While Podcasting
01:28 - Wild Week Recap & Julia’s Sermon
02:00 - Women’s Retreat & Shoutout to Pastor Linda
02:27 - Forgiving Yourself & Practical “4 Rs”
02:34 - Transition to Chapters 10 & 11
03:15 - Chapter 10: Margin Saved My Life
03:42 - Looking Back to Episode 2: “Get You Some”
04:36 - Developing Margin During Sabbatical
05:55 - Leadership Weight During COVID Season
06:42 - Matthew 11:28 and the Call to Rest
07:11 - Tears in the Parking Lot & Ministry Pressure
07:31 - Learning to Create Intentional Margin
08:45 - Fighting the Feeling of Laziness
09:36 - Burnout, Bandwidth & Boundaries
10:07 - Burnout: Who You Do It With Matters
10:46 - How to Schedule Margin Practically
11:46 - The Three Non-Negotiables: Relational, Resource, Reflection Time
12:28 - Importance of Date Nights & Relational Time
13:00 - Resource & Reflection Practices for Renewal
13:58 - Scheduling Margin as Non-Negotiable
14:45 - Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
15:22 - Slow Living & Easy and Light Living
15:49 - Chapter 11: Make Your Bed in the Boat
16:17 - The Gospel Story of Jesus Sleeping in the Storm
17:19 - The True Act of Faith: Resting with Jesus
18:46 - Learning to Trust the Journey
19:19 - Rest as Holy, Not Lazy
20:41 - Episode 84 Throwback: Boat & Mattress Sermon
21:33 - Rest vs. Laziness & The Importance of Peace
22:11 - Tattoo Story & Rest as a Life Motto
22:34 - Chapter 11 as a Book Turning Point
23:06 - The Shift Toward Peace and Perspective
23:38 - Dance in the Fountain Story from Sabbatical
24:25 - Closing Reflections: Live Light, Live Free
25:34 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

What drains the soul and what restores it?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock unpack Chapters 8 & 9 of Enough Already - What Brings A Soul Back To Life? and I Can’t Do This Alone. Together, they dive into the impact of social media, division, and image management on the soul, and why honesty, grace, and connection are the real nutrients we all need.

You’ll hear:
💭 Honest reflections on division, leadership, and social media pressure
🤝 How relationships and reconciliation reflect the way of Jesus
⚡ Why grace and truth are not opposites but inseparable in Christ
🌱 The 22 relational nutrients that transform marriages, friendships, and leadership
🙌 Practical ways to ask for what you need and build deeper connections

This episode will help you breathe again - reminding you that your soul thrives in safe, grace-filled relationships.

👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068
📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/
🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Intro & Welcome
00:20 - Reviews, Reverse Psychology & Book Plug
00:55 - Free eBooks & Resources Mention
01:01 - Processing a Heavy Week
01:16 - Sunday Sermon Recap: Polar Opposites at the Table
01:42 - Leadership Stress & Wanting to Quit
02:16 - Online Division & Social Media Turmoil
02:49 - Friend’s Post: Focus on Family & Faithfulness
03:38 - Processing an Assassination & Public Division
04:33 - Christianity & Empire Warning
05:00 - Private Conversations vs. Online Reactions
05:19 - Minority Voices & Algorithmic Division
05:55 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Insight: “I Only Know in Part”
06:42 - Segue to Chapters 8 & 9: Relationships Matter
07:15 - Jesus Calling Simon the Zealot & Matthew the Tax Collector
08:08 - Doing Life Together Despite Differences
08:40 - Relationships & Unity Over Division
09:08 - Chapter 8: What Kills a Soul, What Restores a Soul
09:43 - Honesty, Grace & Connection as Soul Restorers
10:26 - Kingdom Message: Reconciliation & Identity
10:28 - Grace and Truth Are Not Opposites
11:32 - Jesus as Grace and Truth in One
12:11 - Calling Out Without Relationship
13:00 - Image Management & Soul Exhaustion
13:42 - The Soul Thrives on Grace, Connection & Honesty
14:09 - Do We Need to Share Opinions Online?
14:22 - Value of Relationships & Dialogue with Grace
15:06 - Chapter 9: I Can’t Do This Alone
15:20 - Relational Needs & John Townsend’s 22 Nutrients
16:04 - The Challenge of Asking for What You Need
17:00 - Examples: Celebration, Affirmation, Containment
18:33 - Group Therapy & The Power of Asking Directly
20:05 - How Relational Nutrients Changed Marriage & Counseling
21:00 - Removing “I Don’t Know” & Naming Needs
21:32 - Using This Framework in Marriage & Leadership
22:23 - Most People Don’t Need Advice, They Need Presence
23:56 - Clarifying Needs for Better Care & Resources
25:23 - Why This Approach Is a Cheat Code for Connection
26:19 - Closing Thoughts: Put It Into Practice
26:44 - Resources, Books & Local Cohort Invite
27:17 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

What does it really mean to accept your weaknesses and still move forward with strength?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 6 & 7 of Enough Already - The Power of Integration and You’ve Worn These Shoes Well. Together, they explore what it looks like to accept negative realities, share vulnerably, and ultimately make choices from freedom instead of pressure.

You’ll hear:
💭 Honest struggles with selfishness, criticism, and body image
⚡ Why integration is about acceptance and growth
🙌 How vulnerability creates stronger connections and bonds
👟 The pivotal moment of choosing ministry by choice, not obligation
🎬 Lessons from Ted Lasso on being real and building trust

This conversation is raw, encouraging, and practical - helping you see that your weaknesses don’t disqualify you; they make you human.

👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068
📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/
🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Intro & Audience Welcome
00:45 - Reviews, Support & Superman Feedback
01:00 - Question of the Week & Football Talk
01:43 - Cory’s Ninth eBook Release
02:47 - Upcoming Cohort & Open Spots
03:08 - Preface to Chapters 6 & 7
03:34 - Chapter 6: The Power of Integration
04:18 - Accepting Negative Realities
05:55 - Knowledge vs. Communication Struggles
08:22 - Admitting Selfishness & Personal Weaknesses
09:42 - Excellence vs. Good Enough
10:53 - Body Image & Self-Acceptance
12:12 - Criticism, Leadership & Growth
13:45 - Hyper-Critical Lens & Finding Contentment
15:13 - Inappropriateness & Excuses
15:59 - Vulnerability & Group Therapy Insights
17:22 - Honoring the Journey & Messy Parts
18:42 - Ted Lasso Example of Vulnerability
20:32 - Chapter 7: You’ve Worn These Shoes Well
21:20 - Pastoral Pressure & Considering Other Paths
23:00 - Exploring Career Alternatives
24:19 - Choosing Ministry by Choice, Not Obligation
25:46 - Book Impact & Recommendations
26:39 - Closing Challenge: Find Safe People
27:30 - Local Event Announcement
28:03 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

Why do we keep thinking happiness is always in the next season?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 4 & 5 of Enough Already - Destination Addiction and Imposter Syndrome. These two struggles often keep us from living fully in the present and embracing who we already are.

You’ll hear:
⏳ What “destination addiction” really is and how it robs us of joy
💭 The 5 types of imposter syndrome (and which ones we struggle with most)
🙌 Practical ways to celebrate small wins and be where your feet are
👀 Honest behind-the-scenes stories of leadership, family life, and faith
⚡ Why awareness is powerful but celebration is essential

This episode will encourage you to slow down, embrace the season you’re in, and release the pressure of “should” so you can live free and fully present.

📚 Get Channock’s book Enough Already: [https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068]
📚 Download Cory’s free ebook: [https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/emotionallywhole]
🌐 Learn more about ReLife or get involved: https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Welcome & Audience Shoutouts
00:38 - Football Season & Family Life
01:00 - Podcast Support & Gratitude
01:55 - Shoutout to Lissa in the Netherlands
02:50 - Ministry Blueprints & Invitation
03:15 - Chapters 4 & 5: Destination Addiction & Imposter Syndrome
03:31 - Previous Sermons & Podcast Episodes
04:23 - Processing These Topics Over Years
05:00 - Discovering the Language of Imposter Syndrome
06:16 - Destination Addiction Explained
07:30 - If/Then Thinking & Lack of Contentment
08:58 - Personal Struggles with Destination Addiction
10:00 - Celebrating One vs. Chasing More
12:16 - Parenting, Seasons of Life & Contentment
13:02 - Emotional Growth as Climbing the Mountain
13:48 - Celebrating Milestones vs. Always Wanting More
14:50 - Applying Celebration to Everyday Life
15:20 - Imposter Syndrome Overview (5 Types)
15:53 - Superman Struggles & Perfectionism
16:43 - Cory’s Expert Imposter
17:27 - Growth, Flexibility & Ongoing Struggles
18:35 - Leadership, Capacity & Saying No
20:23 - Balancing Roles & Communication Challenges
21:23 - Process, Shame & Pool Stories
22:03 - Celebration Practices & Counseling Insights
23:39 - Be Where Your Feet Are
24:50 - Closing Thoughts & Next Week’s Preview
25:27 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

What happens when the voice of should runs your life?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock unpack Chapters 2 and 3 of Enough Already - The Shame of Should and I Got Robbed. Together they explore how shame-driven expectations steal our joy, how people-pleasing and performance pressure shape our decisions, and how to reclaim freedom in the present moment.

You’ll hear:
😔 The hidden weight of “should” and how it shapes identity
🙋 Stories of people-pleasing, performance, and insecurity
😂 Karaoke, dancing, and other ways shame robs us of joy
💡 Why awareness is 50% of the battle in overcoming shame
🙌 How to find joy in the season you once prayed for

This episode will challenge you to ask: What areas of my life are being robbed by shame? And it will encourage you to reclaim joy, presence, and freedom right where you are.

📚 Get Channock’s book Enough Already: [https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068]
📚 Download Cory’s free ebook: [https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/emotionallywhole]
🌐 Learn more about ReLife or get involved: https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Intro & Shoutouts
01:01 - Soccer Season & Senior Year Reflections
01:41 - Sharing the Podcast & New Listeners
02:27 - Rethinking God with Tacos Connection
02:50 - Diving into Enough Already (Ch. 2 & 3)
03:05 - The Shame of Should
04:01 - Gathering Stories of Shame
05:51 - People-Pleasing & Early Influences
07:22 - Pressure to Always Have the Answer
08:59 - Overcompensating in Other Areas
09:59 - Impromptu vs. Over-Prepared Speaking
11:10 - Cory’s “Should” of Always Doing More
12:58 - Ministry Pressure & Workload Shame
14:18 - Fear of Not Knowing or Communicating Enough
15:55 - Awareness & Work in Progress
16:31 - Transition to Chapter 3: I Got Robbed
17:22 - Karaoke, Dancing & Shame Stealing Joy
18:41 - Competitiveness & Losing Joy in Winning
20:24 - What’s Robbing Joy in This Season?
22:04 - Changing Perspective & Reclaiming Joy
22:48 - Closing Reflection: Mindset & Freedom
23:35 - Book Invitation & Final Thoughts
24:37 - You’re Loved & Nothing Can Change That

What if your worth had nothing to do with your performance?

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapter 1 of Enough Already, unpacking the story behind the book and the deeper journey from the private hell of performance to the freedom of knowing you’re enough.

You’ll hear:
✨ The hilarious origin of “Shancock Bante” and why it still matters today
💭 How performance culture shapes identity (and how to break free from it)
🛑 The inner vows and false beliefs that keep us striving
🙌 A vulnerable look at pastoral pressure, insecurity, and emotional health
📚 Why this book isn’t a “how-to” but a real-life journey toward freedom

If you’ve ever struggled with the question Am I enough? this episode will encourage and challenge you to lay down the mask and embrace your true identity.

📚 Get Channock’s book Enough Already: [https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068]
📚 Download Cory’s free ebook: [https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/emotionallywhole]
🌐 Learn more about ReLife or get involved: https://thepowerofre.com

00:00 - Welcome & Global Listeners
00:37 - Reviews, Support & Feedback
01:06 - Refined Series & Deconstruction Sermon
02:19 - One-Star Reviews & Funny Feedback
03:14 - Audience Engagement & Accessibility
03:44 - Introducing Enough Already
04:55 - How the Book Got Its Title
06:17 - Writing Journey & Shift in Focus
08:01 - Emotional Health & Healing Journey
09:42 - Performance, Identity & Freedom
11:04 - Processing Insecurities & Growth
12:00 - The Aruba Story: Becoming Shancock Bante
14:20 - Performance Pressure Growing Up
17:18 - Put on the Spot in Ministry
19:41 - Performance-Driven Preaching
20:49 - The “Jordan Flu Game” Sermon
22:18 - Counseling, Core Wounds & Striving
23:29 - Masks, Shame & Inner Vows
26:01 - Freedom from Performance & Finding Peace
27:34 - How This Book Differs from Leadership Guides
28:56 - A Glimpse into the Journey
29:57 - Closing: Share the Book & What’s Next

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, we share the jaw-dropping true story from Guatemala that’s challenging our doubts and reigniting our faith for miracles - both big and small.

You’ll hear:
🌱 The backstory of Casa Angelina and their mission to raise orphans into royalty
🥑 How one “impossible” harvest turned into four
🙏 Honest reflections on miracles, unanswered prayers, and faith in the in-between
💡 Why some miracles look supernatural… and others look like steady faithfulness

Whether you’re in a season of doubt, expectancy, or somewhere in between, this story will challenge and inspire you to believe again - for the big, the small, and everything in between.

00:00 - Intro & Podcast Update
01:00 - Setting Up the Guatemala Story
02:04 - Overview of Casa Angelina Orphanage
03:29 - The 8-Acre Farm & Incredible Produce
05:01 - Avocado Trees & Harvest Timeline
06:27 - Unexpected Early Harvest Miracle
08:47 - Multiple Harvests in One Year
11:14 - Processing Miracles & Personal Doubts
13:06 - A Family Miracle Story
14:16 - Hurt from Unanswered Prayers
15:26 - Forest Frank’s Healing Story
15:53 - Renewed Expectancy for Miracles
18:25 - Believing for More Miracles
18:38 - Everyday Provision as a Miracle
20:41 - Gifting of a House for Ministry
21:58 - Recognizing Small and Big Miracles
23:35 - The True Miracle: The Kids
24:37 - Encouragement to Believe Again
24:54 - Closing Remarks & Resources