Padre sits down with Arlen Parham. He is a pastor, Army Chaplain, prison chaplain, author, husband, father, grandfather, and one of the most influential leaders in his life.

Arlen shares his story of growing up in rual Arkansas as the son of a pastor and teacher, overcoming the challenges of being a slow reader, finding purpose through college, the military, and ministry. All while discovering God’s hand in the moments that changed the direction of his life.

From a life-changing car wreck, to a calling received behind the wheel of an eighteen-wheeler, to the mentors who helped him become an Army Chaplain, this conversation is a reminder that our journey is often shaped by the people willing to believe in us before we believe in ourselves.

“Whatever door God shuts, I’m going to give God the glory. And whatever door He opens, I’m walking through and give Him the glory…I’m going headstrong!”

Unchained Potential to Rise Above by Arlen Parham

Padre sits down with SFC Robbie Wells. He is a friend, Religious Affairs NCO, Soldier, husband, dad, and one of the people who constantly challenge others to do hard things.

He shares stories of growing up in Berryville, caring for his mother through years of cancer, learning grace through his relationship with his father, and finding purpose through service in the Army National Guard.

From serving as a door gunner on Chinooks, to caring for Soldiers as a 56M, to reflecting on what Memorial Day means after years of loss, this conversation is a reminder that strength is often found in the people who keep showing up for others.

“Live boldly. Love deeply. Leave people better than you found them.”

https://veteransfuture.org/pages/dirt-therapy

Insta: @dirttherapyproject

Padre sits down with Whitney Loibner. She is one of his closest friends, a wife, mom, travel planner, and someone who would much rather shine a light on everyone else instead of herself.

She shares stories of growing up, building a life and family with her husband Peter, raising two amazing boys, and the friendships and experiences that shaped her along the way.

What starts as a conversation with someone hesitant to talk about herself slowly turns into an honest look at resilience, loyalty, friendship, and the quiet strength that often goes unnoticed by the people carrying it.

This conversation is a reminder that some of the strongest people we know are also the ones least likely to tell their own story.

“We can all do hard things.”

Padre sits down with Emma Mefford. She is a photographer, college student, and one of his daughter Elli’s closest friends at the University of Oklahoma.

She shares stories of growing up in Katy, TX, building a love for photography that has turned into a business, navigating college life and sorority rush far from home, and the role faith has played through anxiety and finding her community.

From late night conversations with her dad to discovering who she is away from home, this conversation is full of honesty and the kind of perspective that reminds us how important it is to truly know the people we love.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good…” Micah 6:8

Padre sits down with Daniel Jackson. He is a Husband, father, friend, and business owner. His story is marked by resilience and choosing a different path.

He shares what it was like growing up after losing his father at a young age, being raised by a single mom doing everything she could to provide, and navigating a life without much guidance or direction early on.

From difficult decisions and missed opportunities to building a successful business, a strong family, and a life he can be proud of, Daniel’s story is one of honesty and refusing to be defined by where he began.

This conversation is a reminder that your past doesn’t have to decide your future and that who you become is shaped by the choices you make along the way.

“Love everyone as hard as you can!”

Padre sits down with his daughter Elli Eaton. Her life has been marked by resilience, independence, and choosing her own path.

She shares her story of being born with disabilities and the challenges she’s overcome. She also talks about what it’s like growing up as the daughter of a firefighter, soldier, and preacher. We end our time talking about stepping out on her own at the University of Oklahoma (Boomer) and how that has shaped who she’s becoming.

This conversation is a reminder that strength often looks quiet, and that being true to yourself can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

“God help my unbelief. I’ll never fully understand, but I can try and give it my all”

If you’d like to support Elli’s upcoming summer mission with Kaleo, you can find more information here:

https://go.stumo.org/m/student/detail?GroupId=485616&GroupMemberId=553679

Padre sits down with his friend Jacob Slaton, who is an adventurer and the host of The Slow Climb, whose conversation helped spark this podcast.

He shares stories from a life shaped by contrast. He gained a lot of perspective and passion in his younger days, moving between private and public schools.

From early memories of music that still stay with him today, to meaningful conversations with his dad. He also shares the meaning behind the name “Witness”. This conversation is full of moments that shaped who he is and the places like Castle Bluff that continue to impact his story.

This conversation is a reminder that if we slow down long enough, there’s always more to discover beneath the surface.

“There is no greater freedom than having nothing to hide!”

https://www.castlebluff.org/

Give a listen to Jacob’s podcast, The Slow Climb, wherever you are listening to this.

Padre sits down with Ms. Peggy Hearne. Her life has been marked by love, loss, and the people who showed up when it mattered most.

She shares her story of growing up in Little Rock, attending Central High School, College later in life, finding the love of her life in Skip, and navigating life after his unexpected passing.

This conversation is a reminder of the power of community and how the people who quietly show up can make all the difference.

“Be strong and courageous…He will never leave you or forsake you.”

Padre sits down with his Dad, Larry ‘Pop’ Eaton. He is a quiet and steady presence whose story spans 78 years.

We walk through his life from the beginning. Being born in a house in Lequire, OK to becoming a Marine and being sent to Vietnam. Then transitioning to a career in public service as a Park Ranger, and then to the Postal Service. This was a conversation that reminded me how important it is to take the time to hear these stories, even when they’re not easy to tell. Because sometimes the quiet stories are the ones we’re most grateful we didn’t miss.

“Be nice. And Go Hogs!”

Padre sits down with Ashley Eaton; his wife, an educator, a mom, and the most important person in his life.

She shares her story of growing up in Pine Bluff, choosing education over law, and building a life together through big moves and a shared sense of trust and adventure.

“Be happy in the moment…not more.”