What defines you? In a world obsessed with achievements and titles, we're constantly tempted to find our worth in what we do rather than whose we are. This soul-stirring conversation explores the freedom found in living "palms up"—a posture of surrender that acknowledges everything belongs to God.

Against the backdrop of Justin's recent family adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona—from kayaking Antelope Canyon to witnessing the celestial majesty of desert night skies—we dive into the profound difference between identity, purpose, and assignment. Rhett shares a powerful framework from a recent conversation with a renowned pastor that's reshaping his perspective on life transitions: our identity as beloved children of God never changes, our purpose to bring Kingdom values everywhere remains consistent, and our assignments (the specific roles and positions we occupy) are temporary by design.

The story of Moses emerges as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling stuck in life's "middle places." Before his burning bush moment and the exodus that would define his legacy, Moses spent years in obscurity, likely believing his best days were behind him. Yet everything he would eventually be known for hadn't even happened yet. This revelation challenges our resignation to past glory and opens our imagination to future possibility.

Whether you're thriving in your current season or navigating difficult transitions, this conversation offers a liberating framework for embracing both faithfulness and flexibility. What if your greatest contribution isn't in your rearview mirror but waiting just ahead? Open your hands—the journey continues.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

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Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

When Jillian Chambers woke one September morning in 2020 to discover her husband Danny had unexpectedly passed away, her entire life script was shattered. This devastating moment would mark the beginning of a profound spiritual journey that transformed a beloved worship leader and pastor's wife into a powerful advocate for widows worldwide.

In this vulnerable, raw conversation, Jillian shares the emotional tsunami of becoming a widow at 50 – from the practical struggles of finding breaker boxes and managing finances to the deeper spiritual questions that emerged in her grief. With disarming honesty and unexpected humor, she reveals the moments she felt abandoned by God, and the supernatural "God winks" that convinced her of his continued presence. 

What makes Jillian's testimony extraordinary is her revolutionary perspective on grief itself. Rather than fighting against it, she discovered that surrendering to grief became the vehicle God used to carry her forward. "I'm trying to take you to a place you've never been," she heard God say, "and you're fighting the vehicle that I'm using to get you there." This insight transformed not only her own healing journey but has impacted thousands of other widows through her curriculum and advocacy work.

Jillian's story ultimately reveals how trauma can birth purpose. By reframing widowhood as becoming a "vow fulfiller" rather than simply enduring a loss, she's helping invisible women find community, dignity, and renewed purpose. Her message transcends widowhood to speak to anyone navigating life's unexpected detours – teaching us all how to let our eyes "adjust to the darkness" so we can see God's presence even in our most painful circumstances.

Listen now to discover how surrendering your script, and even surrendering your need to understand "why," can open the door to experience God's presence in unprecedented ways. If you're feeling lost in darkness, Jillian's story might be exactly the light you need.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

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Instagram: @armchairauthentic
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www.armchairauthentic.com

Email Us:
[email protected]

-------------------

Show Notes:

📲 Connect with Jillian:
Instagram → @jillianchambers
Facebook → @jillian.chambers.5

🔗 Resources from Jillian:
Website → https://jillchambers.com/

#ArmchairAuthentic #GriefAndGrace #WidowStrong #HopeInDarkness #VowFulfiller #widow #grief #hope #walkingwithwidows #livingbeyondtheloss #RiseAboveFear #PurposeFromPain #DivinePurpose #CourageousLiving #LivingBeyondTheLoss

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

What does unconditional commitment in marriage really look like?

In this heartfelt episode, Rhett and Justin dive deep into that question, reflecting on their shared wedding anniversary date—April 29th—with Justin celebrating 25 years of marriage and Rhett marking 19 with their respective wives.

The conversation opens with a powerful declaration: “There’s nothing you can do that will make me leave you.”

It’s a striking contrast to the casual jokes and easy exit strategies so common in today’s culture. Through honest stories of early financial struggles, hard-earned growth, and the daily decisions that build lasting bonds, Rhett and Justin share how their marriages have thrived—not by luck, but by intentional work and commitment.

They also challenge the popular idea that marriage is about “finding your other half,” offering instead a healthier perspective: a strong marriage is the union of two whole people, choosing to walk through life together.

Whether you’re newly married, decades in, or simply curious about what makes love endure beyond the honeymoon phase, this conversation offers practical wisdom, refreshing honesty, and heartfelt encouragement.

The episode wraps up with anniversary wishes to their wives—and a powerful reminder: real love is a daily choice.

Ready to rethink what commitment could look like in your own relationships?Listen in and be inspired.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

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Website:
www.armchairauthentic.com

Email Us:
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#ArmchairAuthentic #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #AmbitionAndContentment #FindJoy #AuthenticLiving

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

What if the tension you’ve been avoiding is actually the doorway to deeper connection and lasting peace?

In this honest and often hilarious conversation, Justin and Rhett reflect on the roots of conflict avoidance—starting with a backyard football rivalry that once led to a dramatic “resignation letter” and a short-lived fallout in their decades-long friendship.

That lighthearted story opens the door to a deeper truth: many of us confuse avoiding conflict with spiritual or emotional maturity. But more often, it’s fear in disguise. Rhett shares, “I didn’t know how to have peace in the tension, so I ran from conflict and became the ‘peacemaker.’” What felt like a strength was actually a shield.

Together, they unpack four core drivers that often keep us stuck in patterns of avoidance:

• Fear of vulnerability – the belief that being open will lead to rejection or pain
• Perfectionism – the pressure to appear put-together, leaving no room for messy conversations
• Conflict avoidance – mistaking peacekeeping for peacemaking
• Self-protection – using distance or silence as a shield against emotional risk

Instead of running from tension, they offer a better way—where discomfort becomes an invitation to grow. With biblical insight, lived experience, and practical wisdom, they explore how staying present in hard moments can open the door to authenticity, trust, and deeper connection.

Whether you’re avoiding conversations, relationships, or inner tension, this episode invites you to see those moments not as threats—but as opportunities.

Join us for a journey from avoidance to authenticity—and discover the freedom waiting on the other side of the conflicts you’ve been afraid to face.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

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www.armchairauthentic.com

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#ArmchairAuthentic #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #AmbitionAndContentment #FindJoy #AuthenticLiving 

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

What does it look like to find peace in the midst of tension?

In this intimate conversation, singer-songwriter and worship leader Yancy invites us into her remarkable journey—one marked by music, ministry, and the quiet strength forged through seasons of transition.

From her early days as a pastor’s kid singing in church to becoming a multiple Dove Award-winning artist, Yancy’s path hasn’t always followed the expected route. With refreshing honesty, she shares how a painful church transition—one that felt like exile—ultimately became the gateway to her promised land: a thriving ministry to children and families. “God is always good, even when His people aren’t. Never confuse the two,” she reflects, offering wisdom for anyone walking through hurt in ministry.

Together, we explore the nostalgic heartbeats of ‘90s Christian music, reminiscing over Carman concerts and DC Talk albums, while Yancy explains how her reimagined version of “History Maker” is bridging generations of worshippers.

But some of the most powerful moments come when Yancy recalls how simple words of encouragement from church volunteers helped shape her destiny. “The ripple effect of your obedience goes farther than you could ever imagine,” she shares—a reminder of the lasting impact we can have on the next generation.

Whether you’re a parent, a ministry leader, or someone shaped by church life, this episode will stir your heart to listen more closely for God’s voice, respond to His promptings, and embrace the value of multigenerational worship.

You’ll also hear about Yancy’s vision for family-inclusive worship and what she’s learning from hosting her podcast Stained Glass Kids, where she interviews fellow pastor’s kids about their unique journeys.

This is a conversation for anyone navigating transitions, parenting with purpose, or seeking hope on the other side of hard seasons.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

Follow Us:
Facebook: @armchairauthentic
Instagram: @armchairauthentic
Twitter: @ArmchairAuthPod

Website:
www.armchairauthentic.com

Email Us:
[email protected]

-------------------

Show Notes:

📲 Connect with Yancy on Social:

Instagram & Facebook → @yancynotnancy

Podcast → @stainedglasskids

🔗 Resources from Yancy:

📖 Sweet Sound: The Power of Discipling Kids in Worship

→ yancyministries.com/sweetsound

💛 Heartbeat Curriculum (Teach the heart of worship)

→ yancyministries.com/heartbeat

🎵 Worship for Preteens/Elementary → kidminworship.com

🧒 Worship for Young Children → yancyministries.com/readysetgo

🎤 Live Events & Family Concerts → yancyministries.com/events

🎧 Stained Glass Kids Podcast → stainedglasskids.com

#ArmchairAuthentic #ChurchHurt #WorshipLeader #FamilyMinistry #AuthenticLiving #PKLife #MinistryMatters #NextGenMinistry

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

This episode takes listeners through recent leadership transitions in their spiritual communities, including Pastor Randy Williams passing the baton after 32+ years of pastoring Parkway Christian Fellowship and Chris Hodges' transitioning of roles to founding pastor after 24 years leading Church of the Highlands. These transitions spark reflections on the humility required to successfully hand off leadership, the ego that can sabotage succession, and why so many leaders struggle with identity when stepping away from the platform. Rhett and Justin also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Pastor Mark Correll who recently transitioned from this life into eternal life with Jesus after decades of faithful effective ministry.

Drawing from nature, the hosts share a powerful metaphor about trees growing in forests versus isolation. Trees surrounded by others develop slower but ultimately stand stronger against storms. Similarly, our most meaningful growth often happens in community, where we're challenged to develop deep roots before reaching for the heights. This patient, sometimes invisible process produces leaders with substance and staying power.

Whether you're feeling stuck in a season of waiting, questioning your impact, or facing a major transition, this episode offers wisdom for embracing the ordinary path that leads to extraordinary fruit. Through stories of faithful leaders and biblical principles of growth, Rhett and Justin remind us that sometimes the most important question isn't "how am I doing?" but rather "what is God doing here?" When we shift our perspective, even difficult seasons reveal their purpose.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

Follow Us:
Facebook: @armchairauthentic
Instagram: @armchairauthentic
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Website:
www.armchairauthentic.com

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#ArmchairAuthentic #PodcastLife #NewEpisode #AmbitionAndContentment #AuthenticLiving #FindJoy

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

Remember when your fashion choices seemed brilliant but that brilliance was perhaps only seen in the eyes of the ones donning the threads? Rhett and Justin take you on a nostalgia-fueled journey through their teenage adventures in 90s fashion and cultural exploration that will have you simultaneously cringing and laughing out loud.

Their quest for personal style led to some spectacularly questionable decisions - from Justin's earnest desire for dreadlocks (despite having no idea what maintaining them actually entailed) to their matching outfit of bibs (short overalls) paired with rainbow-soled Dikembe Mutombo shoes. The highlight? Their unforgettable visit to a beauty shop full of women who couldn't contain their laughter at these two white teenagers earnestly asking for dreadlocks.

The conversation seamlessly flows between fashion disasters and food trends as Rhett compares kombucha to "a science experiment" while Justin defends his love for the probiotic drink despite its slimy texture. This debate about acquired tastes parallels their discussions of musical influences, with Rhett reminiscing about his reggae-inspired singing voice that had everyone requesting his signature "come on, come on" songs - delivered in his best Caribbean accent despite being from Birmingham.

Through laughter and honest reflection, Rhett and Justin reveal how these experiences were essential parts of discovering their identities. Whether it's debating the proper initials of ON Cloud running shoes or recounting how Rhett's dad shaved their band name "24-7" into Justin's hair, each story highlights the universal experience of finding yourself through sometimes misguided but always authentic self-expression.

Ready to feel better about your own questionable style phases? Subscribe now and join the conversation about how our most embarrassing moments often become our most cherished memories.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

Follow Us:
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www.armchairauthentic.com

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#ArmchairAuthentic #PodcastDrop #90sFashion #ThrowbackVibes #KombuchaDebate #ComeOnComeOn #AuthenticLiving #PodcastLife #90sKids #FashionFails #NostalgiaTrip #Newepisode #BeautyShop

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

In this week’s episode of Armchair Authentic, Rhett and Justin dive into the quirks of daily life with their signature blend of humor and insight. The episode kicks off with Justin’s humorous “one-day protest” against Starbucks after a new refill policy introduces mandatory porcelain cups for in-store customers. What begins as a playful grievance opens the door to a broader discussion on how small disruptions can unexpectedly affect our routines.

The duo then ventures into a lively debate about global coffee culture. They contrast the American penchant for large, sweet beverages with the more restrained European coffee traditions, such as Italy’s morning-only cappuccinos. This nostalgic journey through the evolution of coffee shops in the American South—from modest mall kiosks to vibrant community hubs—captures the essence of cultural shifts that many will find familiar.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they tackle digital communication, especially the nuances of receiving minimal or context-less messages from long-lost contacts. Rhett and Justin propose a balanced approach: developing a “tough skin” to avoid taking terse messages to heart, while nurturing a “tender heart” that remains considerate in how we communicate. This segment offers a playful yet thoughtful exploration of how our daily interactions mirror broader human connections.

Join Rhett and Justin as they unpack these everyday frustrations, turning them into a source of laughter and learning. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a communication enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates genuine discussions, this episode has something for you. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation about the tiny daily moments that reveal so much about our ways of connecting.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

Follow Us:
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www.armchairauthentic.com

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#ArmchairAuthentic #FindJoy #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #CoffeeCulture #TextingEtiquette #InstaPodcasts #CoffeeLovers #Communication #DailyGrind #Humor #PodcastLove #EverydayHumor #CoffeeTalk #SocialMedia #LifeHacks #CultureShift #MorningRoutine #LifeLessons #DailyHumor #TrendingNow #starbucksprotest #starbucks

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

What happens when the power goes out, silencing the constant hum of electronics? What conversations, connections, and realizations emerge in the stillness?

In this episode, Rhett and Justin dive into the surprisingly profound moments that shape our relationships and memories—through laughter, reflection, and a few unexpected detours. From the awkward hilarity of birthday celebrations (where a simple “five, six, seven, eight” count-off turns into a family tradition) to the hidden psychology behind competitive game nights, they explore how simple interactions create lasting bonds.

Justin shares how his family’s commitment to five dinners a week—including their homemade “Imposter” game—has his teenagers actually asking for more family time. Meanwhile, Rhett opens up about learning to balance his competitive drive with relationship-building—because sometimes, winning at marriage means losing at cards.

Between regional pronunciation debates, childhood misadventures, and passionate sports confessions, this episode invites you to find the beauty in life’s ordinary moments. Whether it’s through intentional family traditions or a power outage forcing you to unplug, you might just discover that the smallest experiences shape your most important relationships.

Listen now and learn how to make the everyday moments count!

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

Follow Us:
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www.armchairauthentic.com

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#ArmchairAuthentic #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #AuthenticLiving #FindJoy #AmbitionAndContentment #FamilyTime #GameNight #PowerOutage #AwkwardMoments #HappyBirthdaySong #HappyBirthday

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe

What does 50 years of faithful ministry look like? Jim Widman's journey from innovative children's pastor to executive leadership reveals powerful insights about longevity, creativity, and authentic leadership that stands the test of time.

As Rhett and Justin's childhood pastor, Jim profoundly influenced their spiritual formation with his cutting-edge approach to children's ministry. Using puppets, full-body costumes, and engaging storytelling techniques at a time when children's ministry was often an afterthought, Jim pioneered methods that are now standard practice in churches worldwide.

The conversation unfolds Jim's remarkable journey from Birmingham to Montgomery to Tulsa, where he helped create systems like computerized check-in and innovative family ministry approaches at Willie George Ministries/Church on the Move. Throughout his career, Jim distinguished between creativity (improving existing things) and innovation (creating what doesn't exist but should). This mindset allowed him to develop resources that met needs and solved problems across denominational lines.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim shares hard-earned wisdom about maintaining spiritual vitality while navigating ministry challenges. His mantra—"keep a tender heart and grow tough skin"—has guided him through church transitions, shifting roles, and evolving cultural landscapes. For younger leaders, his counsel is direct: prioritize family above ministry success, guard your time fiercely, and measure effectiveness by impact rather than busyness.

Perhaps most moving is Jim's revelation that worship remains his lifeline to authentic ministry. "Before I get in the Word, I always start worshiping the Lord," he shares, offering a glimpse into the secret of his sustained passion after five decades of service. His perspective on seasons of ministry—acknowledging that "everything's hard, you just pick your hard"—provides refreshing honesty about the challenges and rewards of long-term faithfulness.

Have questions, comments, or ideas? The guys would love to hear from you!

Follow Us:
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Instagram: @armchairauthentic
Twitter: @ArmchairAuthPod

Website:
www.armchairauthentic.com

Email Us:
[email protected]

-------------------

Show Notes:

🔗 Follow Jim Wideman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimwideman/

Visit Jim Wideman online at https://jimwideman.com/

#ArmchairAuthentic #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #MinistryLeadership #NextGenMinistry #LongevityInLeadership #AuthenticLiving #FaithfulMinistry #ToughSkinnedTenderHearted #JimWideman #CreativeLeadership #ChurchOnTheMove

Track Title: Brooklyn Bridge | Artist Name(s): Lunareh | Lifetime License Granted Via Soundstripe