What if those “filler words” you’ve been told to cut from your speech are actually signs of heightened empathy and social awareness? In this episode, Justin and Rhett unpack a fascinating Stanford University study that flips conventional wisdom on its head—revealing that our verbal quirks may be markers of thoughtful communication, not weaknesses.

From there, the conversation takes an inspiring turn with the story of Thomas Edison, whose teacher labeled him “mentally deficient” while his mother insisted he was a genius beyond his school’s capacity. This opens the door to a thought-provoking discussion about how education systems often miss or mishandle different types of brilliance, and how Justin and Rhett have navigated schooling choices for their own children.

An unexpected highlight comes when their friend Grey Yeager calls in to share how a small group connection transformed his life and faith. His testimony is a moving reminder of how authentic relationships can create ripple effects far beyond what we can see.

Whether you’re questioning communication norms, navigating educational choices, or seeking more authentic connections, this episode offers insights that will transform how you view daily interactions. Through stories, science, and spontaneous friendship, Justin and Rhett remind us that true authenticity creates space for others to thrive in ways standardized approaches never could.

Let’s keep the conversation going—send us a DM or drop a comment anytime.

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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 take to build meaningful connections that last for decades? In this heartfelt, nostalgia-filled episode, we’re joined by surprise caller Micah Solomon—a lifelong friend who’s been part of our story for more than 32 years.

The conversation comes alive as Micah shares about his children chasing their dreams. His son’s move to LA to pursue music—while staying grounded in faith and even inviting new friends to church each Sunday—paints a powerful picture of marketplace ministry in action. It’s a reminder that raising children to be light in the world often means preparing them to shine outside the walls of the church.

We swap stories from our shared past—like sneaking into Harold’s store at the mall for free Coca-Cola or those family dinners where extra T-bone steaks were always set aside for us. Those simple moments became the building blocks of a friendship that has stood the test of time.

Micah also opens up about worship in the hard seasons: “I would demand my soul to rejoice when I don’t feel like it, because I know the Creator is in control.” That raw honesty reminds us that authentic friendships create a safe place to share our spiritual journeys without pretense.

From there, the conversation drifts to technology, privacy concerns with drones, and a few Back to the Future references—proof that the best friendships flow easily between deep truths and everyday banter.

And we’ve got something new in the works: the Armchair Authentic Hotline—where you can call in, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation. Because authentic connection happens when everyone feels they belong… when everyone has a chair at the table.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Shoot us a DM or drop a comment anytime.

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

What happens when we prematurely shelve the very gifts that once connected us deeply to God and others? Rhett and Justin take us on a deeply moving journey through their recent experience leading worship at their first home church, Parkway Christian Fellowship—the very place where their musical ministries began over three decades ago.

This episode captures the powerful moment when they returned to those roots, this time with their sons playing alongside them. Against the backdrop of stained glass windows and without modern production elements, they rediscovered something profound about the gifts God places within us.

Through vulnerable conversation, they explore the "mind monsters" that whisper we're too old, too young, or simply not good enough to use our talents. Rhett shares an emotional revelation about how setting aside his musical gift contributed to seasons of depression and disconnection. Justin reflects on telling someone "I don't sing anymore" when music had been his lifeline for years.

Their insights transcend music—applying to any gift you might have prematurely abandoned. Whether you're wrestling with age, career transitions, or comparing yourself to others seemingly more talented, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how our grace gifts remain essential throughout our lives.

"When you're walking toward the light, you don't see your shadow. It's behind you, where it should be." This powerful metaphor captures the essence of their message: keep your focus on your calling rather than the distractions that make you doubt.

What gift might you need to dust off and reclaim today? Join the conversation and rediscover the joy of living fully in your purpose.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Shoot us a DM or drop a comment anytime.

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

Ever feel like you've built a perfect Christian persona but secretly struggle beneath the surface? You're not alone. 

When did we learn to hide our authentic selves in church settings? As kids, we were vulnerable and real, but somewhere along the way, many believers adopt an unspoken rule that transformation means perfection. The result? Communities where people are afraid to admit they're still works in progress.

The most powerful leaders aren't those who pretend to have it all together. Rather, they're the ones who occasionally pull back the curtain on their own journeys, acknowledging that they too wrestle with insecurities, failures, and growth areas. When a pastor can stand before their congregation and admit "I'm working on loving myself the way God loves me," something remarkable happens—others feel permission to bring their full selves into the light.

This reflects the heart of James 5:16: "Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Notice the progression—vulnerability leads to prayer, which leads to healing. Too often we stop at confession without moving to the transformative power of communal prayer that brings actual restoration.

Finding spaces where this kind of authenticity is welcomed requires discernment. Listen to how leaders speak about themselves. Do they acknowledge their humanity? When you find communities where people are open about their struggles while simultaneously pointing toward growth, you've found fertile ground for your own healing journey.

As Rhett put it, we must "learn to sit in the suck without getting stuck in the suck." Healing doesn't come from avoiding pain or pretending everything's perfect—it comes when we bring our brokenness into the light and allow others to walk alongside us toward transformation.

What would your faith journey look like if you found a community where your authentic self is truly welcomed?

Let’s keep the conversation going. Shoot us a DM or drop a comment anytime.

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

After 75 episodes of honest conversation, Rhett and Justin go even deeper—exploring the subtle ways we hide, the pressures that keep us there, and the slow, courageous journey toward becoming whole.

Fueled by four shots of espresso and a good dose of laughter, the episode opens with stories of jittery hands, HOA headaches, and the oddly satisfying joys of pressure washing. But soon, the conversation shifts to something more profound.

They reflect on what it means to lead worship alongside their teenage sons at the same church where their own faith journeys began. That full-circle moment leads to a powerful metaphor: Rhett’s decision to repair his digital piano instead of replacing it—a simple choice that reveals something deeper about our tendency to discard rather than do the inner work.

This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration of identity, vulnerability, and healing. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to appear more “put-together” than you really are, this one’s for you.

And hey—let’s keep the conversation going. Shoot us a DM or drop a comment anytime.

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

What happens when the path you thought was yours turns out not to be where you truly belong?

As a skilled guitarist who has played shoulder-to-shoulder with renowned artists and worship leaders, Jon Ross Aldridge seemed destined for a dream career in music. But when family responsibilities required a shift, he stepped away from the stage—and into an unexpected season of depression so deep he couldn’t even listen to music for three years.

It was in that valley he made a surprising discovery: his true wiring wasn’t that of a stereotypical creative. Instead, he found kinship with engineers and thinkers—people who, like him, break down complexity to bring clarity. “I never fit in those environments,” he says of green rooms and creative circles. “But when I got to Huntsville and started hanging out with engineers, I realized—I’m one of you.”

This revelation reshaped his leadership at Church of the Highlands. No longer seeing his analytical mind as a limitation, he embraced it as a superpower—using it to teach, develop, and elevate worship team members others might have overlooked. “I don’t need them to be ready for the Grand Ole Opry this weekend,” he says. “I just need to know that if we work with them for six months, they can get there.”

At the heart of this conversation is also a 21-year friendship between Jon Ross and host Justin—a relationship that began as mentor and mentee and has grown into a bond marked by authenticity, loyalty, and shared growth.

If you're wrestling with purpose, facing transition, or simply wondering where you truly belong, this episode will remind you: sometimes the greatest impact comes not from chasing the dream you once had, but by embracing who you really are.

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

What if your spiritual journey doesn’t need to look like someone else’s to be deeply faithful? In this episode, Justin and Rhett dive into how two people can follow the same God and yet experience growth in radically different ways.

From risk-taking adventurers to careful planners, our natural tendencies shape how we approach faith, relationships, and growth. The magic? These differences aren’t flaws—they’re part of God’s intentional design, with each of us being stretched and shaped in the ways we need most.

Justin shares a surprising psychological insight: rewatching familiar shows like White Collar and Psych isn’t a sign of boredom—it’s actually a form of emotional intelligence that creates predictable comfort in an unpredictable world. The same feeling draws him back to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where childhood memories and life milestones ground him in peace.

Rhett opens up about being wired for movement—his “wings” personality led his family through 17 moves—yet he’s now experiencing an unexpected contentment in staying put. Together, they unpack the delicate dance between roots and wings, and how we’re all navigating a life that requires both.

With a few fun rabbit trails along the way—from Justin’s surprising family connection to the Jack Daniels distillery, to worship trends and attempted British accents—this episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and honest reflection.

Whether you thrive on adventure or find joy in routine, you’ll walk away encouraged to embrace your wiring and grow where you’re least comfortable.

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

What starts as a teenage quest for cute girls at church becomes a decades-long spiritual journey marked by transformation, friendship, and faith. Ryan Jennings joins longtime friends Rhett and Justin to reflect on their shared history—one that began on Birmingham soccer fields and stretched through courthouse prayer meetings, spontaneous worship nights, musical dreams, and unexpected life challenges.

Their conversation revisits the raw, unfiltered moments that drew crowds of young people together—without a stage, plan, or program—until church leaders stepped in to bring “accountability.” Ryan shares how attending church for the wrong reasons led to the right encounter: a rededication to Christ that reshaped the course of his life.

From worship rotations to chasing band dreams in leather pants, the guys look back on musical milestones and one unforgettable moment when Justin’s dad, with tears in his eyes, said: “I don’t believe in the band—I believe in you.”

But it’s Ryan’s story of single fatherhood that may hit the deepest. In 2015, just after gaining custody of his son and losing his publishing job, he chose not to panic—but to build. That summer became sacred. With severance in hand and faith in his heart, Ryan laid the foundation for a new life—one that eventually led him to Hometown Roofing, where his gifts now thrive in a company built on Kingdom values.

This episode is a reminder that authentic friendships can weather time, and that the detours of life often lead us to our most meaningful destinations. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have it all figured out, this conversation might just give you permission to breathe again.

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

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

Show Notes:

📲 Connect with Ryan Jennings:
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ryan.jennings.3139

🔗 Resources for Hometown Roofing & Restorations:
Website → https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559140791841

#ArmchairAuthentic #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #FaithAndFatherhood #AuthenticLiving #AmbitionAndContentment #FindJoy #Brotherhood #DadLife #SpiritualJourney #CowboyCurtis

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

What happens when men—especially fathers—keep bottling up their pain?

In this deeply moving conversation, David Barry opens up about his decades-long struggle with authenticity following the premature birth of his son, who faced severe medical challenges. What began as a private battle eventually led David to create a lifeline for other dads navigating similar storms: a support group for fathers of children with disabilities.

From his early days as a youth pastor in the 1990s to directing Broadway productions, David’s journey is anything but ordinary. Yet the common thread throughout is his commitment to creating spaces where people—especially men—can be real. He reflects on how the teens he once mentored in ministry ended up ministering to him during his darkest season, revealing the unexpected power of community.

David shares the often-overlooked emotional weight that fathers carry in the face of trauma—whether it’s the birth of a medically fragile child, the loss of a parent, divorce, or spiritual disillusionment. “Dads often shoulder the burden silently,” he says. “And if they break down at all, it’s in secret.” That realization birthed the dad’s group at United Ability, where men who once suffered in silence now find strength in shared vulnerability.

One of the most powerful takeaways? David’s raw honesty about how therapy in the last year and a half has helped him unpack years of shame and pressure to appear fine. His story is a courageous invitation to drop the mask and step into the freedom of being seen—fully and imperfectly.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of needing to have it all together, this episode will meet you with grace, and perhaps even give you permission to finally exhale.

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

Follow Us:
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-------------------

Show Notes:

📲 Connect with David:
Instagram → @david_m_barry
Facebook → @runningchef

🔗 Resources for United Ability:
Website → https://www.unitedability.org/media/

#ArmchairAuthentic #NewEpisode #PodcastLife #AmbitionAndContentment #FindJoy #AuthenticLiving #FatherhoodMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #RealTalk #DisabilityAdvocate #VulnerabilityHeals

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

What happens when we confuse what we do with who we are?

In this soul-stirring episode, Rhett and Justin reflect on their formative years as teenage worship leaders—years when early affirmation of their musical gifts almost became the foundation of their identities.

From lighthearted stories in Justin’s living room to raw reflections on performance-based worth, they explore how easy it is to build our value on our gifts, roles, or achievements. But what if those things are meant to be tools, not the core of who we are?

“One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the gift of self-awareness,” Rhett shares. The guys dive into how blind spots, personal wounds, and honest feedback can become sacred spaces where God reshapes pain into purpose.

Perhaps most powerfully, they unpack the paradox at the heart of authentic living: real life is found in dying to self. “We are not a body that has a soul—we’re a soul that has a body,” Justin reflects, pointing to the freedom and purpose that come from living with an eternal perspective.

From Starbucks conversations to neighborly connections, this episode invites you to move beyond performance, embrace your true identity, and live from a place of presence and peace.

Feeling stuck in your roles or wrestling with identity? This one’s for you.

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