Today, on the final Be the Difference Podcast episode, Chris and Sammy are joined by two very special guests—Back2Back Co-Founders and directors Todd and Beth Guckenberger. Four years ago, they first came on the show to kick off this brand-new project, and today, they will be closing out this particular chapter with our beloved co-hosts.

In today’s episode, Todd & Beth recount the stories they’ve been telling since the beginning, and how they are still motivators for this work today. Hear how they celebrate the wins, and why it matters, how God is delighting each of them, what they would tell their four years ago selves, and what is on the dashboard as they move into the next four years.

We also want to thank our faithful listeners of this podcast - it has been a joy for our team to connect with difference makers in all walks of life and all around the world, raising awareness on causes that matter and growing in our own empathy and communities because of it. The podcast may be coming to a close, but our opportunities to be the difference in our day-to-day lives continue. Thank you!

Learn more about Back2Back at back2back.org

Today, Chris and Sammy discuss a training Sammy recently did with Trauma Free World for an all-deaf audience. How did this impact her? How did it impact the participants? What happens when we enter rooms and spaces with people different from us or with challenges we’ve never experienced? Hear how Sammy saw courage in action, how Chris can relate to bilingual leading and training, and what access allows for everyone present, and how it brings people alive. 

Links to learn more:

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries

Learn more about Trauma Free World

Today on the Be the Difference Podcast, Chris and Sammy are joined by a beloved coworker and advocate for vulnerable youth and families. Brandy Pendleton is a wife, mom to four boys, well-versed in football and teenagers, and a licensed social worker with Back2Back Cincinnati. Brandy is passionate about ensuring people around her feel seen, known, celebrated, loved, and encouraged. Today, listen in as she sits down with our co-hosts to discuss life, lessons, and why having safe adults in your corner as a child matters.

In this week’s episode, hear what 10-year-old Brandy would think about her current life and what still shocks Brandy today about her day-to-day. Hear about who Brandy saw as a safe, consistent adult in her own childhood, how God often uses fear, as well as our passions, to guide our steps, and how she got started with Back2Back and her heart for Middletown and what that means for her today. 

Links to learn more:

Interested in opportunities to get involved in Middletown? Email [email protected] 

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries.

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Have you ever wrestled with knowing when to jump into a problem and when to step back? Felt overwhelmed by the weight of an issue and the anxiety swirling around it? Wondered how to find some relief without falling into apathy? Today, Chris and Sammy share a conversation about these very questions. In this episode, Chris and Sammy talk about the concept of benevolent detachment and how they process their own experiences of learning to lean in or let go. 

Links to learn more:

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries

Learn more about Benevolent Detachment and the Pause App

Brent Billingsley is an artist and an empowering voice behind young disenfranchised youth.  He is also a Behavioral Health Specialist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center/Psychiatry. Other endeavors include Independent Contracting Therapeutic Mentoring and the co-founder of two nonprofits geared toward the utilization of therapeutic artistic engagement and the performance arts. 

His intention is to help all he comes in contact with to realize they are part of something bigger than themselves and their part matters. Brent believes that the world can be changed through art 1 PIECE at a TIME!

In this week’s episode, Brent joins Chris and Sammy to discuss art and what about creating it inspires healing in each of us and where in the world Brent is taking his love of art and how it’s providing healing to youth and families globally. Hear about a personal experience Mr. B recently went through and how, instead of despair, he chose hope, and continues to, as he serves others in similar situations, using creativity to change the narrative and galvanize healing.

Links to learn more:

Support Brent in his cancer journey. 

Follow Brent on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more about ARTE

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries.

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How do some people who face adversity overcome and make it to the other side? Is there a secret factor at play and if so can we somehow tap into it? Today, Chris and Sammy share a conversation about these very questions. In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss what it means to build resilience and the ways in which art and creativity and can change the ways we face adversity and challenge.

Links to learn more:

Learn more about⁠Back2Back Ministries

Antonio and Priscilla are parents, husband and wife, and co-laborers with Back2Back Ministries. For 17 ½ years, they have faithfully stepped into new roles, learned new skills, and grown with the ministry in Monterrey, Mexico. Today, they sit down with Chris and Sammy to reflect on all they’ve done, all that’s changed, and why they still feel called by God to this work.

In today’s episode, Priscilla and Tonio reflect on the many roles they’ve filled with Back2Back and why saying yes was just part of what God called them to do. Hear how teenagers are the group they feel most called to serve and why, how God has, and continues to, surprise them, and what keeps them in this fight of serving vulnerable populations in the city they call home.

Learn more about Back2Back at back2back.org

Have you ever wrestled with the desire to go or stay? Wished for a character or personality quality that doesn’t come naturally? Wondered if it’s possible to be a missionary right where you are? Today, Chris and Sammy share a conversation about these very questions. In this episode, Chris and Sammy share their own experiences “going” to the mission field and finding the mission field right where they already are. 

Links to learn more:

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries

In the final episode of this year, Chris and Sammy reflect on the 2024 and the lessons they’ve each learned along the way. 

In this episode, our co-hosts share their favorite books, quotes and episodes of 2024. Hear how Chris supported a friend simply by reading alongside him, what practice Sammy is planning in 2025 and how they’ve each been shaped by the conversations they’ve had this year. 

Links to learn more and resources mentioned: 

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries

The Way of the Warrior 

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools 

Revenge of the Tipping Point
The Pause App

‘Tis the season! Today, Chris and Sammy discuss being fully present in the final weeks of 2024, even as the time passes quickly. 

In this episode, our co-hosts share 12 ways you can be the difference this holiday season! Hear how Chris and his family created a holiday tradition that facilitates story and connection and how Sammy likes bringing a smile to someone’s face through thoughtful gift giving. 

Links to learn more:

Learn more about Back2Back Ministries