Episode 22

In this heart-stirring episode of Be the Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt and Skip Simonds tackle a question many believers quietly wrestle with: "I know God loves me—but does He actually like me?" They unpack the difference between God's covenant love (agape) and His affectionate, friendly love (phileo), showing from Scripture that God doesn't just tolerate us—He delights in us. Through honest conversation and biblical insight, they confront shame, self-loathing, and the lie that God is always disappointed, and point listeners to the truth that in Christ, the Father enjoys our presence and welcomes our prayers. This episode is a warm invitation to open your heart, receive God's affection, and start living like someone who is truly loved and liked by Him.

Why Life Sucks, Part 3

In this final part of the 3-Part Series Be The Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt and Skip Simonds tackle one of the most overlooked reasons life feels empty and frustrating: not truly knowing God as your Father. They unpack the fear, pain, and misconceptions that keep so many believers from embracing the one relationship that brings identity, healing, provision, and stability. Through scripture, real talk, and the story of the prodigal son, they reveal how receiving God as Father unlocks prayer, purpose, and the fullness of what it means to live as a child of God.

If you've ever struggled with father wounds, fear, or feeling unworthy, this conversation will encourage you to take one simple step: invite God to father you. Everything changes from there.

Remember—don't fear the storm. Be the storm.

Why Life Sucks Part 2

Episode 20

In Part 2 of this 3-Part Series of Be The Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt and Skip dive into one of the biggest reasons life can feel overwhelming—an understanding deficit. You can have wisdom and knowledge, but without understanding, nothing in your life gets established the way God intended. Proverbs 24 reminds us that wisdom builds, knowledge fills, but understanding is what makes it strong and lasting.

Through real-life stories, honest humor, and decades of ministry experience, they unpack why seeking counsel, slowing down, and listening with humility can spare us from unnecessary scars. This episode will challenge you to grow deeper, think clearly, and invite God to shape your decisions with true understanding.

Be encouraged—and remember: don't fear the storm. Be the storm.

Be The Storm – "Why Life Sucks, Part 1" In Part 1 of this 3-Part Series of Be The Storm, Dr. John Eckhardt and his guest Skip Simonds dive into one of the hidden reasons life feels stuck — the "teaspoon mentality." You can't expect big harvests while sowing small seeds, holding back out of fear instead of stepping forward with courage. Together they unpack how generosity, identity, and mindset shape our breakthroughs, and why shifting from surviving to giving can transform your entire life. Tune in, be encouraged, and remember — the storm isn't something to fear, it's something to become.

Be The Storm

Justin Rizzo - Radical Creatives part 2

Episode 18

More from Justin as he opens up the wells of the deep. Hope you are ready to drink from a proverbial 'fire hose' because it continues to come fast and furious.

Be The Storm

Justin Rizzo - Radical Creatives part 1

Episode 17

Justin shares info and insights that will rock you to the core. Two 'stand-alone' sessions in the BattleCry studio will find affirming and capacity-building.

Be The Storm

Skip Simonds - Selfless Leaders

Episode 16

Get ready to have your understanding of leadership tossed into the trash can. Kingdom leadership awaits those who are prepared to die (and stay that way).

Be The Storm

Mike Rizzo - Treasure

Episode 15

In this conversation with Mike Rizzo, we discuss how to live a treasured life. Adventure, celebration and suffering work hand in hand (in hand) to produce a life worth living.

Be The Storm

Skip Simonds - Hope vs fear

Episode 14

Life not going your way? You don't have a faith problem… You have a hope problem. Without hope, your faith has nothing to work with.

Be The Storm

Eric Gilmour - Sonship

Episode 13

So little to do with obedience and submission. Rather, for those brave enough to pursue "sonship", the sweet reward is acceptance, empowerment, and purpose. Don't let past rejections or abuse hold you back.