You can memorize every Bible verse, serve at every event, and give to every cause — but if your heart’s not in it, God isn’t impressed. In this powerful episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, Mike Stone challenges us to examine our motives, reset our faith, and return to authentic love for God over empty religious performance.

Through personal stories, relatable struggles, and biblical examples like Mary & Martha, the Pharisee & the tax collector, and King David, Mike unpacks the difference between doing things for God and being with God. Learn the warning signs of performance-based faith and discover practical ways to rekindle genuine intimacy with Him.

Key Scriptures:
Isaiah 29:13, Luke 18:9-14, Luke 10:38-42, Mark 10:17-22, Matthew 6, Psalm 51:16-17, Psalm 139:23-24

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to know if your faith has slipped into performance mode
- Why private moments with God matter more than public ones
- Four warning signs your heart may be drifting
- How to reset your relationship with God today
- A simple weekly challenge to draw closer to Him

🎯 Whether you’re a lifelong believer, new to the faith, or burned out from church busyness, this episode will inspire you to stop striving and start abiding.

#GodIsNotImpressed #AuthenticFaith #ChristianPodcast #BehindTheMikePodcast #MikeStone #FaithOverPerformance #ChristianLiving #HeartOverWorks #BibleTeaching #spiritualgrowth

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Global shoutouts & listener appreciation
01:07 – The uncomfortable truth: God isn’t impressed by religious resumes
02:04 – Why do you do what you do?
02:49 – My season as a “spiritual over-achiever”
03:23 – Isaiah 29:13 — honoring God with lips but not the heart
04:01 – Example 1: The Pharisee & the tax collector
04:33 – Example 2: Mary & Martha
04:52 – Example 3: The rich young ruler
05:10 – Example 4: David — a man after God’s heart
05:41 – Jesus’ teaching on private faith in Matthew 6
06:35 – Warning signs of performance-based faith
07:42 – Psalm 51 — God desires a contrite heart
08:14 – Reset step 1: Pray honestly
09:16 – Reset step 2: Spend time with God with no agenda
10:08 – Reset step 3: Serve in secret
11:00 – Reset step 4: Fast from recognition
11:27 – Returning to genuine love for God
11:58 – Psalm 139 prayer & weekly challenge

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

🔥 When the heat is on, will your faith hold?

In this powerful episode, Mike Stone unpacks the bold faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 and applies it to the modern pressures we face. You’ll learn what it means to have “Even If” faith—trusting God regardless of the outcome—and discover how to stand firm when culture demands you bow.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The parallels between ancient Babylon’s idols and today’s cultural idols.
- How faith is tested when culture collides with conviction.
- Why courage isn’t the absence of fear, but trust in God in the face of it.
- How your faith in the fire can spark faith in others.

Resources & Scriptures Mentioned:
👉 Daniel 3:16–18 – “Even if” faith in the fiery furnace
👉 Isaiah 43:2 – God’s promise in the fire

Share This Episode:
If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or post about it using #FaithInTheFire.

🙏 If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who needs to be reminded they’re not alone.

https://behindthemike.net

#FaithInTheFire #EvenIfFaith #BehindTheMikePodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianEncouragement #BibleTeaching #FaithUnderPressure #TrustGod #GodInTheFire #ChristianPodcast #StandFirmInFaith

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction: Facing the Fires of Life  
00:32 Modern-Day Fires We Face  
01:00 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s Story  
02:28 Today’s Idols and Pressures to Bow  
03:32 “Even If” Faith  
04:35 When Following God Costs Something  
04:57 Jesus in the Fire  
06:10 A Personal Story from Mike  
07:25 Coming Out Without the Smell of Smoke  
08:00 Four Key Lessons from the Fiery Furnace  
08:34 Encouragement for Your Fire  
09:09 Closing Prayer & Call to Action

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

There’s a war going on — not just around you, but inside you. In this powerful episode of Behind The Mike Podcast, Mike Stone exposes the invisible spiritual battle for your mind. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, deception, or thoughts that don’t align with God’s truth, this episode is for you.

Learn how the enemy uses subtle lies to twist truth, and how you can reclaim your mind through the power of Scripture. Mike shares four practical biblical strategies to recognize lies, renew your mind, and fight back in spiritual warfare.

📖 Featuring key verses: Romans 12:2, Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Jeremiah 17:9, John 8:44

🎯 Topics: 
💪 Spiritual warfare
💪 Renewing your mind
💪 Identity in Christ
💪 Fighting lies with truth

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this with someone who’s battling in silence.

📌 Question for you: What lie have you been believing lately — and what truth from God’s Word can replace it?

#SpiritualWarfare #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTruth #MindRenewal #BehindTheMike #ChristianMindset #BattleOfTheMind

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome to Behind The Mike Podcast
00:20 - There’s a War Going On in Your Mind
01:00 - Why the Mind is the Battlefield (Romans 12:2)
02:00 - The Enemy’s Weapon: Deception (Genesis 3)
03:00 - Lies That Sound Like Truth
04:00 - Modern Lies Christians Believe
05:00 - Taking Every Thought Captive (2 Corinthians 10)
06:00 - 4 Ways to Fight Back Biblically
07:30 - Speak the Truth Over Yourself
08:00 - Final Challenge & Encouragement
08:30 - Share, Subscribe & Stay Alert

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

Why does the Bible talk so much about blood? In this powerful episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, Mike Stone walks through Leviticus 4 and answers the question so many of us ask: Why all the animal sacrifices and blood in the Old Testament?

🩸 What does it mean for us today?
🕊️ How does it point to the cross of Jesus Christ?
📖 Why is Leviticus essential to understanding God’s mercy?

Mike unpacks the ancient practice of the sin offering, its spiritual and emotional weight, and how it sets the stage for the ultimate sacrifice: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

🔔 Subscribe for more faith-building episodes:
     Video: https://youtube.com/@behindthemikepodcast
     Audio: https://behindthemike.net

📢 Share this with someone who's ever struggled to make sense of the Old Testament!

💡 IN THIS EPISODE:
🩸  Why animal sacrifices were messy, disturbing—and necessary (Leviticus 4)
🩸  What the sin offering says about God’s justice and mercy
🩸  How every drop of blood in Leviticus points directly to Jesus
🩸  What Hebrews 9:12 and John 1:29 reveal about the ultimate sacrifice

SCRIPTURE REFERENCED:
Leviticus 4, Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:12, John 1:29

🙌 Need hope? Feeling weighed down by guilt or shame?
There’s grace at the cross and freedom in Jesus.
Come to the mercy seat. You are seen, known, and deeply loved.

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome to Behind The Mike
00:38 - What Inspired This Episode: Reading Leviticus
01:30 - Why So Much Blood in the Old Testament?
02:12 - The Sin Offering: Leviticus 4 Explained
03:56 - Guilt, Repentance, and Sacrifice
05:44 - Life Is in the Blood (Leviticus 17:11)
06:55 - The Symbolism of the Altar Horns
08:26 - The Smell and Weight of Sacrifice
09:31 - Jesus: The Once-for-All Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12)
10:36 - John the Baptist’s Declaration (John 1:29)
11:08 - All Sin Requires Atonement
11:35 - Jesus Became the Lamb
11:59 - The Cross: Both Horrifying and Beautiful
12:32 - Final Thoughts & Invitation to Grace
12:58 - You Are Seen, Known, and Loved

#BibleTeaching #BehindTheMikePodcast #GospelTruth #BiblicalGrace

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

You are in a battle, whether you realize it or not.
In this episode of Behind The Mike Podcast, host Mike Stone uncovers the often invisible—but very real—realm of spiritual warfare. Drawing from Scripture, real-life examples, and the powerful imagery in Ephesians 6, Mike equips you with the tools you need to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

📖 You’ll learn:
🗡️ What spiritual warfare looks like in everyday life
🗡️ How the enemy uses doubt, shame, and distraction to attack believers
🗡️ What Satan can and cannot do
🗡️ How to fight back using the full Armor of God
🗡️ Practical tips to stay grounded in truth, prayer, and godly community

🔔 If you've ever felt discouraged, distracted, or defeated… this episode will encourage and equip you to fight from victory, not for it.

✅ Don’t forget to Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement.

📧 Contact Mike or share feedback: [email protected]

Visit https://www.behindthemike.net

#SpiritualWarfare #ChristianPodcast #ArmorOfGod #BehindTheMike #FaithOverFear #BibleTruth #OvercomingEvil #JesusWins #VictoryInChrist #ChristianEncouragement

⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction: The Overlooked Reality of Spiritual Warfare
01:07 – Two Big Questions: What is Spiritual Warfare and How Do We Win?
01:52 – How Frank Peretti Opened My Eyes
02:42 – Common Signs of Daily Spiritual Battles
03:13 – Ephesians 6: The Invisible War
03:43 – The Armor of God: A Breakdown
06:37 – How Satan Works in Today’s World
08:45 – What Satan Can Do: Temptation, Accusation, Deception, Distraction
10:15 – What Satan Can’t Do: He Cannot Win
11:32 – 5 Practical Ways to Fight Back
13:38 – Memorizing Scripture & Living a Life of Prayer
14:57 – Final Encouragement: You Are More Than a Conqueror
15:30 – Share, Review, and Stay in the Fight

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

💭 What really happens when we die?
In this heartfelt episode of Behind The Mike Podcast, host Mike Stone dives into one of life’s most important and eternal questions: what happens after death?

Whether you're a lifelong Christian, a skeptic, or someone just searching for answers, this episode will offer clarity, peace, and biblical truth about:
✟  What the Bible says happens when a believer dies
✟  The reality of heaven and hell
✟  What judgment means according to Scripture
✟  Why what we believe about death changes how we live

Mike explores powerful verses like Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:8, John 11:25, and Romans 10:9, and answers questions such as:
✟  Do we go straight to heaven or hell?
✟  Is hell real?
✟  What is Resurrection Day?
✟  Can we know where we’ll go after we die?

🙏 If you’ve ever wondered about eternity, the afterlife, salvation, or the purpose of life, this episode is for you.

💌 Need prayer or want to connect? Email Mike at: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: https://www.behindthemike.net
📲 Follow us on social: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the like button, and share this episode with someone who needs hope.

#HeavenIsReal #LifeAfterDeath #ChristianPodcast #eternallife #hell #bible #Jesus #God #heaven

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome to Behind the Mike Podcast
00:50 - Today’s Big Question: What Happens When We Die?
02:00 - Why This Topic Matters to Everyone
03:00 - Hebrews 9:27 – We All Die, Then Comes Judgment
04:10 - What Happens When a Christian Dies?
05:25 - Resurrection Day: New Bodies and Eternal Life
06:35 - What Happens When Someone Rejects Christ?
07:15 - Hell, Judgment, and God’s Patience (2 Peter 3:9)
08:35 - Why God Doesn't Send "Good People" to Hell
09:30 - Why We Need to Talk About Death Now
10:10 - Eternal Life Starts the Moment You Believe
10:40 - How to Be Saved (Romans 10:9)
11:16 - Final Thoughts and an Invitation to Respond
11:50 - Connect with Mike and Stay in Touch

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

What happened to Little Ricky from I Love Lucy? In this powerful and inspiring episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, host Mike Stone sits down with Keith Thibodeaux, the former child star of I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show. Keith shares his extraordinary journey—from drumming prodigy and Hollywood fame to depression, addiction, and ultimately finding hope in Jesus Christ.

Keith opens up about:
🎬 Working with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
🎬 His time as Opie’s best friend on The Andy Griffith Show
🎬 Becoming the drummer for David and the Giants, a Christian rock band
🎬 His spiritual transformation after a vision of Jesus
🎬 Co-leading Ballet Magnificat, the world’s largest Christian ballet company with his wife, Cathy

This is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane—it's a testimony of redemption, purpose, and God’s unfailing love.

Whether you're a fan of classic TV, Christian music, or stories of faith, this episode will touch your heart and remind you that no one is too far gone for God.

📌 Visit Ballet Magnificat:  https://www.balletmagnificat.com
🎧 Listen to David and the Giants: “See You There” – now streaming on Spotify and other platforms. https://open.spotify.com/album/2lnCGV4BZzdmprA9DiwZJi?si=fgNFoQHRTAi8vR5BbgLMOA

📆 Interested in Summer Dance Intensives? Info at Ballet Magnificat’s site above!

👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes filled with faith, hope, and transformation.

#KeithThibodeaux #ILoveLucy #ChristianTestimony #BehindTheMikePodcast #DavidAndTheGiants #BalletMagnificat #ChildStar #JesusSaves #ClassicTV #FaithStory

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - What Happens When Little Ricky Meets Jesus?
01:00 - Keith’s Hollywood Start: Drumming & Desi Arnaz
03:00 - Cast Life on I Love Lucy
05:30 - Transitioning to The Andy Griffith Show
08:00 - Surviving Hollywood as a Child Actor
10:15 - College Years & Struggles with Identity
13:00 - Joining David and the Giants
15:00 - Keith’s Spiral: Depression & Crying Out to God
17:00 - Life-Changing Vision of Jesus Christ
18:45 - From Secular Rock to Christian Music
20:00 - The Birth of Ballet Magnificat with Cathy
22:00 - Taking Christian Ballet Worldwide
24:00 - Encouragement for Parents, Artists, and Believers
26:00 - Final Thoughts from Keith: Trust, Pray, Don’t Give Up

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

What do you do when God feels silent? On Holy Saturday, we sit in the in-between — after the cross but before the resurrection. It’s a day of silence, grief, and waiting. But silence doesn’t mean absence.

In today’s Passion Week devotional, Mike Stone shares a powerful message about trusting God in the waiting. When the miracle hasn’t come yet, and hope seems buried, Silent Saturday reminds us that God is still at work — even in the tomb. If you're feeling stuck between prayer and breakthrough, this message is for you.

🙌 Just because God is silent doesn’t mean He’s not working.

🔔 Subscribe and join us tomorrow for Resurrection Sunday, the final and most triumphant episode in this Holy Week series.

⏱ Chapters
00:00 - What is Silent Saturday?
00:16 - Welcome to Behind the Mike
00:26 - The In-Between of Holy Week
00:41 - The Disciples’ Grief and God’s Silence
01:12 - When God Feels Absent in Our Lives
01:45 - God Was Still Working in the Silence
02:22 - Holding On in the Waiting
02:50 - The Hope of Resurrection
03:20 - A Prayer for Those in the Silence
03:40 - Invitation to Share and Join Resurrection Sunday

#HolySaturday #PassionWeek #SilentSaturday #FaithInTheWaiting #HolyWeek #ChristianDevotional #BehindTheMike #MikeStone #ResurrectionHope

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

Today is Good Friday—the most somber and powerful day in Passion Week. In this episode of Behind the Mike Podcast, we reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of love that changed everything. Though dark, this day marks the moment when Jesus paid the price for our sins and opened the way to eternal life.

Join us as we walk through the events of Good Friday, explore key Scriptures like Luke 23, John 19:30, Isaiah 53, and Romans 6:23, and unpack what the cross of Christ means for your life today. Whether you're seeking hope, forgiveness, or a fresh start, this message is for you.

🙏 If you’ve never accepted what Jesus did on the cross, you can do that today. A prayer is included at the end if you're ready to surrender your life to Him.

🕊 You're loved. You're forgiven. Because of the cross.

⏱ CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Welcome to Good Friday
00:34 – Jesus Before Pilate
01:08 – The Crucifixion at Golgotha
01:47 – Jesus’ Final Words: “It is finished”
02:23 – Why Did Jesus Die? (Romans 6:23)
02:36 – Isaiah 53: The Suffering Servant
02:48 – What the Cross Means for Us
03:14 – You Are Deeply Loved (Romans 5:8)
03:17 – Complete Forgiveness
03:43 – Peace With God and Eternal Hope
04:09 – How to Accept Jesus (Romans 10:9)
04:37 – A Simple Prayer of Surrender
05:06 – Living Transformed by the Cross
05:35 – What’s Next: Saturday and Beyond

#GoodFriday #PassionWeek #JesusDiedForYou #EasterWeek #BehindTheMikePodcast #TheCross #Forgiveness #Salvation #JesusSaves

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast

Welcome to Day 5 of Passion Week on Behind the Mike! 

Today, we walk through the powerful and emotional events of Thursday—a day filled with love, betrayal, and surrender.

This was the night of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, predicted His betrayal, and instituted the Lord’s Supper. It was also the night of His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, where Jesus showed ultimate surrender to the Father's will.

If you've ever wrestled with God's plan or felt the sting of betrayal, this message is for you.

📖 Scriptures Referenced:
John 13:5, 21-30
Matthew 26:26-28, 38-39

🙏 Learn how Jesus' humility, love, and surrender can shape your own walk with God today.

📌 Subscribe to join us for each day of Passion Week as we walk toward Resurrection Sunday. Don’t forget to like and share to encourage someone else on their journey!

⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Welcome to Passion Week Thursday
00:30 – Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (John 13:5)
01:00 – Predicting Betrayal & Judas Leaves (John 13:21-30)
01:25 – The Institution of Communion (Matt. 26:26-28)
01:57 – Jesus in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:38-39)
02:27 – Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested
03:01 – The Deeper Meaning of Thursday’s Events
03:34 – Questions for Reflection
04:39 – A Call to Surrender and Love
05:07 – Final Encouragement & Next Episode Tease

#PassionWeek #HolyThursday #LastSupper #JesusInGethsemane

Send us a text

Support the show

Watch these podcasts on YouTube!

Follow Us!
YouTube: @behindthemikepodcast
Instagram: @behindthemikepodcast
TikTok: @behind_the_mike_podcast
Facebook: @behindthemikepodcast