In our final episode of the Advent Together series, Michael Smith sits down with Bethany and Paisley James to talk about the heart of Christmas—God’s love coming close. The James family shares stories from their joyful Christmas traditions, the kindness they see in others, and the simple ways we can show God’s love every day—writing letters to teachers, baking cookies for neighbors, giving generously, and serving with a joyful heart.

This week, Wendy sits down with Kim Bihl and her daughters Emma and Maddie for a joy-filled, laughter-packed conversation about what it means to carry joy into everyday life. From puppy stories and holiday expectations to the simple ways we can spread joy in our city, the Bihl family shows how joy is both a gift from God and a choice we make. They remind us that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances — it’s rooted in the Lord, who invites us to “rejoice always” (Philippians 4:4). Whether joy looks like tiny moments, shared smiles, or even a puppy wink, this episode will encourage you to slow down, notice the good, and bring joy wherever you go this Christmas!

Welcome to Week 2 of our Advent series on the Beyond Sundays Podcast, with Beltway Kids guiding us through this meaningful Advent season! In this week’s episode, Wendy sits down with Taryn Nelson and her daughter Nayvie for a sweet and honest conversation about what peace really looks like in the middle of real life. From navigating big emotions to learning simple “Jesus help!” prayers, Taryn shares how peace isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. Together, they explore what it means to step into that quiet "hiding place with Jesus," the cozy, safe spot where our hearts can breathe again. Whether your days feel loud, busy, or a little chaotic, this episode reminds us that Jesus offers peace that reaches us right in the middle of it all. A perfect listen for families wanting to anchor their homes in His peace this Christmas season.

Welcome to the Beyond Sundays Podcast—BK takeover edition! Host June Saunders kicks off our 4-week Advent Together series as we light the Candle of Hope and talk about what hope really looks like in everyday life. Evangelina (“Vangie”) Figueiras and her daughter Hadassah join us to share how hope often looks like believing, waiting, and trusting God—especially when the answer doesn’t come the way we expected. Vangie opens up about her own season of waiting for a breakthrough in her career, walking through divorce, and praying for financial provision. Her story reminds us that we’re all waiting for something, and Jesus meets us right in that place. This episode also introduces a simple family tradition—the Hope Jar—a way to write down what we’re praying and hoping for, then look back on God’s faithfulness on Christmas Day. As we begin this series, we’re reminded: Jesus is our hope in every season of waiting.

In the final week of our Wild Goose Chase series, Isabelle and Gennah sit down with Sarah to talk about what it means to run wild with God—leaving behind comfort to chase His purpose. Together, they share stories of faith, discipline, and surrender, reminding us that God’s purpose always leads to more than anything comfort could offer. Whether you’re in a season of stepping out, letting go, or just trying to stay in the race, this episode will encourage you to keep running with endurance and joy!

In this week’s episode, Mason Kerby, Zach New, and Karson Grigsby dive into The Cage of Fear — one of the most common traps that keeps us from fully living out the purpose God has for us. The enemy uses fear and doubt to suffocate purpose — fear of failure, fear of man, fear of the future, fear of getting it wrong, or even fear that we have somehow missed our purpose. But God hasn’t called us to live in fear. He’s called us to live free and to live led. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, the guys talk about what it means to live life in step with the Holy Spirit — trusting that He who began a good work will carry it to completion.

In this week’s Beyond Sundays Podcast, we’re diving into Week 6 of the Wild Goose Chase series — The Cage of Failure. We all have moments when we’ve fallen short, missed the mark, or felt like we blew it completely. But what if failure isn’t final? What if it’s actually one of God’s greatest tools for shaping our faith, our character, and our calling? Join Ben Johnson and Zach Vassar as they talk honestly about lessons learned from failure — how God can use even our biggest mistakes for redirection, growth, and future influence. You’ll hear stories of perspective shifts, identity in Christ beyond success or failure, and courage to try again when fear says quit. You’re not meant to live defeated; you’re meant to live led.

In this episode, Pastor Geoffrey Turner sits down with Michael—owner of Crown of Thorns Barbershop—to share how a life marked by arrests, addiction, and shame was radically transformed after he cried out to God in 2020. Michael shares how forgiveness, repentance, Scripture, community, and accountability transformed his life, marriage, and fatherhood. Together they unpack how the enemy uses guilt to cage us—and how Jesus’ grace breaks us free—challenging listeners to bring struggles into the light and release unforgiveness.

What happens when our assumptions—about the future, about ourselves, about others, and even about God—keep us from stepping into the adventure He’s inviting us to? Too often, the “what ifs” and the fear of change convince us to play it safe, assume the worst, or stay stuck where we are. But when you know the Lord is calling you forward and you choose to trust Him with the outcome, the unknown becomes an adventure filled with His presence and His promise: “I will be with you.”In this episode, Ben Johnson and his son Kress talk honestly about the lies and limits we wrestle with—too young, too old, not ready, not spiritual enough—and how God has a way of proving those assumptions wrong. Through their stories, you’ll see how pushing past fear, embracing risk, and letting go of assumptions can lead to deeper growth, meaningful relationships, unexpected joy, and a true adventure with God. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the “what ifs,” this conversation will encourage you to trust God, take the step He’s asking of you, and discover that with Him—you can!

What happens when God calls you out of your comfort zone? In this episode, Sarah and Geoffrey Turner sit down with Keith & Megan Roberson to talk about breaking free from the cage of routine and learning to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead—even when it feels risky. From leaving their home and church family in Texas to pastor New River Church in Tennessee, to raising kids who take faith-filled risks, learning to discern God’s peace, and trusting Him even when life doesn’t go as planned—Keith & Megan share raw, faith-filled stories of what it looks like to say “yes” when the Spirit nudges. No matter your season, God is present today—inviting you into something new and beautiful. Listen now and be encouraged to step out of the cage of routine and into the adventure of following Jesus.