After a four-month break, Vernon and Desireé return to the mic with a powerful and deeply personal conversation about faith, obedience, and how one unexpected “yes” changed everything. From a moment in prayer to the journey of expecting their third child—a baby girl—they share the raw, hilarious, and heartfelt story of how God’s whispers turned into one of the most miraculous seasons of their lives.

This episode explores:

• How to recognize and respond to divine nudges
• The emotional and spiritual weight of saying “yes”
• The importance of preparing for the things you pray for
• Trusting God with the “how,” not just the call

Whether you’re navigating a life change, wrestling with obedience, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone in the unknown—this one’s for you.

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of Conversations at the Well, the Browns return with part two of their journey to finding a new church. Joined again by Vernon’s mother, Eyvette, they open up about the church hurt they experienced, the impact it had on their children, and the bittersweet process of leaving a place they once called home. With honesty, grace, and tears, they share how they found healing, what they wish pastors understood about church transitions, and the unexpected way God led them to a new spiritual home. This conversation is for anyone navigating change, disappointment, and the hope of starting again.

02:00 – How Are the Kids Coping?

07:11 – What Church Hurt Feels Like

17:14 – Do Pastors Create or Resolve Church Hurt?

28:10 – The Search Begins: What Were We Really Looking For?

31:18 – Serving vs. Sitting: What’s Realistic?

33:13 – Finding the One: How We Knew This Was Home

38:31 – A Mother’s Affirmation: ‘You Served Well’

What happens when God says "you're released" from your church? The Browns share their raw, unfiltered journey of navigating one of Christianity's most silent struggles – finding a new church home.

Their candid conversation reveals the emotional complexity that believers rarely discuss openly. Vernon confesses his protective instinct sparked earlier concerns, while Desiree tearfully shares the family-like bonds that made departure painful despite divine confirmation. Rather than channeling hurt into anger – which both acknowledge would be easier – they chose continued prayers and well-wishes for their former church family.

The Browns offer wisdom from both sides of their experience: the training ground that developed their gifts, the disappointment of unmet expectations, the careful transition planning, and the strange relief of release. Their perspective on church hurt resonates with profound insight: "These are experiences that happen human to human, and humans are faulty on our best days." They caution against allowing hurt from people to become anger toward God.

This conversation creates space for anyone who's wondered if it's time to leave their church, validating the complexity of emotions while offering hope that following God's direction – even through disappointment – leads to peace, confidence, and spiritual growth. Join us for part two as we discover whether the Browns have found their new church home

Are you letting your light shine, or are you holding it back? In this episode of Conversations at the Well, Vernon and Desiree Brown dive deep into what it really means to let your light shine—whether through your gifts, talents, or simply how you show up in the world.

They explore:

✨ The fear of being seen and stepping into your calling

✨ Why your gifts aren’t just for you but for those around you

✨ How environment plays a role in your ability to thrive

✨ Real-life stories of people using their gifts in unexpected ways

Join us for an inspiring conversation on how to stop dimming your light and start walking boldly in your purpose.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Tell us in the comments: What is your light? How are you shining?

Chapters

00:31 - Letting Your Light Shine: What Does It Mean?

02:16 - Are You Hiding? The Elephant Behind the Light Pole Analogy

06:57 - How Do You Know When to Step Up? Learning to Trust Your Gut

16:04 - Taking Risks to Shine: Why Some Environments Reject Light

25:50 - Vern’s Story: How a New Environment Unlocked His Potential

37:57 - Your Gifts Will Make Room for You (Even When You Least Expect It)

40:22 - Final Thoughts: Let Your Light Shine No Matter Where You Are

In this special episode of Conversations at the Well, Vernon Brown sits down with Dr. Camelia Walker, 2025 candidate for Mayor of Canton, Mississippi. They discuss her vision for Canton, the challenges facing the city, and her approach to leadership. Dr. Walker shares her journey, the importance of voter participation, and how she plans to bring fresh, innovative leadership to the city. Whether you’re a Canton resident or just passionate about community leadership, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Grab your coffee and join us at The Well!

00:00 - Introduction

00:31 - Meet Dr. Camelia Walker

02:19 - Born and Raised in Canton

04:23 - Experience vs. Fresh Perspective

06:58 - Why Voter Turnout Matters

09:15 - Dr. Walker’s Leadership Style

12:30 - Challenges & Opportunities for Canton

19:23 - Making Canton More Business-Friendly

20:59 - Investing in Youth & the Future

25:53 - Crime Prevention & Community Safety

31:24 - Addressing Flooding & Infrastructure Issues

34:32 - What Sets Dr. Walker Apart?

36:25 - No False Promises – Just Action

44:30 - How Voting Works in Canton

48:31 - A Message to Undecided Voters

50:46 - How to Connect with Dr. Walker

51:09 - Closing Remarks

⚓ What Keeps You Anchored? In this episode of Conversations at the Well, Vernon and Desireé dive into the concept of anchors—the things that keep us steady when life is unpredictable. From shifting headlines and personal challenges to unexpected success and new seasons in life, we all need something to hold us in place.

🔹 What does it mean to be anchored?

🔹 How do routines, faith, and personal accountability help us stay grounded?

🔹 Why do some people stay calm while others get overwhelmed?

🔹 How does truth function as an anchor in our lives?

🔹 The connection between habits and stability in uncertain times

We want to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know: What keeps you anchored when life feels unstable?

👉🏽 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real, faith-based conversations!

📌 Follow us on social media & listen to the podcast at:

🌐 Website: www.ConversationsAtTheWell.com

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationsAtTheWell

🎧 Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more!

#Faith #StayingGrounded #LifeChanges #ConversationsAtTheWell #Mindset #ChristianPodcast

0:00 - Welcome to Conversations at the Well

0:08 - Today’s topic: Anchors—What keeps you grounded?

0:37 - Desireé explains the concept of anchors

2:13 - Life is constantly shifting—how do we stay steady?

3:10 - Do we only need anchors when life is bad?

4:19 - How Vernon stays emotionally steady

7:09 - Is worry a choice? The logic vs. emotion debate

8:19 - Taking action instead of drowning in worry

13:26 - The brutal truth: Are we really adding value?

18:47 - Accountability and ownership—uncomfortable but necessary

21:17 - Faith as an anchor—trusting God in uncertainty

22:54 - Choosing battles and prioritizing wisely

24:36 - Excuses vs. reality—being honest with ourselves

30:43 - The importance of truth—self-awareness is key

38:27 - Morning routines and the power of habits

49:14 - Summarizing our four key anchors in life

53:33 - We want to hear from you! What keeps you anchored?

55:01 - Old Testament vs. New Testament mindset?

56:42 - Final thoughts & closing remarks

🚪 Join us on our Church Hunting Journey! 🏡

In this episode of Conversations at the Well, Vernon and Desireé share their experiences searching for a new church home. From the highs to the frustrations, the unexpected lessons, and the deeper reflections on church culture and leadership, this conversation is raw, insightful, and full of thought-provoking moments.

🔹 What makes a church feel like home?

🔹 Do we even need a church home in 2025?

🔹 Virtual vs. in-person church—what’s missing?

🔹 The role of leadership and why church culture matters

🔹 What is God teaching us through this process?

We also want to hear from you—what do you look for in a church? Have you been through this experience before? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

👉🏽 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real, faith-based conversations!

📌 Follow us on social media & listen to the podcast at:

🌐 Website: www.ConversationsAtTheWell.com

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationsAtTheWell

🎧 Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more!

0:00 - Welcome to Conversations at the Well

0:19 - Vernon switches up the intro!

1:37 - Why we’re searching for a new church home

2:59 - Frustrations & surprises in the process

3:42 - Do we even need a church home in 2025?

5:22 - The power of in-person church vs. virtual church

7:36 - Will in-person church ever disappear?

9:39 - What makes a good church? What do we look for?

13:57 - Greeters, signage & the importance of first impressions

14:40 - The role of teaching & biblical alignment

16:02 - Vernon asks: Choir or praise team?

17:25 - The importance of small groups & connection

18:33 - Church culture & leadership priorities

22:19 - Can a woman be a lead pastor?

25:38 - How churches can do better

34:42 - The spiritual side of our search—waiting for God’s direction

39:43 - Is God keeping us from the wrong church?

44:53 - Church business & running it well

48:05 - What should pastors focus on?

53:43 - Final thoughts: What’s next for our journey?

1:02:26 - We want to hear from you! Share your church experiences

#ChurchHunting #FaithJourney #ChurchHome #ChristianPodcast #ConversationsAtTheWell

Welcome to Conversations at the Well, Season 2, Episode 22! As we step into 2025, Desireé and Vernon share their goals, new habits, and the mindset shifts they’re embracing for the year ahead. From cutting out distractions and social media detoxes to unexpected lifestyle changes (Desireé’s surprise pescatarian journey!), they reflect on how small, intentional decisions can shape a transformational year. They also dive into lessons from scripture, navigating their faith journey after leaving their church, and why Vernon is officially calling Desireé “fishy” from now on.

This episode is packed with laughter, deep reflection, and a challenge to listeners: What habits will set the foundation for your best year yet? Tune in and share your 2025 goals with us!

00:00 - Welcome to Episode 2!

The Browns kick off the episode, setting the tone for 2025 and hinting at big changes.

01:15 - Goals vs. Habits: What Really Matters?

Vernon discusses how forming the right habits is more crucial than setting ambitious goals.

03:25 - Death to Distractions

Inspired by Pastor Mike Todd’s “Death to Distractions,” Vernon reflects on his social media detox and how it’s reshaping his focus.

06:05 - The Mindless Scroll Struggle

Desireé shares her journey of removing Facebook from her phone and realizing just how automatic the habit had become.

07:38 - The Pescatarian Plot Twist

Desireé announces her unexpected decision to cut out all meats except fish—despite her deep love for burgers and bacon.

09:53 - A Fishy Attitude?

Vernon takes the opportunity to introduce his new favorite phrase—calling Desireé “fishy” whenever she’s in a mood.

10:45 - Making God-Led Decisions

They discuss how obedience to God’s guidance often feels like a sacrifice but ultimately brings freedom.

13:14 - Recognizing Distractions in Real Time

How being aware of distractions changes how you engage with them—whether resisting or consciously indulging.

14:42 - The Power of Intention in 2025

Desireé’s word for the year is “intention”—choosing commitments wisely and seeking divine guidance.

18:00 - Cover-to-Cover Bible Reading Challenge

Desireé embarks on an ambitious six-month journey to read the entire Bible and shares her eye-opening insights from Genesis to Leviticus.

24:20 - What Will December Look Like?

They envision the end of 2025—how their habits and faith will shape the year’s outcomes.

27:54 - Big Goals for the Year

From reopening The Well’s coffee shop to leading national initiatives, Desireé shares some of her bold 2025 goals.

30:55 - Vernon’s Push for Structure & Excellence

Vernon wants to master time management and execution—without boxing God into a spreadsheet cell.

35:44 - Facing 2025’s Challenges Head-On

The year has already thrown some curveballs. How are they handling unexpected obstacles?

41:20 - The Sabbath Shift

With a new church search underway and Saturday classes at The Well, their family’s Sabbath routine has changed—what does rest look like now?

44:06 - Final Thoughts & Listener Challenge

They encourage listeners to reflect on their own 2025 goals, habits, and where God fits into the picture.

In this first episode of Conversations at the Well Season 2, Desireé and Vernon Brown reflect on the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons of 2024. They dive into themes of growth under pressure, finding value in unexpected places, and the personal challenges that shaped their year. Listen in as they unpack their wins, losses, and hopes for the future, while posing thought-provoking questions for you to consider about your own year. Plus, they tease the opportunities and changes coming in 2025.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Welcome Back!
   Desireé and Vernon kick off Season 2 with gratitude, prayer, and excitement for what’s ahead.
2. 03:00 - Reflecting on 2024
   Initial thoughts on the past year—what stood out, what surprised them, and what made the year unique.
3. 05:30 - Finding Value in Unexpected Places
   Vernon shares how he discovered unexpected meaning through personal connections and a deeper purpose at The Well.
4. 13:00 - Growth Under Pressure
   Desireé reflects on the challenges of 2024, from shifting relationships to reassessing purpose, and how they led to personal growth.
5. 19:00 - A Year of Preparation
   Was 2024 a sidestep or a foundational year? The hosts discuss their differing perspectives on the year’s significance.
6. 32:00 - Big Changes in Canton
   Desireé and Vernon talk about their departure from their church and the impact it had on their journey in faith and community building.
7. 37:00 - Trusting the Journey
   Desireé shares a revelation about surrendering control to God and embracing this season of rest.
8. 41:00 - Lessons Learned (or Not?)
   Vernon debates whether 2024 offered valuable lessons or fell short of expectations, while Desireé counters with a hopeful perspective.
9. 44:00 - Looking Ahead to 2025
   The Browns hint at exciting opportunities, challenges, and their intentions for the year ahead.
10. 44:30 - Closing Thoughts
    A lighthearted wager and a heartfelt invitation for listeners to share their reflections on 2024.

In this engaging episode of Conversations at the Well, Vernon and Desireé dive deep into the topic of passion. What does it mean to have a passion, and how do you know if you truly have one? Join them as they explore the differences between interests, hobbies, and genuine passions—and how these shape our lives and choices.

Desireé opens up about her struggle to identify her own passions amidst a lifetime of diverse experiences, while Vernon reflects on his passion for teaching and helping others grow. They discuss how our passions can change over time and how society’s expectations can complicate our understanding of what we’re truly passionate about.

Whether you’re actively pursuing your passions, feeling unsure of what drives you, or simply interested in hearing different perspectives, this episode is for you. Grab a seat, share your thoughts, and let’s explore the journey to discovering what really makes us come alive.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
02:07 - The Question: What Are Our Passions?
04:51 - Why We Say Yes: Exploring Interests vs. Passions
06:34 - The Importance of Passion and Purpose
08:52 - The Blue Zones and Living with Purpose
11:19 - Defining Passion: What Does It Really Mean?
15:04 - Vernon’s Passion for Teaching and Helping Others Grow
18:21 - Balancing Passion and Family
21:25 - Desireé’s Search for Passion: Interests vs. Deep Drive
30:39 - Travel, Culture, and Connecting with People
37:23 - Learning from Different Cultures and Breaking Assumptions
42:27 - The Power of Curiosity and Experiencing Life Fully
53:02 - Closing Thoughts: Are Interests and Passions Really Different?