In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Lee Fox about the spiritual significance of Lent and Holy Week in the life of the church. They also discuss the importance for Baptists to engage the larger body of Christ during this season as well as support the role of women in ministry. Lee gives additional details as it relates to his preparation for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter Sunday. The conversation touches on the importance of lament as well as the challenges faced by clergy today. Lee also emphasizes the place of encouragement in ministry and the necessity of surrounding yourself with supportive peers. Lee is Senior Pastor of Ball Camp Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN and is on the Board of Directors of Baptist Women in Ministry.

In this episode, Pastor Danny and Rev. Tyler Tankersley explore the complex relationship between Mark Twain's views on faith, spirituality, and the church. They discuss Twain's 'spiritually cranky' nature, his critiques of hypocrisy within religious institutions, and the importance of joy in a cynical age. They also touch on the significance of friendship and spiritual formation in ministry, emphasizing the need for pastors to cultivate their own spiritual health to better serve their congregations. Tyler is the Senior Pastor of Aardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is on track to graduate with a Doctor of Ministry degree from George Fox University in May 2026. He's also written two books: Preaching the Word: Galatians and Sessions with Ezekiel: Holiness and Hope.

In this episode, Pastor Danny unpacks a section of a sermon series he’s working on for his church. He deals with the themes of the book of Ecclesiastes and explores the existential questions surrounding the meaning of life. He deals specifically with a passage located in the first chapter, and discusses the author's perspective on knowledge, wisdom, and the inherent meaninglessness of life without a spiritual foundation. Through various anecdotes, Danny emphasizes the importance of appreciating the daily, routine occurrences that we often take for granted.

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Dr. Derek Alderman about the relationship of geography and racial equality. They discuss the importance of memory work and commemorative activism, the significance of street naming in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, and the role of maps in documenting community identities. Derek also highlights the challenges faced by black travelers historically and today, the influence of the Black church in the civil rights movement, and the hope found in community engagement and education. Derek is Chancellor's Professor of Geography and Sustainability at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. You can find out more about him and his research at www.derekalderman.com.

In this episode, Pastor Danny interviews Dr. Michael Smith who reflects upon half a century of life and ministry, including 30 years as a Baptist Pastor in the Volunteer State . They talk about Mike's call to ministry, a pastor's family life, and the importance of longevity in ministry. The conversation also delves into the nuances of preaching in urban and rural contexts, the dangers of plagiarism, and challenges of balancing prophetic and pastoral functions. Mike also shares insights on understanding congregational personalities and the impact of clergy misconduct. Mike has over 50 years of ministry experience and is author of numerous books, articles, and other publications. He is a sought after speaker, interim and transitional pastor, and is still enjoying life in East Tennessee.

Pastor Danny talks with Reverend Dr. Meredith Stone about her work as Executive Director of Baptist Women in Ministry. She highlights challenges women face in ministry and the importance of mentorship and support. Meredith reflects on her own call to ministry, the changing work of BWIM through the years. She also talks about the "Billy Graham Rule" and impact of clergy and sexual abuse in the church. The discussion also touches on the 2025 "State of Women in Baptist Life" report and how it serves as a benchmark for local congregations. She also references the role of the pastor's wife in SBC life and its impact on women's ordination. Meredith has a Ph.D. from Brite Divinity School at TCU, and you find more information about her and BWIM at bwim.info.

In this episode, Pastor Danny welcomes Rev. Melissa Roysdon, a dedicated ESL teacher and Pastor. With over three decades of teaching experience, Melissa shares how her work in the school system has intertwined with her pastoral duties, emphasizing the importance of community and the ministry aspect of teaching. She reflects on the honesty of children and how their perspectives keep her grounded, while also discussing the role of humor in her life and ministry, especially during challenging times. Melissa also offers insight as to encouraging women to pursue their calling to serve God. She shares the joys and challenges of being a multi-vocational minister, and admonishes listeners to "keep breathing" as they face the challenges that come their way. Melissa is Pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN and has been an ESL teacher for 30 years.

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Erik Reed about the influence of AI in our culture and the church. They explore the implications of AI on discipleship, parenting, and mental health. Erik also gives an introduction to and the inspiration for Dominion, a new Christian AI tool. Their conversation deals with the importance of maintaining human relationships in an increasingly digital world and the ethical responsibilities of AI companies. Erik is Lead Pastor of The Journey Church in Lebanon, TN and co-founder of Dominion AI. His weekly podcast is called The Bully Pulpit, and for more information on his AI tool go to dominion.chat.

In this year’s last episode, Pastor Danny reflects on the Christmas season, emphasizing the importance of community, the theological significance of the Incarnation, and the role of women in Jesus' ministry. He discusses the Gospel of John, the nature of worship, and the balance between faith and doubt, particularly through the story of Thomas. As the year comes to a close, he expresses gratitude for his community and looks forward to the new year.

In this episode, Pastor Danny speaks with Trey Ogle about his love for church music and role of music in worship. They also talk about different kinds of music as well as theology behind worship practices. Trey shares insights on the importance of communal worship, planning music for worship services, and the difference between performance and worship. The conversation highlights the deep connection between music and faith, the communal aspect of worship and the timeless nature of hymns. Trey plays both piano and organ, and explains why the latter is called the “King of Instruments.” Trey is the Organist at Central Baptist Church Bearden in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can follow him on Trey Ogle Music on Facebook; he’s also found on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.