This week I got to sit down with Will Penick, Ministerial Director for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) — one of the largest Adventist conferences in the country, serving close to 70,000 members across Southern California. Will stepped into the Ministerial Director role in November 2023, but his journey to get there? Far from traditional.

Raised in a pastor's home, Will spent years trying to do anything but ministry. We talk about that tension, the wrestling match with calling, and what it finally took for him to say yes.

We also get into The Journey — a retreat SECC runs specifically for pastors that's tackling burnout head-on and helping ministers actually get fed spiritually, not just keep pouring out. This conversation is needed.

And we wrap up talking about the future of the Church — where it's headed, what's at stake, and what Will thinks will actually move the needle.

In this deeply moving episode of EQ Life, Pastor Baron sits down with Robert L. Hawkins—NRT artist, songwriter, and founder of The Recovery Gathering—for an honest conversation about deliverance, emotional healing, and living one day at a time.

Robert shares his powerful journey from drug addiction to lasting recovery, and how an unshakable hope in Jesus Christ reshaped his identity, purpose, and creativity. We explore how faith, self-awareness, and community play a critical role in recovery, and how music became both a lifeline and a ministry.

The conversation also highlights Robert’s latest releases, “Serenity Prayer” and “Just for Today,” along with his upcoming EP, The Recovery Journey—projects rooted in healing, reflection, and restoration. As his nonprofit celebrates three years of impact, Robert offers wisdom for anyone navigating addiction, trauma, or major life transitions.

This episode is a reminder that recovery is not just about breaking free from addiction—it’s about rediscovering hope, rebuilding the inner life, and learning how to live fully in the present moment.

iamrhawkins.com

In this engaging episode of EQLife, Dr. Baron Sovory talks with Dr. Alphonso Greene, Senior Pastor of the Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church in Riverside, California, about what it means to lead with faith and courage in today’s changing culture.

Dr. Greene shares his journey of transitioning his family across the country and stepping into a new ministry assignment—offering powerful lessons on discernment, adaptability, and trusting God through seasons of uncertainty. Together, they discuss the realities of modern church leadership, the importance of family in ministry, and how faith continues to be the compass for effective, compassionate leadership.

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of EQLife, Dr. Baron Sovory sits down with Dr. Delroy Brooks, staff pastor at Kansas Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Riverside, California, and a community and justice advocate whose work champions strong families and authentic leadership.

Together, they explore the deep connection between fatherhood, integrity, and influence—and how these three pillars shape not only men, but entire communities. Dr. Brooks shares personal insights from ministry and mentoring, emphasizing that leadership rooted in character and compassion has the power to transform lives.

In this inspiring episode of EQLife, Dr. Baron Sovory sits down with Patty Maruffo, Executive Secretary of the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists—one of the largest and most diverse conferences in the North American Division.

Patty opens up about her remarkable journey from local ministry to executive leadership, offering an honest and insightful look at what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and cultural awareness in today’s church. As a Latina woman in ministry, she shares candid reflections on navigating representation, inclusion, and leadership in spaces where her voice—and presence—carry deep meaning for future generations.

Together, Baron and Patty explore:

• The evolving role of women in pastoral and executive leadership.
• The challenges and blessings of serving a diverse, multicultural faith community.
• How personal calling and organizational leadership intersect in modern ministry.
• Practical wisdom on staying grounded while leading through complexity and change.

Patty’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and quiet strength—a timely reminder that effective leadership begins with courage, authenticity, and faith.

Whether you’re in ministry, leadership, or simply seeking to live with deeper purpose, this episode will encourage you to lead from your whole self—and to do so with grace and grit.

In this powerful episode of EQLife, Dr. Baron Sovory sits down with Fredrick Russell—a dynamic leadership strategist, executive coach, and former pastor whose voice has shaped leaders across continents. As President and CEO of True North Leadership Group, Fredrick has spent nearly two decades helping executives, entrepreneurs, and faith leaders align their influence with their integrity.

From his pastoral roots at Oakwood University to global boardrooms and coaching sessions around the world, Fredrick’s journey is a testament to character-driven leadership that transforms not just organizations—but people. Together, we explore how spiritual wisdom and modern leadership science can coexist to create cultures of trust, emotional intelligence, and authentic impact.

Listeners will gain practical takeaways on:

• How to lead from within when navigating uncertainty.
• Why character is still the ultimate competitive edge.
• How to build teams that thrive through trust, clarity, and compassion.
• The future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Fredrick also offers reflections from his upcoming book and shares how his ministry background continues to inform his global mission of “influencing the influencers.”

Whether you lead a congregation, company, or creative team—this episode will challenge you to live and lead with greater purpose, empathy, and excellence.

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Pastor Wade Forde, Senior Pastor of the 16th Street SDA Church in San Bernardino. Together, we revisit his journey of faith—from his formative upbringing to the moment he embraced his call to ministry. Pastor Forde reflects on the unique bond of friendship we shared as college roommates during our freshman year, and how those early experiences shaped both of our paths. He also opens up about family, the value of authentic relationships, and his vision for where the church is heading in today’s changing world.

This episode offers wisdom, warmth, and a look into the future of ministry through the eyes of a thoughtful leader and dear friend.

Hosted by Dr. Baron Sovory, EQLife explores how emotional intelligence, compassion, and authentic leadership shape the way we live, work, and thrive. Through conversations with pastors, leaders, and voices from a variety of fields, this podcast uncovers insights, stories, and practical tools to help you flourish in faith, family, and personal growth. If you’re ready to live with more wisdom, balance, and wholeness—this is your guide.

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Pastor Damian Chandler, a dynamic leader in the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. We explore his journey of faith and family, his calling to ministry, and how creativity has shaped his work as both a songwriter and author. Pastor Chandler shares what it was like to speak at the largest youth gathering in the SDA Church—the International Pathfinder Camporee—not once, but twice, and reflects on the impact of that experience. We also look ahead to his upcoming plans for ministry and the vision God has placed on his heart for the next chapter.

This episode is a blend of personal story, spiritual insight, and creative inspiration—perfect for anyone passionate about faith, leadership, and using one’s gifts to make a difference.