Faithly Podcast

Join host Alicia Lee and guest host Vandalyn Kennedy on today’s episode the Faithly Stories podcast as they welcome Dr. Rupert A. Hayles, Jr. and Maryann L. Hayles for a powerful conversation on faith, healing, and emotionally healthy spirituality. Together, they share their story of love, leadership, and transformation, rooted in God's faithfulness and a deep commitment to serving others.

From their early days at Christ Church to their current roles at Roberts Wesleyan University and the Center for Emotional and Spiritual Development, Rupert and Maryann speak candidly about navigating life’s complexities—career, marriage, parenting, and identity—through a lens of spiritual formation and emotional intelligence.

Website: http://www.opdynamics.org

(00:01) Love and Faith Relationship Story
(09:06) Personal Journey of Faith Healing
(15:43) Understanding Emotional Healing and Deliverance
(28:52) Understanding Emotional and Spiritual Development
(32:53) Parenting and Spiritual Formation Journeys
(44:19) Navigating Parenting Challenges With Empathy
(48:13) Challenges of Finding Love Today

Follow us on social media:

Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/
X: https://x.com/faithlyco 

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso welcome Dr. Rupert A. Hayles, Jr., President of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary. From his early days in Jamaica to leadership in the military, business, and ministry, Dr. Hayles shares how faith has shaped his life and leadership.

Now leading Roberts Wesleyan into a bold new chapter, Dr. Hayles discusses the university’s expansion into NYC—a response to the closure of faith-based institutions and a renewed commitment to Christian higher education. With deep insight on emotional intelligence, character formation, and spiritual leadership, he offers a hopeful vision for the future of learning and faith.

Website: http://www.opdynamics.org

(00:00) Inspiring Faith Stories
(07:04) Navigating Life's Unexpected Twists and Turns
(17:42) Growth Through Faith and Emotional Intelligence
(27:51) Leading Roberts Wesleyan Through Self-Leadership
(30:58) Christian Higher Education in New York
(42:04) Empowering Christian Growth Through Education
(46:19) Empowering Faith Through Roberts Wesleyan

Follow us on social media:

Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/
X: https://x.com/faithlyco 

Lauren Gill, author and Senior Director of the Global Faith & Work Initiative at Redeemer City to City, joins host Alicia Lee on today’s episode of the Faithly Stories podcast. A former Wall Street professional turned leading voice in the Faith and Work movement, Lauren shares her journey from aspiring actress to equipping church leaders around the world to see work as a vital part of God’s mission.

Rooted in Tim Keller’s vision and shaped by years of vocational counseling and ministry, Lauren offers insight into balancing faith, identity, and professional calling. From navigating pastoral burnout to building global networks of faith-driven leaders, she brings practical wisdom and hope to anyone seeking purpose in their daily work.

Website: http://www.globalfaithandwork.com

(00:02) Faith and Work
(11:41) Pastors Balancing Faith and Work
(26:26) Global Receptivity to Faith and Work
(32:28) Navigating Priorities and Identity in Ministry

Follow us on social media:

Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/
X: https://x.com/faithlyco 

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Rick Boxx, CEO and Founder of the Unconventional Business Network. A former CPA, banker, and entrepreneur, Rick has helped over 700,000 business leaders integrate their faith with their work.Join us as Rick shares how a conversation with a bank president using biblical wisdom sparked a new calling for his life: equipping others to lead with integrity and purpose. From small businesses in Kansas City to major corporations like Shell and Goldman Sachs, Rick’s message is clear: faith belongs in the marketplace.

Through real-life stories and practical insights, Rick offers a compelling vision for how pastors and business leaders can partner to bring spiritual impact to the workplace.

Website: http://www.unconventionalbusiness.org

(00:01) Navigating Business Challenges Through Faith
(05:00) Integrating Faith and Business Challenges
(11:09) Transforming Businesses Through Faith
(14:57) Expanding Presence in Business Communities
(18:55) Empowering Workplace Ministry Through Integration
(26:20) Church Leaders and Faith-Based Business

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee welcomes Kay Hiramine—a global netweaver, consultant, and ministry leader whose journey from a Buddhist upbringing to a vibrant Christian faith is both moving and inspirational. Known for his gift of connecting people across sectors and cultures, Kay brings decades of experience in ministry, disaster relief, and global development to the conversation. From building intentional communities to advising leaders around the world, Kay shares how his passion for people and purpose has shaped his life’s work. Whether through ministry or marketplace, his mission remains the same: to serve others by multiplying value through meaningful relationships.

Website: https://kayhiramine.com/

Find more information and resources at https://Faithly.co

(00:00) Faith Journey From Buddhism to Christianity
(13:54) Living in Community and Ministry
(25:07) Building Relationships Through Net Weaving
(37:05) The Power of Net Weaving
(43:30) Transforming Relationships Through Net Weaving

This week, host Alicia Lee sits down with Kevin Long, Founder and CEO of @SocialImpostor and self-proclaimed Social Media Bounty Hunter. From starting his career in Congress to coaching Olympic athletes in media training, Kevin’s journey led him to the frontlines of digital protection.

He now helps individuals, influencers, and ministries guard their social presence from impersonators and scams.

This week, host Alicia Lee sits down with Kevin Long, Founder and CEO of @SocialImpostor and self-proclaimed Social Media Bounty Hunter. From starting his career in Congress to coaching

Olympic athletes in media training, Kevin’s journey led him to the frontlines of digital protection.

He now helps individuals, influencers, and ministries guard their social presence from impersonators and scams.

🎧 Tune in to hear how you can protect your personal or ministry pages from imposters and stay one step ahead online:  Website: https://www.socialimpostor.com/

(00:00) Serial Entrepreneur's Journey in Social Media
(11:46) Dealing With Social Media Imposters
(26:57) Minimizing Social Media Impersonators for Ministries
(31:44) Protecting Ministries on Social Media

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Brian Alarid. Brian is a servant of Jesus Christ, a Husband and Father of 3 beautiful children. He has served as a pastor and preacher of the gospel. But his ministry is perhaps defined as a prayer mobilizer. Brian is the President & CEO of World Prays and America Prays and the Chairman of Pray for All. He also serves as the Chairman of the Empower21 Global Prayer Alliance and collaborates with global leaders in the Finishing the Task Movement. 

(00:00) Unexpected Journey
(09:23) Trust in God Amid Unanswered Prayers
(18:56) Journey Through Faith and Struggle
(23:45) Power of Prayer in Transformation
(29:01) Global Prayer Movement for Gospel Transformation
(36:27) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

Website: https://www.brianalarid.com/

World Prays: https://www.worldprays.org/

America Prays: https://americaprays.org/

Pray For All: https://prayforall.com/

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso speak with Pastor Ty’Ann Williams about her ministry journey. Affectionately known as the Sneaker Preacher, Ty'Ann is a transformative voice in Christian leadership and spiritual growth. She currently serves as the Executive Pastor of IIM Church in Brooklyn, alongside her husband, Lead Pastor Alex Williams. She also expresses her love for God through musical worship, and has led praise and worship at churches and recorded with notable artists over the years. Ty’Ann is also the founder of a number of non-profit organizations that serve her local community, including Girls Going After God and SonShine City. 

Website: https://www.iamtyann.com/

IIM Church: https://iimchurch.com/

(00:00) Journey Into Ministry
(05:43) Embracing Authenticity in Ministry
(15:45) Navigating Authenticity in Ministry
(27:38) Foundations of Relationship and Creativity
(35:44) Preparing for Future Church Leadership
(41:29) Empowering Church Leaders Through Stories

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Jennifer Chan, Senior Director of Missional Engagement and Catalytic Training at Redeemer City to City in New York. Jennifer shares that a big part of her role is to equip churches across NYC to engage in better spiritual conversations. She reflects on her unique ministry journey—including time at organizations like UNICEF—and how becoming a mother of twins has shaped her perspective and approach to ministry. Jennifer also offers a hopeful glimpse into what God is doing across the city today. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

(00:00) Ministry in New York City
(09:18) Trusting God in Transitions and Motherhood
(15:32) Parenting, Ministry, and Faith
(29:24) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

Website: https://www.citytocity.nyc/

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Danny Sanabria—husband, father, and a dedicated missionary to the young people of New York City. Danny’s journey of faith began when he had a radical encounter with Christ at just 16 years old. His life was transformed, and he felt an undeniable calling to share the gospel with his friends and neighbors—a mission he has never stopped pursuing.

Now serving as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ NYC, Danny is passionate about reaching the next generation for Christ. To him, ministry isn’t just about preaching—it’s about presence. Whether it’s sharing a slice of pizza or simply hanging out with teenagers, he believes in meeting young people where they are.

Danny also emphasizes the crucial role of the local church in this mission. Right now, Youth for Christ NYC is calling on churches to "adopt a hall" within the juvenile justice system. With 20 halls, each housing around 10 kids, he envisions just 20 churches—out of the 7,000+ in New York City—stepping up to support these young lives.

Website: https://yfcnyc.org/

(00:00) Faith and Business Integration
(14:03) Youth Ministry and Impact in NYC
(23:19) Uniting Churches for Youth Ministry
(30:51) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly