Forging Hearts Podcast

After a long break, Nick and Tanner are back—and getting real about what happens when life gets busy and intentionality slips.

In this episode, they sit down with Pastor Al to talk about a powerful truth for every father: your kids are learning more from what you live than what you say.

From growing up between Amish roots, Colorado suburbs, and missionary life in Germany, Al shares how faith was modeled in his home—not through perfection, but through grace, humility, and consistency.

This conversation dives into:

• Why faith in the home is often caught, not taught

• The impact of a father who lives out grace

• Asking your kids for forgiveness—and why it matters

• Navigating messy, real-life family dynamics

• Leading spiritually even when you don’t feel qualified

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough as a dad… this episode will challenge and encourage you.

Our guest, Pennsylvania State Representative Dave Zimmerman, joins us in a peculiar time of life. This year’s 2024 Presidential election gives us a unique opportunity to discuss politics and faith. How much are the two intertwined? How do we wrestle with the current world’s reality and the heavenly reality that we so eagerly desire? How should we lead our families in this time of great political divide? We discuss all this and more as we dive in with our honored guest, whose time we greatly appreciate. 

Tanner & Nick provide a quick life update as they embark on a new recording season. It's a busy season of life in many aspects of life, including family, work, and all of the other items that make life full.

In this episode, we discuss what is currently keeping us busy and what content lies ahead for Forging Hearts. We have a lot in store for Forging Hearts, so stay tuned for a lot more coming your way!

Joining us today is Jason Ranck, husband, father of 2 boys, COO of a fast-growing HVAC company, and author. We dive into Jason's life and discuss what it takes to attempt balance in crucial areas of his life: Work and family, which are not necessarily in that order.

In this episode, we invite Dr. Charles Mershon to speak on a variety of subjects. A local medical family doctor has many "irons in the fire" between his work in the practice and his medical work helping those less fortunate. In our discussion, we tackle subjects personally close to him, a culturally sensitive topic in vaccines, and what the Bible has to say about health and medicine. A lot to think about in this conversation, so sit back and enjoy!

With so many educational paths available to families today, which path is best? What’s the responsibility of the parent and how can a parent feel confident in their choice? In this Forging Hearts episode we have the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Marti MacCullough, former Dean of Education at Cairn University, to discuss her perspective and dive deeper into the educational conversation.

Joining us today is Carl Edwards, husband, father of 2, Director of Development at CrossNet ministries and all around good guy. We discuss a bit of Carl's background as well as his current role in CrossNet Ministries, a locally-based ministry out of New Holland, PA.

Although not strictly named, this episode really hinges off the idea of servanthood, specifically serving the local community. Carl gives some amazing feedback about the CrossNet serves our local community and how ultimately it is based on the heart of Jesus.

So, as men and fathers, what are we doing to impact those closest to us?

Joining us today is Dale Zimmerman, husband, father of two, Pastor, and youth leader. We'll be looking at an in-depth study released by Communio, which looks at social data gathered around faith, parenting, co-habitation, and loneliness. Although the impact of this study does cover both fathers and mothers, we will tackle some of the critical areas in which a father's involvement impacts the transition of faith to their children.

For all of the analytical minds out there, this one is for you. Although not required, we highly recommend you download and review the study yourself. The link for the study will be located at the bottom of this episode's notes.

At the beginning of this episode, we pose a trivia question. We'll transcribe that here:

Four men were playing golf. Their names were Mr. Black, Mr. White, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Blue. The caddy asked their names at the first hold. One of them, Mr. Brown, told them a lie.

1st Golfer mentioned that "the second golfer is Mr. Black."

The 2nd golfer mentioned "I am not Mr. Blue."

The 3rd golfer replied "Mr. White is the 4th golfer."

The 4th golfer did not say anything.

Which golfer is Mr. Blue?

Be the first to email [email protected] with the correct to win a Forging Hears hat!

Communio Study: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15qkqcO2tdvRkLJBTSFYExBOLu6DZR106/view?usp=share_link

Welcome to Episode 5 of Forging Hearts podcast. Today's episode features John Good, who is a husband, father of 3 boys, co-owner of Blue Chip Financial. John gives us some background into his financial upbringing and why this subject matters to raising up children to be good stewards. We also dive into what the Bible has to say about finances. With financial literacy dropping each of the previous couple of generations, understanding why this matters to the heart of the Father becomes of great importance to families who follow Jesus. Join us as we discuss finances and how it can reveal the posture of our heart.

Joining us today is Roger North, a husband, Father, founder of North Group Consultants, the North Foundation, Honored as the Lancaster small business person of the year and as well as serving on many other boards and ministries. 

Our discussion with Roger will center around the busyness of life, specifically how fathers operate in the workplace today without giving way to prioritizing Jesus and Family. Roger will give personal stories and advice around how fathers can continue to devote themselves to Faith and their Family while still maintaining a healthy work-balance.