Foth and Friends: Stories from the Road

Pete Bullette grew up in the small coal-mining town of West Frankfort, Illinois. He was working in public accounting at KPMG in St. Louis when a Chi Alpha speaker at church set him and his wife Amy on an unexpected path. On the drive home, they both sensed God calling them to campus ministry. They quit their jobs, interned with Chi Alpha at Georgetown, and then planted Chi Alpha at the University of Virginia. When they called their pastor to tell him, he said he already knew and had presented them to the missions board the night before.

Twenty-six years later, Pete joins Dick to reflect on the "Stories of Faith and Friendship" evening his team hosted two years ago. They chose the theme in response to what they saw in students after COVID: a generation shaped by smartphones and social media, facing high anxiety and loneliness. They wanted a night that met that need for friendship and pointed clearly to Jesus, with "no bait and switch."

Pete describes the venue, Old Cabell Hall. It sits at the foot of UVA's Lawn and has a replica of The School of Athens behind the stage. The words "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" are carved above the building. Years earlier, Pete had hoped the gospel would one day be shared inside. He also describes the rare standing ovation that night, the students who decided to take steps toward Jesus, and the full-circle moment of watching students hear Dick's stories the way Pete once heard them on cassette tapes in college.

Dick closes with two favorite quotes on story, from Ursula K. Le Guin and Madeleine L'Engle, and announces the upcoming release of the Stories of Faith and Friendship audiobook.

•      Pete's road from southern Illinois to Charlottesville

•      How the Holy Spirit confirmed the call to plant Chi Alpha at UVA

•      Why faith and friendship speak to a post-COVID generation

•      The history and meaning of Old Cabell Hall

•      What the night meant to students and to Pete

•      Why story is built into us, and why Jesus told stories

Chi Alpha · University of Virginia · Old Cabell Hall · The School of Athens · John 8:32 · John Lennox · Ursula K. Le Guin · Madeleine L'Engle · A River Runs Through It

Stories of Faith and Friendship (live recording from UVA) will be released within the next two weeks on Audible, Spotify, and other audio platforms.

On this episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth sits down with Van Clements ahead of the release of their new audiobook, Stories of Faith and Friendship, coming around October 1 on Spotify and other audio platforms.

The book was recorded in October 2024 at the University of Virginia’s historic Old Cabell Hall, where Dick spent an evening telling stories to more than 300 students at the invitation of longtime friend Pete Beulette and the UVA Chi Alpha team.

Dick and Van talk about how a family Zoom call and a Malcolm Gladwell audiobook sparked the idea of capturing live storytelling nights, why Jesus “never spoke without a story,” and what it was like to watch a room full of college students lean in, laugh, and open up. Dick also shares the story of the cardiac surgeon who prayed over Ruth in the middle of the night, and the surprise appearance he and his wife made on stage at UVA.

Plus: why college students are “Dick’s people,” his grandson’s take on why his generation is so anxious, the “information Niagara” of the AI age, and the student who came up afterward to say she’d decided to give God a shot.

In this episode:

•      How the audiobook format came together

•      Why storytelling is “in our DNA”

•      The surgeon, the law dean, and a night that embodied faith and friendship

•      “You don’t have to be interesting, you have to be interested”

•      Why relationships matter more than more information

References Mentioned

•      Scripture: Matthew 13:33–35 (NLT) — the parable of the yeast and “Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these”

•      Books & audiobooks: The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell; Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon by Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam

•      Chi Alpha at the University of Virginia — led by Pete Beulette, host of the evening

•      Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia — where the audiobook was recorded (October 2024)

•      Dr. Thomas Matthew — former chief of cardiac surgery, Suburban Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine), Bethesda

•      Dayna Bowen Matthew — Dean, George Washington University Law School

•      Previous storytelling night — Chi Alpha at Colorado State University, Fort Collins

•      Wake Up and Live — Dick’s early radio program in Urbana, Illinois

•      Coming soon: Stories of Faith and Friendship audiobook, releasing around October 1 on Spotify and other audio platforms (includes a PDF with photos from the night)

• 00:00:00 Introduction: Can I Be Your Surrogate Grandpa?
• 00:01:33 The Birth of an Audiobook Idea
• 00:03:48 The Power of Story in Scripture
• 00:05:20 Old Cabell Hall: A Historic Evening at UVA
• 00:07:40 Van's Perspective: Watching Students Lean In
• 00:08:57 A Divine Appointment: The Cardiac Surgeon's Prayer
• 00:13:39 Why College Students Matter
• 00:16:14 Being Interested, Not Interesting
• 00:17:44 The Information Niagara: Understanding Gen Z Anxiety
• 00:20:34 One Student's Decision: Giving God a Shot

Dick Foth remembers September 11, 2001 — and the quiet, unexpected moment three days later that he has carried with him ever since. In the aftermath of the attacks, Dick and his wife Ruth were invited to a service of prayer and remembrance at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., alongside four former presidents, members of Congress, and thousands of grieving Americans. Slipping away just before the service began, Dick found himself face-to-face with the man he calls "the great inviter": Dr. Billy Graham. In this episode, Dick recalls Graham’s simple greeting, his brief but powerful message of prayer, remembrance, repentance and hope, and the moment thousands of mourners rose to their feet in spontaneous applause. It’s a story about the difference between being told about life and being invited to it — and about a handshake Dick has never forgotten.

• 00:00:00 Introduction: Remembering 9/11
• 00:00:52 September 14, 2001: A Nation Gathers
• 00:02:12 Arriving at the Cathedral: Security and Solemnity
• 00:02:40 A Bathroom Break Becomes a Divine Appointment
• 00:03:06 Hello, I'm Billy Graham: The Great Inviter
• 00:04:07 The Message: Foundation, Hope, and God's Blessing
• 00:05:11 A Standing Ovation: A Moment of Unity
• 00:05:46 The Lord's Prayer: Denise Graves' Sacred Song
• 00:06:34 The Power of Invitation: Being Invited to Life
• 00:07:27 Legacy of the Great Inviter: Welcome Home

Twenty-five years after losing his older brother in the South Tower on September 11th, Craig Woodall — a retired 30-year high school educator and principal from Fort Collins, Colorado — joins Dick Foth to talk about the long road from grief to hope. Craig walks through the last phone call he ever had with his brother, the agonizing wait for news, and the seven months he spent "running from the storm" before a single, unmistakable moment turned him around. Using the image of a buffalo that faces into a storm instead of fleeing it, and anchoring everything in Romans 5:3-4, Craig unpacks how suffering can produce perseverance, character, and ultimately hope — and how one small word, "yet," can change the trajectory of a life. It’s a conversation about loss, faith, family, and the quiet, daily choice to let hardship develop you instead of define or defeat you.

• 00:00:00 Introduction: Meeting Craig Woodall
• 00:01:39 The Buffalo Metaphor: Charging Into Storms
• 00:02:45 September 6, 2001: The Last Conversation
• 00:04:25 September 11, 2001: The Day Everything Changed
• 00:07:52 Running From the Storm: Seven Months of Grief
• 00:08:46 The Holy Spirit Moment: Pick Your Head Up
• 00:10:20 His Niece: A Legacy of Hope
• 00:12:35 Romans 5:3-4: The Path Through Suffering
• 00:15:00 Building Hope: Daily Practices and Mindset Work
• 00:17:07 Define, Defeat, or Develop: Choosing Your Response
• 00:19:31 God Can Redeem What He Did Not Orchestrate
• 00:21:04 Ask Those Coming Back: The Power of Community
• 00:23:41 Overcome: A Book and a Journey
• 00:25:22 The Power of Yet: Transforming Negative Statements

A sunrise can be beautiful. But what if it can also be a reminder?
In this episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth reflects on light, creation, hope, and
the gift of a new day.

The conversation begins with Dick describing a summer morning in Colorado and the
beauty of the sun coming up over the horizon. That scene leads him to Genesis 1 and
the first words of God's creative work: “Let there be light.”

Dick then revisits a spontaneous conversation recorded with three friends in the
southern Wyoming Rockies. Each man sees the sunrise differently. Curt calls it “God's
palette.” Phil sees a reminder that God's mercies are new every morning. Vern looks
toward the horizon and sees opportunity.

Together, their observations become a simple challenge: don't rush past the beginning
of a new day. Notice what God has made. Remember that He is faithful. And look for the
opportunities in front of you.

Learn more at https://DickFoth.com

As America approaches its 250th birthday, Dick Foth and Susanna continue reflecting on road trips that shaped their family and the biblical journeys that shape our faith. From Boston's Freedom Trail and the Boston Pops to the helpers who serve our communities and the journeys of Mary, Joseph, and Paul, this episode reminds us that every road carries opportunities for hope, discovery, generosity, and freedom in Christ.

Summary
• Hope gives every journey purpose.
• America's ideals call us toward freedom and responsibility.
• Family road trips become lifelong memories.
• Celebrate the helpers who serve others.
• The Gospel unfolds through journeys.

Historical References
• Declaration of Independence
• U.S. Constitution
• Boston Tea Party
• Freedom Trail
• Boston Pops

Biblical References
• Luke 2 (Mary & Joseph travel to Bethlehem)
• Matthew 2 (Flight to Egypt)
• Acts 9 (Paul on the road to Damascus)

Books Mentioned
• America's Grateful Stateful Road Trip
• The Greatest Sentence Ever Written (Walter Isaacson)
• Man's Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankl)

“When we lose the capacity to hope, life goes away.”

“Take road trips seriously because of the discovery.”

“You never know... you might meet an angel along the way.”

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Dick Foth sits down with his daughter, author Susanna Foth Aughtmon, to talk about one of America's favorite traditions—the road trip.

Their conversation begins with Susanna's newest children's book, America's Grateful Stateful Road Trip, then broadens into family memories, spontaneous adventures, and the biblical theme of journey.

From Abraham to Moses, Scripture reminds us that life is not simply about arriving somewhere—it's about becoming someone along the way.

• Why road trips capture something uniquely human
• America's upcoming 250th birthday
• The inspiration behind America's Grateful Stateful Road Trip
• Memories from family vacations across America
• Why children remember spontaneous moments
• Barry Corey's father-son baseball road trip
• Road trips throughout Scripture
• Why life is about discovering what's around the next corner

“Life is one huge road trip.”

“We'll remember the spontaneous moments.”

“Discovering new places, meeting new people—we were surprised with goodness.”

“I'll leave my place. I'll come to your place. I'll take your place. Then we'll go to my place.”

Adventure, Family Memories, Discovery, Gratitude, Curiosity, Faith as a Journey, America's Story, Legacy, Parenting, Hope

Genesis 12
Exodus
John 14:1–6
Philippians 3:12–14
Hebrews 11
Psalm 121

1. What road trip from your life do you remember most vividly?
2. Why do unexpected moments often become our favorite memories?
3. When has God surprised you with goodness?
4. How has your life resembled a road trip?
5. What next adventure might God be inviting you into?

Think about one road trip that changed your life. Share this episode with someone who helped shape your own journey, and join us for Part 2.

In this special Easter Sunday episode, Dick Foth reflects on the defining moment of human history—the resurrection of Jesus.

For over 2,000 years, this moment has been celebrated, debated, and experienced personally by millions around the world. But beyond tradition and culture, Easter asks a deeper question:

Do you believe the resurrection actually happened—and what does that mean for you?

Drawing from Scripture, history, and voices like N.T. Wright, Dick explores the significance of the resurrection—not just as an event, but as the beginning of a new creation.

From the testimony of the Apostle Paul to the transformed lives of figures like John Newton, this episode traces the power of resurrection hope—freedom, forgiveness, and a life made new.

This isn’t just a story about then.
It’s an invitation for now.

He is risen.
What does that change for you?

This Easter, consider the possibility:
What if the resurrection is not just history—but an invitation to a new life?

In this special Holy Week episode, Dick Foth reflects on the most significant week in human history—the final days of Jesus’ life leading to the cross and resurrection.

From Palm Sunday to Good Friday, the story unfolds with tension, betrayal, sacrifice, and ultimately love. Through different lenses—political, personal, relational, and spiritual—Dick explores how this week reveals the contrast between two kingdoms: one built on power and self-interest, and the other on love, sacrifice, and giving.

At the center of this reflection is a powerful moment from the Gospel of Mark: the story of the widow’s offering. While others gave out of abundance, she gave everything she had. Her act becomes a profound picture of intention, sacrifice, and what it truly means to love.

This episode invites us to ask a deeper question:
Where is my heart?

Take a moment this week to reflect:
What are you holding onto—and what might it look like to give from the heart?