Stories From the Road with Dick Foth
Episode 66 — “Let There Be Light”

In this reprise episode recorded during the Advent season, Dick Foth reflects on one of his most enduring themes: light—as both a scientific foundation of the universe and a spiritual signature of God. In conversation with longtime friend Mackenzie Matthews, roles are reversed as Dick becomes the one answering questions.

Drawing from decades of friendships with scientists, theologians, artists, and everyday observers of the human story, Dick explores why the Bible begins with the words “Let there be light,” and how that declaration continues to shape faith, hope, and clarity—especially in dark seasons.

Blending stories from church planting days, insights from spectroscopy and physics, Scripture, and personal moments of loss and loneliness, this episode invites listeners to consider how even the smallest light brings warmth, order, and hope. Recorded with Christmas in mind, Let There Be Light is a gentle reminder that darkness is never the final word.

Light as God’s Signature
Light is not only metaphorical in Scripture—it is foundational to life, time, space, and order itself.

Science and Faith in Conversation
From spectroscopy to atomic clocks to photosynthesis, light undergirds all existence—echoing Genesis and John’s Gospel.

Light Brings Order, Clarity, and Hope
Where light appears, chaos recedes. Even a single light can orient, guide, and comfort.

Advent as Awareness
Advent is not about creating light, but noticing it—especially when days are short and hearts are heavy.

Hope That Is Not Naïve
Hope is not denial of darkness, but confidence that light pursues it.

Presence as Light
Often, the simplest way to bring light into the world is through listening, presence, and attention to others.

A friendship with a world-class spectroscopist helps Dick understand why light is essential to life itself

A theologian who survived Nazi imprisonment describes light as God’s “signature”

The Zippo lighter story: how one small light guided helicopters in total darkness

The loneliness of Dick’s darkest Christmas—and how friendship changed it

Paul’s words: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” as the convergence of light, presence, and hope

In this Advent reprise, Dick Foth invites listeners to slow down and experience Christmas through one of the most honest and wonder-filled perspectives imaginable: the eyes of a child.

Recorded at Harmony Early Childhood Center, this episode blends thoughtful conversation with preschool teacher Barb Melby and delightful, unscripted moments with three- and four-year-olds as they talk about Christmas, gifts, Jesus’ birth, angels, stars, and songs.

Through laughter, innocence, and unexpected wisdom, Dick reflects on how children experience the Christmas story—not as theology, but as lived imagination. The episode becomes a gentle reminder that Advent isn’t just about understanding the story, but entering it with curiosity, joy, and openness.

As the voices of children sing familiar carols, Dick closes with a blessing for the season—inviting listeners to welcome light into darkness and rediscover the meaning of Christmas with fresh eyes.

Advent and the coming of the Christ child

Faith seen through innocence and imagination

Childhood development and storytelling

The power of wonder, play, and creativity

Learning generosity and gratitude

Entering the Christmas story rather than explaining it

Dick Foth – Host and storyteller

Barb Melby – Preschool teacher with 25 years of experience

Preschool children (ages 3–4) – Honest, joyful reflections on Christmas

Children live in a world where imagination and reality often overlap

Storytelling helps children make sense of their world

Christmas is learned not just through instruction, but through experience

Generosity and gratitude are learned behaviors

Innocence offers insight adults often forget

Children explaining Christmas in their own words

Conversations about gifts, giving, and Jesus’ birthday

A child redefining the Christmas story through play

Preschoolers singing Away in a Manger and Go Tell It on the Mountain

Dick’s reflection on the unmatched beauty of a four-year-old choir

Advent invites us to welcome light into darkness—and children remind us how to do that naturally, with joy and openness.

Episode 64 – Reprise: “When Enemies Become Friends”

In this Advent-season reprise, Dick Foth revisits one of his most powerful episodes—a story of war, grace, forgiveness, and the surprising way enemies can become friends. Beginning with the voice of Vera Lynn and the historical weight of December 7th, Dick walks listeners into a remarkable true story from World War II.

He tells how Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese commander who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Jacob DeShazer, an American bomber who became a prisoner of war, experienced profound personal transformation. Through unexpected encounters, suffering, faith, and radical forgiveness, the two men eventually met—not as foes, but as brothers.

This reprise reminds us that Advent is not just about a baby in Bethlehem—it’s about light entering darkness, grace replacing hatred, and the world-changing peace Jesus brings. It’s a story that feels as relevant today as it did decades ago.

Advent and the coming of Christ

World War II history and personal stories

The power of grace and forgiveness

Transformation of hatred into love

True reconciliation between former enemies

Faith awakening in impossible circumstances

Vera Lynn – British singer whose voice inspired Allied forces during WWII

Mitsuo Fuchida – led the attack on Pearl Harbor, later became a Christian and minister

Jacob DeShazer – Doolittle Raider, POW survivor, later missionary to Japan

Peggy Covell – missionary kid whose forgiveness influenced Japanese POWs

Matthew 5:43–44 – “Love your enemies… pray for those who treat you badly.” 

When forgiveness enters the room, hate has to leave. This is the message of Advent—and the heart of this episode.

In this Thanksgiving-week conversation, Dick Foth and his son-in-law Van Clements explore the deep, practical, and spiritual power of gratitude. From stories about grandchildren and family patterns to reflections on scripture, psychology, and culture, they unpack what it means to live gratefully in a world often marked by stress, negativity, and distraction.

Van shares how becoming a grandfather has shaped his desire to be a “non-anxious presence,” and how simple relational moments with his grandkids have become powerful reminders of God’s goodness. Dick reflects on the joy of beloved faces, the impact of intentionally grateful thinking, and the biblical call to “rejoice always” — even from a prison cell, as Paul writes in Philippians.

Together, they offer grounded, practical encouragement: gratitude must be intentional, cultivated daily, and practiced especially at the table with family and friends. Their hope is that this Thanksgiving (and beyond), listeners will slow down, savor simple gifts, and choose thankfulness.

Van’s gratitude is anchored in time with his grandkids — being present, listening, creating calm, and loving well.

Simple words of affirmation (“That’s the face!”) create powerful emotional connections.

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Van’s life goal is that his grandchildren want to be with him.

Children quickly discern authenticity; gratitude helps adults show up more peacefully and lovingly.

E63_S3_Gratitude_Pod

Dick reflects on the joy that comes from seeing a loved one’s face — and imagines God delighting in ours from infancy to old age.

E63_S3_Gratitude_Pod

A friend’s phrase: “I’m alive and grateful.”

Gratitude counters stress, improves longevity, and reshapes negative thought patterns (referencing Mark Batterson’s “Win the Day”).

Without intentional gratitude, our minds default to negativity.

E63_S3_Gratitude_Pod

Dick’s wife Ruth used to ask their kids at dinner: “Tell me one thing you’re thankful for today.”

Van shares a parenting technique where siblings must hug and say positive things when they’re in conflict.

E63_S3_Gratitude_Pod

Paul, writing from prison, urges believers to rejoice, reject anxiety, pray with thanksgiving, and think on what is true, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4).

Peace becomes a guard over our hearts and minds.

E63_S3_Gratitude_Pod

Van shares how stepping away from Facebook changed his thought patterns.

Social media often overloads people with negativity and opinions we weren’t designed to carry.

E63_S3_Gratitude_Pod

It must be stirred up, practiced, and chosen — especially in stressful seasons like holidays.

Philippians 4:4–8 – Paul’s exhortation to rejoice always, be gentle, reject anxiety, pray with thanksgiving, and think on what is true and lovely.

Mark Batterson, “Win the Day” – Reference to research on the average number of daily thoughts and the predominance of negative thinking.

“Third Street Church of God” in Washington, D.C. – Pastor’s weekly refrain: “I’m alive and grateful.”

Dr. Bill Malarkey – Insights on gratitude as the antidote to stress and a factor in longevity.

In Episode 62 (Part 1), Dick Foth returns after several weeks away and welcomes his son-in-law, Van Clements, joining from Eugene, Oregon. This conversation introduces a two-part series centered on the power of story — why stories shape us, reach us, and form the thread of human connection.

Dick and Van explore how storytelling uniquely impacts the heart, why every civilization depends on stories, and how Jesus Himself often taught through stories. They reflect on Dick’s lifelong experience as a storyteller, the difference between how he speaks and writes, and the way stories “paint pictures” in people’s hearts.

They also discuss the origins of Dick’s first audiobook, Stories I Love to Tell, how the idea came from family conversations, and the experiment that led to recording a live evening of storytelling at Capitol Turnaround in Washington, D.C. The episode revisits that night — the warmth, the laughter, the multigenerational audience — and the simple power of stories to spark connection and faith.

This episode sets the stage for what’s coming in Part 2 and introduces the next volume of Dick’s storytelling audiobook series.

In this reflective episode, Dick Foth explores the rhythm of life through the lens of seasons, the autumnal equinox, and the contrast between light and darkness. From family celebrations to global tragedies, he reflects on how we hold both joy and sorrow in the human experience. Drawing from Ecclesiastes, the Lord’s Prayer, and the creation story, Dick invites us to see light not only as a metaphor but as a divine promise that overcomes chaos and despair.

00:00 – A September Morning – Airshows, birthdays, and reflections on life

01:01 – Seasons of Life – Childhood, youth, middle age, and old age

01:45 – Light and Darkness in Our World – 9/11, tragedy, and global conflict

03:21 – Finding Hope Beyond This Life – The promise of eternity

03:45 – The Lord’s Prayer – A framework for perspective and daily life

05:11 – “Let There Be Light” – Creation, order, and God’s sustaining presence

06:46 – Closing Blessing – Choosing light in the midst of darkness

The balance of light and dark in nature and in our lives

Life’s seasons: from springtime youth to winter’s maturity

Facing tragedy and conflict with hope beyond the present moment

The power of prayer as guidance through chaos

God’s original command: “Let there be light” as an anchor for today

“Life is not only full of joy and celebration… it also has times of immense frustration and tragedy.”

“In the middle of darkness, where do we find hope? I find hope in the fact that life goes beyond this.”

“It fascinates me that the first few words of Genesis are, ‘Let there be light.’”

“In a time when it feels chaotic, I pray again: Lord, let there be light in a dark time.”

In this unforgettable episode, Dick Foth shares the astonishing true story of John Newton — the man behind the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.

Born in London’s East End and raised by a devout mother, Newton’s early years were filled with Scripture, song, and spiritual formation. But after her death, he descended into rebellion, becoming a slave trader and a self-proclaimed wretch. At age 23, in the middle of a violent storm at sea, he cried out to God — a cry that would begin a lifelong journey of transformation.

This episode weaves together history, neuroscience, reflections from authors Philip Yancey and Brennan Manning, and the unforgettable performance of Jesse Norman singing Amazing Grace to a crowd of thousands at Wembley Stadium.

This is a story about grace — grace that finds us, changes us, and leads us home.

(00:00) Opening Line: “Amazing Grace”
(00:47) Meet Elizabeth and Baby John Newton
(02:02) The Power of the First Seven Years
(03:14) Rebellion at Sea and the Slave Trade
(04:44) The Storm That Changed Everything
(06:01) From Sea Captain to Anglican Pastor
(07:17) Newton’s Famous Friends and Lasting Impact
(08:39) Grace in Reverse: Stories from Yancey and Manning
(10:56) Wembley Stadium Goes Silent
(13:41) The World Thirsts for Grace
(15:03) Remembering John Newton — and the Grace That Found Him

Childhood formation and legacy

The redemptive power of grace

History of the hymn Amazing Grace

Faith, justice, and transformation

“Grace is free only because the giver himself has borne the cost.” – Philip Yancey
“Happy birthday to us all when we find grace. And it finds us.” – Dick Foth

👉 Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder: no one is beyond the reach of grace.

What can golf teach us about life? On a warm summer morning in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dick Foth hits the links with longtime friend Steve Harris. As they talk between swings, a deeper conversation emerges about discipline, patience, rhythm, and starting fresh.

Steve shares how golf became a therapeutic outlet during a difficult season, and how the game has helped him slow down, stay steady, and build community. Dick closes the episode with a moving story about a friend in Washington, D.C., who used a golf bet to plant eternal truth in a simple and memorable way.

Whether you’re a golfer or not, this episode is a reminder that life—like golf—is best approached with grace, rhythm, and a little bit of laughter.

Takeaways:

(00:13) A Summer Day on the Course
(01:24) Golf as Therapy and Connection
(02:31) Life Lessons from the Fairway
(03:55) Patience on the Course—and in Life
(05:04) Rhythm, Swing, and Word Patterns
(06:00) 18 Holes, 18 Fresh Starts
(07:24) Meeting New People on the Green
(07:46) A Golf Bet with Eternal Impact
(10:06) Final Thoughts and Blessings

🧭 Key Themes

💬 Thanks for listening to Stories From the Road. Be sure to subscribe, share, and visit https://podcast.dickfoth.com for more episodes and resources.

In this powerful Fourth of July episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth sits down with long-time friend and decorated Army veteran, Sergeant Major Kirk Foster, to reflect on the meaning of freedom. From the quiet back porch in Fort Collins, Colorado, the two share stories of service, sacrifice, and legacy. Kirk recounts his journey from enlisting before 9/11 to becoming one of the most decorated soldiers since that day. He speaks about leadership, loss, faith, and what it means to fight for and uphold the freedoms we often take for granted. This heartfelt conversation reminds us all of the cost of liberty and the enduring hope found in service and faith.

🔗 Want to Learn More?

Visit https://DickFoth.com or subscribe on your favorite podcast app to never miss an episode.

🔑 Key Topics:

🪖 About the Guest:
Sergeant Major Kirk Foster is one of the most decorated soldiers since 9/11, with two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts. He currently serves out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he mentors and trains the next generation of Army leaders. A man of deep faith, he shares how his relationship with Christ shapes his leadership and service.

📌 Notable Quotes:
“We have given you a republic—if you can keep it.” – Attributed to Benjamin Franklin
“I'd give them all back if I could have a couple of my buddies still be around.” – Kirk Foster
“You can be a lethal soldier, a good husband, a good father—and a follower of Christ.” – Kirk Foster

On a spring morning in May 2013, Dick and Ruth Foth’s life changed forever. While gathered with longtime friends in Estes Park, Colorado, Ruth suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. With no pulse and minutes to act, a chain of miracles unfolded—beginning with a rookie officer’s CPR and culminating in Ruth’s full recovery, with no brain damage.

Twelve years later, Dick sits on the porch with Ruth to reflect on that extraordinary day, the people who intervened, the power of prayer, and the deep gratitude that has marked every day since.

This is a story of crisis, community, faith—and grace that goes beyond explanation.

⏱️ Episode Highlights + Timecodes

00:00–00:32 – Setting the scene: birds, trains, and a morning full of memory

00:46–02:08 – Ruth collapses mid-conversation after reciting a poem

02:08–04:14 – First responders arrive and perform CPR; Ruth is shocked three times

04:49–05:13 – Airlift to Loveland; doctors offer a grim prognosis

05:20–06:07 – Friends around the world begin to pray; candles light up online

06:22–08:13 – A doctor prays over Ruth—and hours later, she wakes up

08:24–09:18 – Ruth beats the odds: survival, recovery, and full cognition

09:25–11:19 – One year later: apple pie thank-you tour to responders

11:19–12:20 – A police captain asks Dick to pray for his team

13:00–16:11 – Ruth reflects: family, friends, and Andre Crouch’s “My Tribute”

16:14–17:43 – Final thoughts on life, love, and laughter

🔁 Themes

Faith in crisis

The power of community and prayer

Gratitude for first responders

The miracle of survival and second chances

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO

Estes Park Police and Fire Departments

“My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” by Andre Crouch

🙏 Favorite Quotes

“We have a pulse.”
“To God be the glory for the things He has done.”
“I’m doing this for the rest of my life,” said the EMT, inspired by Ruth’s recovery.

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