#getREAL with Michael Phillips

Michael and Dustin talk about how to stay focused on what matters most during the extraordinary times we are living in. Every Christian needs to hear this episode.

Mike Morisi is a friend and brother in Christ who's experienced some incredibly painful and challenging things in life, but has also seen the love and glory of God through it all. Mike shares what's on his heart after recently spending more than 200 days in a federal prison (much longer story to be shared by Mike at a later time). You'll be blessed by his message.

Brett Smith is a professional drummer living in Nashville, TN and shares his journey through the Covid pandemic and how God used it to bless his family. Brett and Michael talk about how to deal with disappointments and what to do when it seems like all you're hearing is "no" from God.  This episode concludes with some advice on how to stay focused and "fresh" in the difficult and busy world we live in.

David Benham is a truth teller, former professional baseball player, successful entrepreneur and a warrior for Jesus. In Episode 11 David and I talk about cancel culture and the attack on Christian faith and values. David and his twin brother Jason experienced cancel culture first-hand when their reality show with HGTV was abruptly cancelled in 2014 because activist groups pressured the network to fire them because of their commitment to biblical values. David and Jason recently launched EXPERTOWNERSHIP.COM to help business leaders SERVE GOD, THRIVE IN BUSINESS, and LIVE A LIFE OF IMPACT. You can learn more about the Benham Brothers at BENHAMBROTHERS.COM.

Trent Campbell describes himself as a "backwoods, baldheaded guy who fell in love with Jesus."  Trent's family is from Alabama, but he spent most of his life in south Louisiana pastoring churches and raising children.  Moving back to Alabama wasn't part of Trent's plan, but God has been guiding and caring for he and his family through a series of difficult transitions that include Hurricanes, Covid, and more. You'll enjoy hearing Trent's journey and his Romans 8:37 "we are more than conquerors" message. Life is a journey and the strongest among us often have the most to surrender. #Surrender today. If you'd like to participate in one of Trent's retreats in Beatrice, AL you can contact him at [email protected].

Parents and grandparents will want to listen to this episode as Josh shares his heart with Michael on the 50 things every child should know before leaving home. Dr. Josh Mulvihill is the father of five children, has served as a pastor for nearly 20 years, is an accomplished author, and also serves as the Executive Director of Church & Family Ministry at Renewanation.

Dr. Carol M. Swain is an award-winning political scientist, a former professor at both Princeton and Vanderbilt, an author, public speaker, political commentator, and most importantly a fearless follower of Jesus Christ. Carol and Michael cover a lot of ground in this episode as Carol shares her heart for America and her own faith journey and struggles. Carol speaks with courage as she shares her thoughts on Black Lives Matter, Covid 19, and the forces of deception reshaping America's morals, social policies, and culture. We also talk about her most recent book titled "Be the People", A CALL TO RECLAIM AMERICA’S FAITH AND PROMISE. Don't miss this episode. It's time for Christians across America to stand up and step into your purpose. Visit https://carolmswain.com/ to learn more.

Episode 7 is one the most fun yet because Ray Wright is the "real deal". Ray is known among LSU fans for "the catch" he made in the 2000 College World Series championship game against Stanford when he snared a wood be three-run home run to help LSU defeat Stanford, 6-5, for the program's fifth national title. Ray is known around NASCAR as a member of Richard Childress Racing, one of the most well respected teams in the sport. But after this podcast I hope you'll recognize Ray as a guy doing all he can to just be himself and love other people along the way. Ray responded to a nudge by the Holy Spirit years ago to launch Pit Stops for Hope, a collaboration of the racing community united together for the betterment of Americas youth. You'll enjoy hearing about his journey and hopefully be inspired to keep moving forward in yours.

Jeff and I pick up where we left off in Part 1 - discussing the importance of perseverance - but we quickly transition into how important it is for every Christian to understand what it means to have a Biblical Worldview. "Anywhere you violate God's good design, bad things happen and it doesn't work out in the real world", says Jeff. In that context we discuss a few tough topics and the importance of properly answering the difficult questions for our children in school. We close with resources for parents, churches, and schools at renewanation.org and then one final word of encouragement and HOPE.

Michael's conversation with Jeff Keaton, Founder & President of Renew a Nation, was so much fun that we did an extended episode and broke it into two parts. Part 1 includes a bit about Jeff's "all in" journey and Jeff is incredibly transparent about the stripping that had to occur before God could use him for the work he was created to do. You'll be inspired within your own journey and encouraged through Jeff's message to never quit.