Episode Summary:

In this raw and deeply personal episode of Grow Yourself, Grow Your Marriage, Chris and Johnna tackle one of life's most gut-wrenching questions: If God is in control, why do I still struggle with fear? What begins as a coffee-fueled conversation about fear, faith, and calling turns into a powerful testimony of how God uses pain, loss, and uncertainty for greater purpose. From personal stories of miscarriage and financial hardship to miraculous redemption through relationships, ministry, and even a lost car at the airport — this episode will challenge your view of fear, trust, and divine control.

What You'll Hear:

• Chris' "too Christian" answer to a coach's question about fear

• Johnna's vulnerable reflection on losing their son, Lawson

• Behind-the-scenes of launching Run to the Hard and how God used tragedy for ministry

• Financial instability, leaving comfort, and launching a podcast business

• A wild testimony of how a forgotten parking space led to a salvation moment

• Why control is the root of anxiety—and how surrender unlocks peace

• Encouragement for listeners who feel stuck in fear or doubt God's plan

00:00 – What triggered this entire conversation about fear? 02:30 – Can you really live without fear if you trust God completely? 06:00 – What is Johnna most afraid of losing—and why does it matter? 09:15 – How did a tragic loss lead to launching Run to the Hard? 14:00 – Can God truly bring beauty from ashes—and even form a new family? 17:45 – What did we learn from losing Lawson and meeting Lake? 25:20 – Why did we leave Ohio without a plan—and how did God meet us? 30:00 – What happened when Chris risked it all to start a podcast business? 36:00 – Was Lucan's healing a medical recovery… or a miracle? 42:30 – What happens when you pray, "Our yes is on the table"? 47:00 – How did a lost car at the airport lead to someone hearing the gospel? 55:00 – Why does fear disappear when you know who's really in control? 1:06:00 – How can obedience unlock peace when life feels chaotic?

Mentioned Links:

https://www.youtube.com/@run2thehardpodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@familycaptain

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SUMMARY

Chris and Johnna discuss

• 00:00 – Prayer over the chaos & welcome our special guest, baby Lake (L6)

• 01:30 – "Does it get easier?" The real answer

• 04:30 – Gym analogy: God strengthens you

• 07:00 – Lowering expectations & parenting evolves

• 10:30 – Age gaps, helpers, and why 5 kids humbled us

• 13:00 – Culture, "meology," and fear of more kids

• 16:30 – A decade of parenting: fleeting stages & perspective

• 19:30 – Don't fix a marriage with another baby

• 22:00 – Are kids "hard"? Why they should be

• 27:00 – Screens, meals, and the fruit of hard work upfront

• 31:30 – Teaching kids to be adults in a self-centered world

• 35:00 – Costco stares, culture's devaluing of children

• 37:00 – Fatherhood pressure, mercy, and pointing kids to Jesus

• 40:00 – Mom guilt, refinement, and social media pressures

• 54:00 – Toxic mom culture vs. biblical perspective

• 59:00 – Ease is not the reward for obedience

• 1:02:30 – Surrender over control in parenting and life

• 1:05:00 – Wrapping up with the infamous L5 interrupting to as for "dinner" at 7AM

Mentioned Links:

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SUMMARY

Chris and Johnna discuss the current revival momentum in America following the assissination of Charlie Kirk.

They talk through ways that we, as Christians, can be bold in our faith and obedient to God in the ways He wants to use us, while also bringing up personal stories of ways they failed in disobedience, and how they are leading their children at home.

• 00:00 – Revival Momentum in America

• 01:50 – Navigating Criticism and Boldness

• 04:01 – The Role of the Church in Revival

• 05:47 – Creating a Welcoming Church Environment

• 11:24 – Teaching Our Children About Faith

• 23:39 – Personal Stories of Boldness and Obedience

• 33:16 – The Importance of Community and Margin at Home

• 37:21 – Practical Steps for Evangelism

• 40:38 – Prayer and Seeking God's Guidance

• 58:56 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Mentioned Links:

Pastor Aaron Swensen with Summit Church Cincinnati:

Chris & Johnna's Favorite Pastor

https://www.thesummitcincy.com/

Where you can find Dr. Frank Turek:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-dont-have-enough-faith-to-be-an-atheist/id1297439270

https://crossexamined.org/

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In this raw and heartfelt episode, Chris and Johnna process the grief, shock, and spiritual weight of Charlie Kirk's assassination 5 days later.

00:27 – Processing the Assassination & Unexpected Grief

03:00 – Why It Felt Like Losing a Friend

08:33 – Making Sense of Tragedy & Our Obsession with Details

12:54 – The Shooter Could Not Silence the Truth

16:10 – Good vs. Evil Made Clear

22:44 – Peaceful Vigils vs. Riots: Light in the Darkness

28:05 – Justice, Forgiveness, and the Call of Christ

32:41 – Courage for Our Faith: Charlie's Legacy

37:23 – Changing Hearts Through Real Conversations

52:31 – God Turns Evil for Good: Awakening & Revival

01:35:26 – Boldness Starts at Home

Mentioned Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/briansaksa_the-shooter-could-not-silence-the-truth-activity-7371916370906845185-HiQU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABKZb6cBp-MsmTt0d_iHJ-e8vTpyg8Hyh_0

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOeKLnwjjMA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOkj-nKjaw_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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In this episode, Chris & Johnna react to a marriage advice response from the Dr. John Delony Show on the Dave Ramsey Network.

1:00-10:30-Chris's comical confession

11:00---- John Delony Show Marriage Advice Reaction

Links mentioned in the episode:

Kenneth Copeland

John Delony Show Full clip

Mike Winger Divorce Evidence:

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In this episode, Chris & Johnna announce Baby Farrell #6 and cover a myriad of topics around their decision to bring another life into the world.

• Fear of having another kid in this crazy world.
• Are Christians called to Big Families?
• Allowing our kids to be critical thinkers about Christianity.
• The Sanctifying nature of parenting.
• Non-eternal issues that cause us to limit how fruitful we are.
• Does God care about every little detail in our lives?
• Are we foolish to have more kids due to health or financial strain?
• Making aggressive decisions with a sound mind.
• What are we doing with our lives to build God's kingdom?
• John Piper Seashells Clip

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WOW! Ten years of marriage.

In this epsode Chris and Johnna cover the lessons from their first 10 years of marriage, what will make the next 10 years successfull and why they don't have the grass is always greener complex.

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In this Episode Chris & Johnna cover their challenging month of February.

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In this episode Chris & Johnna podcast from the car on the way back from the AFC divisional playoff matchup between the Bills and Bengals in Buffalo, New York.

The first 20 minutes are the details and recap and the last 20 minutes are the two major takeways for us & the question of idolizing margin and making memories.

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In this episode Chris & Johnna put their spin on the top signs of an emotionally mature man and cover their top signs of an emotionally and spiritually mature man.

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