Jerry Dugan is the producer and host of Beyond the Rut podcast, a show that discusses pursuing and achieving your dreams without compromising your faith, family, or health. Today, Jerry shares about growing up through divorce, his dad's attempted suicide, and combat experiences that gave him resilience and perspective on life. He also shares how it all led him to give his life to Christ and eventually start serving men through his podcast. Jerry’s story reminds us that the Lord often has plans for us long before we know what they are.

Listen to Jerry’s story now!

Stories Jerry shared:

• Growing up in a military family

Great quotes from Jerry:

It’s a bigger world than the town I was living in.

The family we wound up with was the complete opposite of all the fears we had.

My daughter cannot know that she had a monster for a dad.

I had a plan to not really be a Christian.

Resources we mentioned:

• Jerry’s website, Beyond the Rut

Related episodes:

• Travis Johnson and World Changing Community

The post Jerry Dugan and Becoming a New Man appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Felicia Song is  a professor of sociology who studies social and cultural impact of digital technologies. Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age. Today, Felicia share her experience growing up in a fundamentalist, Chinese church, discovering the Holy Spirit in college, and what she’s learned about God by studying sociology. We also talk about her book and how Christians can be wise as we live with technology. Felicia’s story reminds us to be wise about how we think and practice technology as Christians.

Listen to Felicia’s story now!

Stories Felicia shared:

• Teaching sociology at Westmont

Great quotes from Felicia:

It’s not so much the content that shapes us; it’s really the form or the practices.

As human beings, we are meaning makers.

We live in a meaning-filled world because we serve a meaning-filled God.

We do not need to live under the tyranny of our technologies.

We serve a good Lord, but technologies are often brutal and merciless lords.

Resources we mentioned:

• Felicia’s website

Related episodes:

• Jay Kim and Why We Need Real People

The post Felicia Song and Digital Discipleship appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Brian Sexton is the host of The Intentional Encourager Podcast and author of People Buy From People: 10 Powerful People Lessons From the Ultimate People Person, My Dad. Today, Brian shares how prayer influenced his life early, his dad’s profound influence, and how he stopped running from a call to preach. He also shares an interesting connection between his family and his wife’s family that he never saw coming. Brian’s story reminds us that with a little intionality, we can all encourage someone every day.

Listen to Brian’s story now!

Stories Brian shared:

• Growing up in Ohio in an influential area

Great quotes from Brian:

People who want to be liberated will do just about anything to be set free.

God is the ultimate connector.

I was trying to reason with God about things he already knew.

If you have a cell phone, you can be an encourager.

Encouraged people, empower people.

Resources we mentioned:

• The Intentional Encourager Podcast

• Eric’s episode on Brian’s show

Related episodes:

• Vicki Proffit and the Encouragement of God

The post Brian Sexton and Being Prepared to Serve appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Hope Johnson is a writer and podcaster based in Upstate New York. She is the host of Hope Unyielding, a podcast where people share stories of God's faithfulness in the dark and difficult times of their lives. Today, Hope shares the story of how she learned Russian, struggled during a year teaching English, and how she wrestles with God because her “five year plan” didn’t come to fruition. Hope is a deep thinker whose story will remind you to honor and love the Lord even when you feel like he’s abandoned you.

Listen to Hope’s story now!

Stories Hope shared:

• Feeling called to be a writer

Great quotes from Hope:

I wish everyone in the church who’s married would realize that there’s something they can learn from us.

I want to offer real stories where real hope shines through.

Faith and feelings are not synonyms.

I’ve learned to sit with not feeling satisfied and not feel guilty about it.

Resources we mentioned:

• Hope’s website

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Related episodes:

• Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams

The post Hope Johnson and Waiting for God to Answer Prayer appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Dorsey Ross is a public speaker and podcaster. He was born with Apert’s Syndrome. Today, Dorsey shares his parent’s choice to nurture and support him, going to college when many didn’t think he could, and becoming a speaker and podcaster. Dorsey’s story is full of challenges that he’s overcome with God’s help. His spirit will encourage you to face your challenges, too.

Listen to Dorsey’s story now!

Stories Dorsey shared:

• Growing up in Queens, New York

Great quotes from Dorsey:

Can’t is not in my vocabulary.

He is our hope. He is our peace.

Whatever you’re dealing with, you’re not alone.

Resources we mentioned:

• Dorsey’s website

Related episodes:

• Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams

The post Dorsey Ross and the Story We All Tell appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Christa Hutchins equips busy communicators and leaders with project management and problem solving skills so they can turn their big ideas into a successful ministry or business. Today, Christa shares how she experienced her faith as just one part of her life, how a public failure taught her humility, and how that led her to new opportunities. She also shares how she learned to use her gifts to help others bring their dreams to life. Christa’s story reminds us that God uses failure to refine us.

Listen to Christa’s story now!

Stories Christa shared:

• Growing up in Florida in a Christian home

Great quotes from Christa:

Clarity comes from action.

Failure was part of the route to where God was leading me.

I love you too much to let your dream die.

Resources we mentioned:

• Christa’s website

Related episodes:

• Merritt Onsa and the Patient Love of God

The post Christa Hutchins and How Failure Refines appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Travis Johnson is an active duty officer in the United States navy and the host of the Nonprofit Architect Podcast. Today, Travis shares about moving dozens of times as a child because of his mom’s mental illness. He also shares how he felt the Lord’s presence, got out of the abusive situation, and found stability in the Navy. Travis has found a way to give back by enabling and supporting nonprofit organizations through podcasting and his own service. Travis’s story reminds us that the Lord can use our background no matter how difficult.

Listen to Travis’s story now!

Stories Travis shared:

• Starting his podcast Nonprofit Architect

Great quotes from Travis:

No amount of shared DNA gives someone permission to treat you a certain way.

I just showed up with a good attitude and willing to help.

Everywhere you go, it’s just people.

Resources we mentioned:

• Travis’s website

Related episodes:

• Amy Watson on Trauma, Healing, and Community

The post Travis Johnson and World Changing Community appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two teen girls, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility. Today, Tiffany shares how she went her own, self-destructive way as a teenager, and the dramatic steps her parents took to get her back. She also shares how she became a surrogate mom, and the calling the Lord gave her to help others bring their dreams to life. Tiffany’s story reminds us that no matter where you are, God has plans for you if you’ll only step into them.

Listen to Tiffany’s story now!

Stories Tiffany shared:

• Growing up in a Christian family in Ohio

Great quotes from Tiffany:

None of us have all that we need to do all that God has called us to do.

If you’re confident, people will give you the responsibility.

I do soul care, self care, and dream care.

Our minds are a powerful weapon.

Resources we mentioned:

• Tiffany Jo’s website

Related episodes:

• Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind

The post Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Scott Distler is an author and the lead pastor of an Evangelical Free church in Northern Michigan. Today, Scott shares about the mentors who shaped him, how a betrayal sent him into a dark time, and the steps he took to get out of it. Scott learned to slow down and make space for his relationship with God in the difficult season and he shares those lessons. Scott’s story reminds us that our identity must come from who Jesus says we are not our accomplishments.

Listen to Scott’s story now!

Stories Scott shared:

• Pastoring a church in Northern Michigan

Great quotes from Scott:

Even though my greatest hurts in life have come from the church, I still believe in the local church.

Everything that happens to you makes you bitter or better. The choice is yours.

My source of significance has to be Jesus.

Resources we mentioned:

• Scott’s church website

Related episodes:

• Mark Brownson and Honesty with God

The post Scott Distler and Creating Space to Listen appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Alicia Michelle is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster and certified NeuroCoach. Known as the Mindset Makeover Coach, she equips Christian women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools so they know HOW to renew their minds in order to overcome negative thinking and cultivate godly confidence. Today, Alicia shares how campus ministry changed her life, the health crisis that made her reevaluate, and what she has learned about renewing your mind in a godly way. Alicia’s story reminds us that we are wonderfully made and learning about how always yields benefits.

Listen to Alicia’s story now!

Stories Alicia shared:

• Her business as a neurocoach and being a mom

Great quotes from Alicia:

I heard Christians are nice.

It is strange to return to your hometown and not be the person you were.

Resources we mentioned:

• Alicia’s website: Vibrant Christian Living

Related episodes:

• Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life

The post Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind appeared first on Eric Nevins.