I Like Birds Podcast

Angel Esparza shares the bone-chilling story of being trafficked by his own family, being injected with heroin, and being surrounded by chaos throughout his entire childhood. It wasn't until he was introduced to Jesus that love and happiness became a possibility in his life. You've never heard a story like this that starts with him on the door steps of a mobile home that pretends to be a day care yet was trading money, drugs, and alcohol in exchange for a weekend with Angel and his siblings that entailed abuse, manipulation, and trauma that would stay with him for years. Angel also opens up about the failed suicide attempts where God stepped in multiple times, from a ceiling fan breaking to a shotgun's firing pin being broken. This episode will send chills down your spine while reminding you Jesus is the GOOD NEWS and SAVIOR of the world. Angel even forgave one of his abusers, to his face!

Share this podcast everywhere.

Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️

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📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus

📘 21 Days in Africa

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

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Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

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🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS

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“One Call Kills Them All!”
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David Diga Hernandez, a gifted Bible teacher, global evangelist, author, and someone whose ministry has deeply impacted me, invited me onto his Encounter podcast for this deep conversation.

We talk about my journey from comedy to ministry, losing my best friend Armani, trusting God when the miracle doesn’t come, and finding joy again through Jesus. David brings wisdom and compassion to a subject close to my heart: the story behind Me, Armani, & Jesus. We close by praying for those walking through grief.

Get the book "Me, Armani, & Jesus"

Amazon: Paperback

Signed Copy: Hardcover + Paperback

Pastor Troy Brewer returns to the Pod to unpack how he built a media machine with one purpose: fund the mission God gave him.

Troy Brewer Ministries has rescued 13,000 kids from human trafficking, built rescue homes around the world, and grown to a scale where rescuing 1,000 people can add roughly $2 million to the yearly budget. That pressure forced Troy to rethink money, media, leadership, and what it actually takes to sustain a massive calling.

In this episode, Troy breaks down the $4 million breakthrough that helped launch the next chapter of the ministry, why he built an international calling center, and how ODX grew from roughly 4,000 subscribers to nearly 19,000 after launching one of its major shows.

Troy Brewer and Zach Rippey also unpack why content, television, books, YouTube, live events, and digital media became part of the rescue strategy. Troy opens up about the emotional cost of fighting trafficking, why he now focuses on “rescuing the rescuers,” and how he learned not to become more impressed with evil than with the goodness of God.

You’ll also hear:
• The dos and don’ts of getting involved in rescue work
• Practical ways to get in the fight against human trafficking
• How Amber Alert cases have become part of the operation
• Why Troy says he was investigated by the FBI
• Why storytelling matters when protecting trafficking survivors
• How media and recurring support help fund rescue operations

Learn more:
ODX: https://odx.tv
Troy Brewer Ministries: https://troybrewer.com/

Work with Zach on a Speech or Your Podcast: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️

🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds

🕊️ Donate on Our Website

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support

📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus

📘 21 Days in Africa

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

🧢 Bird Merch

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📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off

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Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child

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🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS

Tops Roofing 

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(817) 477-2744

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🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount

Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587
Get your I Like Birds discount:
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🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW

“One Call Kills Them All!”
Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

https://alphaomegapests.com/

Rod Parker spent years preaching freedom while privately battling addiction, shame, and a destructive double life.

At his lowest point, Rod sat with a loaded .357 in his mouth and a Bible on his lap before crying out, “Jesus, show Yourself.”

Rod shares how Hebrews 11:1 came alive, what happened during his near-death and out-of-body experience, and how an encounter with Jesus changed the direction of his life.

This is an honest testimony about hidden sin, deliverance, lasting freedom, and the grace of God meeting someone at rock bottom.

In this episode:

• ​ The secret addiction Rod hid while serving in ministry
• ​ The night he nearly ended his life
• ​ Opening the Bible and asking Jesus to reveal Himself
• ​ His near-death and out-of-body experience
• ​ Seeing Jesus and receiving a vision of hell
• ​ Why deliverance can happen instantly, but freedom is a lifestyle
• ​ Punching Vanilla Ice in the Face at a Party
• ​

Share this pod with a friend!

Subscribe for more great episodes.

Get Rod Parker's book here: From Death to Deliverance

Church Notes Journal: https://collabs.shop/jl7xeg. 

Code: “ILIKEBIRDS” for 10% off 

Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️

🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds

🕊️ Donate on Our Website

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support

📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus

📘 21 Days in Africa

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

🧢 Bird Merch

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop

🩵 PayPal Donation

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE

✊🏽 Venmo Donation

https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23

📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off

https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child

https://suubiproject.org/

🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS

Tops Roofing 

Free Inspection and Estimate? 

(817) 477-2744

https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/

🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount

Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds

🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW

“One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

https://alphaomegapests.com/

Kelsie Blevins was raised by addicts, moved out at 16, hit rock bottom after a DWI, and eventually told Jesus, “I’m done.”

What happened next transformed her faith, identity, and future. Today, Kelsie is a successful real estate agent who sold more than $50 million in real estate during her first two years.

But this conversation is not simply about business success. It is about surrendering to Jesus, breaking generational cycles, keeping promises to yourself, and becoming unrecognizable from the person your past said you would be

.You’ll also hear:

• What it was like growing up with two addicted parents

• Why returning to her dad’s basement reopened old wounds

• The night she received a DWI and believed her life was over

• How consistency created evidence that changed her identity

• Why Kelsie refuses to separate her faith from her business

• The surprising client who told her, “You made me want to open my Bible again”

• How she handled an unusual request from an OnlyFans couple

If this conversation encourages you, share it with someone who needs proof that their past does not get the final word. Subscribe to I Like Birds for more honest conversations about Jesus, purpose, healing, and transformation.

Follow Kelsie Blevins on Instagram

Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️

🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds

🕊️ Donate on Our Website

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support

📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus

Signed Copy + Free Gift:

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus

📘 21 Days in Africa

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

🧢 Bird Merch

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop

🩵 PayPal Donation

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE

✊🏽 Venmo Donation

https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23

📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off

https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippey
Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child

https://suubiproject.org/

🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS

Tops Roofing 

Free Inspection and Estimate? 

(817) 477-2744

https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/

🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount

Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587
Get your I Like Birds discount:
https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds

🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW

“One Call Kills Them All!”
Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

https://alphaomegapests.com/

Should Christians want to get rich or has bad theology made believers afraid of money?

In this value-packed episode, Zach sits down with entrepreneur and communicator Omar El-Takrori for an honest conversation about wealth, biblical stewardship, tithing, entrepreneurship, and why some God-given callings require serious capital.

After investing more than $135,000 in coaching and personal development with Myron Golden, Omar went from making a few hundred thousand dollars a year to building a multimillion-dollar business.

Omar unpacks how investing in himself changed his beliefs, why money should remain a tool instead of becoming an idol, and how Christians can pursue prosperity while keeping their hearts surrendered to God.

You’ll also hear:

• Why some Christians are afraid to pursue wealth

• How $135,000 in coaching helped Omar build a multimillion-dollar business

• What losing $100,000 taught him about fear, faith, and money

• How tithing prepared his heart to steward greater wealth

• Why increasing your ability increases what you can carry

• The hidden cost of entrepreneurship and financial freedom

This isn’t about getting rich for ego. It’s about getting paid for purpose, increasing your capacity, and using what God gives you to serve more people.

If this convo challenges the way you think about faith, money, and purpose, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Follow the I Like Birds Podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Troy Brewer, Kelsie Blevins, and Rod Parker!

Get Zach's new book "Me, Armani, & Jesus" Signed Copy here:

Get on Amazon here:

Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

Connect with Omar on YouTube:

🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️

🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds

🕊️ Donate on Our Website

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support

📘 21 Days in Africa

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

🧢 Bird Merch

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop

🩵 PayPal Donation

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE

✊🏽 Venmo Donation

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📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off

https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippey
Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child

https://suubiproject.org/

🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS

Tops Roofing 

Free Inspection and Estimate? 

(817) 477-2744

https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/

🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount

Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587
Get your I Like Birds discount:
https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds

🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW

“One Call Kills Them All!”
Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

https://alphaomegapests.com/

Is Forrest Frank proof that a new Great Awakening has already started?

In this fascinating episode of the I Like Birds Podcast, Zach Rippey sits down with revival historian Larry Sparks to unpack what’s happening across America—from Forrest Frank’s Jesus Generation Tour and packed stadiums to college campus baptisms, young people turning to Jesus, and a renewed hunger for God.

Larry makes a bold declaration he says he hasn’t publicly made before: “We are actually in a Great Awakening.”

But how do we know the difference between genuine Christian revival and spiritual hype? Larry takes us through the history of America’s Great Awakenings, the charismatic movement, supernatural encounters, and why the Word of God and the Spirit of God must remain together. He also shares a fresh prophetic insight about “the oil of our time” and what it could mean for Christians who want to experience a genuine move of God in this generation.

YOU’LL ALSO HEAR:

• Why Larry believes what’s happening around Forrest Frank could be part of something much bigger in America
• The difference between renewal, revival, and a Great Awakening
• Why supernatural manifestations alone are NOT proof that God is moving
• Larry’s warning for the modern charismatic church and why biblical discernment matters more than ever
• Why the next great move of God may require Christians to embrace both the Word AND the Spirit

ME, ARMANI, & JESUS

Get a signed copy of Zach’s brand-new book, “Me, Armani, & Jesus: The Human Experience of Losing a Best Friend”:

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus

Amazon:
https://amzn.to/462H6A9

CONNECT WITH LARRY SPARKS

Larry’s books:
https://www.faithandflame.com/collections/larry-sparks-1

Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

Learn more about Larry:
https://larrysparksministries.com/about

PARTNER WITH I LIKE BIRDS MINISTRY 🕊️

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https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds

🕊️ Support I Like Birds Ministry:
https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support

📘 21 Days in Africa:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

🧢 Bird Merch:
https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop

🩵 PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE

✊🏽 Venmo:
@ZachRippey23

📚 I LIKE BOOKS

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🔴 Become a BIRD and get access to channel perks:
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WORK WITH ZACH

✍️ Work with Zach on your speech:
https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

🎙️ How Zach reached 30 million people with his podcast—and how you can too:
https://youtu.be/ADMIvLFDyAc?si=NN4kw-NOfzU7c3qc

🎤 Book Zach Rippey to speak or perform comedy:
https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

EPISODE SPONSORS

🔧 Need a new appliance in DFW?Text Jamie Eldridge and let him know what you need:817-659-6587

Get your I Like Birds discount:
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🐜 Alpha and Omega Pest Control | DFWNeed your bugs GONE? One Call Kills Them All!Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

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https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/

#ForrestFrank #ChristianRevival #GreatAwakening

How to Identify False Prophets in 2026 with Pastor Brian Gibson is a powerful conversation about discerning real prophecy from counterfeit ministry, testing spiritual gifts, and staying grounded in biblical truth.

Zach sits down with Pastor Brian Gibson to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the Church right now: How do you know what’s real and what’s counterfeit when it comes to prophecy, miracles, and spiritual gifts?

Brian shares why the existence of false prophets doesn’t erase the reality of true prophetic ministry, how believers can discern the difference between someone who is simply wrong and someone operating deceptively, and why character, accountability, and motive matter just as much as gifting.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to identify the difference between a false prophet and a wrong prophet
• How Brian personally caught someone faking a supernatural manifestation
• Whether Christians should publicly call out false prophets and false teachers
• Why prophetic gifting can still operate when someone’s personal life is compromised
• How accountability inside the local church protects believers from deception
• Why prophetic words should be tested, judged, and handled with humility

If you’ve ever wondered how to discern prophetic ministry, what to do when Christian leaders fail, or how to pursue the gifts of the Spirit without falling into deception, this conversation will challenge you to stay rooted in Scripture while remaining open to what God is doing.

Subscribe to the I Like Birds Podcast for more conversations that help you grow deeper in your faith, walk boldly with Jesus, and navigate the real questions facing believers today.

CONNECT + RESOURCES

Get Brian Gibson’s book, Ignited by the Spirit:
https://www.faithandflame.com/products/ignited-by-the-spirit-a-journey-into-the-prophetic-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit-and-your-divine-calling-july-2026

Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 for a discount.

Get Zach’s new book, Me, Armani, & Jesus:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/07QqYlyw
Signed copy: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus

Come see the live event in Burleson, Texas:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLBEB869F6Y5R/checkout/7KBLAUBR2NVYOIJDLIIQBFGZ

PARTNER WITH I LIKE BIRDS MINISTRY 🕊️

Patreon — Get a free 7-day trial:
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Donate:
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21 Days in Africa:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed copy + free gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

Bird Merch:
https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop

PayPal:
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@ZachRippey23

I Like Books — Get 20% off select books:
https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippey
Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

EPISODE SPONSORS

Alpha and Omega Pest Control | DFW
Need your bugs gone? One Call Kills Them All!
Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

Tops Roofing
Free inspection and estimate:
817-477-2744
https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/

DFW Appliance Store
Text Jamie Eldridge and tell him what you need:
817-659-6587
Get the I Like Birds discount:
https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds

September 27, 2020, divided my life into two worlds: the one where my best friend Armani was alive and the one where he wasn’t.

In this raw solo dolo episode, I share the heart behind Me, Armani, & Jesus, why I buried parts of my grief for three years, and what happened when I returned to the cabin and river connected to Armani’s final days. We talk about the friendships we keep putting on the back burner, facing the places we would rather avoid, and learning how to wrestle with God without walking away from Him.

This story is for anyone grieving someone they lost, searching for hope, or needing permission to admit that their heart still hurts.

Support the book, share this episode, and reach out to your best friend while you still can. Help us do it for the One!

Buy on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/01DOIvKs

Order a signed paperback:
https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/signedcopy

Order a signed hardcover:
https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/signedcopy-x6tyg

What happens when you stop shrinking, stop striving, and finally believe what God says about you?17-year-old author and entrepreneur Macy Jules shares how she overcame identity struggles, anxiety, perfectionism, unhealthy friendships, and an eating disorder by learning to abide in Christ instead of trying to control everything.Macy also reveals how she graduated two years early, turned her private journal entries into the book *Revealing Your Greatness*, and grew from 96 to more than 8,000 followers by boldly sharing biblical truth online.You’ll discover:* How to replace lies about your identity with God’s truth* Why your waiting season may actually be preparation* The difference between exhausting striving and powerful abiding* How healthy boundaries protect your purpose and peace* Why God never called you to stay smallYou are not buried—you are planted. You are not behind—you are being trained. And you do not have to earn the love of God.📖 *Revealing Your Greatness*: https://a.co/d/0bYZ7pmu📲 Follow Macy Jules: https://www.instagram.com/macie.jules/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

NEW SHOP UPDATE:

1. Collectors CD

2. Me, Armani, & Jesus Pre-Order

3. Dove Logo Hats

GO SUPPORT HERE

Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact

Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking

🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️

🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds

🕊️ Donate on Our Website

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support

📘 21 Days in Africa

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY
Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback

🧢 Bird Merch

https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop

🩵 PayPal Donation

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE

✊🏽 Venmo Donation

https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23

📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off

https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippey
Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout.

🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child

https://suubiproject.org/

🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS

Tops Roofing 

Free Inspection and Estimate? 

(817) 477-2744

https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/

🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount

Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587
Get your I Like Birds discount:
https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds

🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW

“One Call Kills Them All!”
Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445

https://alphaomegapests.com/