What do you do when God calls you to let go of control—and trust Him with everything?

In this powerful episode, Jonathan Lautermilch sits down with Alex Holt for a raw conversation about identity, surrender, and building a Kingdom-first life. From Jonathan’s story of chasing success and nearly losing himself, to Alex’s testimony of finding peace and clarity through obedience, this episode unpacks what it really means to stop striving and start abiding in God’s presence.

Together, Jonathan and Alex tackle the pressures of performance, the weight of hidden battles, and the freedom that comes when you lay it all down at the feet of Jesus. If you’ve been wrestling with purpose, leadership, or feeling like you’re “not enough,” this episode will remind you that God’s design is better than your grind.

Jonathan is the host of the Kingdom First Podcast, an entrepreneur and men’s coach helping high performers realign their lives with God’s blueprint. Alex Holt is a speaker, mentor, and Kingdom builder passionate about equipping men to rise up with courage, conviction, and clarity.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• Why surrender is the doorway to true freedom

• How hidden pride and performance keep men stuck

• The breaking points that became breakthroughs for both Jonathan and Alex

• Practical steps for building a Kingdom-first marriage, business, and legacy

• Why community and accountability are essential for men today
  

Episode Highlights:

• Chasing success but losing peace

• The dangers of pride and performance-driven living

• Jonathan’s hotel room breaking point

• Alex’s journey of obedience and clarity

• The power of daily disciplines rooted in faith

• An invitation to realignment, brotherhood, and freedom
  

Connect with Alex Holt:

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.m.holt.2025

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusserve/

Connect with Jonathan:

📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠

🔔 Stay Connected & Grow With Us:

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs this word. Join our YouTube and Facebook communities for updates, resources, and behind-the-scenes conversations. And if you’re a man seeking real connection, Jonathan hosts a Bible study every other Friday at 9 AM—reach out to join us. 🙌

What happens when success, heartbreak, and 57 years of self-reliance collide with a divine encounter?

In this transformative episode, Coach Eric Mitchell joins Jonathan Lautermilch to share how a moment of emotional crisis became the doorway to encountering Christ for the first time. After three decades of coaching elite athletes, Eric found himself navigating personal devastation—and ultimately, spiritual rebirth. From training NFL draft picks to waking up at 4:30 AM for journaling and prayer, Eric reveals how obedience, not hustle, unlocked the peace and clarity he'd been chasing for years.Eric opens up about the journey from self-reliance to surrender, the reconnection with his partner Karen, and how faith is now the foundation of both his relationships and his coaching philosophy. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a roadmap for high achievers who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what’s next.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:• How emotional collapse became a spiritual wake-up call.• Why doing life “your way” eventually runs out of road.• The power of daily discipline: journaling, prayer, and the 4:30 AM mindset.• What true obedience to God looks like—and how it brings freedom, not restriction.• How faith transformed his career, his parenting, and his relationship.Connect with Eric Mitchell:Instagram: @coachericmitchellFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.mitchell.71/Subscribe & Grow With Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to go deeper? Join our community on YouTube and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to live a God-first life. And if you’re a man looking for a Bible study, reach out—Jonathan hosts one every other Friday at 9 AM and would love to have you join. Let’s walk this journey together. 🙌

What happens when success feels empty, heartbreak hits, and you realize you’ve been living life your way—not God’s?

In this powerful Kingdom First Podcast episode, military veteran and entrepreneur Nathan Wheeler joins host Jonathan Lautermilch to share how God completely transformed his life. From a painful childhood and 11 years of military service to heartbreak, near divorce, and spiritual renewal, Nathan reveals how surrendering to Christ brought him lasting peace, restored his marriage, and reshaped his career.

Nathan’s testimony will inspire anyone looking to build a God-centered marriage, grow spiritually, and discover true success in life and business. Learn how biblical principles—not hustle or self-reliance—became his blueprint for lasting fulfillment.

What You'll Learn:

• How Nathan went from military service and pain to peace through faith

• The 2018 awakening that led him to Scripture and transformation

• The biblical principle that saved his marriage from divorce

• Why “God first, spouse second, kids third” is the secret to balance

• How serving others became the key to success in business and life
  

Connect with Nathan Wheeler:

Website: www.nathanuwheeler.com

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn: @NathanUWheeler

Subscribe & Grow With Us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs it. 

Want to go deeper? Join our community on YouTube and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to live a God-first life. 

And if you’re a man looking for a Bible study, reach out—Jonathan hosts one every other Friday at 9 AM and would love to have you join. Let’s walk this journey together. 🙌

What happens when two men get real about leadership, identity, and the battles nobody talks about?In this vulnerable and high-impact episode, Brian Alexander joins Jonathan for a raw conversation about calling, comparison, and the fight to live with clarity in a noisy world. From nearly losing his marriage to questioning his own worth in ministry, Brian opens up about the masks he wore, the pressure to perform, and how God met him in the middle of burnout and brokenness.This episode isn't just a conversation—it's a mirror. If you've ever questioned your value, struggled with imposter syndrome, or wondered if you're doing enough for God, this one’s for you.Brian Alexander is a husband, father, speaker, and leader passionate about helping men walk in freedom and authenticity. With a background in ministry and business, Brian brings a powerful blend of spiritual insight and real-life experience to the conversation around purpose, leadership, and Kingdom identity.🔹 Tune In to Learn:• Why high performers often hide the most pain• How Brian almost lost everything before surrendering it all• The truth about ego, insecurity, and the fear of being found out• What it means to lead your family when you feel unqualified• Why real leadership starts with healingEpisode Highlights:• Growing up with performance-driven faith• The mask of masculinity in church and business• Hitting a breaking point—and what came after• The hard conversations that saved his marriage• Learning to lead from identity, not insecurity• Rebuilding trust with God, self, and others• Encouragement for men who feel like they’re not enoughConnect with Brian:Facebook: @therealbrianalexanderLinkedIn: @thebrianalexanderWebsite: readyaimclimb.com🔔 Stay Connected & Grow With Us: FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠If this episode hit home, do someone a favor and share it. Subscribe, drop a review on iTunes or Spotify, and let us know how this spoke to you. Want to go deeper? Join our YouTube and Facebook communities for more God-first conversations, and if you’re a man looking for real connection, Jonathan hosts a Bible study every other Friday at 9 AM—reach out and join us.We’re not here to perform. We’re here to be real. Let’s walk this out together. 🙌

What do you do when you’ve done everything “right” but still feel stuck, frustrated, and out of alignment?

In this deep and transformative episode, entrepreneur and mentor Scott Rammage joins host Jonathan to share how letting go of control unlocked peace, purpose, and Kingdom impact. Raised in a Christian home and active in ministry, Scott knew all the right things to do—but it wasn’t until age 48 that he truly surrendered and began living life God’s way. From battling silent depression and income ceilings to building a God-centered business and marriage, Scott unpacks what it really means to live by design.

Scott Rammage is a husband, father, business coach, and the founder of VAs For Gyms. He’s passionate about helping high-capacity entrepreneurs stop hustling for worth and start leading with peace, order, and purpose. With 29 years of marriage, multiple businesses, and a renewed mission to serve the Kingdom, Scott shares how faith, family, and business alignment has transformed his legacy.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• Why performance-driven faith leaves you burnt out

• The moment Scott broke down—and finally let go

• How “pushing the rope” blocks purpose

• Why daily practices are critical for spiritual alignment

• The #1 biblical principle Scott uses to lead in life and business

Episode Highlights:

• Growing up in a Christian home but missing full surrender

• The Moses story that unlocked a revelation

• Breaking the cycle of control, fear, and frustration

• Creating a God-first marriage that models legacy

• Building a business that puts service over striving

• The power of tithing, giving, and discipline in entrepreneurship

Connect with Scott:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.rammage.7/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottrammage/

Website: https://hirevp.us/about/

🔔 Stay Connected & Grow With Us:

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠

If this episode stirred something in you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with a friend. Join our growing community on YouTube and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, resources, and more ways to live a God-first life. And if you’re a man looking for real connection and discipleship, Jonathan hosts a Bible study every other Friday at 9 AM. Reach out—we’d love to have you. 🙌

What do you do when you hit rock bottom, and the only direction left is surrender?

In this powerful and transparent episode, Zach Siegel joins host Jonathan to share how God took him from addiction, eviction, and $50,000 in debt, to peace, purpose, and building a six-figure business in just 10 months. From falling through a skylight in high school to detoxing in tears with nothing but a dog and a laptop, Zach reveals how hitting bottom was the beginning of real freedom.

Zach Siegel is a faith-driven entrepreneur and recovery coach who helps people walk out of darkness and into the life God always had planned for them. Once entangled in addiction and self-sabotage, Zach now runs a thriving financial services company and lives a life marked by surrender, discipline, and Kingdom-first impact.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• The fall (literally) that could’ve ended Zach’s life

• How years of addiction nearly cost him everything

• The moment he cried out to God—and everything changed

• Why surrendering control is the key to peace

• How faith fueled a six-figure comeback

  
  

Episode highlights:

Connect with Zach:

Website: https://zachsiegel.me 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachary.siegel.125/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundedwithzach/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-siegel-70307763/ 

🔔Stay Connected & Grow With Us:

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to go deeper? Join our community on YouTube and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to live a God-first life. And if you’re a man looking for a Bible study, reach out—Jonathan hosts one every other Friday at 9 AM and would love to have you join. Let’s walk this journey together. 🙌

What do you do when your world falls apart overnight?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Carter Check joins Jonathan and shares how a wrongful accusation in the military became the catalyst for meeting Jesus and reshaping his life forever. From suicidal thoughts in a Korean barracks to finding God in a Kojic chapel, Carter unpacks what it really means to live with presence over performance. He reveals how obedience without intimacy leads to burnout, why healing requires community, and how the secret place unlocks clarity, strategy, and identity. This isn’t just a testimony, it’s a call to move, speak to your mountains, and let God multiply your surrender.

Dr. Carter Check is a clinical chaplain, bestselling author of Healing in the Wild, and founder of OnTherapy, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders recovering from trauma. His work blends faith, neuroscience, and emotional healing to help people rediscover purpose after pain.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• How pride and performance can block true intimacy with God.

• The night Carter considered suicide—and how God met him there.

• The spiritual power of the secret place and learning to hear God’s voice.

• Why the prodigal’s brother represents so many modern believers.

• How Carter’s obedience led to a global ministry opportunity through one divine appointment.

  
  

Episode highlights:

• (0:00) Intro

• (8:09) The motorcycle accident that changed everything

• (14:41) God used pain to build fortitude

• (20:45) Witnessing fentanyl destroy young lives

• (23:41) Accused and betrayed while serving God

• (26:42) Wrestling with God during the darkest days

• (29:47) The truth comes out in court

• (35:24) How God provided through business

• (39:31) Presence over performance, explained

• (47:04) What David learned in the wilderness

• (56:44) Outro

  
  

Connect with Carter:

Website: https://drcartercheck.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carter.check 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c_c_check 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carter-check-202616354 

🔔Stay Connected & Grow With Us:

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to go deeper? Join our community on YouTube and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to live a God-first life. And if you’re a man looking for a Bible study, reach out—Jonathan hosts one every other Friday at 9 AM and would love to have you join. Let’s walk this journey together. 🙌

What do you do when the truth doesn’t seem to matter, and your name is dragged through the mud?

In this raw and redemptive conversation, former police officer Sean Pena joins host Jonathan and shares how God walked him through a season of false accusations, public humiliation, and spiritual warfare. From a near-fatal motorcycle accident to leading drug busts in Phoenix, Sean was living his calling, until it all came crashing down. He reveals how God uses your lowest moments to prepare you for your true assignment.

Sean Pena is a former police officer, entrepreneur, and the author of the upcoming book Kingdom Closer: Mastering Sales Through Biblical Principles. After surviving a wrongful accusation that nearly destroyed his life and career, Sean emerged with a renewed mission: to build businesses that serve the Kingdom and to help others develop mental and spiritual resilience through faith. He’s the founder of Alignment Sales & Marketing, leads men’s Bible studies, and is part of the Rise of Kings mastermind, helping men lead with power, purpose, and integrity.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• The false accusation that almost ended everything

• A teenage accident that built his mindset

• The real battle behind the fentanyl crisis

• Why God allows valleys before breakthrough

• How faith, business, and purpose came together

  
  

Episode highlights:

• (0:00) Intro

• (7:29) The motorcycle accident that changed everything

• (14:01) God used pain to build fortitude

• (20:05) Witnessing fentanyl destroy young lives

• (23:01) Accused and betrayed while serving God

• (26:02) Wrestling with God during the darkest days

• (29:07) The truth comes out in court

• (34:44) How God provided through business

• (41:00) Your testimony can break generational chains

• (43:46) Outro

  
  

Connect with Sean:

Website: https://www.alignment-sales.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpena 

🔔Stay Connected & Grow With Us:

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to go deeper? Join our community on YouTube and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to live a God-first life. And if you’re a man looking for a Bible study, reach out—Jonathan hosts one every other Friday at 9 AM and would love to have you join. Let’s walk this journey together. 🙌

What happens when a world-class athlete loses everything twice and still finds purpose through it all?

In this powerful first-ever guest episode of Kingdom First Podcast, Rob Rene joins host Jonathan to share how being hit by a truck, enduring depression, and facing a stage 3 cancer diagnosis ultimately led him to a deeper walk with Christ. From athletic dreams to corporate success to holistic health entrepreneurship, Rob reveals how God used every season to prepare him for his current mission: helping others find healing and hope through faith-based health solutions. If you’ve ever questioned God's plan during pain, this conversation will stir your spirit.

Rob Rene is a faith-driven health entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Exodus Strong, a wellness company grounded in biblical principles. A former national champion runner turned corporate leader, Rob’s journey took a radical turn after surviving a life-threatening accident and, more recently, a stage 3 melanoma diagnosis. Today, he helps others find healing physically and spiritually by combining natural health solutions with the truth of God’s Word. Rob calls himself a “faith and health warrior,” driven by a mission to steward his story for God’s glory and lead others toward wholeness through Christ.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• God finishes what He starts – Every season serves His purpose, even the painful ones.

• Surrender takes time – Rob’s faith deepened through setbacks and steady trust.

• Faith fuels healing – Scripture and health go hand in hand: “I am the Lord, your healer.”

• Your past prepares your purpose – Each life phase equipped Rob for his calling.

• God’s order brings peace – Aligning life with biblical priorities leads to lasting impact.

  
  

Episode highlights:

• (0:00) Intro

• (3:35) Rob’s early life as a national champion runner

• (8:13) Transitioning from works to full surrender

• (12:35) Rob’s long road to full submission and trust in God

• (18:22) Staying in the Word when you’re in the valley

• (26:22) Tips for staying engaged when reading the Old Testament

• (33:06) Biblical principles for business and life

• (44:45) Putting your life in godly order: God → Spouse → Kids → Business

• (47:20) Rob’s stage 3 melanoma diagnosis

• (56:02) Rob’s mission

• (58:34) Outro

Connect with Rob:

Website: https://www.myfaithandhealth.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFaithandHealth 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrene 

🔔Stay Connected & Grow With Us:

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.lautermilch/⁠⁠

If this episode encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself—subscribe, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and share it with someone who needs it. Want to go deeper? Join our community on YouTube and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more ways to live a God-first life. And if you’re a man looking for a Bible study, reach out—Jonathan hosts one every other Friday at 9 AM and would love to have you join. Let’s walk this journey together. 🙌

Is your fear of lack keeping you from living the abundant life God promised?

In this raw and real episode, host Jonathan shares his powerful financial journey from scarcity and setbacks to tithing and six-figure breakthroughs. He opens up about how shifting from ownership to stewardship and inviting God into his financial decisions completely transformed his mindset, business, and purpose. Whether you're feeling stuck in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or afraid to trust God with your money, this message will challenge and encourage you.

🔹 Tune In to Learn:

• Tithing isn’t a transaction—it’s an act of trust.

• Scarcity is a mindset God never intended you to live in.

• God finishes everything He starts—provision follows obedience.

• Stewardship invites supernatural provision and peace.

• Write down your “freedom number” and start speaking life over it.

  
  

Episode highlights:

• (0:00) Intro

• (03:39) Growing up with scarcity beliefs

• (05:06) Lessons from year one in business

• (06:59) Scaling, setbacks, and stewardship

• (09:06) How tithing changed everything

• (11:47) John 10:10 and the abundant life

• (13:39) God finishes what He starts

• (15:03) From ownership to stewardship

• (17:24) Three steps to trust God financially

• (22:16) Outro