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What if we stopped seeing life as either/or—and started living in the “and”? In this conversation with therapist and author Kelsey Blahnik, we explore how to hold complexity, live with grace, and cultivate what Kelsey calls a “clay mindset.”

From political tensions and family dynamics to parenting guilt and personal growth, this episode offers real tools to navigate a divided world. We talk peacemaking vs. peacekeeping, conflict at the dinner table, assertive communication, sleep, nutrition, exposure therapy, and the power of compassionate imagination.

Whether you’re walking through grief and joy at the same time, navigating tricky relationships, or just trying to be a better parent, partner, or friend—this episode will help you live the “and” way with grace and hope.

Kelsey Blahnik is a therapist, author, and speaker based in Austin, Texas. With a Master’s in Social Work and over a decade of experience, she works at the intersection of mental health, relationships, and social impact. Kelsey is the founder of The And Way Therapy, where she provides virtual therapy with a focus on anxiety, trauma, and relational healing.

She’s also the author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World, a practical and deeply personal guide to navigating complexity, conflict, and connection in today’s polarized culture. Her signature “clay mindset” helps individuals embrace growth, hold tension, and practice compassion with themselves and others.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Kelsey Blahnik

Website: https://theandwaypress.com/

Website: https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/

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

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What if the way forward was actually to look back?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Live Faith First podcast, Elliot sits down with Pastor and author Isaac Serrano to discuss his latest book and the cultural moment we find ourselves in. Together, they explore how materialism—both philosophical and practical—has shaped our lives and how ancient Christian practices can help us rediscover purpose, beauty, and connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

Isaac unpacks the consequences of removing transcendence from society, the rise of Gen Z's hunger for sacred experience, and the importance of practices like communion, baptism, music, and service. Whether you're a long-time believer or exploring faith for the first time, this conversation invites you to re-engage the rhythms of the Church in a fresh, deeply meaningful way.

Topics Covered:

• Philosophical vs. consumer materialism

• Why Gen Z is returning to the sacred

• The rise of modern despair and the loss of meaning

• Transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, Beauty

• Why church traditions aren’t dead religion

• Recovering wonder in communion and baptism

• Why singing is more than “just music”

• The power of spiritual community and mission

Isaac Serrano is the Lead Pastor of South Valley Community Church in Gilroy, California. A husband, father of five, and gifted communicator, Isaac has served in ministry for over 20 years. He’s known for making deep theological ideas accessible and practical, particularly around culture, spiritual formation, and the sacred rhythms of Christian life. Isaac is the author of When Live Feels Empty: 7 Ancient Practices to Cultivate Meaning, a compelling call to reclaim the beauty and power of the Church’s ancient traditions in today’s fragmented world.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Isaac Serrano

Website: https://svccchurch.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaac.serrano

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What if your worst moments, broken places, and deep insecurities weren’t the end of the story—but the beginning of healing? Author, actor, and filmmaker Nathan Clarkson joins the Live Faith First podcast to talk about his bold and vulnerable book I'm the Worst (and I Love It). In a world obsessed with projecting our best selves, Nathan makes a radical claim: freedom begins when we stop pretending.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Nathan and Elliot explore:

• Why admitting your failures is a spiritual superpower

• What cancel culture gets wrong about redemption

• How mental health struggles shape (not disqualify) us

• Why the Church needs to recover the practice of confession

• And how God’s grace transforms even our darkest places

This is an episode for anyone who’s tired of faking it and ready to live in truth—with God, with others, and with themselves.

Nathan Clarkson is an author, actor, filmmaker, and producer passionate about telling stories that reveal the beauty in brokenness. He’s written several books including Different (with his mother Sally Clarkson), Good Man, and most recently I'm the Worst (and I Love It)—a vulnerable and redemptive look at sin, grace, and the power of confession.

Nathan has appeared in films, TV shows, and is the founder of a production company currently working on his sixth film. He has been diagnosed with OCD and ADHD and often speaks and writes about mental health, creativity, and faith. Nathan lives between New York and Los Angeles, where he continues to write, act, and explore what it means to live a beautifully honest life.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Nathan Clarkson

Website: https://nathanclarkson.squarespace.com/

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

X: https://x.com/nathanjclarkson 

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What if the key to your next resolution isn’t more willpower—but more wisdom? In this New Year’s episode of Live Faith First, Elliot sits down with speaker, coach, and author Josiah Harling, whose book Stride reframes how we set goals and build lasting habits. Together, they explore the difference between striving and striding, the psychology of change, and how sustainable transformation happens when faith meets action.

With humor and depth, Josiah shares stories from his own life—about goal-setting disasters, big wins, and what he’s learned about forming habits that actually stick. Whether you’re dreaming big or simply trying to stay consistent, this episode will help you approach the new year with grace, clarity, and momentum.

🔑 Topics include:

• The problem with all-or-nothing thinking

• Why identity > outcome

• How to fail and still move forward

• Spiritual insight on consistency and calling

• The rhythms and questions that shape lasting change

Josiah Harling is a speaker, coach, and author of Stride: Creating a Life of Meaningful Momentum. With a background in leadership development and spiritual formation, Josiah helps people bridge the gap between vision and action—whether in faith, relationships, or work. He’s passionate about helping others build healthy habits, live intentionally, and move forward with confidence and consistency.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Josiah Harling

Website: https://www.josiahharling.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jj.harling/#

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Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

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Generosity isn’t just a seasonal idea — it’s a way of life. In this heartfelt Christmas‑Eve conversation, Mary Pudaite, CEO of Generous Living Global, joins Elliot to explore what it means to embody generous living in an abundant, world‑shaping way. Drawing on years of ministry experience and global work with leaders and churches, Mary reframes generosity as something far richer than financial giving. Together, they discuss generosity as freedom from scarcity, a spiritual formation practice, and a testimony to the Gospel in action.

Mary shares stories, biblical insight, and practical wisdom on how generosity can transform individuals, families, churches, and communities — especially during a season when cultural pressure can dwarf the heart of Christian joy. Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, financial strain, or simply want to live more freely, this episode offers encouragement for embracing generosity as a lifelong rhythm.

Mary Pudaite is the CEO of Generous Living Global, a faith‑based nonprofit committed to nurturing and equipping ministry leaders, churches, and communities around the world to live whole‑life generosity rooted in the Bible. Under her leadership, Generous Living Global partners with global church networks to foster cultural shifts from scarcity to abundance, freedom to give, and joy‑filled stewardship. The organization emphasizes generosity not just as financial giving but as a spiritual and cultural practice that reflects the heart of God in everyday life

Previously, Mary’s journey has included missions work, strategic generosity coaching, and creating spaces where honest, biblical conversations on generosity flourish. She and her husband live in Colorado and are passionate about seeing people and organizations embrace a generous way of living that reflects Christ’s abundant provision.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Mary Pudaite

Website: generous.living

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

Contact:  [email protected]

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Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

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Some people face adversity and wither—others face it and rise. Terry Healey is one of the latter. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of facial cancer during college, Terry endured multiple surgeries, scarring, and deep emotional challenges. But his story didn’t end in pain—it turned into purpose. In this episode, Terry shares his powerful journey through suffering, healing, and building a life of meaning and resilience.

We explore:

• How gratitude rewires our response to pain

• The angels who showed up when he needed them most

• Faith and the courage to keep going

• Building a Resilience Mindset through the REBAR method

• The difference between confidence and resilience

• Productivity culture, burnout, and healthy outlets

• Leadership, empathy, and authenticity

Whether you’re in a hard season or walking with someone who is, this episode offers practical hope and tools to live a resilient life.

Terry Healey is a speaker, author, and marketing consultant who shares a powerful story of resilience and faith. As a college student at UC Berkeley, Terry was diagnosed with an aggressive fibrosarcoma that led to life-altering facial surgeries. His journey of physical and emotional recovery shaped a lifelong mission to help others face adversity with courage and grace. Terry is the author of The Resilience Mindset, a book built around his REBAR framework—Reflect, Build, Act, Renew—which equips readers with tools for facing change, challenge, and trauma.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Terry Healey

Website: terryhealey.com

Instagram: @terryhealeus

Linkedin:Terry Healey

Book:The Resilience Mindset

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AI is changing everything—how we learn, how we work, and yes, even how we worship. In this insightful conversation, Elliot sits down with pastor, theologian, and author Todd Korpi (AI Goes to Church, IVP) to talk about how the Church can lead wisely in the age of artificial intelligence. From ChatGPT sermons to robot relationships, from discipleship to digital ethics, Todd brings wisdom and humility to one of the most urgent conversations of our time.

What does it mean to be made in the image of God in an age of intelligent machines? Can AI ever be wise? Should pastors be using ChatGPT? What are the biggest ethical and relational risks for Christians? Todd and Elliot tackle it all—with humor, honesty, and hope.

Todd Korpi is a pastor, theologian, leadership consultant, and author of AI Goes to Church: A Faithful Guide to Navigating Artificial Intelligence. With over 20 years of ministry experience, Todd co-leads Anchor Forward, a consulting organization supporting churches, denominations, and seminaries in developing healthy cultures and thoughtful innovation. He’s passionate about discipleship, spiritual formation, and helping Christians respond wisely to cultural change. Todd and his wife live in Chicago with their three daughters.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Todd Korpi

Website: www.toddkorpi.com

Consulting: www.anchorforward.com

Instagram: @ToddKorpi

Facebook: Todd Korpi

X: @ToddKorpi

Book: https://www.ivpress.com/ai-goes-to-church

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst 

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

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Most Christians believe we are saved by grace—but many quietly live as though grace stops there. In this thought-provoking conversation, Elliot sits down with Dr. Kyle DiRoberts, professor, author, and theologian, to unpack his book Grace Beyond Salvation. Together, they explore how God’s grace shapes our daily lives, relationships, and even our theology after conversion.

Kyle unpacks how striving, rule-following, and theological overthinking can quietly replace genuine dependence on God’s grace—even in the most devout lives. With clarity and pastoral insight, he challenges performance-driven Christianity and invites us to experience grace not just as a doctrine, but as a sustaining power for everyday life. Together, they confront the traps of legalism, explore the nature of spiritual maturity, and reframe disciplines like prayer and Scripture as responses to love—not attempts to earn it.

If you’ve ever felt burned out from trying to be good enough, this episode will speak to your soul.

Dr. Kyle DiRoberts is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Arizona Christian University. He also teaches at Phoenix Seminary and serves as a pastor at Scottsdale Bible Church. Kyle regularly writes and speaks on spiritual formation, humility, and the grace of God.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Kyle DiRoberts

Website: https://kylediroberts.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.diroberts

Book: https://www.moodypublishers.com/grace-beyond-salvation/

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

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In this heartfelt and deeply reflective conversation, Elliot Sands sits down with Jenn Suen Chen, spiritual director, leadership coach, and author of Dim Sum and Faith. They explore the power of tables to create belonging, what it’s like to grow up between cultures, how long-term suffering shapes faith, and the lifelong challenge of asking for help. Jenn shares her family’s story of faith, resilience, and hospitality—and how her husband’s ongoing cancer journey revealed God’s presence in silence and need. They also talk parenting, adult children, people-pleasing vs. servant-heartedness, and what it really means to listen well.

This is a rich, vulnerable, and hope-filled episode with laughter, wisdom, and stories that will linger.

Jenn Suen Chen is a spiritual director, leadership coach, and the author of Dim Sum and Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls. A first-generation daughter of Chinese immigrants, Jenn served overseas for more than 20 years and is now companioning leaders, families, and individuals as they navigate the intersection of faith, identity, and resilience. She is passionate about hospitality, silence, the ministry of listening, and reclaiming wholeness in an emotionally scattered world.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Jenn Suen Chen

Website: https://www.jennsuenchen.com/

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

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

Book: https://www.ivpress.com/dim-sum-and-faith

Connect with Faith First

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We live in an age of unlimited information—but do we have wisdom? In this powerful and personal conversation, author and pastor Mark Moore joins Elliot to talk about his new book Wisdom 52, a year-long journey into biblical wisdom that’s meant to be lived, not just learned.

Mark shares why he left academia to join the local church, how he wrestled with gossip in his younger years, and why mentoring is his deepest joy. From truth in an AI age to dealing with enemies, from economic disparity to contentment in a culture of comparison, this conversation is filled with truth, humor, and spiritual insight.

“Wisdom is skill in living. It’s not just knowing—it’s knowing what to do with what you know.” — Mark Moore

They also dive into some of the most pressing issues facing the Church today: tribalism, economic injustice, and the epidemic of loneliness. Don’t miss this episode—it’s a practical, gospel-centered roadmap for those who want to live wisely and love well.

Dr. Mark Moore is a teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona, where he helps lead one of the fastest-growing churches in the country. He served for over 20 years as a professor of New Testament at Ozark Christian College before transitioning to full-time pastoral ministry.

Mark is the author of multiple books including Core 52, a bestselling Bible guide that empowers everyday people to understand and apply Scripture. His latest book, Wisdom 52, takes readers on a year-long journey through biblical wisdom, integrating themes from Proverbs with the whole counsel of Scripture and practical life application. Mark speaks widely on discipleship, mentoring, and biblical truth in the modern age. He’s passionate about the local church, spiritual formation, and helping people live out their faith with purpose and integrity.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Mark Moore

Website: https://www.markmoore.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmoore330/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.e.moore.31

Book: https://www.markmoore.org/wisdom52

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Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

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