What if you spent your entire life trying to earn God's approval through works... only to discover you never could?

In this powerful episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Armondo,Cardosa, owner of Vintage Records in downtown Waco, whose life was forever changed after a simple stop in Central Texas.

Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Armondo sincerely believed that faithfully serving and working harder would one day make him worthy before God. Yet despite his efforts, he never felt he measured up.

Everything changed after visiting a non-denominational church in Waco, where he received a life-changing message: Jesus had already paid the price. Salvation wasn't something to earn—it was a gift of God's grace through faith in Christ.

Today, Armondo shares the love of Jesus with others and reflects on the freedom he found when he stopped striving and started trusting.

This is a story of grace, redemption, and discovering who Jesus truly is.

Why do I still feel bad? If you've ever struggled with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, or chronic symptoms and wondered why you're not getting answers, this episode is for you.

Join Brooke and Renae as they sit down with Angelica Clark, PA-C, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and founder of Clark Wellness in Waco, Texas. Angelica shares how functional medicine takes a different approach, looking beyond symptoms to uncover the root causes of illness and helping patients restore health naturally.

If you're tired of feeling stuck, discouraged, or unheard, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and a fresh perspective on healing.

In this powerful and faith-filled episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Dustin and Michelle Gerig, who share their personal journey of seeking God through fasting and prayer.

At a time when both were searching for clarity and direction, they made a decision together — to step away from distractions and draw closer to God. Dustin committed to a 20-day fast, while Michelle fasted for 7 days. What they discovered was more than answers — it was a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus and a transformation in their marriage.

Through their experience, they found clarity, spiritual renewal, and a stronger connection not only with God, but with each other. Today, they continue to pray together and walk in a deeper level of faith.

This episode is a reminder that when we seek God wholeheartedly, He meets us in powerful and life-changing ways.

In this raw and deeply moving episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Dustin Gerig, who shares his powerful testimony of pain, struggle, and redemption.

Raised in a strong Christian home, Dustin’s life took a devastating turn at a young age when he experienced sexual abuse that left lasting emotional and spiritual wounds. As he grew older, he battled pornography addiction, depression, and overwhelming anger toward God, questioning how a loving God could allow such pain.

Though he continued to appear strong on the outside, Dustin carried deep darkness within, leading him to the brink of suicide. But in that moment, God spoke. reminding him his life was not over.

Years later, after continuing to struggle in silence, Dustin had a powerful encounter with Jesus that changed everything. Through seeking help, confronting unforgiveness, and learning to truly pursue God through fasting and prayer, he experienced freedom from the chains that once held him captive.

Today, Dustin’s life is transformed, restored in his relationship with God, his family, and his purpose.

This episode is a reminder that no matter how deep the darkness, Jesus still reaches down and pulls us out.

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Terry Aslin, a retired healthcare administrator and first-time author, who shares the story behind his children’s book You Can Do Hard Things.

The book was inspired by Terry’s late wife, Pat, a beloved kindergarten teacher who spent 30 years shaping young lives with love, encouragement, and a simple phrase she spoke daily to her students: “You can do hard things.” After bravely battling metastatic breast cancer for seven years, Pat passed away in February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, and compassion.

Through grief, prayer, and a desire to honor her life, Terry was led to write a book that captures her heart and message — a story that now helps families talk about courage, loss, and the hope of heaven.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that even in our hardest moments, love endures, faith carries us, and we can do hard things.

In this bold and thought-provoking episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Pastors Jacob and Katrinna Forest, founders of The Bridge Church in Bellmead, Texas, to discuss a topic many people avoid - deliverance ministry and spiritual warfare.

While culture often portrays these realities through extreme examples like movies such as The Exorcist, many are left wondering what is real, what is exaggerated, and whether these things still exist today.

Even more, some question whether certain intense struggles, including severe mental or emotional conditions, could have spiritual component that is often overlooked.

Pastors Jacob and Katrinna bring a grounded, biblical perspective on deliverance ministry and spiritual warfare, sharing insight, discernment, and truth about how believers can walk in freedom through Christ.

This episode challenges listeners to think deeper, seek truth, and understand the authority and hope found in Jesus.

In this empowering episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Licensed

Clinical Social Worker, author, speaker, and ministry leader Yolanda Wilson Smith to talk about

what it truly means to live authentically and intentionally in Christ.

After overcoming childhood bullying, self-doubt, and insecurity, Yolanda now helps women

discover their true identity, walk confidently in their purpose, and embrace gratitude as a

lifestyle. As founder of Leadership Unlimited and author of multiple books, including Becoming

Your True Self and her well-known My Authentic Self workbook series where she encourages

women to care for themselves first so they can pour into others well.

This conversation is for every woman who has ever questioned her worth, struggled with

comparison, or wondered if she is living fully in God’s calling. If you’re ready to stop surviving

and start living intentionally, this episode will speak to your heart

Suicide is one of the most painful and misunderstood topics in both the church and our communities. For many families, the grief is compounded by something even heavier—fear, guilt, and the belief that their loved one is lost forever.

In this powerful and compassionate episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Pastor Matt Byrd to address one of the most difficult questions people ask: What does the Bible really say about suicide?

Pastor Byrd speaks directly to the long-standing belief that those who take their lives cannot repent and therefore go to hell. Through Scripture, he gently but clearly explains why this belief does not align with the truth of the Gospel. Together, they unpack the assurance of salvation, the depth of God’s grace, and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

This episode is for anyone who has been affected by suicide—whether personally or through the loss of a loved one. It is a conversation rooted in truth, compassion, and the hope that only God can provide

In this eye-opening episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with Camryn Herman and Christy Sais from Texas State Technical College to talk about a question many families are asking today: Is a four-year degree the only path to success?

With rising college costs and growing demand for skilled workers, technical education is becoming an increasingly valuable option. Many programs allow students to graduate in as little as one to two years, enter the workforce quickly, and earn competitive salaries — often with significantly less debt.

Camryn and Christy share insights on high-demand career paths, how students can build successful futures through technical training, and how parents can better guide their children in choosing the right path. This episode is a must-listen for families navigating education, career decisions, and financial futures.

What if an entire generation grows up unable to read their own history—or even a handwritten letter from someone they love?

In this eye-opening episode of Middle-Class Matters, Brooke and Renae sit down with veteran educator Jackie Houck, founder of TeacherSub.com, to discuss the decline of cursive instruction across the United States. With many states no longer requiring it, millions of students are missing a foundational skill that connects them to history, family, and written communication.

Jackie shares why cursive is about more than writing—it’s about reading, connection, and preserving the stories that shape our lives. She also introduces her Master Cursive with Colors program, designed to help families and educators confidently teach this essential skill.