On today’s episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen, you’re going to hear one of those stories that make you go, “Wait. WHAT???”

Terrell and Brandy Scott are married with five kids. They live in  McDonough, Georgia and pastor a church. They run a ministry that serves families, children, and individuals in need, which is about as far away as you can get from where the story starts. When in the depths of drug use and gang activity, Terrell’s gang members held two women at gunpoint. One of those women was Brandy, who is now his wife!

You have to hear this story!! It’s a story of rescue, forgiveness, and restoration. From drugs, gangs, and prison to founding The Malachi Project and River Refuge, serving in the same Henry County streets where Terrell and Brandy grew up, their story is a story that ONLY God could write!!!

Links: 

CBN Video

The River Refuge

Passion Life Church

Today’s mine & Pete’s anniversary! Last year, we sat down at our kitchen table and told our story. It was out of that podcast (Episode 14) that birthed the idea of us renewing our vows. With the help of one of my best friends, Kellie, we planned a 50th birthday party (for me) with a surprise Vow Renewal! In this episode, you’ll here’s how it all came together...

CONNECT

@carmenbrown
@themorningcruise
@southern_grace_weddings
@kayliegill
@kellielhughes
@goodmorningbill

MENTIONS

OFF-AIR with Carmen - Pete & Carmen’s Story
Southern Grace Weddings
Contact Kellie: [email protected]

BIBLE VERSES

Psalm 19:1

VENDOR LIST

Venue: Southern Grace 
@southern_grace_wedding
southerngraceweddings.com

Floral: Mary Nell Chadsey Floral Design 
@marynellchadsey_floraldesign
marynellchadsey.com

Dinnerware: Kate Ryan Event Rentals
@kateryaneventrentals 
kateryanevents.com

Furniture: Style House Rentals 
@stylehouseflorida
stylehouserentals.com

Linens: Over The Top 
@overthetoprentallinens
overthetopinc.com

Linens & Decor: Nuage Designs 
@nuagedesignsinc
nuagedesigns.com

Photographer: Jenn Soos
@jennsoosphoto
jennifersoosphoto.com

Cinematographer: Voila Cinematic 
@voilacinematic 
voilacinematic.com

Caterer: Chef Doug 
funwithfoodcatering.com

Invitations: Dogwood Hill
@dogwood.hill
Dogwood-hill.com

Planner: Kellie Hughes
@kellielhughes
[email protected]

Laura Whitaker is the Executive Director of Extra Special People (ESP). ESP helps people see the abilities in people with disabilities.  My first interaction with ESP was in Athens a few years ago with Java Joy, their coffee service program. Java Joy is completely run by people with disabilities and special needs. They call themselves JOYristas! Every cup of coffee is served with joy AND with a hug!

In our conversation, Laura tells us about ESP and the programs that help assist, encourage and EMPLOY these wonderful friends. And oh my goodness…wait till you hear about the “White Apron” Ceremony!

CONNECT

@carmenbrown

@themorningcruise

@laurahopewhitaker

@java.joy

@esp_inc

MENTIONS

Extra Special People

Java Joy

Young Life Capernaum

Laura’s Ted Talk - The Dandelion Shift: Seeing the Ability in Disability

My guest this week is Chris Tomlin! Chris is the most sung worship artist of all-time! And because of this, he is often viewed through a “ super spiritual” lens. But here what you may not know… Chris is one of the funniest guys I know! And, boy can he tell a story!  In this episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen, you'll hear THIS side of Chris as he shares some of our all time favorite Chris Tomlin stories. My morning show partner, Bill, and co-worker Jayar were on this catch-up Zoom call with me. Chris is unscripted as he catches us up on the birth of his new baby girl, working with some of the biggest names in Country music, and a whole bunch more! You’re going to enjoy this episode!

CONNECT

@carmenbrown

@goodmorningbill

@thejayarshow

@themorningcruise

@christomlin

MENTIONS

Who You Are To Me - Chris Tomlin ft. Lady A | Grand Ole Opry

Thank You Lord - Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett & Florida Georgia Line

God Who Listens - Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett

Happy Easter, y’all! On this episode of OFF-AIR, I sat down with three of my favorites…Bill, Lindsay & Haley. We’ve been doing an online bible study together led by Paige Brown called “Bible History Overview.” That title sounds dry, but we were riveted! She connected to Old and New Testaments together for us and changed our perspective so much that we started a text thread with a few others called “5 Broads + Bill” to talk about each week’s lesson.

So, that’s the starting place for our conversation. We ask two questions: “Why Jesus?” and “Why Jesus for us?” In today’s culture, Jesus often shows up as our pal who rubber stamps our feelings, and our “truth” who affirms everything we feel. While that’s a very sentimental way to view the Lord, it’s not biblical.  As we celebrate Easter this weekend, we share our love for the Jesus of Scripture, the Divine Son of God and Savior of the world!

CONNECT

@carmenbrown

@themorningcruise

@goodmorningbill

@lindsaymccaul

@haleyradeka

MENTIONS

Paige Brown Wednesday Bible Study - subscribe for future studies

TMC Talks about Paige Brown Bible Studies

When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada & Steve Estes

The Final Days Of Jesus by Andreas Kostenberger and Justin Taylor 

BIBLE VERSES

Psalm 34:18

Philippians 4

Psalm 40:3

1 John 4:15

Jude 1:3

1 Timothy 1:9

2 Timothy 1:13

1 Timothy 6:20

James 4:8

Repp & Summer Gordon experienced every parent's worst nightmare. They lost their sweet five year old son, Sawyer, in a horrific accident when he pedaled his bike onto a busy road. In this vulnerable conversation, Summer shares their journey through unspeakable grief and inexplicable forgiveness, held together by an unwavering faith. Of all the episodes of OFF-AIR with Carmen, THIS one will inspire you the most, especially if you have experienced personal loss. Repp and Summer’s belief in the goodness of God, despite this tragedy, will help you realize when all seems lost, HOPE REMAINS.

CONNECT

@carmenbrown

@themorningcruise

@summer_e_gordon

MENTIONS

JOY Story Video with Summer, Rep and Casey

Hope Remains by Reppard and Summer Gordon

LeGrande Jewelry

My guests this week are sisters Taylor and Madison from the band, Cain. I met Taylor and Madison along with their brother Logan about a year ago. It’s been fun to watch their debut single, Rise Up, shoot to #1 on the charts and stay there for several weeks! We'll talk about the dynamics between siblings being in a band together, what they all learned in their first year of marriage, and what it was like for us all (me included!) to grow up in Alabama!

CONNECT

@carmenbrown

@themorningcruise

@caintheband

@tcainordie

@mcainjohnson

@logodash

MENTIONS

Rise Up (Lazarus) Music Video

My guest today is Temple Stewart. Temple is married to Ross, and they recently adopted sweet Ellie! They are also pregnant and expecting baby number two next month. Temple and I go to church together and have walked similar roads in trying to figure out our health through Functional Medicine. Temple is a WEALTH of knowledge in the Ketogenic world, and she is a “must-follow” on Instagram. She has helped many, many folks find long term success for their health goals.  You'll also hear Temple talk about adoption and faith. I can’t wait for y’all to meet Temple!

CONNECT 

@carmenbrown

@themorningcruise

@the.ketogenic.nutritionist 

MENTIONS

Temple Stewart - Registered Dietitian 

Radiant Church

A Door of Hope

Foster Care Information 

The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung

Temples’s Keto Mistakes

Gin Stephens - Intermittent Fasting Books

Today you’ll meet Sarah Faulkner. I randomly met Sarah at a Christmas Market a couple of years ago. Like so many of us, Sarah thought her “story” would be one thing. But after surviving not one – but TWO – brain aneurysms, Sarah realized God’s story for her life had some unexpected chapters. Sarah’s faith inspires me, and I know it will inspire you too!

CONNECT

@carmenbrown

@themorningcruise

@mvpearlgirl

MENTIONS

Milk Velvet Pearls

Caron Treatment Center

Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio

BIBLE VERSES

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 37:33

Like so many people, I’ve had a life-long struggle with weight. I’ve tried everything under the sun. You name it, I’ve done it. That all changed in 2019 when I was introduced to FASTer Way to Fat Loss. It was through this program that Amanda Tress introduced me to Alex, who practices Functional Medicine. In February of 2020, I had my first appointment with Alex, and I can confidently say that I have FINALLY found the answers I spent decades looking for. In today’s episode, I talk with Alex and Amanda about Functional Medicine (What is it?), Intermittent Fasting, Carb Cycling, and more. If you struggle with weight – or you just want to FEEL better, this episode is for you!

CONNECT

@carmenbrown
@themorningcruise
@amandatress
@fasterwaytofatloss
@thewellnesscodebyalex

MENTIONS

Young Foundational Health to book your appt with Alex

FASTer Way to Fat Loss - The JOY FM Round Sign-up (use code JOYFM for $50 off)

Instagram Q&A with Amanda Tress

The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung

The Complete Guide to Fasting by Dr. Jason Fung