In this episode, host Matt Crawford speaks with novelist Rick Steinke about his gripping and heartfelt novel Vital Mission: A Jake Fortina Series Love Story. Set against the backdrop of courage, service, and sacrifice, Vital Mission explores what servie and heroism really mean and how novels can evoke feeling history sometime cant. Steinke shares how his military background and life experiences shaped the world of Jake Fortina, a protagonist torn between duty and desire.

Together, they discuss the delicate balance between personal connection and professional mission, the emotional reality behind heroism, and how love itself can be the most vital mission of all.