In Part 2 of this mini series, I interview Nikki, Kyle's wife. I ask Nikki a similar set of questions I asked Kyle in Part 1… I would encourage you to listen to Part 1 first, as it will give more context for what Nikki and I talk about in this episode.

Nikki is very open and authentic in this episode, talking through the early years of marriage, her experience as a young mom, balancing career and motherhood, and opening up around the passing of her brother and the struggles and doubts this brought into her faith.

This was truly one of my favorite episodes I've gotten to record so far… And I hope you enjoy it as well!

Dating Marriage Dog House Kid… It's That Easy, Right? (Part 1)

Lots of big decisions are made in our 20s… Figuring out where to live, who to marry, and how to balance career aspirations. In the middle of these big decisions, it's easy to compare our lives and relationships to others and think "Everyone else has it easier, right?" When we rarely see all the ups and downs most people go through to get to where they are in life.

I interview my friend Kyle on his life the past 5 years and how he's faced these challenges. We talk through the story of his dating relationship with his now wife and key decisions they've made as they settle into family life -- Deciding where to live, the luxury of having family nearby, balancing career aspirations with family life, and parenting their new baby boy (and dog!).

Cafella's logo

In this episode I interview a friend that spent two years of his 20s living and working in a monastery. John shares some lessons he learned during his time living and working with the monks and other wise insights on the decade of the 20s.

Four main questions John mentions:

1. ​What do I believe?
2. ​Who I am?
3. ​What am I to do?
4. ​Who am I to do it with?

Apologies for the audio quality being a bit off… Still figuring out the best way to record episodes online.

Life is full of decisions, especially in the decade of our 20s… Should I take this job or go to grad school? Should I marry this person or not? Should I move or stay put?

While we're making these decisions, often we ask God to show us what to do, but He rarely seems to give us a direct answer.

In this episode I interview my friend Dave on decisions he's made and how he counsels younger folks in making decisions. Most importantly, how to discern which direction God is leading us in… His answer may surprise you.

Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin "Patient Trust"

Reality SF podcast talking through Patient Trust

First episode with Dave (ep 6)

Another helpful podcast - How You Tell When God Is Calling You

I interview Britton on the story of being called to plant Church at the Oaks. We dive into his salvation story, his early years in ministry, fundraising, and ultimately how each step was God preparing him for what was ahead. 

We talk in depth about what God's calling looked like for Britton and his family, how to stay reminded of this calling when you're in the middle of the mission and it's hard, and some lessons he's learned along the way.

If you are considering working in ministry, being part of a church plant, or wrestling with what God is calling you into next… I think this episode will be helpful for you! 

Church at The Oaks website

Past episodes mentioned in this podcast (interview with Dave):

6 | Stories From A Chaplain

Lots of us want to be parents someday, however the day to-day of parenthood can be hard to imagine, let alone prepare for. 

In this episode I interview Austin on his experience being the parent to newborn twins… What impact has this had on his relationship with God? In his marriage, ministry, and career? How have him and his wife one about the logistics of early parenthood?

Whether you are single and wanting to be a parent someday, or dating/married and talking through the decision of having children (and how many)… I think this episode will be helpful in giving a realistic view of parenthood.

In this open and raw episode Cameron shares her story of processing her anger and hurt towards God after a dating relationship falls apart. And how God met her in it and healed her in a beautiful way. 

She also shares a few "Kingdom Lessons" she learned from her dad around generosity, money, hospitality, and God's faithfulness. As well as inspiring and encouraging stories around these topics growing up.

Show Notes

Kingdom Lessons on God's Economy:

Books mentioned in this episode

⁠Trusting God by Jerry Bridges⁠

⁠Sit Walk Stand by Watchman Nee⁠

Resources on "The Wall" or "The Dark Night of The Soul"*

⁠The Dark Night of the Soul by Gerald May⁠ - book

⁠The Critical Journey by Hagberg & Guelich⁠ - book

⁠Matt Chandler on Hitting The Wall⁠ - podcast

⁠John Mark Comer & Matt Chandler Discuss The Wall⁠ - podcast

⁠Explanation of The Dark Night of the Soul⁠ - podcast

*These concepts of the Wall and the DNOTS are extra-biblical… These are resources I've found to be helpful in my own journey. But note - they are not a substitute for Scripture.

What do you need when doors are closing and you're not sure what your path forward is? What do you do when you get your dream job offer but feel God is leading you in another direction? How do you move forward?

In this episode I interview my friend Max who has dealt with each of these questions over the past few years. And who's life is way different (and better) than he ever would have expected.

What does a hospice chaplain talk about with someone who is in their last moments on this earth? What questions do people often have as they are coming near the end? And how do you engage with them? Surprisingly, the questions they're asking are often the same questions we're all asking... Is God real? Does my faith hold any real weight? If so, where was He in my life?

In this episode I interview a friend of mine that sits with people in these questions each day. I think you'll gain real wisdom and perspective from my friend Dave.

Kelly shares her story of transitioning from Athens into Atlanta. She opens up around what has been fun, challenging, and all that she's learned in this transition.

We talk about work, school, community, church, dating, and much more in this episode... Including Kelly's dream of living on a commune in Colorado!

If you are in the middle of a transition from school into work, or are curious what the Atlanta lifestyle looks like for a mid-twenty, I think you'll find this episode helpful.