In this episode, Nicole Ruelas shares her inspiring journey—from putting college on hold to raise her daughter, to building a career as a trusted TA, and now helping teens in the juvenile justice system reimagine their futures. We talk about how small moments of being seen and encouraged changed her life, and how she’s now doing the same for the youth she serves. It’s a story of second chances, quiet strength, and the life-changing impact of simply showing up for someone.

In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on spending Father’s Day in solitude, processing heavy headlines like the recent ICE raids, and how they’ve impacted families, including my own perspective as a father. I talk through the tension between standing for justice while avoiding division, and the importance of holding space for real conversations, starting with our own homes. From the fear these events cause to the call for empathy, I hope this episode invites you into connection over conflict.

Surviving on the Kindness of Strangers For 30 Days

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL17OTqBqci5nr1gtMeXFFB3HyLBpYL9t3

This episode features a heartfelt and unfiltered conversation with a good friend of mine, Andres. A husband, father, and business owner learning to navigate life’s messiness with God at the center. We talk about the struggle to balance presence and productivity, the challenge of showing love without overreaching, and how God models confrontation not as conflict but as a path toward healing. We also explore what it means to bring curiosity to faith and how even our toughest questions are welcomed by a God who can handle them.

Love Language:

https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/3

In this episode, my wife joins me to help unpack a powerful idea from Ephesians: your true, God-given identity is already within you. Inspired by Tim Mackie’s insight that “our behaviors catch up to our true identity”, we explore how community, encouragement, and intentional practice help awaken who God created us to be—both spiritually and in everyday life. From basketball to faith, we reflect on how growth happens when we choose to put on the new humanity already planted in us.

In this solo episode, I reflect on how shame and pride lead us to see other people as threats or problems—when they were meant to be gifts. Drawing from Anatomy of the Soul and my study in Ephesians, I explore how these relational ruptures begin, how we still repeat them today, and how humility and honesty can start the work of repair—helping us see others through grace, not blame.

In this episode, I reflect on the difficult but necessary act of asking for love, especially as a man. I talk about how pride often keeps us isolated and how surrender—what might feel like weakness—can actually open the door to connection, healing, and divine presence. Inspired by Fully Alive and my own personal story, this is an invitation to be seen, known, and loved.

Roots & Streams Coaching Website:

https://rootsstreams.my.canva.site/

In this episode, I share what adversity has been teaching me lately—how not all struggle is bad, and how what we hold through pain can grow us and the people around us. I explore the concept of eustress (healthy stress), what the Bible says about anxiety and prayer, and how the Psalms give us permission to be raw and honest with God. I also share a personal story involving a hot dish, a moment of clarity, and how sometimes holding the heat is better than dropping what matters. We’re not meant to go through adversity alone—and when we lean into community, it strengthens everyone involved.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Karlos Richardson of The Shield Podcast to talk about adversity, fatherhood, and the faith that shapes us. Karlos reflects on growing up in a family of nine, being a preacher’s kid, and how the tough times molded him into who he is today. We dive into what this generation might be missing when it comes to struggle, the impact of mental health awareness, and the value of hard-earned growth. We also explore a powerful moment around the command to love God and neighbor—and share an honest, grace-filled conversation around faith and LGBTQ+ topics.

The Shield Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPnjaadMC_Njf7H7USkTEg

In this episode, I share my recent struggle with worshipping money, how it brought deep anxiety, stress, and disconnection, and ultimately led me to realize a crucial truth: we become like what we worship. Reflecting on ideas from the book Fully Alive, I explore the power of belovedness—being fully seen and known by God—and how shifting our worship from idols to God brings genuine peace and freedom.

Coaching Website: https://rootsstreams.my.canva.site/

In this episode, I dive into why emotions are important and how ignoring them can impact our relationships and spiritual growth. I share a recent personal moment, reflect on how Jesus expressed emotion, and introduce a simple but powerful tool to help you pinpoint and share what you're really feeling.