What does it really mean to live well in a world that feels broken? In this episode, host Tim Winders sits down with writer Daryl Potter to explore how ancient biblical wisdom from Job and Ecclesiastes intersects with the raw realities of grief, faith, and finding purpose amid hardship. From the resilience required to care for a special-needs child to unmasking the illusions of prosperity and meaning, their conversation weaves together story, theology, and personal journey. If you’re searching for honest answers about suffering, fulfillment, and hope, this episode is for you.
"You won’t get a big enough paycheck. You won’t get a good enough spouse. That’s how the world is made—on purpose." - Daryl Potter
Access all show and episode resources HERE
About Our Guest:
Daryl Potter is a writer with over three decades of experience in corporate banking, having held diverse roles at one of Canada’s largest banks. He is known for bringing biblical truth to life through engaging stories, seamlessly blending history, theology, and personal memoir. Daryl is the author of both fiction—centered on the ancient Middle East—and nonfiction, including deeply personal explorations of Job and Ecclesiastes. His work is distinguished by its raw honesty, intellectual rigor, and ability to connect ancient wisdom to modern challenges. Daryl’s unique perspective is shaped by his own journey through profound personal trials, making his insights on living well in a broken world both authentic and deeply relatable.
Reasons to Listen:
- Discover how ancient wisdom from Job and Ecclesiastes offers practical insight for living well in a modern, broken world—through both personal memoir and biblical story.
- Hear Daryl Potter’s raw and honest journey from rural California to Bay Street banker, including his powerful reflections on family hardship, faith, and meaning.
- Learn why storytelling (even in banking!) is a crucial leadership skill, and how creating narrative can move people and get results in ways statistics never will.
Episode Resources & Action Steps:
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
- Darrell Potter’s Website - darrellpotter.com - Find links to all of Darrell’s books—fiction and nonfiction—including “Something More: Living Well in a Broken World,” and details about his writing and background.
- Books by Darrell Potter
- Something More: Living Well in a Broken World – A journey through Ecclesiastes, blending memoir and commentary.
- Even the Monsters – A memoir-commentary hybrid exploring the book of Job through personal experience.
Action Steps for Listeners
- Reflect on Your Storytelling Approach: Try applying narrative techniques in your business presentations, emails, or personal communications. As Darrell and Tim discussed, storytelling isn’t just for writers—it’s a powerful tool for leaders and professionals in any field.
- Engage with Difficult Biblical Texts or Philosophical Writings: Choose a challenging work, such as Job or Ecclesiastes, and read it alongside a commentary or memoir (like Darrell’s books) to deepen your understanding and relate ancient wisdom to your own experience.
- Reevaluate Expectations for Fulfillment and Happiness: Spend time journaling or discussing with a friend or mentor where you may have placed unrealistic expectations—whether in career, relationships, or faith. Ask yourself: “Where do I seek ultimate fulfillment, and how would my outlook change if I embraced the lessons of Ecclesiastes or Job?”
Key Lessons:
- Happiness Isn’t Found in Achievement or Possessions: Daryl points out that no amount of career success, possessions, or even relationships can provide lasting fulfillment. The world is intentionally designed so that achievements and gains quickly lose their shine, pushing us to seek deeper meaning beyond material pursuits.
- The Power of Story in Work and Life: Both in his career as a banker and as a writer, Daryl emphasized the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you’re crafting a business case or sharing personal experiences, narratives connect, persuade, and inspire in ways numbers alone cannot.
- Faith and Suffering Are Not Transactional: Daryl’s personal journey, especially through his daughter’s medical struggles, led him to realize that faith doesn’t guarantee a pain-free or ‘successful’ life. Instead, the biblical stories of Job and Ecclesiastes teach us how to live well in a broken world, rather than expect constant miracles or perfect outcomes.
- Embrace the Mystery and Complexity of Life: Through his exploration of Ecclesiastes, Daryl encourages listeners to accept life’s transience and unpredictability—likening it to “breath”: beautiful, fleeting, and outside our ultimate control. Recognizing this can foster gratitude, humility, and a deeper trust in God’s bigger picture.
- You’re Not Alone in Struggle—There’s Hope and Help: Daryl reminds anyone dealing with grief, special needs, or life’s setbacks that they are not alone. Countless others have walked similar paths, and both ancient wisdom and modern resources are available to guide and encourage you. Stay with your story, seek support, and trust that meaning and hope can be found on the journey.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction: The Rise of AI
00:42 Meet Dr. Drew Dickens
01:45 Personal Journey and Faith
04:30 Theological Anthropology Explained
05:24 AI and Spirituality
08:15 Seminary Experiences
14:34 Balancing Faith and Technology
29:39 The Future of AI and Its Implications
33:13 AI in Everyday Life
33:36 Concerns and Ethical Considerations
35:11 Personal Experiences with AI
46:28 AI as a Tool or More?
58:49 Eschatology and AI
01:00:47 Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:
🎙 Unlock Leadership Excellence with Tim
- Transform your leadership and align your career with your deepest values. Schedule your Free Discovery Call now to explore how you can reach new heights in personal and professional growth. Limited slots available each month – Book your session today!
📚 Redefine Your Success with "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined"
- Challenge your perceptions and embark on a journey toward true fulfillment. Dive into transformative insights with "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined." This book will help you rethink what success means and how to achieve it on your terms. Don't miss out on this essential read—order your copy today!
Thank you for listening to Seek Go Create!
Our podcast is dedicated to empowering Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to redefine success in their personal and professional lives. Through in-depth interviews, personal anecdotes, and expert advice, we offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for achieving your goals and living a life of purpose and fulfillment.
If you enjoyed this episode and found it helpful, we encourage you to subscribe to or follow Seek Go Create on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. By subscribing, you'll never miss an episode and can stay up-to-date on the latest insights and strategies for success.
Additionally, please share this episode or what you’ve learned today with your friends, family, and colleagues on your favorite social media platform. By sharing our podcast, you can help us reach more people who are looking to align their faith with their work and lead with purpose.
For more updates and episodes, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok and YouTube. We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you achieve your goals and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Now, you can tip us, buy us a coffee, or offer financial support. Contributions start at just $1, and if you leave a comment, you could be featured in a future episode!
Visit our Support page for more details.
Mentioned in this episode:
A Final Challenge: Redefine Success with Coach
Before you sign off, here’s a powerful invitation from Tim: If you’ve been inspired by the stories on Seek Go Create, take the next step with his novel, Coach: A Story of Success Redefined. It’s a transformative journey that invites leaders to rethink success and align their lives with faith, purpose, and peace. Get your copy today at TimWinders.com.
Get More Info About Coach
Redefine Success with Coach – A Novel That Transforms
Feeling the pressure to chase more, yet still wondering, “Is this it?” You're not alone—and you're not without hope. In this brief pause, Tim Winders introduces Coach: A Story of Success Redefined, a transformational novel that challenges the world’s definition of success and offers something deeper. Ready for a wake-up call that inspires faith, purpose, and lasting change? Grab your copy now at TimWinders.com and start the journey today.
Get More Info About Coach
