What if following Jesus isn’t just about what we believe—but about who we are becoming? In Part One of the Side X Side Podcast, we explore the faithful habits of an evolving and committed Christian. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, modern psychology, and insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear, this episode invites listeners to consider how daily practices shape our identity in Christ.

Faith doesn’t grow by accident. Holiness doesn’t happen overnight. And discipleship is rarely dramatic—but it is deeply transformative.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why habits reveal identity, not just discipline

How our brains are shaped by repetition—and how God works through that design

The connection between spiritual formation and everyday practices

Why Christian growth requires intention, not just inspiration

How Scripture calls us to live a faith that is visible, embodied, and formed over time

This is an honest, pastoral conversation for anyone who feels the tension between believing the right things and living them out faithfully in a distracted, fast-paced world.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Why change feels so slowWhy faith can feel disconnected from daily life

Or how to live a Christianity that actually shapes your habits

This episode is for you.

You don’t have to be perfect.Y

ou don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to keep walking—side-by-side.

Key Scriptures Referenced:

2 Peter 3:18

Romans 12:2

Luke 6:45

Galatians 5:22–23

James 1:22

Hebrews 5:14

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If this conversation resonates, subscribe for future Side-by-Side episodes exploring spiritual formation, discipleship, mental health, and faith in everyday life.

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Christian podcastSpiritual formationFaith and habitsChristian discipleshipAtomic Habits and faithHabits and identityFollowing Jesus todayChristian growthNeuroscience and faithBiblical discipleshipModern ChristianityFaith in daily lifeSide-by-Side podcast

Christmas can be beautiful—but it can also be painfully hard.For many, this season magnifies grief, loss, heartbreak, anxiety, and unanswered prayers. In this episode of the Side X Side Podcast, we create space for those who are hurting while gently guiding listeners toward the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ that Advent promises.This episode is a long-form, reflective Advent meditation rooted deeply in Scripture and honest faith. Together, we explore how God meets us not after the storm, but in the middle of it—how Christ speaks peace while the waves are still crashing, and how God’s light shines through the cracks of our brokenness.You’ll hear:Scripture-based reflections on hope, peace, joy, and loveA powerful meditation on Jesus calming the storm before the disciples reached safetyGentle, compassionate language for those grieving during ChristmasModern illustrations and historical context that bring Advent to lifeA guided, step-by-step healing prayer activityPractical spiritual practices for tending wounds and moving toward hopeEncouragement for Christians who feel weary, numb, or spiritually exhaustedThis episode does not rush healing.It does not minimize pain.It does not promise easy answers.Instead, it reminds us that God’s peace does not wait for everything to be fixed—it is present now, steady and faithful, shining through the broken places.If you are experiencing grief, loss, depression, anxiety, or heartbreak this Christmas…If you are holding faith in one hand and pain in the other…If you are longing for Christ to meet you where you are…This episode is for you.Take a breath.Christ is with you in the middle.

Have you ever wondered if your best days are behind you?Or questioned whether your life still has meaning in this season?In Episode 28 of the Side X Side Podcast, we explore a powerful truth:your value does not expire with age, change, loss, or transition.Whether you’re navigating burnout, grief, disappointment, waiting, or a season that feels overlooked or forgotten, this conversation is a reminder that purpose isn’t limited to one chapter of your life. God is still at work—right where you are.In this episode, we talk about:• Why purpose isn’t tied to productivity• How God uses every season—even the quiet ones• Letting go of comparison and reclaiming meaning• Rediscovering hope when life feels uncertainIf you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or unsure of what comes next, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and be reminded: you still matter—deeply, intentionally, and right now.✨ Subscribe for weekly conversations about faith, purpose, mental health, and navigating real life side by side.

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have solo podcast where we discuss our difficulty with slowing down and listening for God. God tells us to be still and know that he is God. Not just in moments of calm, but even in the midst of the storm. May we learn to trust God enough to stop. Hopefully this podcast uplifts you and encourages you!

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have solo podcast where we discuss the reality that sometimes we get burned out on religion altogether. Maybe it's from all the work, maybe it's from the people, maybe it's from going through the motions. But in that spirit, we are just over it. And yet, our spirits are hungry for Jesus. How do we hold both strings? Hopefully this podcast uplifts you and encourages you!

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have solo podcast where we discuss the reality that sometimes our brokenness gives way to the light of God. That even in the midst of the greatest troubles of our lives, all hope is not lost, because we have Jesus. Hopefully this podcast uplifts you and encourages you!Please like/subscribe and follow the page for more content!

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have solo podcast where we discuss the reality that sometimes God tells us to wait. Sometimes things don't happen on our timetable and we have to learn to trust God and go where God leads. Hopefully this podcast uplifts you and encourages you!Please like/subscribe and follow the page for more content!Watch the latest Talks With Tatum video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afUPGYS9WA8&list=PLn30uXLlG2S7chzmSSJauSXlYaTM9_4AYFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkswithtatum1?lang=enFollow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088147357515Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalksWithTatum#podcast #podcasts #motivation #churchhurt #michaeltatum #therapy #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #growth #youtubeblack #youtubeblackvoices #worship #success #church #faith #sidexside #sidexsidepodcast #service #ministry #god #selfhelp #selfimprovement #growthmindset #potential

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have solo podcast where we discuss the false narrative that mental health struggles are a sign of weak faith. The truth is, God holds us in our depression and anxiety, granting us grace to clear the way. Our struggles are an opportunity to invite God in to do the holy restoration work of our souls. Hopefully this podcast uplifts you and encourages you!Please like/subscribe and follow the page for more content!Watch the latest Talks With Tatum video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afUPGYS9WA8&list=PLn30uXLlG2S7chzmSSJauSXlYaTM9_4AYFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkswithtatum1?lang=enFollow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088147357515Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalksWithTatum#podcast #podcasts #motivation #churchhurt #michaeltatum #therapy #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #growth #worship #success #church #faith #sidexside #sidexsidepodcast #service #ministry #god #selfhelp #selfimprovement #growthmindset #potential

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have solo podcast where we discuss the reality that sometimes it's hard to hear God speaking in our lives. We dive into how we can tune our ears to hear God's voice. Hopefully this podcast reminds you and encourages you!

Welcome to the Side X Side Podcast! Today we have the podcast guest I've been looking forward to since I first started the pod, my dad, Aaron Tatum. We talk about his upbringing, community parenting, his military service, the worry that comes along with having children, and what it means to truly live your life in service. I've been soaking up lesson for 30+ years and I hope that you can pick up a couple too! #podcast #podcasts #motivation #michaeltatum #growth #success #sidexside #sidexsidepodcast #service #growthmindset #potential #fatherhood #coaching #basketball #army #ranger #military #skydiving #parachute #fatherson