Michael Zwaagstra’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. From dropping out of university after realizing science wasn’t for him, to becoming a brash young councilor, he’s learned the hard way how failure can shape a leader. A teacher for over 25 years, author, and Deputy Mayor of Steinbach, Michael now seeks the PC nomination for MLA. He shares how his experience in education, politics, and community work equips him to bring thoughtful, collaborative leadership and fresh perspective to the role.Connect Michael: https://michaelzwaagstra.ca-The Azariah Podcast is where real people share real stories that challenge you, shape you, and change you. Hosted by Pedro Wolf, this show dives into the journeys, struggles, and experiences of people from all walks of life.Recorded at the Wolf’s Media Studio, this podcast reflects the same commitment to authentic, documentary-style storytelling that defines Wolf’s Media.-Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/The_AZARIAH_PODCAST-Subscribe for conversations that actually matter.-#YourStoryMatters #TheAzariahPodcast #reallifestories #Podcast #Storytelling #Leadership #WolfMedia #CommunityStories

James Kautz had it all figured out. Raised Free Methodist, accepted Jesus at 5, headed to Bible school for ministry. Then he joined The Challenge Team and met Catholics who shattered everything he thought he knew.

They were born again. Reading their Bibles. Living it out. Everything he believed about Catholics was wrong.

What happened next cost him family relationships but gave him something he never expected. Over several years, God dismantled his objections one by one, showing him the Biblical roots of Catholic teaching. In 1998, he converted.

Today, James directs pastoral services for 85 parishes in the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface. But the journey from Bible college dropout to Catholic leader wasn't straightforward. Customer service manager. Missionary family during COVID. Nine children. And a heart for the one thing that still drives him: Christian unity.

This is what obedience looks like when it costs everything.

In this episode:

• The moment Catholics stopped being "the other"

• What the Bible actually says about Church authority

• Converting while raising a family

• Why he's building bridges back to evangelicals

Connect with us: [Your Linktree]

Connect with James Kautz: [Guest Linktree]

In this episode, Jen Siran shares her journey as a parent of a child born with congenital heart disease. She talks about the challenges of navigating pediatric cardiac care, writing When Your World Stops, creating Caregiver’s Corner, and using storytelling to help families find hope, resilience, and community. Jen also discusses her work with Co-Created and how sharing stories can heal, connect, and inspire caregivers facing overwhelming circumstances.

About The Azariah Podcast:

The Azariah Podcast is an interview-driven show hosted by Pedro Wolf, featuring honest conversations with people from all walks of life. Each episode explores real stories, ideas, and experiences that shape our world, with a focus on personal growth, values, industry, and community.

• 🔗 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/The_AZARIAH_PODCAST

• Guest Info: 🔗 Connect with Jen Siran: https://linktr.ee/caregivers.corner

  
  

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#YourStoryMatters 

#AzariahPodcast 
#reallifestories

What do you do when you wake up one morning unable to speak—and everything you've built starts crumbling around you?

For Candy Dyck, a thriving worship leader managing 170+ volunteers, 2020 brought a health crisis that stripped away her entire lifestyle. The diagnosis required a three-year journey across Canada for answers. The guilt was crushing. The questions were relentless: Was God punishing me? What did I do wrong?

But in the rubble of her old life, something extraordinary began to grow.

In this episode, Candy shares how:

• A devastating health crisis forced her out of ministry and into complete uncertainty
• Wrestling with God (like Job) became her lifeline through the darkest questions
• A name she'd chosen 12-15 years earlier suddenly made sense in ways that gave her chills
• A shaded garden planted with expired seeds defied all logic and now feeds hundreds
• Her "breakdown" became the very credential she needed to serve her community

Today, Candy is a certified holistic nutritionist running an abundant garden that shouldn't exist, launching a podcast for women with chronic illness, and discovering that sometimes our greatest calling is hidden inside our deepest loss.

If you've ever felt disqualified by your struggles or wondered if your pain has purpose, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about God's timing.

Connect with Candy:

• Website: scatters.ca (launching January 1st)
• Instagram: @scattershomestead and @naturallycandy
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@scattershomestead

Steinbach firefighter and paramedic Russ Reimer opens up about 25 years of service, mental-health realities in first-responder life, and a powerful moment of encountering God in the mountains. A grounded conversation on leadership, resilience, and what shapes a life of service.

Links mentioned in the Video

• The Kidney transplant Movie: https://youtu.be/IctfN04uAWg?si=Iw9AAkm6Tf5QrMhd

• Russ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russreimer5353?igsh=aDBhNmFtdTQzZHF4

• We See You: https://youtube.com/@weseeyoupeersupport?si=IjUcJ2R63O7TvYlK