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A simple breakfast with a few close friends took an unexpected turn when the server brought the check and casually applied a senior discount to my meal. What followed was not embarrassment, but a surprising moment of clarity. That small, unexpected gesture became the spark for deeper reflection about the passing of time, the gift of age, and the reality that not everyone is given the privilege of growing old.

In this episode, I share a personal story that opened the door to some heartfelt memories of friends who are no longer here. As I sat in that booth, surrounded by laughter and pancakes, I couldn’t help but think of those who didn’t get to grow gray or receive discounts because their lives were cut short. It made me pause and consider what Scripture has been saying all along.

Psalm 90:12 asks God to teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are like a morning fog, here for a little while and then gone. And Psalm 39:4 echoes that plea; Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.

This episode is about more than aging. It is a reflection on how fragile life really is, and how important it is to live each day with perspective, gratitude, and purpose. If you've ever found yourself wondering where the time has gone or struggling with the reality of loss, this story may meet you right where you are.

Let this moment remind you: life is short, but it is also sacred. Use it wisely.

If you enjoyed this show, please subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and fellow worshippers. Stay connected for more engaging discussions and stories as we continue in this walk of real faith in real time.
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***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

This episode marks the beginning of what will be a recurring type of installment wherein I talk to composers, producers, musicians and everything in between; showcasing great music you might not have heard of yet.

For this inaugural run , I have the honor of introducing you to Spencer Boliou. He's a producer/performer of some of my favorite music. We discuss his creative evolution from a young kid who dabbled in music to a man who loves God and wants to use his talent to honor God with such good music.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Spencer, please subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and fellow worshippers. Stay connected for more engaging discussions and stories as we continue in this walk of real faith in real time.

***
Please consider supporting the The Nook Podcast financially by clicking here: 

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful conclusion to our 4-part series on pornography addiction, I sit down with Mike and Erin to discuss where they are in their healing journey. They share how they are working together daily to rebuild trust, restore their fractured marriage, and navigate the long road of recovery with faith and perseverance.

Pornography may seem harmless to some, but its impact on mental health, relationships, and faith is profound. Through open and honest conversation, we explore the hidden consequences of addiction and the importance of seeking God holistically, being truthful with ourselves and vulnerable with trusted community.

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and encouragement for anyone seeking freedom and restoration.

Episode-related resources:

If you are looking for help with unhealthy sexual behavior, please check out Pure Desire. Their mission is to provide hope, freedom and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ.

Also, the “I Am Second” organization has teamed up with Joshua Broome to make a free, on-line study available; 10 Steps to Get Freedom From Pornography.

XXXchurch was one of the first organizations to take the problem of pornography head on, even when others chose to ignore it. They have great resources and connections available for those needing help.

Opening theme song; "Walk in the Valley" by Ross King
©2022 Ross King Music - Used with special permission
Lyrics:
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm
There’s a peace deep inside me
That can outlast any war
I have faced the dark and the danger
They can’t scare me anymore
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm

If you enjoyed this conversation with Mike and Erin, please subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and fellow worshippers. Stay connected for more engaging discussions and stories as we continue in this walk of real faith in real time.

***
Please consider supporting the The Nook Podcast financially by clicking here:


***

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

In the third installment of this honest and necessary series, we take a deeper look beneath the surface of pornography addiction, not just the behavior, but the brokenness that fuels it. I’m honored to be joined by Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries, an organization committed to helping men, women, and couples find lasting freedom from sexual addiction through the healing power of Jesus Christ.

Nick brings a powerful mix of personal experience and professional insight to this conversation, helping us understand what’s really going on in the mind and heart of someone caught in addiction. We talk about why willpower alone is never enough, how shame keeps people trapped, and how the brain is rewired through both sin and healing. Nick unpacks the emotional, spiritual, and neurological realities behind this struggle, and offers hope that freedom is possible.

This episode isn’t just for those battling addiction. It’s for spouses who feel confused and betrayed. It’s for pastors and leaders who want to better care for people in the fight. It’s for anyone who believes that grace is stronger than guilt and that no one is too far gone for God to redeem.

If you or someone you love is struggling with pornography, don’t miss this conversation. Healing is real. Recovery is possible. And the journey to freedom begins in Christ.

Episode-related resources:

If you are looking for help with unhealthy sexual behavior, please check out Pure Desire. Their mission is to provide hope, freedom and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ.

Also, the “I Am Second” organization has teamed up with Joshua Broome to make a free, on-line study available; 10 Steps to Get Freedom From Pornography.

XXXchurch was one of the first organizations that took on the problem of pornography head on, even when others chose to ignore it. They have great resources and connections available for those needing help.

Opening theme song; "Walk in the Valley" by Ross King
©2022 Ross King Music - Used with special permission
Lyrics:
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm
There’s a peace deep inside me
That can outlast any war
I have faced the dark and the danger
They can’t scare me anymore
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm

***

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

***If you haven't listened to part 1 of this series, it is highly advised that you do so. Certain portions of this episode would lack contest without hearing the first show.

There are always two sides to every story, each carrying weight, each carrying wounds. In this powerful second installment of the series, we shift the focus to Erin, the wife of Mike, whose secret struggle with pornography nearly destroyed their marriage.

From the outside, their life looked like something you’d see at church on a Sunday morning, dating, marriage, raising kids. It all seemed normal. They looked like a strong couple. But behind the smiles and routines, there were questions Erin was asking, and answers she wasn’t getting.

She had asked Mike directly, more than once, if he struggled with pornography. Every time, he said no. But that wasn't the truth. And what Erin didn’t know was slowly eroding the foundation of their marriage.

In this episode, Erin vulnerably shares what it was like to live in that tension: the confusion, the hurt, the eventual discovery and the choice she had to make when everything came crashing down. This isn’t just a story about betrayal. It’s about resilience, heartbreak, faith, and what it looks like to fight for something even when trust has been broken.

If you’ve ever been on the other side of someone’s hidden sin or if you’re in a marriage that feels stuck in silence this conversation is for you.

Episode-related resources:

The entire message from Pastor Mike Todd that was mentioned in this show.

If you are looking for help with unhealthy sexual behavior, please check out Pure Desire. Their mission is to provide hope, freedom and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ.

Also, the “I Am Second” organization has teamed up with Joshua Broome to make a free, on-line study available; 10 Steps to Get Freedom From Pornography.

XXXchurch was one of the first organizations that took on the problem of pornography head on, even when others chose to ignore it. They have great resources and connections available for those needing help.

Opening theme song; "Walk in the Valley" by Ross King
©2022 Ross King Music - Used with special permission
Lyrics:
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm
There’s a peace deep inside me
That can outlast any war
I have faced the dark and the danger
They can’t scare me anymore
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm

***

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

Pornography addiction is a silent struggle affecting millions, nearly 70% of men and 25% of women wrestle with it, and the numbers don’t change much within the church.

In this powerful series, we introduce you to Mike, a man whose addiction to porn started in high school, and his wife, Erin, who once believed this was never an issue in their marriage. In this first episode, Mike bravely shares his journey, from his first exposure to pornography as a young boy to the full-blown addiction that followed him into adulthood.

Believing it was just a phase he would outgrow, Mike never imagined the grip it would have on his life or the heartbreaking impact his confession would have on Erin. Join us as we dive into his raw and honest story, exploring the deep struggles of addiction, the consequences of secrecy, and the hope of healing and restoration.

Episode-related resources:

The entire message from Pastor Mike Todd that was mentioned in this episode.

If you are looking for help with unhealthy sexual behavior, please check out Pure Desire. Their mission is to provide hope, freedom and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ.

Also, the “I Am Second” organization has teamed up with Joshua Broome to make a free, on-line study available; 10 Steps to Get Freedom From Pornography.

XXXchurch was one of the first organizations that took on the problem of pornography head on, even when others chose to ignore it. They have great resources and connections available for those needing help.

Opening theme song; "Walk in the Valley" by Ross King
©2022 Ross King Music - Used with special permission
Lyrics:
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm
There’s a peace deep inside me
That can outlast any war
I have faced the dark and the danger
They can’t scare me anymore
I was made to walk in the valley 
I was built to stand in the storm

***

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, it is such an honor to have Amie Patrick join me to conclude the series of shows titled, Personal Jesus; No Cookie Cutter Faith.

In the past seven years, Amie has dealt with so much adversity, most of which was very publicized. In this discussion, she chronicles so much of what went on in three major losses. I believe you will be encouraged to lean heavily into Jesus when nothing in your life seems to make sense.

***

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode in a round-about-way, I get to pay homage to a group of women that often go unnoticed; our pastor's wife. I have the honor of introducing you to Annie D'Amico. She is a Nursing Director, mother of 2, and for the purposes of this episode, a pastor's wife. I reached out to her because she has built a following just north of 122,000 people on TikTok where shares quite a bit about her very real day-to-day life. No pasted on smiles or fancy dresses; Just Annie... and I really appreciate that. 

***

Donating to support The Nook financially is safe and easy via the link below:

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to The Nook Podcast, where we explore stories of faith, hope, and redemption. In this episode, we are joined by Michael Ray Lewis. Michael grew up as an Atheist and his disbelief in God continued until the age of 26 when his wife told him she felt like Jesus was calling her back. Michael began asking questions about science and evolution that were difficult for many Christians to answer. However, digging deeper, he found out about Christian Apologetics and resources offering evidences for God’s existence.

Michael also shares information about a film he is currently producing, titled Universe Designed. This is a documentary that will explore some of the evidences for God’s existence. With interviews from some of the world’s top Christian apologists, such as Dr. Frank Turek and Dr. Hugh Ross, this film will present a few of Christianity’s best arguments. As a former atheist, director Michael Ray Lewis has since discovered these evidences and given his life to Jesus. This has compelled Michael to share the information he has discovered with the world.

Check out the trailer for Universe Designed.

***
Donating to support The Nook financially is safe and easy via the link below:

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111

Send us Fan Mail

***WARNING***
This episode does contain some explicit language. In other words, make sure the kiddos aren't around or you have a good pair of earbuds.

In this episode, I get to introduce you to Joey Papa. His story is one of pain, loss, and amazing redemption.

Check out Joey's podcast, The Failed Christian.

***
This link allows you to support The Nook financially: 

***

Hey friends, this has been on my heart for a long time…

I’ve wanted to add a charity component to The Nook Podcast—a way for this community to rally together and actually make a difference in the lives of hurting people.

And I can’t think of a better recipient than Crisis Aid International.

Together, we can be the light in the darkest places.

Support the show

Questions or comments can be sent to [email protected]

Join The Nook Facebook page!

Steven's Social Media:
Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Your financial support means so much!
Venmo: @Steven-Murphy-111