The Story Partners Podcast

Dr. Francis Collins is a world-renowned physician-scientist who spent his career asking hard questions and searching for answers. Surrounded by colleagues who insisted faith had no place in science, he had rarely stopped to consider what he personally believed about God.

But as he unraveled the mysteries of human DNA, he began to see that science and faith might not be at odds after all. His journey led him to explore whether a deep commitment to reason, rigorous science, and belief in an all-powerful God could coexist.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

This is Season 4 | Episode 12, called: Discovering God through Science: The Dr. Francis Collins Story.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

Books by Dr. Francis Collins:

The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust

More about Dr. Francis Collins: Dr. Francis Collins is a physician-scientist.  Under his direction, the Human Genome Project produced the first finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book. 

From 2009 to 2021, Collins served under three Presidents as the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world.  His contributions to science, medicine, and society have been recognized by the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Templeton Prize.  

A former atheist, Collins became a Christian during his medical training, and wrote about that in a best-selling book, “The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief”.  

Subsequently he founded the BioLogos Foundation, to provide a meeting place for individuals interested in serious and civil discourse on the potential harmony between science and Christian faith. His most recent book is “The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust”.

Connect with Dr. Francis Collins online at: http://francisscollins.com/

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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From a young age, Miriam Chapman lived under a cloud of fear that left her feeling isolated, insecure, and alone. As she grew older, the sense that God was distant and silent only deepened her struggle, and she spiraled into self-harm and despair while searching for escape and for worth.

With her life beginning to unravel, Miriam fought to hold on to any scrap of hope. Just when the darkness seemed overwhelming, God met her in the middle of it—pulling her out of despair and slowly reshaping the way she understood herself, her story, and His presence in her life.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

This is Miriam Chapman in Season 4 | Episode 11, called: Becoming Me.

Content Warning:

This story deals with the topics of sexual abuse, suicide, and eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Links:

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Miriam’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

Apple Podcasts:

Connect with Story Partners:

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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Episode Description

Every one of us has something we’d rather keep in the dark. A sin from our past, a struggle we’re hiding, or something we’ve convinced ourselves isn’t really a problem. From the outside, everything may still look fine. But what happens when the secrets we keep begin to take over?

In this special bonus episode from our friends at the Compelled podcast, you’ll hear the story of Jeff Parker, a devoted husband, father, ministry leader, and businessman whose seemingly harmless love of poker slowly became an addiction that led to deception and a double life.

Jeff’s story isn’t about one catastrophic decision. It’s about a series of small choices to hide, justify, and delay confession, and the freedom that can come when what’s been kept in the dark is finally brought into the light.

Here’s My Double Life from Compelled.

Resources & Links:

Spotify:

Apple Podcasts:

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Jeff’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

Apple Podcasts:

Connect with Story Partners:

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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Hilda spent her childhood chasing healing, from hospitals to witchdoctors, desperate to escape the fate she feared most: a wheelchair. She thought she was cursed, abandoned by God. But in her brokenness, she discovered God’s love and a reason to be grateful for the very thing she once dreaded.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

We met Hilda through a mutual friend, and she is such a delight. The day we met her she was wearing a bright yellow shirt and her face was glowing. She had this huge, beautiful smile and just radiated joy. As you listen to her story, keep this picture of her in your mind. 

Hilda’s journey has not been an easy one, and it is far from over. Yet, through all the difficulty and uncertainties in her life, the Lord has given her incredible peace and joy. Getting the honor to meet Hilda personally made a huge impact on us, and we are so excited to get to share this story with you today.

This is Hilda Bih Muluh in Season 4 | Episode 10, called: Thank you, Lord, for the Wheelchair.

Content Warning:

While they are not the primary focus of this story, this episode does include references to witchcraft and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about Hilda Bih Muluh: Hilda Bih Muluh is a Cameroonian broadcaster diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at a young age, leading her to use a wheelchair. Inspired by the Gospel, she founded The Esther Project in 2014 to empower vulnerable individuals to reach their potential. A mouth painter, singer, author,and serves on the board of Accessible Hope International.  She now resides in Bladensburg, MD, USA.

Books by Hilda:

The Girl With Special Shoes: Miracles Don’t Always Look Like You’d Expect

Overflowing Gratitude: Making Gratitude a Part of Daily Life and Reaping Its Benefits

Connect with Hilda via email at: [email protected]

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Hilda’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story)

S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story)

S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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Devin Calhoun grew up homeless but surrounded by a family rich in love. As a young man with a passion for wrestling and philosophy, he began wrestling with life’s deepest questions and grew convinced that God didn’t exist. In college, Devin sharpened his arguments and set out to challenge anyone willing to defend Christianity.

But when a shocking family crisis turned his world upside down, the certainty he once held began to unravel. In the middle of fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions, Devin began to wonder if the God he had spent years arguing against might actually be the one holding everything together.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

Several weeks ago, in Episode 4 of this season, you heard from Connie Calhoun. Today, you’ll get to hear from her son.

This is Devin Calhoun in Season 4 | Episode 9, called: Wrestling with God: The Unlikely Pastor.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about Devin Calhoun: Devin Calhoun is a pastor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder who bridges faith and strategy to build resilient leaders and mission-driven organizations. Currently serving as Associate Minister at Good News in the Neighborhood, a church in the Chicago area, Devin is committed to compassionate community and sustainable impact.  

Connect with Devin online: https://www.devincalhoun.com/

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Devin’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S1 | E2: The Persistent Invitation (Graham Allen’s Story)

S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story)

S3 | E3: From The New Age to New Life (Jonathan Gray’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S1 | E2: The Persistent Invitation (Graham Allen’s Story)

S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story)

S3 | E3: From The New Age to New Life (Jonathan Gray’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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After a mental breakdown shatters her world, Heather Palacios begins piecing her life back together—and this time, she doesn’t have to do it alone.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

Today’s story is part one of a two-part story. If you haven’t heard part one of this story yet, go check that out before listening to this. 

Heather Palacios is in a fight for her life, one that she’s been in since she was 8 years old. At the end of our last episode, her life had spiraled out of control. Now, with her mind and body in shambles, Heather turns toward God and begins the process of putting her life back together… but now she’s not alone.

This is Heather Palacios in Season 4 | Episode 8 (Part 2), called: I’m Still Here.

Content Warning:

This story deals with themes of suicide, substance abuse, and mental illness. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about Heather Palacios: Heather is a passionate survivor and speaker who shares her 43-year journey with suicide to inspire hope and resilience to any audience, any where. Audiences laugh, cry, and leave equipped with real resources and the courage to keep going. Her mantra says it all: If I wake up breathing, that’s my proof to keep going.

Connect with Heather via email at: [email protected] 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the free 24 hour Life Line Number: 988. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential.

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Heather’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S3 | E9: Looking for Love (in all the wrong places) (Roberta Castillo’s Story)

S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story)

S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story)

S3 | E10: The Reflection in the Mirror (Joey Castillo’s Story)

S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story)

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S3 | E9: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places (Roberta Castillo’s Story)

S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story)

S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story)

S3 | E10: The Reflection in the Mirror (Joey Castillo’s Story)

S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story)

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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Bullied, broken, and longing to disappear, Heather Palacios nearly gave up on life. But in her darkest moments, God gave her something she never expected: a reason to stay. Now she’s on a mission to prove that no one fights alone. 

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

This is Heather Palacios in Season 4 | Episode 8 (Part 1), called: I’m Still Here.

Content Warning:

Today’s story centers on a struggle with suicide. While past episodes have mentioned suicide as part of someone’s journey, in this episode it is the primary battle, and some moments may be difficult or triggering for listeners.

Part of Heather Palacios’s story takes place in the 1980s, a time when bullying wasn’t widely talked about the way it is today. Along with being bullied at school, Heather was also facing instability at home and serious health challenges. The weight of these experiences led her into a deep fight to stay alive.

If suicide is part of your own story or the story of someone you love, we encourage you to pause and take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit whether this episode is right for you right now. This conversation also touches on bullying, substance use, and promiscuity. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about Heather Palacious: Heather is a passionate survivor and speaker who shares her 43-year journey with suicide to inspire hope and resilience to any audience, any where. Audiences laugh, cry, and leave equipped with real resources and the courage to keep going. Her mantra says it all: If I wake up breathing, that’s my proof to keep going.

Connect with Heather via email at: [email protected] 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the free 24 hour Life Line Number: 988. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential.

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Heather’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S3 | E9: Looking for Love (in all the wrong places) (Roberta Castillo’s Story)

S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story)

S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story)

S3 | E10: The Reflection in the Mirror (Joey Castillo’s Story)

S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story)

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S3 | E9: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places (Roberta Castillo’s Story)

S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story)

S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story)

S3 | E10: The Reflection in the Mirror (Joey Castillo’s Story)

S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story)

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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In the face of devastating loss and crushing responsibility, Rob reached his breaking point. With three family members gone, his church in shambles, and everyone looking for him for answers, he cried out to God for help. But the answer he got was not what he wanted…

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

This story comes from family friends of ours. It is such a joy to be able to share their story. First of all, because they are incredibly genuine, faith-filled people. Also because we think this topic of burnout is something we encounter so often in our society. Rob and Jen do an amazing job of bringing us into their story of grief, loss and ultimately, hope.

This is Season 4 | Episode 7, called: UnRest: Finding Peace Amidst Loss, Grief and Burnout.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about the Schwinges: After ten years of marriage, two kids, numerous losses of loved ones, and more difficult seasons in ministry than they could count, Rob and Jen found themselves weary and wondering how they would be able to keep going. Little did they know that when they reached the end of their rope, God had already begun their restoration journey. In the following years with God’s strength and leading, they made the decision to intentionally retreat and refocus their hearts on who God created them to be and how He wanted them to live out their callings in everyday life. Through their restoration journey, they found healing, hope, and a passion to help others that are just like them.

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Rob and Jen’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal’s Story)

S2 | E4: Nothing to Prove (Daniel Mueller’s Story)

S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story)

S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story)

S1 | E3: You Want Me to do WHAT? (Suzie Brown’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal’s Story)

S2 | E4: Nothing to Prove (Daniel Mueller’s Story)

S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story)

S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story)

S1 | E3: You Want Me to do WHAT? (Suzie Brown’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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Natasha Perryman was a young girl full of fears, unsure of the world around her. Then a call from God sent her on a journey of adoption, global missions, and tests of faith she never could have imagined.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

Many of you may know that adoption is a big part of our [Walt and Annie’s] personal story. We have two daughters through adoption and I love getting to hear other peoples’ adoption stories.

Our guest today, Natasha Perryman, shares her personal journey of growing her family through adoption, but even more than that, she is sharing her story of hearing God speak and following Him into a life she could have never imagined.

This is Natasha Perryman in Season 4 | Episode 6, called: “Where You Lead, I Will Follow”.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about Natasha Perryman: After growing their family through the gift of adoption and serving as emergency foster parents, Adam and Natasha Perryman followed God’s lead from Oklahoma into cross-cultural missions. Over the last thirteen years, they have served in Uganda, Russia, and Germany, developing a deep appreciation for the people and diversity of each country. Natasha enjoys planning events, cooking for her family, and taking prayer walks in the Black Forest.

Connect With Natasha via email: [email protected]

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Natasha’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story)

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story)

S3 | E11: All In! (Erik Brown’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story)

S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story)

S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story)

S3 | E11: All In! (Erik Brown’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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Eric Peacock was a preacher’s kid, raised under the shadow of a man who was one person in the pulpit and another behind closed doors. In public, his father was a model of faith but at home, he was abusive, justifying his violence in God’s name. Confused, hurt, and angry, Eric began to question everything he had been taught and set out on a journey to confront the God he thought he knew.

Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too!

Often we see God through the lens of our earthly father. Eric Peacock certainly did and it’s no wonder he was so confused about who God really was. Eric’s dad was a pastor, preaching behind the pulpit each week, convincing everyone that he was a godly man. But behind closed doors, it was a completely different story…

In today’s story, we’ll follow Eric’s journey as he begins to learn, against all odds, who God is, and what God really thinks of him… 

This is Eric Peacock in Season 4 | Episode 5, called: “The Punisher behind the Pulpit: My Father’s Hidden Hand”.

Content Warning:

This story deals with themes of domestic child abuse, gang violence and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Links:

Transcript: Click Here to Read

More about Eric Peacock: Eric Peacock works in Information Technology and serves as an elder and Youth Director at his church. He is also a drummer on the worship team and is currently completing seminary, with graduation expected in October 2026. Eric has shared the gospel with inmates and youth in correctional and mental health facilities and is passionate about encouraging, inspiring, and helping bring gospel-centered transformation to the lives of the broken.

We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way.

Recommended Episodes: If you liked Eric’s story, listen to these next…

Spotify:

S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story)

S3 | E9: Looking for Love (in all the wrong places) (Roberta Castillo’s Story)

S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story)

S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story)

Apple Podcasts:

S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story)

S3 | E9: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places (Roberta Castillo’s Story)

S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story)

S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story)

Connect with Story Partners:

Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms

Website: www.StoryPartners.org 

Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry

Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE

Producers: Walt and Annie Manis

Editor: Walt Manis

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