In this episode, Ken, Barney, and Jacob sit down with Steve Kalmeyer, a passionate volunteer in prison ministry whose journey of faith, empathy, and personal transformation leads him into Oklahoma's correctional centers. Steve shares how COVID sparked his call to serve, how authentic presence breaks down barriers, and why donuts, eye contact, and showing up truly matter. His stories, ranging from Thanksgiving invitations to movie nights and heartfelt conversations, highlight the humanity of those behind bars and the hope of restoration. Whether you’re curious about prison ministry or looking for inspiration to follow a quiet call in your own life, this episode offers a compelling and grace-filled glimpse into a world where lives are being changed from the inside out.

In this episode, Ken, Barney, and Jacob dive into themes of longing, meaning, and spiritual mystery through the lens of an unforgettable fish story from Northern Exposure Season 5, Episode 18.

Join Ken, Barney and Jacob as they share personal memories and highlights from their visits to Portland, Oregon, exploring iconic spots like the Japanese Gardens, Powell's Bookstore, alongside unique local events.

It’s that time of year—school’s out! In this episode, we chat about what the end of the school year means for students, teachers, and parents. We share stories from both sides of the classroom, dive into cultural differences between Japan and the US, and talk about why a good summer break matters for everyone. Come join us for reflections, laughs, and a little nostalgia about those last-day-of-school vibes.

Romance author Liz Johnson joins Ken and Barney to talk about her writing journey and the inspiration behind her Red Door Inn series. They explore her shift from romantic suspense to modern romance, the influence of real-life experiences on her characters, and how setting her stories in Prince Edward Island shapes everything.

Ken, Barney, and Jacob sit down with bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher to explore the story behind her new book, "Capture the Moment" and her deep love for storytelling, nature, and national parks. Suzanne shares insight into her character development process, the unique challenge of writing novellas, and how curiosity and reader engagement shape her stories.

In this Easter Sunday episode, Barney and Jacob explore Luke 24:1-12 and the breathtaking moment when the followers of Jesus arrive at the empty tomb. What does it mean to live in light of this moment and how might resurrection shape our priorities, expectations, and hope?

Barney and Jacob speak with author and photographer Meshali Mitchell about her journey of restoration and how she sees God at work in the world. From rebuilding her historic farmhouse to capturing beauty through her lens, Meshali reflects on how broken places can become sacred spaces. Her upcoming book, Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming Our Broken Places (Revell; April 15, 2025; $34.99; Cloth; ISBN 9780800746209; Ebook ISBN 9781493448579), invites readers into a deeper exploration of healing, beauty, and God's presence in every part of the process.

Barney and Jacob share their favorite moments from the Nintendo Museum in Japan, including rare consoles, interactive exhibits, and tips for anyone hoping to visit this one-of-a-kind destination.

In this episode, Barney and Ken talk with authors Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron about their journey as mentor and friend in the writing world. Lauraine reflects on her early publishing experiences, the role of editors, and the historical research behind her novels, while Kiersti shares how teaching internationally and living near the Navajo reservation shaped her storytelling. Together, they discuss their collaboration, the themes of Land of Dreams, and the challenges of crafting complex characters. Throughout, they explore how faith influences their writing and the power of stories to connect past and present.