The Walk Family Podcast

What happens when life takes something precious from you, forever altering your path? In this deeply moving episode of the Walk Family Podcast, Tony introduces "Seasons of Despair," featuring fathers Ben and Lee who share their journeys through profound grief and overwhelming stress.

Ben vulnerably recounts losing multiple children – first through miscarriage and then his son Atticus at 39 weeks, just days before his due date. "I remember in that moment it was almost like something washed over me... my previous life is gone and I'm entering into something completely different now," he shares. Ben describes grief as "a ball bouncing in a box" with a button that triggers waves of emotion – initially the box is small and the button is hit constantly, but gradually the box expands, giving more space between those intense moments of pain.

Lee offers a different perspective on despair through a business venture that nearly bankrupted his family despite prayer and careful planning. Both men arrive at a powerful insight: identifying the "core lie" behind our pain is crucial to finding hope. These lies – that God doesn't love us or isn't aware of our struggles – must be confronted with truth, often with support from community and scripture.

The conversation reveals that choosing hope isn't denying what causes despair, but rather carrying that burden differently – allowing God to carry both us and our pain. As Ben beautifully puts it, "It's not just the surrender of it. I can't get rid of the heaviness and the pain... but letting God take you in his arms and he's carrying that too with you as you're carrying it."

Are you struggling with grief or overwhelming stress? This episode offers not just comfort in shared experiences but practical wisdom for the journey forward. Join the conversation and discover how faith can illuminate even the darkest seasons of life.

Lee Miles: (919)-559-0585

Ben Puckett: (989)-430-1963

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Three fathers sit down for an intimate conversation about the peaks and valleys of parenthood in this powerful exploration of fatherhood through the lens of faith. Lee Miles shares his evolution as a father of four, describing how each child brought unique challenges that revealed his own spiritual growth—from anxious over-providing with his first to peaceful trust by his fourth. "God, I got this," he reflects on his current mindset, "What I think and what I believe... Lord, you're so much more than that."

Ben Puckett offers a heartbreaking yet hope-filled perspective as he navigates being "a father to four but getting to be a father to one." After experiencing the loss of three children at different stages, he speaks candidly about parenting his six-year-old daughter while grieving, and how her questions about heaven create profound opportunities to share faith. His vulnerability illuminates the reality that fatherhood sometimes includes devastating loss.

The conversation delves into how marriage relationships transform after children arrive. Both men emphasize the importance of intentionally cultivating friendship with their wives amid the demands of parenting—whether through planned outings, shared activities, or simply creating space to connect beyond discussions about children. As Ben puts it, "I just want to feel like we're friends together."

At the heart of this episode lies a powerful reminder: "Good things will take from best things." The fathers discuss how easy it is for their identity to become wrapped up in fatherhood rather than in Christ, and how discipleship—not just discipline—creates opportunities to point children toward Jesus. This distinction becomes particularly poignant when walking children through difficult realities like death and loss.

Whether you're a new parent, a seasoned father, or someone walking alongside those experiencing the rollercoaster of parenthood, this conversation offers wisdom, comfort, and a reminder that even in seasons of despair, there remains an unshakable hope that transforms how we parent, love, and live.

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A devastating fall down a flight of stairs left Scott with a fractured skull in three places, unable to walk or talk, and doctors offering no hope for recovery. His remarkable journey from severe traumatic brain injury to complete healing reveals powerful insights about neurological health in our increasingly toxic world.

Scott's background as an international educator in functional medicine positioned him uniquely to understand his own recovery when traditional treatments failed. Through connections with pioneering neurologists and his own determined research, he discovered specific compounds that rebuilt his brain function when conventional medicine had no solutions. The spiritual dimension of his healing journey proves equally compelling—finding profound faith precisely when he lost everything else in his life.

What began as a personal recovery story has evolved into an urgent warning about environmental toxins. Scott now treats numerous patients exhibiting traumatic brain injury symptoms despite never experiencing physical trauma. The culprit? Our daily exposure to approximately 2,000 chemicals that can breach the blood-brain barrier, creating neuroinflammation that mirrors concussion symptoms. Many of these substances—banned in the EU but still permitted in the US—are hiding in everyday items like plastic containers, processed foods, and personal care products.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Scott explains "leaky brain" syndrome, where toxins compromise the brain's protective barrier, triggering immune responses that attack neural tissue. This inflammation manifests as brain fog, anxiety, concentration problems, mood swings, and cognitive decline—issues increasingly common yet frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed.

Whether you're recovering from a brain injury, struggling with unexplained neurological symptoms, or simply want to protect your cognitive health in our chemical-laden environment, Scott offers practical, accessible strategies anyone can implement. From understanding plastic safety numbers to selecting specific brain-protective supplements, his approach empowers listeners with actionable steps toward better brain health.

Visit mybrainmechanic.com to learn more about Scott's work and free Thursday consultations for those seeking neurological health support.

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A straight-A student with a stable family background doesn't fit the typical addiction stereotype, yet Courtney Propper's life crumbled with shocking speed once substances took hold. Her raw testimony reveals how college experimentation rapidly escalated to methamphetamine addiction, multiple arrests, and ultimately losing custody of her young daughter.

"From September to December I've just been doing meth," Courtney explains, "my addiction to this substance was not even a year long thing. It dragged me down that quick." What makes her story particularly powerful is how quickly methamphetamine destroyed everything she cared about, transforming from smoking to injecting within just months.

The crushing moment when Child Protective Services removed her daughter serves as the emotional center of Courtney's testimony. Yet even this devastating loss wasn't immediately enough to break addiction's hold. It took multiple arrests, jail time, and the realization she was rapidly approaching death before surrender became possible.

Courtney doesn't sugarcoat the difficult road back. Her recovery journey stretched over four years before regaining custody of her daughter—time she now recognizes was necessary to build a solid foundation. "If I had got my daughter back when I thought that I needed her back, there's a 99.9% chance I probably would have relapsed," she reflects, acknowledging divine timing in her restoration process.

Now married, sober, and raising her daughter with a renewed faith foundation, Courtney's testimony offers hope that even from the darkest places, complete transformation is possible. Her vulnerability in sharing these painful chapters creates a powerful reminder that addiction doesn't discriminate, but neither does the opportunity for redemption.

You can connect with Courtney at [email protected]

The One Brought Back by Courtney Proper

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What happens when life's storms feel unrelenting, but hope and humor shine through? Our episode today features Terry, whose journey from the ICU to battling cancer is a testament to resilience powered by faith. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Terry's upbringing instilled a strong spiritual foundation, allowing him to find laughter even amidst adversity, like imagining popcorn popping on his fevered chest. His story not only touches on his health challenges but also highlights the emotional pulse of his family, especially his military-serving daughter.

Listeners will hear personal accounts of strength in the face of a melanoma diagnosis that came at 51, stories of daunting treatments, and the crucial role of loved ones during such times. The journey of enduring severe side effects and making heart-wrenching decisions, like dealing with the consequences of aggressive cancer treatments, is shared candidly. The narrative also touches on the emotional weight of navigating personal health alongside family responsibilities, demonstrating the power of support and faith.

As we wrap up, we reflect on how personal trials often lead to profound self-discovery and a deeper connection with one's faith. The conversation explores how facing life's challenges head-on can illuminate purpose and meaning, with insights like the Navy SEALs' 40% rule offering motivational guidance. We also introduce our new serial format, promising a deeper dive into these heartfelt stories with each episode, and encourage listeners to stay connected for more insights, inspiration, and updates on upcoming projects.

https://www.motivationalcheck.com/

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 You can connect with Tony and Laura at
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What happens when the children we love and nurture veer off the path we envisioned for them? Join us this episode as Tony and I confront the emotional challenges of parenting, alongside our insightful guests. We share personal stories about the heartache of watching children face difficulties or reject core family values. Through heartfelt conversations, we explore tailored approaches to discipline and guidance, recognizing that each child—whether an eight-year-old or a toddler—requires unique strategies. The importance of community and shared experiences shines through, offering solace and perspective for those tough parenting moments.

Parenthood can be an overwhelming journey, especially as we tackle the chaos and demands of raising young children. We unpack the emotional toll it takes on both parents, acknowledging how clutter and constant demands can lead to feelings of despair. The discussion highlights the different stages of parenting, from the early days with a newborn to the energetic toddler years, and how parents can support each other through these times. By emphasizing spousal support and the need for open communication, we offer strategies for couples to manage their emotions and find balance amid the chaos.

Turning to faith during moments of deep despair is a recurring theme throughout our conversation. Whether dealing with a child's loss or their departure from shared beliefs, the solace found in prayer and scripture is invaluable. We reflect on Jesus's experience of despair in the Garden of Gethsemane, highlighting the power of prayer as demonstrated by his example. As we introduce our winter 2025 series, "Seasons of Despair," listeners are invited to stay connected through our website and newsletter for ongoing support and insights. Let's journey together, finding hope and strength in faith and community as we navigate the ups and downs of parenthood.

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This episode dives deep into the complex realities of spiritual dryness, exploring how life’s challenges can lead us to feel disconnected from God. Tony and Laura share personal experiences, practical strategies, and biblical wisdom to support listeners on their journey through despair while reminding them they are not alone.

• Defining spiritual dryness as personal feelings of emptiness and distance from God 
• Discussing the impact of life circumstances on spiritual health 
• Exploring the importance of community for spiritual renewal 
• Recognizing envy and its impact on our relationships and faith 
• Encouraging confession and forgiveness as pathways to healing 
• Using biblical metaphors to illustrate spiritual growth and barrenness 
• Providing actionable steps to nurture faith despite difficult seasons 

If you're interested, be sure to connect with us on our website, thewalkfm.com, for more resources and updates!

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 You can connect with Tony and Laura at
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Could an addiction that starts from curiosity lead to a profound spiritual transformation? Join us as Jake Kastleman, the founder of No More Desire, opens up about his journey overcoming pornography addiction, beginning as a teenager in a home already familiar with addiction’s shadows due to his father's work. Jake's story is one of struggle, revelation, and redemption, offering invaluable insights into the societal and personal impacts of pornography, including its ties to human trafficking and its emotional toll on men. His experience illustrates the stark realities of addiction and serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths.

Our conversation doesn't stop at personal stories; it extends to the healing power of integrating psychological tools and faith-based practices. Discover how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and parts work, when combined with spiritual practices, can become powerful allies in the journey to recovery. By fostering self-awareness and compassion and seeking strength from a higher power, individuals can forge a resilient path towards healing. The key, we find, lies in open communication and the support of trusted relationships, providing a foundation for lasting change.

The episode crescendos with a deep dive into the intensive recovery programs that Jake champions, breaking down the illusions of quick fixes and highlighting the importance of a committed, holistic approach. Jake sheds light on how these programs address both the emotional roots and lifestyle changes necessary for overcoming addiction, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's motivations and emotional needs. We also reveal an exciting shift in our podcast format, promising more engaging content and opportunities for connection. Listen in for a compelling journey of understanding, empathy, and empowerment, as we explore these vital topics and invite you to take part in the conversation.


https://www.nomoredesire.com/

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 You can connect with Tony and Laura at
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Hope and resilience shine through as Christine shares her harrowing experience with breast cancer, revealing how despair can lead to unexpected growth and purpose. Her story emphasizes the importance of community support and faith in overcoming life's greatest challenges.
• Christine recounts her modeling career and personal insecurities
• Contemplation of suicide shortly after diagnosis
• Shift from external to internal faith during illness
• The invaluable role of community support throughout her journey
• Importance of vulnerability and accepting help from others
• Transformation into a mentor for others battling illness
• The power of storytelling and a hopeful message in the upcoming film

Walk Beside Me: A Novel

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 You can connect with Tony and Laura at
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Marriage can often feel like a rollercoaster of highs and lows, where disappointment and despair loom large, but there is hope. Tony and Laura explore their personal trials, share profound insights from experience, and highlight the significance of faith in overcoming marital struggles.

• Reflecting on the challenges of marriage over time 
• The vital role of communication in resolving conflicts 
• Disappointment versus despair: understanding the differences 
• Cling to the promises of God during tough times 
• The importance of seeking God together in marriage 
• The value of lamentation and expressing our struggles 
• Encouragement to learn from one another and grow through trials 
• Building a strong foundation of faith as a couple 
• The transformative power of community support 
• Recognizing that marriage is a journey, not just a destination

Support the show

 You can connect with Tony and Laura at
[email protected]
Twitter (X) @TonySmith4520
https://www.thewalkfm.com/

Newsletter and Prayer and Promises Access

You can support Tony and Laura https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tonysmith


Thanks for listening and supporting our show!