The Well Said Podcast

It can be an interesting thought experiment to think about real historic events and the Hollywood films that were inspired by them.

Top Gun (and even Top Gun: Maverick) are well known and beloved films inspired by real people and real events. The flying is cinematic, thrilling, and expertly choreographed—but it’s presented in a story that’s built for entertainment and inspiration.

Real life as was experienced by Rich Allen is entirely different.

Flying the Douglas A4 Skyhawk wasn’t a movie set; it was a high stakes reality for Rich and his crew members. Carrier operations were some of the most demanding aspects of aviation, let alone the additional pressures of combat missions. Each launch and landing of aircraft carried its own risks. Each mission came with its own uncertainties. As cinematic as it can all sound, what makes stories like Rich’s stand out isn’t the adrenaline or the skill, it’s the cost that was experienced by him and his crew.

From experiencing the loss of two close friends to surviving a plane crash to the multitude of other sacrifices that Rich made, real life is more than the thrill that movies focus on. There are consequences and the weighty responsibility to carry on despite hardship.

Rich’s story is nothing short of inspiring and engaging and you won’t want to miss what he has to share.

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Music has become a big part of our culture for a multitude of reasons: escapism, validation, motivation, focus, etc. For Christians, music serves a greater purpose, renewing the mind, declaring truth over temptation, and bringing people together to worship. Many find themselves listening to song after song, artist after artist, and playlist after playlist. All on a daily basis. And many have become passionate about the music they consume, claiming loyalty to specific genres or artists.

However, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes of streaming your favorite song on the way to work or in the midst of emotional turmoil. On this episode, Jonathan Duff pulls back the curtain and takes us back stage to discover the immense amount of work it takes to release even one song. Despite being a newer artist, Jonathan has a lot to share from his experience writing songs and the labor of love that it is releasing music for an audience. You’ll learn some of the challenges song writers face, what the process of publishing music looks like, the reality of performing for an audience, and so much more!

Whether or not you listen to Christian music, this episode will be an engaging one that you won’t want to miss!

Connect with Jonathan on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jonathanduff_worship/?hl=en

Listen to Jonathan on Spotify:

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Money is something we all use, but not everyone knows how to manage it with an eternal perspective. In this episode, Rex and Mary talk about what biblical stewardship really looks like. It’s easy to fall into the trap of hoarding for our own security, but God calls us to a standard of generosity toward others and the church. Whether you are a young person just starting out or are already established in your finances, this episode is for you!

Resources:

Budget App

Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

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On this episode, Bella is joined by two friends to dive into some of the most controversial and opinionated topics out there. From the never ending debate over pineapple on pizza, to altar calls, to whether Crocs are actually cute or just comfortable, nothing is off limits. They also share their thoughts on people kissing in public and touch on plenty of other hot takes along the way. With lots of laughs, strong opinions, and playful debate, this episode is perfect if you are looking for a good laugh or just curious to hear where they stand on some surprisingly divisive topics.

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In 2022, Bella started the Well Said Podcast, and after 3 years of posting, she ended 2025 releasing the podcast’s 50th episode. In these 3 years, people have asked many questions relating to the podcast, such as: why did you start it, what do you hope to see long term with the podcast, is the podcast a full time job, and so many more. On this episode, Bella celebrates the milestone of 50 episodes as well as answers some of the most asked questions. There is so much to look forward to on the Well Said Podcast. Many more exciting guests and interesting topics—so whether you have been listening consistently or you listen periodically, you’ll want to stick around for all the things to come!

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Elsie shares in this episode how the Lord worked in her life from a young age to bring her out of her many years of depression and self pity. She recounts the Lord’s faithfulness as she shares the change that she has seen since she gave her life fully to the Lord. She testifies of the sovereign hand and grace of God to bring her through a dark and painful time. She talks about what it’s like to feel real joy for the first time. This episode will stir and encourage you whether you’ve struggled with depression or not.

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The historical story of Christmas is likely one of the most important stories ever told. It’s one of the most beautiful examples of God’s sovereignty as every detail prophesied thousands of years earlier came true in the little story we tend to revisit during this time of year. However, it’s easy to take this story for granted and to not stop and meditate on the significance of the events of Christmas.

Additionally, many of the aspects we know and love about Christmas may not actually be as biblically accurate as you may have thought. As tends to happen with many things in society, this holiday has morphed into something that isn’t always an accurate reflection of what we as followers of Christ are celebrating. Did Mary and Joseph really ride a donkey to Bethlehem? Were Mary and Joseph turned away from the inn? What prompted the wisemen’s appearance"?

All these topics and more are talked about on this podcast episode!

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this episode will be an eyeopening one for you as you consider and appreciate the details of Christ’s birth.

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In today’s fast-paced world, many children are missing out on the vital chance to explore, create, and learn through failure. Laura loves to be able to see children apply their unique skills to start businesses, serve their communities, and bless their churches. She shares about how she started her own businesses, despite not being creative. She talks about her motivation and the valuable lessons learned along the way. This conversation isn’t just for parents, it’s for anyone who interacts with or mentors the next generation. Laura encourages people to do hard things even it may be uncomfortable or easier to back out.

Connect with Laura:

https://www.laurakmoore.com/

Cultivating Kids Instagram

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The Bible calls older women to represent Christ well through the way they conduct themselves. They are to teach younger women how to live godly lives and how to be godly wives and mothers. It can be scary to ask someone to be a mentor to you or to be vulnerable with another person, but the reality is that the Bible calls young women to learn from older women. Older Women need to live godly lives so that they are qualified to teach young women. And it can be intimidating to teach young women because of the fear of saying something wrong or the insecurity that there is someone more godly than you. But still, God calls you, if you have the character of Christ, to teach young women. Sarah and Sheryl share their experiences in their relationship of being an older woman and younger woman. They share the importance of having this relationship and practical advice on how to seek someone to mentor or someone to be mentored by. Whether you are young or old this episode will be encouraging to you!

Titus 2:3-5 NASB

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Resources:

Consider The Lilies Book

Listen to Sarah’s testimony:

Listen to Sheryl and her husband give wisdom for what godly marriage should look like:

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Have you ever had the thought that a pastor’s wife is somehow more holy than you just because she’s the wife of a pastor? It’s common for people in the church to assume that the pastor’s wives know the Bible like pastors do and that they know all that is going on in the church. Kim shares the every day realities of being the wife of a pastor and the things that she struggles with because of her unique title in the church. She shares what the calling of every Christian woman is, whether they are a pastor’s wife or not. Whether you have are the wife of a pastor, a leadership role in the church, or simply faithfully attend and serve at church, this episode is for you!

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