Summary

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda, Keisha Fowler, and Darrel Harvey kick off Season 2 with an honest, timely conversation about the realities facing today’s workforce. Drawing from their own experiences and recent insights from Brené Brown, the team opens up about the struggles so many employees and leaders are carrying with them to work every day.

Additionally, the conversation goes deeper than just identifying challenges. Keisha suggests that workplaces have the potential to become sanctuaries where people can truly bring their whole selves, imagining a shift where work serves as a space for connection, healing, and being seen as fully human. Darrel highlights the importance of lament as a neglected but powerful practice in Christian life and work, providing a step-by-step guide to naming pain, affirming trust in God, and rooting ourselves in gratitude.

The trio tackles questions such as: How can leaders regulate themselves before caring for their teams? How do we invite vulnerability and hope into the workplace? And what does it look like to create community, even in high-pressure environments?

If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or unsure how to integrate your faith with your daily work, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and practical ideas. Discover how to see work as more than just a job, it’s a space where God meets you, shapes you, and empowers you to make a difference!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Work as a Healing Sanctuary

10:16 Being Christian at Work

15:02 Rediscovering the Art of Lament

23:04 Practical Steps for Emotional Regulation

26:17 Daily Reflection with Examen

27:32 Exploring Work as Spiritual Formation

31:39 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Keisha Fowler

Simmons Foods

Thank you for listening to Season One of The Workmatters Podcast! We are incredibly thankful for each of our guests who faithfully shared their stories, wisdom, and testimonies, and for every listener who joined us along the way. It has been a true privilege to serve you.

Throughout this season, we’ve explored the biblical truth that your work matters to God. From the very beginning of Scripture, we see that God is a worker, and He invites us to join Him in His work in the world. Whether your work takes place in an office, a classroom, a home, a church, or the community, it is not insignificant. When offered to God, our work becomes an act of worship and a way to love and serve others.

Our conversations were designed to equip and encourage you with Christ-centered tools, Scripture-shaped perspectives, and real-life stories that affirm the sacredness of everyday work. We hope these episodes helped you see your vocation as a calling, reminded you that God is present in the ordinary rhythms of your workday, and strengthened your faith as you seek to glorify Him in all that you do.

As we close Season One, we invite you to continue reflecting on these conversations, revisit past episodes, and share them with others who may need encouragement. Thank you for being part of this community!

Summary

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey sit down with Larry Griffith, CEO of Corporate Chaplains of America, to explore how holistic care can transform workplace culture and fuel both individual and team resilience. With over three decades of leadership experience spanning the US Navy, Fortune 250 corporations, and the nonprofit sector, Larry shares his journey from command-and-control leadership to a focus on being fully present for others.

Brandon, Darrel, and Larry discuss the challenges of leading people who are hurting, the value of meeting employees where they are, regardless of faith background, and the impact of Corporate Chaplains of America's work across thousands of business locations. Through heartfelt stories, Larry reveals why investing in people’s well-being pays dividends for both workplace performance and eternal purpose.

Hear practical insights on what holistic care really looks like, how companies can partner with Corporate Chaplains of America, and what it takes to become a workplace chaplain. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or simply passionate about creating a healthy workplace culture, this conversation offers encouragement, real-world wisdom, and a glimpse into the power of compassionate leadership!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

06:01 A Journey of Leadership and Compassion

09:42 Building Relationships Through Thoughtful Care

12:41 Servant Leadership and Brotherhood

18:49 Valuing Employees Beyond Work

25:57 The Impact of Frequent Turnover

33:17 Living Fully Through the Spirit

39:25 LEET Care: Personalized Support Coaches

41:04 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Larry Griffith

Corporate Chaplains Of America

Brandon Swoboda and Keisha Fowler are joined by industry leader Dr. Crystal Steen, Senior Vice President of Culture and Learning at Simmons Foods. In this compelling conversation, Crystal takes us on a journey spanning her upbringing on a Missouri family farm, her academic achievements, and her path through different industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and leadership development.

Together, they explore how faith and hard work have been central themes throughout Crystal’s life and career as she shares candid stories of navigating unexpected changes, trusting in God’s plans even when the next step isn’t clear, and witnessing the impact of living out faith in the workplace. You’ll hear how she avoided tying her identity to job titles and instead focused on being open to where God was leading her.

This episode also provides an insider’s look at the culture at Simmons Foods, where putting people first and supporting holistic well-being are top priorities. Additionally, Crystal and Keisha discuss how workplace culture is shaped not just by leadership, but by everyone who shows up and cares for their teammates.

Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just someone striving to integrate faith and purpose into your daily work, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for creating positive change within any organization. Tune in to hear honest reflections on resilience, leadership, and the purpose of work in our lives!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

02:04 Crystal’s Background and Journey

09:36 Building Leadership Through Connection

16:36 Putting People First Holistically

21:31 Simmons Foods’ Culture of Caring

28:26 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Keisha Fowler

Workmatters

Dr. Crystal Steen

Simmons Foods

This week on The Workmatters Podcast we are joined by Manuel Barrantes, director of Spark Shopper Experience at Walmart, a United Nations Resolution Fellow, and a dedicated storyteller for the Workmatters Institute.

Growing up in Nicaragua, he was shaped by hardship and the belief that education and hard work could unlock a better future. Winning the Walton Family Scholarship changed everything, bringing him to the U.S. with zero English and opening the door to new opportunities and a transformative way of seeing faith. For Manuel, faith wasn’t just a set of rules; it evolved into a relationship, influencing how he leads at work and supports his family.

In this episode, Manuel talks about overcoming language barriers, adapting to new cultures, and the immense challenge of bringing his extended family to the States. He shares how launching multiple family businesses helped his loved ones find dignity and purpose in their new home, and how his experiences at Harding University helped re-frame his view of spirituality.

Moreover, you’ll hear candid discussions on balancing ambition with authenticity, learning from adversity, and stewarding resources to be a blessing to others. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an established professional, or simply seeking inspiration, Manuel’s story is a testament to resilience, generosity, and transforming work into worship!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

05:42 Growing Up in Church of Christ

07:22 Finding Faith in New Perspectives

13:40 Supporting His Sister with a Food Truck

17:22 Growth Through Trusted Leadership

22:53 Why Energy Matters in Relationships

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Manuel Barrantes

Workmatters Institute

Walmart

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! Our host Brandon Swoboda is joined by Donnie Smith, a longtime friend, mentor, and the former CEO of Tyson Foods, now leading impactful work as the chairman of the African Sustainable Agricultural Project. Donnie’s story is one of authentic faith in action, from his early career days on chicken farms to leading one of America’s largest food companies, and now empowering communities in Rwanda.

In this conversation, Donnie opens up about how faith became real in his work life, learning to lead with integrity and compassion, and the deeply practical ways he lived out his beliefs, like having a Bible on his desk and taking time to know and care for the people he worked with. Together, Brandon and Donnie talk about what it’s really like for your faith to be tested, not just in church, but in the rough and tumble of daily work, business setbacks, and high-stakes leadership.

Donnie also shares his passion for Africa, where he’s building sustainable food systems that bring hope and dignity to those living on less than a dollar a day. Whether you’re new to your career or a seasoned leader wondering how your faith can shape your work, Donnie’s insights into honoring God with excellence, building up others, and blooming where you’re planted are sure to inspire and challenge you!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:57 Leadership and Responsibility in the Workplace

11:56 Faith Challenges in Leadership Transitions

16:55 Experiencing Faith Being Challenged at Church

20:22 God’s New Assignment for You

26:59 Building Food Systems and Leaders

31:16 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Workmatters

Donnie Smith

African Sustainable Agriculture Project

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! This week, hosts Darrel Harvey and Brandon Swoboda sit down with Cheryl Bachelder, former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and a leader with a remarkable track record across several iconic brands, including Chick-fil-A and Domino’s Pizza. Cheryl shares her journey from passionate leadership to discovering how deeply work matters to God, and how faith can fully integrate with professional life, no matter what industry you’re in.

She brings powerful insights on servant leadership, the importance of listening and caring, and the simple yet profound practice of joining God in the work right where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a mentor, or just starting your career, Cheryl’s wisdom on purpose, calling, and creating a kingdom impact through everyday work will leave you inspired.

Plus, she touches on mentoring younger generations, the role of courage and humility, and why, no matter the cultural moment, our hope rests in God’s continuing work. Get ready for an uplifting and practical conversation about finding meaning, serving well, and flourishing at work!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:27 Exploring Work as a Divine Trust

08:36 Transforming Leadership Through Listening

11:12 Life’s Purpose: It’s Not About You

15:07 Faithful Action in Familiar Places

18:35 Mentoring Leaders Across Generations

21:36 Soul Health in Modern Times

28:25 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Cheryl Bachelder

US Foods, Chick fil A Corporate

Hosts Keisha Fowler and Brandon Swoboda sit down with Dr. Libin Abraham, lead pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, for an inspiring conversation about how faith comes alive in the workplace. Drawing on his own journey from Kerala, India, to Texas and his deep experience in pastoral ministry, Dr. Abraham shares powerful insights into why our jobs are more than just places of employment; they are mission fields where faith is truly activated.

Together, they explore the shift from viewing work as simply a means to an end to understanding it as an opportunity for discipleship and worship. Dr. Abraham discusses the biblical foundation for marketplace ministry, the importance of seeing ourselves as sacred carriers of God’s presence at work, and the practical ways anyone can live out faith—even in places that feel more like Athens than Jerusalem. Whether you’re in an office, on a job site, or working from home, this episode is filled with real encouragement and practical wisdom for making every space sacred.

Tune in to discover how embracing holy discontent, listening well, and showing genuine care to those around you can transform your daily work into meaningful ministry!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:48 Representing Church Beyond Sundays

07:47 How Discipleship Includes Mission

11:27 Analyzing Workplace Brokenness and Hope

14:04 An Athens vs. Jerusalem Mentality

19:15 Embracing an Exilic Identity

26:11 Viewing the Workplace as a Mission Field

30:36 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Keisha Fowler

Workmatters

Dr. Libin Abraham

Bent Tree Bible Fellowship

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey sit down with Alex Fittin, an Enneagram coach and trainer whose passion is helping individuals, teams, and organizations thrive by understanding the core motivations that drive us. Drawing from her trauma-informed practice, Alex shares how the Enneagram goes below the surface of what we do to uncover why we do it, and how this deeper self-awareness can foster more effective, resilient, and faith-anchored workplaces.

Alex opens up about her journey from being a people person to becoming an expert in interpersonal communication, adoption advocacy, and trauma support. She unpacks the holistic approach of the Enneagram, how it differs from other personality systems, and why understanding your true self is essential for both personal growth and organizational health. 

Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or a seasoned enthusiast, Alex offers practical insights on integrating faith and work, embracing your unique God-given design, and building sustainable, purpose-driven teams. Tune in to discover how the Enneagram can transform the way you see yourself and those around you—at work, at home, and in your community!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:36 Enneagram Coaching for Healing Trauma

06:26 Embracing Unique Strength with the Enneagram

12:43 A Holistic Approach to Personal Growth

22:27 Embracing the Peacemaker’s Journey

29:53 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Alex Fittin

Gap Relief

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, our hosts Keisha Fowler, Darrel Harvey, and Brandon Swoboda sit down for an honest conversation about one of the most influential forces in our lives: the stories we tell ourselves about work. Starting from ancient narratives in Genesis, they dive into how our work stories shape our attitudes, relationships, and sense of purpose in the workplace, often without us even realizing it.

Together, they explore common half-truths we believe about work, like “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” or “work is something to get through before life starts,” and wrestle with how these narratives affect not just our own well-being but also our interactions with coworkers and teams. Drawing from faith, personal experience, and thought-provoking quotes, the hosts challenge us to rethink where our stories about work begin, moving from a lens of brokenness and competition to one of creation, redemption, and renewal.

You’ll hear practical ideas on how to recognize unhealthy narratives, connect with mentors who model joy and purpose, and build reminders into your daily life that help you see work as a meaningful, eternal collaboration with God. Plus, the hosts share their favorite books, coffee habits, and local activities, giving listeners a glimpse into their lives beyond the office.

Whether you’re in business, education, tech, or any field, this episode helps you reflect on your own work story and offers a fresh perspective to find fulfillment, impact, and faith in the work you do every day!