This Stuff Matters with Tom Gray

In this episode of This Stuff Matters, Tom Gray sits down with longtime Georgia State Senator Ed Setzler for a thoughtful conversation about faith, public service, education, and the principles that shape our communities and our nation.

After 21 years in the Georgia legislature, Senator Setzler shares what first motivated him to run for office: a desire to ensure that everyday people have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. He reflects on how public service has challenged and strengthened his faith, the importance of humility and faithfulness in leadership, and why serving others requires sacrifice.

Tom and Ed also discuss the future of education in Georgia, the opportunities and challenges presented by technology and artificial intelligence, and the importance of equipping the next generation with strong character, critical thinking skills, and a foundation in truth. They explore concerns about growing division in America, the role of government, and how we can preserve the principles that help a free society thrive.

The conversation closes with a powerful challenge for all of us: Will we simply live as civilians, focused on our own needs, or will we embrace the responsibility of being citizens who step up, serve others, and take ownership of the communities around us?

Join Tom and Senator Ed Setzler for a conversation about faithfulness, leadership, and the responsibility we all share in shaping the future.

To learn more or get involved with us, visit https://www.thisstuffmatters.net/

In this episode of This Stuff Matters, Tom Gray sits down with Congressman Barry Loudermilk, who represents Georgia’s 11th Congressional District and has served in Congress for the past 12 years.

Coming right after our conversation with freshman Congressman Clay Fuller, this episode offers a different perspective: the view of a veteran legislator nearing the end of his time in Congress. Congressman Loudermilk reflects on his years of public service, his experience in the United States Air Force and Georgia state legislature, his family, and the decision to retire from Congress at the end of 2026.

Tom and Barry also talk about faith, American history, and the role prayer has played throughout the nation’s story. Barry is the author of And Then They Prayed, a book exploring stories of prayer throughout American history and what those stories can teach us today.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about public service, family, faith, history, and the legacy we leave behind.

Learn more about Congressman Barry Loudermilk: https://loudermilk.house.gov/

Learn more about And Then They Prayed: https://www.amazon.com/Then-They-Prayed-American-Impacted/dp/B0F7Z4T41W/

To learn more or get involved with us, visit www.thisstuffmatters.net

In this episode of This Stuff Matters, Tom Gray sits down with Congressman Clay Fuller, who represents Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, to hear what surprised him most about his first months in Washington, what he’s learned about the people serving in Congress, and why he believes America’s problems are serious — but not beyond hope.

They discuss the national debt, government spending, the future of the Republican Party, the challenges facing our country, and the importance of having the courage to speak the truth. Clay also shares how his faith and his experience with cancer have shaped the urgency with which he approaches his role in Congress and why he believes prayer is essential for those serving in positions of authority.

It’s an honest conversation about politics, faith, leadership, and the hope we have for our country and its future.

To learn more or get involved with us, visit thisstuffmatters.net

We’re back!

After a year-long break, the This Stuff Matters podcast is returning with a conversation about where we’ve been, what God has been doing, and where we’re headed next.

In this special episode, Director Ruth sits down with Founder and Board Chairman Tom Gray to reflect on the past year—why the podcast took a break, what the Lord did during that season, and what Tom learned along the way.

Ruth and Tom also revisit the heart behind This Stuff Matters: why we’re here, what our mission is, and why this message matters. They look ahead to the vision for this new season of the podcast and share how you can get involved.

A new season is here. And This Stuff still Matters.

To learn more and get involved, visit thisstuffmatters.net

What makes a great leader—titles and accomplishments, or something deeper?

Tom Gray sits down with Preston Poore, a leadership expert with 30 years in Fortune 500 companies like The Coca-Cola Company, The Hershey Company, and Ralston Purina. Through both successes and failures, Preston discovered that leadership is less about position and more about how you lead.

Now the founder of Preston Poore & Associates, he equips leaders to grow faster and smarter, aligning practical skills with timeless values. His work as a Colson Fellow and board member for Christ Led Communities reflects his passion for integrating faith and leadership to create real impact.

Learn more about Preston Poore: https://prestonpoore.com

About This Stuff Matters:
At This Stuff Matters, we share God’s love and wisdom through media, inspiring people to live out their faith and transform their communities. Join us at www.ThisStuffMatters.net.

In this episode, we are very excited to offer a Christian-Jewish American Israeli’s perspective on exactly if, how, and why American Christians should support Israel today.

This is a hot topic today, and we believe our conversation with David Halevy will add valuable insight into your own processing of these timely and significant issues. David was born in Texas and raised in the United States. Today he lives with his wife and children in Israel.  

He has co-authored “Returning the Favor: And Ambassador’s Guide to the Jewish People” with his father.  You can order your copy here https://www.amazon.com/Returning-Favor-Ambassadors-Jewish-People/dp/B0CJD8CWVV 

David also hosts a podcast entitled “Jew and Gentile Radio” - here is a link to it - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jew-and-gentile-radio/id1238967079

David also suggested a further resource for our listeners’ consideration - a letter from Denis Prager to Candice Owens which you can access here.  https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/opinion/375800/my-letter-to-candace-owens/ 

Enjoy!

To subscribe to our new AAA Newsletter, you can do so at the bottom of our homepage at this link ⁠www.thisstuffmatters.net⁠

Hit us up with questions or thoughts – email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or text/voice message me at 678-453-6774.

To subscribe to our new AAA Newsletter, you can do so at the bottom of our homepage at this link www.thisstuffmatters.net

Hit us up with questions or thoughts – email me at [email protected] or text/voice message me at 678-453-6774.

What happens when a group of driven, God-honoring young fathers sit down to talk about life, leadership, and legacy? You get The Lion's Den – a roundtable conversation with Jesse Walter, Phillip Greene, Larry Savage, three men from Mars Hill Community Church, deeply committed to their families, and their calling.

In this unique episode, Tom Gray leads a powerful discussion where these men reflect on key moments from recent episodes featuring John Offerdahl, Bubba Krismer, and Brook Whitmire — unpacking what it means to be a man of faith in today’s culture.

Key themes in this episode:

• Raising kids with intentionality and shared values

• Creating environments for discipline, growth, and hard conversations

• Defining true biblical manhood through responsibility, submission, and spiritual strength

• The power of community, accountability, and doing hard things together

• Learning to trust God in the middle rounds of life

  
  

Whether you're a young father, a mentor, or simply seeking inspiration for your walk with Christ, this conversation offers deep encouragement and practical wisdom.

Episode 105: High Impact, Difference Maker – Brook Whitmire

Join us for Episode 105 featuring Brook Whitmire — the unmistakable voice of Georgia Football. Since 1992, Brook has been calling games at Sanford Stadium, bringing energy and passion to every play.

An Atlanta native and 1990 UGA graduate, Brook has made a lasting impact not just through sports broadcasting, but also through his work in teaching, coaching, and leadership across many areas of life.

We say this often, but truly — this is one episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in now!