In our conversation, I talk with Jimmy Darts author of his new book Undercover KindnessSaying Yes to Love, No to Fear, and Embracing the Life-Changing Power of Ordinary Generosity. Jimmy is a star in the world of social media best known for his heartwarming "random acts of kindness" and "giveback" videos that inspire more than twenty million followers to pay it forward and spread positivity in the world. He is GoFundMe's top organizer of fundraisers started for others, and his work has been featured in media outlets including CNN, Fox News, and Today.

We discuss the transformative power of kindness, the importance of maintaining a soft heart, and the role of questions in personal growth. We explore how to navigate disappointment with hope, the significance of generosity, and the beauty in everyday life. Our discussion emphasizes the value of attention and presence in relationships, the necessity of forgiveness for personal freedom, and the idea of living an integrated life filled with childlike faith and purpose.

Takeaways

Questions can be a catalyst for change. Maintaining a soft heart is essential for personal growth. Disappointment can lead to deeper hope and understanding. Generosity is a key to living a fulfilling life. We must actively seek beauty in the world around us. Paying attention to others can transform relationships. Childlike faith allows us to embrace life fully. Forgiveness is crucial for our own freedom. Living an integrated life means valuing every moment and interaction. Everyone has equal value and deserves kindness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 02:58 The Power of Questions 05:52 Maintaining a Soft Heart 08:47 Navigating Disappointment and Hope 12:00 Understanding Choice and Attitude 15:41 The Role of Generosity 19:01 Recognizing Opportunities for Kindness 21:41 The Ripple Effect of Kindness 24:50 The Importance of Perspective 27:58 Stewarding Your Heart and Mind 31:12 The Power of Small Acts 34:16 The Impact of Kindness on Identity 36:06 Valuing People and Paying Attention 39:12 Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom 43:05 Childlike Faith and Its Importance 51:20 Living an Integrated Life

In this episode we interview Tommy Brown, a pastor and author, about his new book, The Speed of Soul: Four Rhythms for a Quiet Life in a World of Noise.

We explore themes of life transitions, the healing power of water, the significance of everyday work, and the importance of simplicity and mindfulness in a complex world. Tommy emphasizes the need to revise our understanding of work, the role of technology, and the value of community and connection. The discussion culminates in a reflection on living a life of integrity and embracing the journey of faith.

Takeaways

The best day on the water is any day. Water has a healing and resetting power. What we do now matters, even when unnoticed. Following Jesus is simple but impossible without help. Multitasking doesn't work; focus on one thing. Love deeply, live quietly, and mind your own business. The kingdom of God is right here, in our everyday lives. Words matter; they can call out the good in others. We need to make a family out of no family. You can live quietly and love deeply.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life Transitions 02:37 The Healing Power of Water 05:47 The Significance of Everyday Work 08:31 Simplicity in Following Jesus 11:40 The Importance of Working with Our Hands 14:35 The Dangers of Multitasking 17:25 Revising Our Understanding of Work 20:27 The Human Element in Work 23:10 Finding Meaning in the Mundane 25:58 The Invitation to Engage with Life 28:11 The Simplicity of Spiritual Practices 31:22 Finding Treasure in Everyday Life 34:23 The Importance of Community and Connection 38:02 Living with Intention in a Distracted World 40:27 The Call to Love and Serve Others 47:19 Integrating Faith into Daily Life

In this episode we talk with Katy Bowser Hutson and her recent book Now I Lay Me Down to Fight: A Poet Writes Her Way Through Cancer. She talks about her jouney through her fight with breast cancer. Through poetry and prose with a realness of someone who has literally been ravaged by cancer, but somehow was, and now is, able to fight through, even it was laying down.

Katy Bowser Hutson is a writer and songwriter. She is the author of Now I Lay Me Down to Fight (IVP) and the coauthor of Little Prayers for Ordinary Day (IVP Kids). She's also a contributing to projects like It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God and Wild Things and Castles in the Sky (Square Halo Press).

Katy is a creator/member of the children's band Rain for Roots. She is co-creator of kid's jazz outfit Coal Train Railroad. She's also a founding member of Rain for Roots. Katy and her husband, musician and producer Kenny Hutson, have also created a musical project or two along the way, as well as contributing to various and sundry other musical endeavors. Because it's Nashville.

Katy also speaks at conferences and event and consults on endeavors in faith and art.

She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Kenny, their two children, and some chickens, where she has built a rather wonky but serviceable labyrinth in her backyard and hosts many deer and fireflies.

Did you know that more than 25 million people in the U.S.—a number greater than the entire population of Florida—are not receiving the support they need for severe anxiety?

In this episode, we speak with Shaunti Feldhahn, co-author of When Hurting People Come to Church: How People of Faith Can Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis, about the vital role the local church can play in bridging the enormous gap between those who need mental health support and the professionals available to provide it.

Currently, it's estimated that we are short over 100,000 mental health professionals—a deficit driven by the overwhelming demand for care.

But there is hope.

Shaunti Feldhahn, a social researcher and bestselling author, along with Dr. James Sells, a psychologist and professor, believe that laypeople in the church can help fill this gap by walking alongside those who are struggling.

Their book draws on national research involving more than 2,000 church leaders and offers practical, research-based strategies for how the church can provide meaningful support in the midst of this mental health crisis.

In this episode we talk with podcaster, coach, and disciple maker, Tony Miltenberger. We talk about his new book, Wisdom in the Wound: How God Uses Your Past to Shape Who You're Becoming, exploring the themes of personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the importance of connection in our lives. We discuss how to live an interruptible life, the significance of coping mechanisms, and the power of sharing our stories.

Our conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in relationships and leadership, the journey of understanding our wounds and gifts, and the importance of creating space for reflection and growth. Through practical insights and personal anecdotes, we encourage listeners to embrace their journeys and cultivate a life of purpose and connection.

Tony Miltenberger is the founder of Follow2Lead Coaching. He is a veteran, podcast host, executive coach, author, and the associate pastor of disciple making at Centerville Grace Church. Throughout the years, Tony has traveled the globe taking deployments in Kuwait, El Salvador, and numerous marriage retreats throughout the US. He has consulted with churches in the deep south and multi-million dollar organizations in the Midwest.

He has done hundreds of hours of pastoral counseling and executive coaching. Each conversation helps people uncover their true potential by taking a deep look at their past as well as their hopes for the future. He is genuinely curious and passionate about pursuing the mission of making disciples who make disciples.

His proudest accomplishment is being the father to three amazing kids and being married to his high school sweetheart (Karen) for over 20 years.

In our conversation, with Shaka Senghor we explore themes of resilience, creativity, and the importance of community in navigating life's challenges. We talk about his new book How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life's Hidden Prisons.

Shaka shares insights from his personal journey, emphasizing the power of gratitude, intentional living, and the beauty found in everyday moments. We discuss the complexities of grief, the necessity of vulnerability, and the role of kindness in self-discovery. Our conversation highlights the significance of proximity and empathy in understanding diverse experiences, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and live a more integrated life.

Shaka Senghor is a globally recognized resilience expert, bestselling author, and transformative thought leader whose journey from incarceration to inspiration has empowered executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes, and audiences around the world. Born in Detroit amid economic hardship, Shaka overcame immense adversity—including 19 years in prison—to become a leading authority on resilience, grit, and personal transformation.

Key Takeaways:

Everyone can achieve freedom and create a life of possibility. Creativity is a vital part of feeling free. Beauty exists in everyday life, waiting to be noticed. Intentional living helps us appreciate the small things. Community plays a crucial role in healing and support. Grief is a complex journey that requires courage. Being kind to ourselves is essential for growth. Discomfort can lead to deeper understanding and connection. Proximity to different experiences fosters empathy. Resilience is a circular journey, building on past challenges.

Tanner Olson (Written to Speak) is an author, poet, and speaker. Tanner Olson seeks to spread hope through written and spoken word. He has been performing spoken word poetry for the last decade. Tanner Olson is nationally known as a Christian spoken word poet, author, and speaker. We talk about his new children's book All the Things I Say to God: Learning to Pray Anytime, Anywhere.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by John Schafer, producer of the upcoming animated film The Light of the World, and Tom Bancroft, veteran Disney animator behind classics like Mulan and The Lion King. Together, they're bringing a powerful, faith-filled story to life through stunning 2D animation. Let's dive into the heart and vision behind the film.

John Schfer is an innovative storyteller, director, producer, and brand manager. John has produced for television and film productions for over 33 years. His work on the Daytime EMMY® nominated CG series, Superbook (65 episodes), has been seen by millions of people in over 123 countries and is translated in over 56 languages.

Tom Bancroft has almost 25 years of experience in the animation industry, most of which was for Walt Disney Feature Animation where he was an animator for 11 years. He has been nominated for Annie and Rueben awards, spoken at the Kennedy Center and awarded an entry into the Chicago Children's Film Festival. While at Disney, Bancroft had the opportunity to contribute his talents to 10 animated feature films, five animated shorts, and numerous special projects and commercials. Among the classic films on which he worked are, "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Aladdin," "Mulan" and "Brother Bear." He was also a character designer and director for Big Idea Productions, makers of the family-friendly "Veggietales" video series.

Andy B Coon is a skilled media professional with over two decades of experience in video production and storytelling. Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, Andy moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he studied broadcast and cinema. It was during his time in college that Andy began producing an award winning documentary about the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, named, "Greensboro's Child," which he completed seven years after graduation.

Andy explored various professional creative opportunities, but his passion for documentary work called him back in 2010 when he co-created Often Awesome the series, a web series documenting a close friend's journey with ALS. Over 36 episodes, he balanced this demanding project with a full-time job, creating a powerful support network known as the Often Awesome Army. Garnering awards, including a Vimeo Award and a Webby Award, Often Awesome underscored Andy's dedication to storytelling that builds awareness and community.