unCOMFORTABLE

Karsten Williams has been a standout competitor on American Ninja Warrior, but his story runs far deeper than the obstacle course. In this episode, Karsten reflects on how ANW reshaped his definition of success, gave him a platform to share his faith, and opened unexpected doors in life, business, and purpose. From veteran wisdom on coaching and failure to lessons for young athletes and the power of community, Karsten opens up with honesty and hope. He also shares about his current passions—like The Ninja Project and Neighborhood Ninjas—and what drives him outside the spotlight. Whether you're chasing a goal, facing setbacks, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation will inspire you to live for more than just the next win.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

In this two-part episode, we explore the lives of some of the Ninja world’s most inspiring athletes—not just for what they’ve accomplished on obstacle courses, but for their faith, perseverance, and purpose behind the scenes.

Part 1: Sam & Isabella Folsom

Sam and Isabella share how their relationship began through the Ninja community, what it’s like being married elite athletes, and how they balance ambition, faith, and marriage. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at American Ninja Warrior and reflect on how God has shaped their journey both on and off the course.

Part 2: Phil Folsom & Tyler Smith 

Phil and Tyler recount the rise—and heartbreaking loss—of The Barn, a cherished Ninja training ground that became a hub for growth, community, and spiritual strength. Both multiple-time world champions, they discuss what it’s like being among the best ninjas on the planet while often staying in the shadows of the TV spotlight. They also open up about their friendship, how they push each other through a friendly but fierce rivalry, and how faith has fueled their resilience in the face of loss and rebuilding.

Whether you're chasing your next obstacle or walking through your own fire, this episode is filled with raw honesty, hard-won wisdom, and hope.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we hear from Shannon Persinger as she prepares for a high-risk open-heart surgery, sharing how fear, faith, and the unknown have shaped her journey. It’s a raw and hope-filled conversation about courage, mental health, and trusting God when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we wrestle with how our obsession with comfort, efficiency, and emotional ease has distorted our understanding of passion, purpose, and the cross. We ask what it really means to follow a suffering Savior in a world that can't bear to suffer.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Minister Mark Ashton to explore what the Bible really says about immigration, challenging political assumptions with kingdom-minded truth. From Scripture’s call to love the foreigner to practical steps the Church can take, we unpack how Christians can navigate this issue with both grace and conviction.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, we sit down with Bryan Slone, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, to break down immigration’s true impact on Nebraska’s economy, from workforce shortages to business growth. 

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week we share Nar’s journey from displacement to faith, tracing her path from Bhutan to a refugee camp in Nepal and finally to the U.S. Her story challenges us to see refugees with empathy and consider how the Church can respond. 

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week we sit down with Christy & Marcos Jácome to explore the joys and challenges of building a family across cultures, from navigating traditions to raising bilingual children. Topics include cultural misunderstandings, faith in a multicultural home, and what they wish they knew before marriage.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, Dr. Karl Pagenkemper joins us as we explore Communion—one of Christianity’s most central yet diverse practices—by examining its theological foundations, scriptural interpretations, and evolving modern expressions across traditions.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.

This week, Dawn Gentry joins us as we explore why so many Christians—especially men—are turning to Joe Rogan for guidance instead of their pastors and what that reveals about the church today. Authenticity, deep conversations, and personal discipline are drawing people in, but is Rogan filling a gap the church has left open, or is he leading people toward a different kind of discipleship?

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.