Brett Thomas brought the heat—and the heart—when he told the story of how Church Street Café came to life in the small town of Hahira, Georgia. After decades in the restaurant world, Brett finally took the leap to create a place of his own… and he built it with purpose.

For Brett, every cup of coffee and every plate served is more than a transaction—it’s an opportunity to treat people like family. He shared how his café operates on faith-based values, from the way he greets customers to the bold decision not to serve alcohol, even when it meant turning down easy revenue.

Balancing faith and business isn’t always simple, but Brett makes it look joyful. His customers feel the difference. His staff feels the difference. And the community feels the difference—especially when he uses his business to help fund mission trips and local outreach.

His advice for other business owners?
Stay rooted. Don’t compromise. Build something that reflects who you really are. Because when your business is anchored in faith, the rewards go way beyond the cash register.

Charlie Banks lit up the studio as he shared the incredible journey behind the Young Minds Podcast. Born prematurely, Charlie has been beating the odds since day one—and he’s brought that same grit and passion into the world of podcasting.

He told the story of how God grabbed hold of his life: saved in April, baptized in November 2022, and now boldly living out his faith on and off the mic. Three years later, the podcast has dropped 160 episodes (and counting!), building a community that’s real, raw, and rooted in authenticity.

Charlie kept it honest—consistency is tough, spiritual attacks are real, and creating content week after week isn’t always glamorous. But he’s learned to push through with the help of a solid community and the calling God placed on his life.

Charlie’s message was simple but powerful: you don’t have to be perfect to start—just willing, authentic, and surrounded by the right people. He can be reached at :

[email protected]

Scott Willis, owner of Elite Hearing Care, shared his journey from being downsized from a corporate job to becoming a hearing instrument specialist. He recounted a pivotal moment when he witnessed the transformative impact of hearing aids on a 92-year-old woman, solidifying his career choice. Scott emphasized the importance of integrating faith into business practices, treating patients with care, and maintaining authenticity. He also discussed his role as a coach and mentor, highlighting the long-term impact of his relationships with young athletes. Scott's business philosophy centers on providing quality service and fostering genuine connections with his patients and community.

This week’s episode featured the dynamic Kenyetta Simmons — HR consultant, speaker, and founder of Simmons HR & Talent Advisory. Kenyetta took us on a heartfelt journey from her early days as a psychology major to becoming a trusted voice in human resources and organizational leadership.

She unpacked what it means to see work as worship, challenging listeners to bring faith into every meeting, decision, and workplace conversation. With her signature mix of humor and honesty, Kenyetta shared the real-life tension between job security and entrepreneurship — reminding us that true success begins with stewardship, not status.

The conversation flowed naturally into the themes of family, ministry, and obedience. Kenyetta spoke candidly about the art of surrender — learning when to hold structure and when to let God lead. Her insights resonated deeply, painting a picture of leadership that’s firm in purpose yet flexible in faith.

We wrapped up the episode reflecting on how faith shapes business, how structure and surrender can coexist, and how honoring people honors God. It was equal parts practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement — a reminder that leadership, done God’s way, is holy ground.

This show features a discussion with Dr. Leah McMillan and Travis Sparks about their efforts to support first responders' mental health. Leah's Enspire Counseling and Wellness specializes in trauma-informed care, while Travis's Project 5:9 offers peer support. They highlight the increasing suicide rate among first responders, emphasizing the need for cultural and peer support. The conversation touches on the importance of self-care, the role of faith, and the challenges of building trust. They also discuss the upcoming launch of Project 5:9 and the importance of integrating spirituality in mental health services.

Shaun Eilders, Resident Director at the Georgia Sheriff's Boys Ranch, discussed his 25-year tenure and the ranch's focus on strong moral values and spiritual awareness. He emphasized the importance of building trust with traumatized children, creating a family-like environment, and integrating faith into daily life. Shaun highlighted the ranch's efforts to provide consistent care, including transporting children to school and involving church groups. He plans to retire but will continue counseling and teaching at Georgia Christian School. Shaun stressed the need for patience, availability, and genuine faith in both personal and professional settings.

Mitchell and Brittany Bell, owners of the Offseason Training Facility, discussed their journey and mission to create a Christian-based gym. Mitchell, a former football player, and Brittany, a Hall of Famer at VSU, emphasized the importance of consistency and discipline in both fitness and faith, referencing Galatians 6:9. They highlighted their efforts to cultivate a family-friendly environment, integrating faith and fitness. Mitchell shared his experience of starting from scratch, overcoming initial apprehensions, and the overwhelming community support. They also discussed the importance of setting time for prayer and devotion, and their future goals to expand their impact through health and wellness.

The show discussed the Walk to End Alzheimer's with Mallory Thompson, the walk manager for Tifton, Valdosta, Bainbridge, and Albany. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, was explained as a progressive brain disorder affecting memory and thinking skills. Raising awareness is crucial for early detection and better management. The walk is a year-long fundraising campaign, with 70% of funds going to research and less than 5% to administration. Dougherty County has a high prevalence of Alzheimer's, with 15% of the elderly population affected. The Valdosta walk is on October 18 at Valdosta Middle School, with registration starting at 9 am.

Tim Craig, Director of Business Development for the Valdosta Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, discussed his journey from the Air Force to his current role, emphasizing the importance of faith in business. He highlighted the SEED Center's role in supporting entrepreneurship and business growth, offering free classes and resources. Craig stressed the significance of servant leadership, ethical practices, and integrating faith into business operations. He shared strategies for overcoming challenges, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of Christian values on community and marketplace success. Craig also mentioned initiatives like FLEX to inspire young entrepreneurs and the need for interdependence in business.

Mendi Griner, owner of JTTW Trucking and Faith Driven Entrepreneur (FDE) facilitator, shared her journey from Insta Lube to the trucking industry, emphasizing the importance of faith in business. She highlighted the role of FDE in fostering community and ethical practices, with monthly meetings featuring diverse speakers. Mindy discussed the challenges of balancing business with family life and the importance of humility and prayer in decision-making. She encouraged listeners to seek faith-based communities and to integrate their faith into their business practices, aiming to create a positive impact on employees and the community.