Westside Stories

Westsiders Erin East and Adam Meisenheimer discuss their journey with a national program called Grief Share.

After experiencing profound losses, both Erin and Adam found healing in a Grief Share group. Their experiences were so transformative that they committed to leading pop-up groups at Westside and throughout Atlanta.

As a note, while we’ll touch on the grief Erin and Adam have processed, the focus of this episode is on how they’ve navigated their grief and the valuable tools and support the Grief Share program has provided along the way.

If you or someone you know is grappling with the loss of a loved one, I encourage you to visit GriefShare.org to find local groups. You can also sign up for a special Grief Share class called “Surviving the Holidays” here at Atlanta Westside on November 16, 2024.

And remember, even if you’re not facing grief right now, it's almost certain you will at some point in your life. Our hope is that today’s episode equips you with insights for when that time comes.

While they might not flaunt it, Westside members Byron and Kim are influential figures in the campus ministry landscape. Their reach is vast, and their impact on countless lives is undeniable. In this episode, we’ll explore the highs and lows of their journey in the trenches of campus ministry.

Westsider Matt Alley discusses "Man Tsunami."

We're diving into jeeps, mountains, bluffs, sunrises, and yes—hiking, hiking, and more hiking. Man Tsunami is Matt’s initiative to bring men into the great outdoors, specifically the American West, where they can test their fortitude, forge strong relationships, and recognize the beauty of creation as a gift from God.

If you don’t know Matt yet, don’t be quick to label him as either a free-spirited hippy or a “Wild at Heart” caricature of toxic masculinity. If camping and hiking weren’t his passion, he’d still be finding meaningful ways to invest in the lives of men.

Westsiders Demps and Kristy Dempsey have dedicated years as missionaries in Brazil, longer than many in our church have been alive. While we’re not trying to date them, it’s clear they bring a wealth of real-world experience to the table.

In this episode, we’ll delve into their transition back to the States, exploring both the challenges and the blessings they’ve encountered along the way.

Westside member Ida Bell discusses how prayer has completely permeated her life. 

We mean it. From her head to her toes. From finger to finger of her petite 5’ nothing wingspan. If you’re sitting in a bumper to bumper traffic jam, you want Ida Bell sitting next to you in the passenger seat. She oozes patience, gentleness, and kindness. And where does her sweet, lovely personality come from? Talking with God. Minute by minute. Hour by hour. 

Today on Westside Stories, Westside deacon Chris LeCraw discusses entrepreneurship—specifically the challenges and rewards of building a product or project from the ground up. 

Chris is always looking for his next project. We bet if you invited him out for a beer or a cup of coffee, he’d be keen to hear your ideas. 

Today on Westside Stories, Westside members Ed and Kathy Woodall to talk about the ups and downs of nearly six decades of marriage. We also dive into Ed’s fascinating career with cars, and how God has worked miraculously through  their careers, family and relationships throughout their lives. 

Ed and Kathy are chock-full of wisdom. But they’re also a lot of fun, and we're sure you’re going to enjoy this episode. So without further ado ….

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Ben Pollard to talk about his long career as a football coach.

Ben has coached at a number of prestigious football programs around the country. But his coaching has always been a means to an end—his first and foremost priority has always been to exemplify and express the gospel to his players. Based on the many, many strong relationships he’s built over the decades, it would seem God put Ben in the right career.  

Today on Westside Stories, Westside deacon Weston Straka shares his story of grappling with divorce and finding his footing again. Weston is joined by his wife and fellow Westside deacon Laura Straka.

Though Weston dives into a tough topic, his story is full of redemption and hope. Whether you  are currently experiencing a difficult relationship, have been through one in the past, or have had the luxury of nothing but blissful, easy relationships your entire life, this episode is for you.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside worship team member Julian Laury talks about growing up in Austria and his love for all things jazz. 

Julian has an interesting way of tying the creative, right-brained elements of jazz improvisation with his analytical, left-brained day job in computer programming. It’s a captivating listen, and we hope you’ll enjoy.