Chierstin Susel had what most people would consider a dream career. She was on TV, working in sports and doing both in a large city. But even after the NBA team in her market made an NBA finals, and she won MULTIPLE Emmy Awards, she found the milestones and the job itself didn't bring her the joy she thought it would. In an extremely admirable turn of events, Chierstin walked away from the job that was at one point the pinnacle of her goals and decided to pursue something bigger: God's call.

Chierstin tells her story and gives so much encouragement to anyone who may be experiencing the extremely difficult struggle of deciding between what you thought was the plan for your life and the obvious nudges from God to pivot. While the world may call her crazy, as a believer, I was left in admiration of her bold faith and commitment to listening to God's voice. You will not want to miss her story.

Follow Chierstin on IG: @chierstinsusel

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Today I'm joined by Jalen Seawright, a husband, father, author, and worship leader. Jalen took me through his experience leading in both a megachurch and how that led him back to a smaller, more familiar church today. We discuss the difficult nature of serving in diverse churches and Jalen graciously opens up about some of the problems he faced in that capacity. His answers provide a lot of insight for churches and how they can better serve both their leaders and their congregations.

More importantly, we talk about his family, a book he wrote for his daughters titled "Dreams Come True for Black Girls Too!" (link below), a time they all went viral and the plans he has for his future as a dad, a husband and a worship leader. Jalen is so honest, genuine and humble and this is a conversation that I was privileged to have with him.

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Find Jalen on IG: @seawright__

Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Come-True-Black-Girls/dp/B09S61YTQ4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GFY77W8KDU3T&keywords=jalen+seawright&qid=1676411203&sprefix=jalen+seawright%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Is money evil? Are we supposed to be successful? Should we be tithing? Do we have to tithe to our own church? Can I pay off debt before I tithe? ..... so many questions that arise around finances, and let's face it, it can be uncomfortable to ask. We can all admit that one of the most awkward aspects of the church is money -- both within it and with how they discuss it. But like everything else, the Bible does provide us answers.

Pastor Derek Beauchamp graciously joined me for this difficult, yet honest conversation about all things money. I so appreciate how he tackled this topic and I left it feeling a lot clearer about the subject as a whole and with some great tools. He is knowledgable, direct and humble in his delivery of the answers to these difficult questions.

Find Derek on IG: @derek.beauchamp

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It's Season Two! We are back with a bang. I had the pleasure to speak with Paul Allen, also known as "The Voice of the Minnesota Vikings". Recently, Paul went viral for his epic call of the Vikings/Bills game during the 2022 season, but what struck me most about Paul was how he boldly proclaims his love for God, the Bible and people.

In this conversation Paul and I had the opportunity to recap the the "God moments" that happened after Damar Hamlin's tragic medical scare and how powerful some of the opportunities for God to show up were throughout that week. We also discuss why prayer and reading the Bible can be so impactful in our careers within the professional football space. Paul is unashamed of his faith in all of the spaces he resides in and I know the conviction in which he talks about Jesus and the Bible will impact you also.

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For the final episode of Season 1, I recap a few of the major lessons God brought me through in 2022. From learning to be a better friend like Christ would, to being smacked in the face with the reminder that He knows the desires of our heart, God showed me so much this year. I hope this reflection helps you reflect a little, too, and that we all go into 2023 with a renewed and a stronger faith because of all the ups and downs.

Happy New Year, and see you soon!

If you want to keep in touch before Season 2, you can join us on Patreon where I will still be posting content: patreon.com/whereyoureplanted

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For this episode, I am joined by one of the football communities coolest podcasters, Gio the Podcaster, and his amazing mom Shannon. Gio has became a superstar in the Philadelphia, Indianapolis and overall football communities over the last few years sharing his passion for sports and knowledge of the teams he loves. Recently, though, he got baptized along with his parents and they have been graciously sharing that journey with the social media world since. 

Gio, Shannon and the rest of their family have experienced a ton of hardship in Gio's 15 years of life. They have more reasons than most to be angry or reject God, but instead stand us an incredible example of trusting in God and using their hardships to glorify Him. It's not only a pleasure to get to watch them from afar as their family continues to receive so many blessings, but to also call them friends and witness their faith day in and day out.

Find Gio and Shannon on IG: @giothepodcaster @ShannonAlgarin

Find Gio and Shannon on Twitter: @giothepodcaster @ShannonAlgarin

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For this episode, I am joined by Morgan Wilson, who I have the privilege to know through my work capacity but also, and more importantly, as a friend. I met Morgan back in 2020 when her now husband, Logan, began training for the NFL Combine and preparing for the NFL Draft. Since then, Morgan and I have found we have many similarities when it comes to our faith and our mental health.  

Her willingness to be so open about anxiety and other mental health struggles has always struck me as so refreshing because of the platform her and her husband have. It would be very easy to act like her life is all rainbows and butterflies, but she's very real about the hardships the NFL life can bring, even when it doesn't seem like it from the outside looking in. She has always clung close to God's promises and continues to "do the work" day in and day out to remember how loved and protected she is.  

You will find Morgan so real, refreshing, and will want to cheer her and her husband on after hearing how committed these two are to God and their family. Such a privilege to have her on!  

Find Morgan on IG: @morganpagewilson 

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If you or anyone you love is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please call the Addiction Crisis Hotline: 888-251-6535

My dear friend, Haley Gray, joins me today on what is one of my favorite conversations yet. Haley grappled with addition for much of her late teens and early twenties, but after a phone call she doesn't even remember answering, she sought out treatment and celebrated 3 years of sobriety on October 8th of this year. While she went to treatment to free herself of addiction, the real result that has impacted her the most is the relationship she formed with God.

As Haley states in the episode, she always knew of God, but she was "given a religion", and it wasn't until this time of her life that she actually formed a relationship. Haley has one of the most confident, steadfast and pure hearts for God. The way she can see God in all of the good and bad throughout her journey is incredibly admirable, to put it lightly. Her story is one of refinement, surrender and ultimately, victory.

Find Haley on IG: @haleynoelleee

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This week I'm joined by Keaton Rosek, a dear friend of mine, who has spent the better portion of this year in transition. Back in May, Keaton made the difficult but admirable decision to leave a job that was no longer serving him. Keaton has been so patient in the process of figuring out "what's next" and in that time, has been remaining close to God and allowing God to refine him throughout this season.

The times of waiting and transition can be scary, confusing and at times, if we're being honest, downright boring. We talk a lot on this show, and in the real world, about the high highs and the low lows of our walks with God. Everyone loves a good miracle story of how God took something and made it new. But its not often people get real about how it feels to be in the waiting period before God shows you why He asked you to walk away or toward something. Keaton's willingness to talk about this was such a welcomed conversation because its where some of God's best work happens, and its important to not take these seasons lightly as they're necessary to become who we need to be to walk into the next blessing God has for us.

Find Keaton on IG: @kjrosek

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Today's episode is a little different than our usual set up. I am joined by JimDre Westbrook, who is a purpose coach and entrepreneur. Instead of discussing his particular path and season he's personally "planted" it, I asked him to spend some time giving advice and encouragement to others in how to hone in on their own purpose that God has set out for them.

JimDre is purpose-driven himself and his life is an example of how fruitful it can be when we trust God and stay in alignment with him. He gives great advice and practical tools to help all types of believers start to make this the focus on their life. I truly saw my life change when I dropped my ego and embarked on living in my purpose, so I hope this will help others find that same peace.

Find JimDre on IG: @jimdre

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