Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we take you back to the origin. Four individuals, each at different parts of their life, facing their own challenges, came together with one shared goal: to find purpose, strength, and faith through it all.

Starting early last year, we were in different places — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We were facing personal setbacks, navigating uncertainty, and all of us were seeking something more, something deeper.

Throughout the obstacles, struggles, and tough moments, God’s plan began to unfold. It was through our individual adversities that we found each other and connected in a way that felt divinely orchestrated. We each brought our own stories, perspectives, and lessons learned, and soon realized that we were not only meant to lean on one another but also share our journeys with others who might be walking a similar path.

Join us as we explore our journeys, the challenges we faced and the faith that brought us through it all. God had a plan for us and now we’ve come together to share our stories with you with the hope of inspiring and encouraging you to keep moving forward in your own journey. Four voices, one purpose.
Let’s jump in!

0:01:14 - 1:25:48 - Origins

1:25:49  - 1:35:26 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:35:27 - 1:45:16 - Encouragement For the Week

References & Resources:

Book - Follow Me by David Platt
https://www.amazon.com/Follow-Me-Call-Die-Live/dp/1414373287/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=58913881667&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FF0IKPSR88C7QW48qj0mXVIX9WQs8-bTUxbkTsJmTYNQBnVlYwUhm5xPEB4WzX3tCT975QKURKzjvjQZSF_JrAGaj9fkVIAGuEdKOQ1hv24r4LFSGGOiWdovQtDHc6PwIZezMekBUn_Lj78GQcQOE1SvuDP6uA2sKoYihQC3dbfmbyaocXQjmPKbNFSqJvH56R3qTT9ypheibqNXnKmjLQ.h2IfeTOXozQjSSKgfvKQlf0ta1_oVtb2WJZUgjKEL1c&dib_tag=se&hvadid=713602785581&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9008561&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16010672479040326940&hvtargid=kwd-300955226801&hydadcr=15152_13754954&keywords=follow+me+david+platt&mcid=b73d07202170323cbc05fe003446c60c&qid=1741270616&sr=8-1

Bible App Plan - Love God Greatly: Draw Near
https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/17814

Movie - The Forge
https://www.netflix.com/title/81947895

Sermon - There Must Be More | The Chapel
https://www.youtube.com/live/XgMyhO9z2Ps?si=e6bHKBRyvIGpRFnn

Music - Who can I run to? by JG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6mXXPgvZ14

Music - Whatever it takes by Anita Baker
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nwP2r0U4Bbc&pp=ygUdYW5pdGEgYmFrZXIgd2hhdGV2ZXIgaXQgdGFrZXM%3D

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. In this episode, we explore the importance of unity in our communities and the world around us. Unity is more than just coming together physically—it’s about fostering deeper connections, understanding, and collaboration.

We dive into the challenges that often divide us such as fear, greed, ego, pride, misunderstanding, and the lack of a shared purpose, and discuss how we can overcome these barriers to create a stronger, more harmonious society.

We also look at what it truly takes to live in unity—sharing our resources, opening our hearts, and recognizing the value in every individual. Everyone has unique gifts, talents, and perspectives that, when combined, can create something greater than the sum of its parts. We discuss how our gifts can be the bridge that unites us, helping us break down walls and build community based on mutual respect, love and compassion.

Join us for insightful conversation on the power of collective action, the role of kindness, and the potential for each person to make a meaningful difference to unlock the power of unity and create a world where we all thrive.

Let’s jump in!

0:02:21 - 0:34:53 - Unity in Community

0:34:54 - 0:43:17 - Dealing with Greed

0:43:18 - 0:59:49 - The Value of Your Unique Gift

0:59:50 - 1:06:35 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:06:36 - 1:20:59 - Leading with Love

1:21:00 - 1:27:09 - Encouragement for the week

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. Today we’re diving the evolution of personal and spiritual growth and how it not only impacts you but the people around you. Growth is a transformative journey, but it’s not always smooth sailing.

We’ll explore the challenges and rewards of personal and spiritual growth, from the frustration of others not understanding your changes to how growth reshapes your relationships and daily life.

We’ll also discuss the power of adopting a growth mindset versus staying in a fixed mindset, and how your values, standards, and even what you do for fun, shift as you evolve.

Join us for insightful conversation on navigating your own personal and spiritual growth, the impact it has on your connections, and how to embrace change without losing yourself in the process.

Let’s jump in!

0:02:30 - 0:21:12 - Personal Growth & Outgrowing Others

0:21:13 - 0:51:46 - The Growth Mindset

0:51:47 - 1:11:40 - Helping Others Grow

1:11:41 - 1:19:26 - Spencer’s Notebook

1:19:27 - 1:25:58 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources

Book - Hey God by Solomon Jordan

https://www.amazon.com/Hey-God-Authentic-Prayers-Everyday/dp/B09QP2MML9/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2TL8VD8TRR6EZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FKFc05bXaJRfFXjQ06SaS1QTzLcMR5vFZ21CmBfJIuW8K6p6oWBl37mXh4JUL-WrIzQTV2gVkm92ygE-cJFifhz_F0jeI5Cz7nTYKGF3K9aa-Xzn5jL-_5gLCWOZAhb7NF62DlWJr4nbIQhYYSWJoQ.UVLn90J-KsXGbkTkp4aw858OnxS19vByIaSSEmXdojE&dib_tag=se&keywords=hey+god+4+books&qid=1738735540&sprefix=hey+god+4+books+%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-4

Book - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322/ref=asc_df_0345472322?mcid=940db6e0dede3e228a8a2163e379a5c0&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693449522341&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16302905232056462322&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-423142297401&psc=1
Book - How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671027034/?bestFormat=true&k=how%20to%20win%20friends%20and%20influence%20people&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-m-si_de_k0_1_10&crid=2IAFAEH665FSI&sprefix=how%20to%20win

Book - Atomic Habits by James Clear

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735211299/?bestFormat=true&k=atomic%20habits&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-m-si_de_k0_1_7&crid=2NWIWAHL8O82J&sprefix=atomic%20

Podcast - Transformation Church Podcast - “Overflow from Obscurity // Livin’ In The Overflow (Part 9)”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transformation-church/id1348831124?i=1000659197742

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. Today we’re exploring something foundational — faith. What does faith really mean, and how does it shape our beliefs, actions, and sense of purpose?

We’ll also talk about how, at times, we might place other things — career, relationships, or even personal struggles — before our faith in God.

But through it all, we’ll highlight the power faith has to fuel our goals and dreams, and how leaning into it can help push through adversity to achieve what we thought was impossible.

Join us as we dive into the tough but powerful conversations about the role of faith in our lives.
Let’s jump in!

0:01:47 - 0:11:30 - What’s the opposite of Faith? 

0:11:31 - 0:29:17 - Routine & Faith 

0:29:18 - 0:41:19 - Overcoming Low Points 

0:41:20 - 0:55:00 - Struggles in Faith 

0:55:01 - 1:13:34 - Needs x Faith = Motivation 

1:13:35 - 1:30:08 - Spencer’s Notepad 

01:30:09 - 01:33:00 - Encouragement for the week 

References & Resources

Book - Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

https://www.amazon.com/Evidence-that-Demands-Verdict-Anglicized/dp/1780788320/ref=asc_df_1780788320?mcid=cc05fef7c6c933ec949cb59257e7c423&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693033695472&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10771418621880611498&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-417258934513&psc=1

Book - More Than A Carpenter by Josh McDowell

https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Carpenter-Josh-McDowell/dp/1496488261?tag=hydsma-20&source=dsa&hvcampaign=booksm&gbraid=0AAAAA-byW6AovwSK6WrUVNhyRiDLkUwEn

Podcast - Maxwell Leadership Podcast - “How to Reach Your Dreams”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maxwell-leadership-podcast/id1416206538?i=1000682294703

Podcast - Jerry Flowers Podcast - “That’s Not the Real Problem | Therapy Thursday”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-not-the-real-problem-therapy-thursday-jerry/id1441350709?i=1000684381170

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. Today we explore the complex world of expectations. We discuss how expectations shape our lives, from the pressures we place on ourselves to the ones we navigate within relationships. We discuss where our expectations come from and the importance of giving our selves grace when we fall short.

For those who struggle with setting expectations for themselves, we offer insights on building a healthy sense of expectation and personal growth. We also address the strain of dealing with others who take advantage of your lack of boundaries or clear expectations.

We provide strategies for setting healthy expectations and managing them with empathy, self-compassion, and understanding.

Join us as we have real conversations, give practical tools, and empowering insights to help navigate the delicate balance between self respect and the expectations of others.

Let’s jump in!

0:01:34 - 0:18:45 - Reflection on 2024 Expectations

0:18:46 - 0:34:11 - Managing High Expectations

0:34:12 - 0:52:54 - Managing and Helping Low Expectations

0:52:55 - 01:17:46 - Expectations on Serving Others

01:17:47 - 01:22:31 - Encouragement For The Week

References & Resources

Book - Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend 

https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated-Expanded-When-Control/dp/0310351804/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=160955847551&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._cBidtKfqM3D8bynj_-ZXnXezvTDmcZfPmWZjWq_HO7wtlf_9CofVXNFbSFh73g4ZON4Lw-u9dhKPl2xcnFUDzGhRgwXhiHCVn15URroDqCm39_UWK4cN0J_cZ3qUIBR3SfoCr_52aGePKV67XFbl_iLDNwxiO0ZlySPxRtKprccahN1sdOAr_KPQzOgaGo_7V3RXU66PTMrafQlN43dtg.Dna3vmJH6f4qT28o4vkB_bpLnzkFOR8nbCUsidX2Ytg&dib_tag=se&hvadid=688710226048&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9008561&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=3227362392663050470&hvtargid=kwd-1730536120486&hydadcr=29419_14726259&keywords=boundaries+book+by+dr+henry+cloud&qid=1736467112&sr=8-1

Book - The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson

https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Giver-Bruce-Wilkinson/dp/159052201X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3SFQ4EHWFF32Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ESPUu68VEU9uW7xtuHVqbi1K3_n2esorCXOBjwZw8vy0gQp6g29VrWqSNTloWxVRkaHjaMGBr3OT3i-JBSf6PSQcMyrXVeK5OUd8Jfn3rA98swRHZ5wF8X1ms8HXj7csg-rxHXLRUzPqa3RpJq8X5ghxsYJ6zXFx2EsgEKyV3GMgYwNp9pKh-axe05tEO90tRFcsS12hDCqamxLZnUMSDQ.jp7X-GDquCpTSacwSCF8EPxBojKEyhsZ4VHgs8rUdfg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+dream+giver&qid=1736467209&sprefix=the+dream+giver%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1

Book - The Magic of Thinking Big by David J Schwartz

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0593713230/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LISdCGce6BSOGKPPW0F8AwRjIje76IBHV5lM6p4QZiOuENoYHiDwISaF7mMyxJ1MBIdW93_3lAbHFegKkuDfHXFIjXU0R2ZrC1qrbpj--6PrMSCNqwKLZkPA78drYE_Z926I0Ry0C29mg9VkBfSdbfuP_ymbxPZZdWOTYr2cnKQgoPZe02NetoWswYiY3NO2nVaQHUjxEoRoAJpfGpdnVw.Ih4ku5hoGfn95eo19C6cIkdO8f30ddiunlXhrumhAfU&qid=1736467287&sr=8-1

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. Today we’re being even more vulnerable by sharing our life stories in five year increments. We dive into our past, reflecting on the events, challenges, and triumphs that shaped who we are today.

We explore the similarities in our journeys, celebrate growth, and highlight lessons along the way. We embrace the power of storytelling by being authentic and inviting others to reflect on and share their own stories.

Join us as we explore the beauty of growth, connection, and the courage it takes to be open and real with ourselves.

Let’s jump in!

Terrell’s Story - 0:01:43 - 0:13:12

Spencer’s Story - 0:13:13 - 0:21:46

JG’s Story - 0:21:54 - 0:39:37

Rashad’s Story - 0:39:43 - 1:00:33

Story Takeaways - 1:01:47 - 1:16:14

Encouragement for the week - 1:16:15 - 1:20:41

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. Today we’re diving deep into the complex dynamics of trust —— how it’s built, how it’s lost, and the journey to rebuilding it.
 
We’ll explore the delicate balance between patience and forgiveness and how these two forces play a critical role in mending relationships.

We also examine the destructive power of bitterness and how it can erode not only trust but personal well-being.

Join us as we uncover steps for restoring trust and mending the connections that matter most. Whether in friendships, family, or romantic relationships, this conversation will leave you with valuable tools for healing and growth.
Let’s jump in!

0:01:25 - 0:11:22 - The Importance of Trust

0:11:23 - 0:26:56 - The Complexity of Losing Trust

0:26:57 - 0:40:53 - Patience and Forgiveness

0:40:54 - 0:56:34 - The Impact of Bitterness

0:56:35 - 1:11:49 - Rebuilding Trust

1:11:50 - 1:16:05 - Encouragement for the week

References & Resources
Podcast - The Basement with Tim Ross - UNLOCK your GREATNESS with this SECRET for Life Transformation | Dr. Cindy Trimm
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-basement-with-tim-ross/id1632851388
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/the-basement-timross/episodes/The-Church-and-Race--Tim-Ross-and-John-Carter-Expose-the-Hard-Truth-e2s6ov0

Book - The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey
https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-Trust-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/074329730X/ref=asc_df_074329730X?mcid=b95112553a3938d281b10e1c8a8df953&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693590811307&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=646870945453894193&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008561&hvtargid=pla-451280841578&psc=1

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. Today we’re diving deep into what it means to be thankful and grateful —— both in the good times and the hard ones. 

The holidays are a time for family, joy, and celebration, but they can also bring up difficult emotions, especially when we’re dealing with loss. Whether it’s the absence of a loved one, the strain of difficult circumstances, or the weight of the unspoken grief, we’ll explore how we can find hope and healing during the season. We’ll also discuss the importance of being faithful and obedient to God, trusting in his plan, even when life doesn’t go the way we expect. Together, we’ll explore how to cultivate a heart of gratitude, maintain hope, and stay grounded in faith no matter what this holiday season brings.
So, join us for an encouraging and thoughtful conversation on how to embrace the true meaning of the holidays, with a heart full of thanksgiving, grace, and faith.

Let’s jump in!

0:01:58 - 0:18:03 -Thankfulness and Gratitude

0:18:04 - 0:42:16 - Emotions & Support during the Holidays 

0:42:17 - 01:17:54 - Faithfulness and Obedience

01:17:55 - 01:21:46 - Encouragement for the week

Welcome to Wholesome Thinking, the podcast where we create a safe space to use the gifts that God gave us, challenge people’s minds and stimulate wholesome thinking. 

Today we’re exploring some powerful topics that hit home for so many of us: the support we receive (and often don’t) from spouses, friends, family, and mentors; why we can become offended when receiving advice or criticism, and how we can learn to respond in ways that truly help us grow.

We’ll talk about setting the standard for the person you want to be, and—perhaps most importantly—how to actually practice it every single day. Plus, we’ll ask the question: as a society, are we so addicted to self-improvement that we’ve lost sight of the fact that we’re already enough?
So, whether you're looking for ways to navigate feedback with grace, seeking stronger connections with those around you, or wondering if the pursuit of constant self-improvement is ever really enough, this episode has something for you. 

Let’s jump in!

Introduction to the first episode of Wholesome Thinking and new platform to create safe space for us to use the gifts that God gave us. This episode captures the importance of safe spaces for conversations, the role of prayer in financial blessings, impacting the lives of others, and gaining perspective about more things in life. 

The objective of this platform is to challenge people's minds and stimulate wholesome thinking by utilizing the gifts that God gave us all. The main rules of this podcast are Commitment, Creativity, No Cursing, Prayer, and No Judgement.