Your Biggest Breakthrough

Justin Maina of American Ninja Warrior fame dropped by the Your Biggest Breakthrough studios to talk about FEAR.

What do you fear?

Government run amok? Public speaking? Death?

We all have fears, and Justin spends his days counseling and coaching people all over the globe how to first identify, and then confront the fears that cripple us from achieving our potential.

Justin is careful to point out that fear is given to us by our Creator and is useful in healthy ways, but when it holds us back from doing our very best in this life, that's when it needs to be confronted and overcome!

In this episode, you'll hear:

-Justin describes his childhood which is vastly different from his identity today...04:30

-Seeing the need for strong faith at a young age...06:45

-The importance of having a mentor, and why you should seek to mentor others...10:20

-Attack the fears in your life in order to achieve your biggest breakthrough...15:50

-The top 3 fears Justin encounters in his work with clients...20:30

-Practical steps to take in identifying and confronting your fears...27:30

-Without a vision, the people perish...34:10

-Does God experience fear? (Hint: Jesus was tempted in every way we are)...37:00

-How to connect with and potentially work with Justin in overcoming your fears...41:00

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:

[email protected]

FB: facebook.com/JustinMaina

IG: instagram.com/justinmainaofficial

YT: https://youtu.be/Bs8I9nf0jiQ

"Excuse me, are you Todd?"

"Yes, how can I help you?"

"We're supposed to meet here at Starbucks."

"We are? That's great! But I had no idea I was supposed to meet anyone here today."

A text message arrives in Matt Kriha's phone, from the Todd he was scheduled to meet - at a different Starbucks.

"Hey it turns out you're not the Todd I was supposed to meet."

"Well that's okay, Godspeed to you. Since I have your attention, do you want to be on my podcast?"

That's essentially how we came to know of our guest on today's show. While Matt and Todd hadn't planned on meeting at that time and place, we believe God arranged for the meeting so we can be blessed with Matt's story of crawling through the muck and mire of self, and experiencing true transformation through the grace of God and of family that never gives up on their own.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-How moving from the "unsafe" place to a "safe" place led to Matt being exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age...05:25

-A ripple effect of hurt leads to Matt becoming estranged from his closest family...10:30

-Left to his own devices, efforts to reform destructive habits prove to be futile...13:30

-The power of addiction overcomes the desire to do right...18:30

-A divine intervention while in gen. pop. brings a genuine breakthrough against addiction...21:30

-Mom and Dad refuse to enable the dysfunction, prove to be pivotal to making the change permanent...28:30

-The moment Matt realized the change on the inside is legit...34:01

-Snowball effect into success in business and in life...36:30

-Miraculous affirmation from family after being a colossal disappointment...43:00

-Finally using the gifts given by God for His glory...48:25

-Closing thoughts from Todd and Wendie...54:45

-And much more...

About the guest:

Matt Kriha went from jails, institutions and homelessness … to 14 years of sobriety and is now living a flourishing life. He lost his way in life from age 13 to 26 living a life of terror fueled by alcohol and drug addiction.

But on Dec 21st 2007 his life was redirected by the grace of God. What he viewed as a bottom was the first step in his journey to a happy destiny.

Matt believes that no matter what the addiction, by the grace of God and a determination to get help and support, you can be free and live the life that God has planned for you. Today, as a Graduate from Carlson Business School, Matt is a successful entrepreneur and dedicated to helping others find their way to freedom.

Susie Jennings, founder of Operation Care International stopped by the studio to share her own story of overcoming personal tragedy, questioning God's plan for her life, and ultimately having a deep trust in Him that only comes through true obedience.

**Please note that due to a poor connection on our call with Susie, the audio quality in this episode is not the greatest. We beg your indulgence and encourage you to listen carefully as this interview was one we simply could not pass on publishing!

In this episode, you'll learn:

-How mom feeding the homeless planted the seeds for Susie's current ministry...04:05

-The tragic death of Susie's husband and close friend puts Susie's faith in God to the ultimate test...08:00

-God is still the answer even in (or especially in) the face of adversity...11:15

-The "dangerously good" prayer to ask of God (but prepare yourself for the answer)...15:04

-The "birthday party for Jesus" Susie hosts for the homeless...18:45

-Other groups who are following Susie's lead in ministering to the homeless...24:14

-Recounting the "Mountaintop Miracles" from Susie's ministry...30:10

-The one word Susie would use to describe herself...34:00

Resources mentioned:

Operation Care Int'l

Mountain Top Miracles book

FaceBook

YouTube

About the guest:

Susie Yanson Jennings is Founder and President of Operation Care International. A Registered Nurse by profession since 1978, Susie stepped out in faith and obedience to God’s calling leading to her resignation from a supervisory position at Baylor University Medical Center Dallas in January 2011. She then became a full time missionary to those in need. Susie continues to lead OCI with the help of a board of directors and a multitude of volunteers.

Susie joined First Baptist Church Dallas in 1982, within months of arriving in the United States from her home in the Philippines. She received invaluable Biblical knowledge under the teaching of the legendary Dr. W.A. Criswell, one of the godliest men she has known. She taught preschoolers for twenty (20) years at her church.

Desiring to serve God and her community after the tragic death of her husband, God called Susie to give blankets to the homeless in downtown Dallas in November 1993. The homeless called her, “The Blanket Lady.” That modest beginning was the genesis of Operation Care International (OCI), which has grown to encompass multiple ministries and major events each year in Dallas, Texas as well as missions to the homeless and destitute children in nations around the world.

Her guiding principle for the vision of OCI is in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Remember when...

• You were absolutely crazy about your spouse, and couldn't see enough of him or her?
• You craved time in the Scriptures, and sought every opportunity to hang out with other believers in Jesus?
• You poured your heart and soul into your work every day, and rose to the head of the class or your field?

But today, those feelings are distant memories. You're stuck in a rut, and there seems to be no way out.

The fire you once had is barely a smoldering heap of embers.

What is one to do?

In this episode, we'll talk about what causes this fire to wane (and it happens to everyone) and then three things you can do starting today to begin to stoke the embers and get the fire roaring to what it was and then even more.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-What happened to the once-raging fire in our first love (our faith in Jesus)?...02:30

-Break up the mundane routines to avoid complacency...05:51

-What causes the fire to wane in its intensity?...08:01

-We've identified the need for change...what do we do now?...11:23

-Three actionable steps to take to stoke the fire in our relationships, faith, etc...14:25

1. Remember what stoked the fire to begin with
2. Ask the hard questions regarding the outcome you desire
3. Don't do it on your own; get the right kind of help

Find out exactly what stands between you and your biggest breakthrough and how you can achieve your next level of living.

Get your FREE 12-page starter kit now!

Imagine being told from a very young age that the church your family attends is the only real church in the world? That even the thought of leaving the church is tantamount to rebellion against God?

Our guest on today's episode experienced that, and let's just say it had a negative effect on her. After becoming wise to the ways of the world, Karen Y. Wilson Wilson-Starks realized the folly of such a doctrine and finally left her church. But it came at a cost of also leaving the only identity in Jesus she had ever known.

A true "wilderness experience" as she puts it.

But those who have tasted the good things of God always come back to Him, and Karen did so eventually. She's dealt with her fair share of legalism and man-made criteria as an adult after rediscovering her love for God, but has also met legit shining lights for the Gospel. So much so that she ministers to those who have endured similar estrangement from the Truth and encourages them to seek and find Jesus.

In this conversation with Dr. Karen Y. Wilson-Starks, you'll learn:

-Karen's journey from "pharisaical, law-based religion" to true freedom in Christ...05:00

-Escaping the oppression of a rules-based pseudo-gospel...11:38

-The unfolding of family life, and how it impacted Karen's character as an adult...13:50

-Discovering true freedom after wandering in a figurative wilderness for a period of time...19:00

-Advice for those who desire God, but are still on the precipice of finding God...25:00

-A divine meeting finally allows Karen and her husband to marry...27:20

-The most important lesson Karen has learned through her experiences in life...35:40

-Getting intimate with Jesus without worrying about meeting a bunch of man-made criteria...38:01

-How God has used Karen's unique experiences to minister in the marketplace...42:08

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

FREE Giveaway: www.transleadership.com/positive

Guest's bio and social handles:

Dr. Karen Y. Wilson-Starks is the President and CEO of TRANSLEADERSHIP, INC. an executive leadership development consulting firm for executives in mid to large-sized values-based corporations. She partners with her global clients to select and retain the best people, create high performance teams, and develop cultures that get rapid innovative results. Her clients create a “Living Leadership Legacy” succession plan that leaves the organization, the people, and themselves Transformed, Transcended, and Ascended for their next chapter.

Dr. Wilson-Starks is also host of the weekly podcast show, The Voice of Leadership; Host of the TV and iHeart radio shows Dr. Karen Speaks Leadership; author of Lead Yourself First: The Senior Leader’s Guide to Engaging Your People for Greater Performance and Impact; and creator of the online course: Teams Empowered for Dynamic Organizational Results.

Her previous positions include serving as Chief Assessor and Senior Faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) in Colorado Springs and as an active duty Army officer and psychologist. Her Army assignments include serving as the Clinical Director of the Cadet Counseling Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, as Division Psychologist for the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas; and also serving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

She holds active memberships in the American Psychological Association (APA) where she is a Fellow and serves as a member of the Consulting Psychology Ethics Committee; the Society for the Advancement of Consulting (SAC) where she is an expert panelist of the Global Supply Chain group; the Society for Human Resource Managers (SHRM); and the Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA). She is also the 2021 recipient of The RHR International Award for Excellence in Consultation, the highest level practice award in the Consulting Psychology Division of The American Psychological Association (APA).

The Consulting Psychology Journal published her co-authored article, “Consulting Competently in Multicultural Contexts” in the June 2008 edition. Articles in industry and association publications include “Team Building Success” and “It’s Time to Build High Performance Teams.”

Her Ph.D. and master’s degrees in clinical psychology are from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, and her bachelor’s degree in psychology is from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.

With more than 30 years of experience as a trusted advisor for executives in corporations, the US Militaryand Federal Government, and non-profit leaders in Foundations and faith-based organizations, she specializes in “Positive Leadership for Positive Business Results”. She also leverages her global experiences for a broader and more expansive view of options and possibilities.

She enjoys international travel, Broadway theatre, vacations at the ocean, and reading in her leisure time. She is married to Gregory Starks, a retired Army Officer and avid prosumer photographer.

You may recall the very end of our conversation with media personality Os Hillman in last week's episode of Your Biggest Breakthrough in which Os' wife Pamela made a surprise cameo appearance. Well, we were so captivated by Pamela's personal story that we just had to get her to share a bit of it on the podcast for y'all to listen in.

Pamela's story is one of overcoming great trauma and adversity from a young age, which ultimately manifested into a decades long addiction to hard drugs, specifically cocaine.

But the yearning for God's love never left. In fact, she would even watch Christian programming on television while getting high. Her friends didn't know what to make of this, but God was working even through the muck in which Pamela was entangled.

After experiencing a moment of truth and clarity regarding God's will for her life - which meant being sentenced to prison for 20 years due to her drug use - Pamela now ministers to those who have struggled with addiction in all its phases, for better or for worse.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-Pamela's personal history of trauma leading to her first breakthrough...03:35

-The power of the tongue speaks either life or destruction into our lives...09:05

-Experiencing trauma while induced by the finer things of the world...13:22

-How God brought deliverance during a twenty-year prison sentence...18:30

-The moment of who God called Pamela to be is revealed...24:30

-Encouragement for those who relapse after recovering from addiction...29:33

-Obedience to God meant confessing to a major crime and going to prison...32:20

-How Pamela met her husband, Your Biggest Breakthrough guest Os Hillman...39:11

-The steps to Pamela beginning the Prison Discipleship Program (PDP)...44:21

-A success story from the PDP...46:58

-The grace of God is limitless, no matter how far we've sunk...54:00

Resources mentioned:

lifechangerslegacy.net

Guest's bio and social handles:

Pamela Os is a Licensed Ordained IFOC Chaplain, a Paracletos Biblical Specialties Counseling Practitioner, a Licensed Ordained Christian Life Empowerment Coach, certified in the Fundamentals of Prevention and Addiction, certified in Cultural Competence and Ethics in Prevention, a Forgiving Forward Life Empowerment Coach, a Transformational Leadership Coach, and has an earned Diploma in Theology through the Kineo Training Center. She is a member of the AACC American Association of Christian Counseling. She is an avid steward of continuous education and growth in the learning of God’s Word.

She is currently a student at Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary, earning her Masters and Doctorate in Christian Education.

She is a member of the AACC, American Association of Christian Counseling and has taken many courses in Trauma Recovery, Addressing Childhood Wounds, Amen Clinics, and many more through AACC.

She is an avid steward of continuous education and growth in the learning of God’s Word. “You are the steward of your own education”.

______

Call to action:

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.

All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.

And if we like it, we might just read your review on the podcast!

Suffering is never any fun. We like to experience the good times, and often times begrudgingly endure the bad times. Sometimes we even blame and get angry at God because of hardships we endure in our lives.

Our guest today has endured much suffering in his life, beginning as a child and into his adulthood and beyond. Os Hillman has learned that just as Joseph suffered greatly, and was ultimately given great blessings, so we must endure the sufferings that God allows us to go through. In doing so we will be enabled to best serve and glorify Him.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-God reveals the value of adversity, as a child and later in manhood…04:40

-God is giving many the “Joseph Calling”…07:30

-Managing tragedy in the family as a young child…10:12

-The value of mentors; and of mentoring others…12:27

-Os’ prowess as a golfer in his youth, and why he gave it up…15:15

-How to view adversity as a net positive in the grand scheme…21:11

-Sometimes we need to be trusted with suffering before we can be entrusted with blessing…26:16

-Embracing adversity close to home in a way that honors God…30:57

-Using golf as a case study in overcoming adversity…35:00

Resources mentioned:

TodayGodIsFirst.com

thejosephcalling.com

tgifbookstore.com

Free download: financial self assessment (not mentioned in the podcast, but we want to make sure you're aware of it): BiblicalWorker.com

Meet and connect with our guest!

Os Hillman owned and operated an ad agency from 1984-2001. During this time, he served clients such as American Express, Steinway Pianos, US Kids Golf, Peachtree Software, ADP Payroll Services, Parisian Department stores (now Belk), Thomas Nelson Publishers and many non-profit organizations. His company won many prestigious awards from the Direct Marketing Industry such including the Echo Award, Direct Marketing’s highest achievement for excellence in direct marketing for specific ad campaigns.

Os has been featured on CNBC, LA Times, NY Times and many Christian media. He has been a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com, Charisma, and Christian Post. He has spoken at Harvard University and was a visiting professor at Regent University for a season. Os is an editorial contributor to Christian Post, Crosswalk.com, Charisma online, Charisma Leader magazine, and iDisciple platforms.

Today Os Hillman is president of Marketplace Leaders and Aslan Group Publishing, and is involved in several entrepreneur ventures related to publishing and internet marketing. He is author of 24 books, a speaker, consultant and recognized authority in the role that faith and ethics play in the marketplace. He authors a daily internet email newsletter entitled TGIF Today God Is First that is read daily in 104 countries.

Os attended the University of South Carolina on a golf scholarship and was a golf professional for three years before going into business in 1980. Os attended Calvary Chapel Bible School. Os is married to Pamela and Os has one married daughter, Charis Brown. Pamela is founder and president of Life Changers Legacy, a ministry to men and women in prison. He and his wife live in Cumming, Georgia a suburb of Atlanta with their 5 dogs.

Guest's social media handles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TGIFTodayGodIsFirst YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoePOAF2ShOKO_3ZacvFen0xglLnPIjww

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.“ Proverbs 25:11 KJV

Or as Todd’s father might have done around the family campfire, Encouragement is like throwing gasoline on a waning flame and watching it come back to robust life before your eyes.

In this episode, Todd and Wendie share personal anecdotes and insights on the extremely valuable, yet often times overlooked necessity of giving and receiving encouragement among our church, family, community, even business relationships!

In this episode, you'll learn:

-Encouragement is like throwing gasoline on smoldering embers…03:00

-The biblical definition of “encouragement”…04:15

-Todd shares a personal story of the power of encouragement…07:40

-How Wendie stays encouraged through the trials of being a solopreneur…10:20

-The ripple effect of encouragement within a community…13:13

-Receiving encouragement is a conscious choice we all must make…16:30

-First steps to take when we perceive we’re in need of encouragement…20:30

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:

1 Thess 1:5-9

Connect with Todd and Wendie!

Call to action:

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.

All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.

"There are too many "welcome signs" in churches today, but not enough outreach outside the church walls to the people who truly need the gospel," says our guest today, Victor Torres.

Victor was trapped in drug addiction as a young boy in New York City, but through the power of prayer and a rather stubborn believing mother who showed her zeal for the Lord in (ahem) unconventional ways, he was delivered from his life of drugs, perpetual incarceration, overdoses and now shares the love of Jesus at his ministry in Richmond, VA and around the world!

This is a powerful episode, one we believe will empower YOU to walk with more boldness in your own faith - or even discover the faith in Jesus you've craved all along.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-Opening thoughts from Wendie and Todd...01:00

-Victor's younger years, and being delivered from a sordid youth...05:17

-You have to be accepted if you want to survive...11:00

-The power of prayer delivers Victor from a life and death situation...15:19

-"Sneaking Jesus into my life with a hanky"...22:50

-"Bionic problems", and how to address them with wisdom...29:45

-Reaching out to people on their turf; don't expect them to come to you...33:30

-We have the power and authority in Jesus to approach the most vile of human beings...38:02

-The first step for one who is ready to embrace Jesus, but is fearful of the perceived consequences...42:45

-Is revival in the church forthcoming?...45:15

-And much more...

Resources mentioned:

https://www.victortorres.org/

https://www.facebook.com/VictorTorresMinistries #spiritrevolutionnow

"Reaching Your Addicted Loved One" $10 Special when you use discount code "Victor"

"Victor" movie by Victor Torres Currently on sale for $10

Guest's bio and social handles:

Victor Torres was a gang warlord and heroin addict in New York City’s violent streets. His life had taken a dangerous downward spiral into drugs and violence. Through his mother’s prayers, God spared her son from this dark lifestyle. Through those prayers, Teen Challenge, and the mentorship of David Wilkerson, Victor saw deliverance and the discovery of God’s call on his life.

Victor is the founding pastor of New Life Outreach Church in Richmond, Virginia. Over one thousand people, more than 35 nationalities and cultures come together in worship in this vibrant and joyful congregation. New Life Outreach has 22 churches throughout the world, including Brazil, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Africa.

In 1971, Victor and Carmen, who went to be with the Lord in February, 2022, founded New Life for Adults and Youth. With headquarters in Richmond, this is one of the largest and most respected addiction recovery organizations in the country.

Victor Torres has authored of many books including, “Reaching Your Addicted Loved One: Help & Hope for Those Battling Substance Abuse,” “Why You Need the Holy Spirit” and his autobiography “Víctor,” which made into an award-winning major motion picture.

Victor and his family are building a legacy, reaching hundreds of thousands of lives. They have four children, eleven grandchildren, and more spiritual children than they can count.

“Spirit Revolution: Equipping You to Radically Change Your World from the Inside Out,” and the new release “Spirit Revolution 60-Day Devotional” are a call to the brave battling the bionic troubles of our world. The tsunami of sickness and sin is only overcome by God’s tsunami of grace and the power and person of God’s Holy Spirit working through us. There is a revival coming to the church. Today is your renewal. Now is the time for a Spirit Revolution.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. --Jeremiah 29:11

That is Jon Ramirez' theme Scripture verse, one that he has relied on in sometimes humiliating circumstances. Things were going well in Jon's marriage, when his spouse suddenly announced she was no longer interested in being married. So she went her way, and Jon was left at the mercy of parents for a place to live.

Talk about humbling.

But it's those moments when we're completely broken that God can operate his perfect will in our lives. Jon relied on God's grace, sometimes manifested through the kindness and generosity of others in his time of need - and now is "recklessly generous" with his time and talents with whomever may be in need.

That's a heavenly "paying it forward" mindset we heartily approve of!

In this interview with Jon, you'll learn:

-Jon shares why Jeremiah 29:11 is his theme verse...03:55

-Out of the blue: the ideal life takes a wrong turn...06:12

-Initial reaction to the marriage coming to an end...10:23

-Balancing the drive to have answers when there are no perceivable answers...13:30

-Beginning the healing process...15:40

-Discussion on spiritual warfare manifested in mundane circumstances in life...20:43

-Living for the day...23:50

-The best antidote for self-pity: being generous toward those in need...26:12

-Why should we be surprised when "life happens"?...30:32

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:

Every Man a Warrior book series by Lonnie Berger

Guest's bio and social handles:

Jon Ramirez is 40 years old, born and raised in Minnesota, and lives in Maple Grove. Jon is single, and has no kids but four cats. His passions include: relationships with family and friends, serving others, being recklessly generous with the time, treasures and talents God has blessed me with.

Jon is on the Worship Team at Westbridge Church (drums & bass), a Youth Group leader at Westbridge Church, and co-lead a Friday morning men's study at Grace Church. His hobbies include: Movies, music, NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves, health and fitness. Scripture verse: Jeremiah 29:11