Family Stories

Dreama is best known as the wife of Bob Denver, you know, Gilligan, the loveable character from the series, “Gilligan's Island.” She is an actress in her own right on stage and screen, an author, and the owner of a radio station with a delightful name, “Little Buddy Radio.” Dreama lived 30 wonderful years with the love of her life, Bob, before he passed away in 2005. Yet, her story is far from a fairytale life. Their son, Colin, was born with severe autism. Bob and Dreama made the decision to walk away from Hollywood to raise their son. Then, after 20 years of caring for Colin, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Bob was diagnosed with cancer. In those difficult months, Dreama suffered a stress induced heart attack. Years later, she fought a battle with breast cancer. But the best part of her story is the ongoing epilogue of her life, the last seven years have been especially amazing since the Holy Spirit reached out and touched her life in a miraculous way. Listen as Dreama tells her story.

An 18 year old high school graduate is working in a glass factor to earn money for college. He's excitedly looking forward to playing baseball in college. Then, tragically, his throwing arm is ripped off above the elbow in an industrial accident. The boy that others thought was a real Christian now wanted nothing to do with God. His anger, bitterness and depression led him to tell God, "You go Your way and I'll go mine," and he meant it. Listen as Jeff tells his story.

Two emotions, fear and anger, have been running rampant across our nation. For some, fear has turned to panic, and anger has turned to rage. For others it has led to disappointment, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. And more than a few are simply confused. This podcast is not an analysis of politics in America. It’s not about who is right or who is wrong. It’s about clear perspective and walking with peace and joy while storms rage. Tony uses the story of the Apostle Paul when he faced rioters in Ephesus in AD56 to help us understand and navigate what we are experiencing today. Listen to “Fear and Anger or Peace and Joy” on the Family and Stories Podcast.

Listen as Scott Kays gives financial insights for the coming year. Scott, a registered Financial Advisor, is Founder and Financial Managing Principal of Kays Financial Advisory Corp. For over 35 years he has managed hundreds of millions of dollars. Equally as important, he is a strong believer with a clear biblical view of financial issues.

Randy runs his ranch from the back of a horse and makes some the most beautiful saddles in the world. Nothing unusual about that for a cowboy, until you learn that a devastating car crash left him paralyzed from the chest down some 35 years ago. What he does now is remarkable and has helped thousand with disabilities. You won't want to miss this.

Stripped of Shame is a front row seat into the life and mind of an addict and the crippling effects of drugs, alcohol, and childhood trauma. The heartfelt need for love and acceptance in the human psyche must be met in the life of every child. Left unfulfilled by parents, the void will be filled by someone else in some place other than the home. That never works for their good.  Doreen Stumpf knows this all too well. Her story is one of a downward spiral that began at a bus stop when a twenty something boy with blue eyes and a warm compelling smile invited this lonely, unhappy, fourteen year old girl into his life. That changed everything.  

Day three, focused on the hunt, Jim was unaware that he was the one being stalked until he saw the look on his guide's face and heard him utter the word, bear! Jim turned his head and looked over his right shoulder. An eight hundred-pound grizzly was staring him down. Seconds later he was being mauled.

We have all heard it said, “decisions determine destiny” and it’s true. Our future has everything to do with the decisions we make today. However, they are never made in a vacuum. They often do more to change the lives of those around us than we could have ever imagined. And that is especially true when it comes to our children.

It was the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Abbey D'Agostino was competing in the 5000 meter prelim race with the fastest women in the world. Three thousand meters in, the race accelerated unexpectedly, catching many by surprise. The runner in front of Abbey tripped and fell, causing Abbey to tumble as well. It could have been a small forgotten incident in the big picture of the Olympic games, but instead it went viral and it's where this story really began.

A longing to be loved, an unexpected pregnancy, a rushed marriage, a divorce, feelings of worthlessness and a heaping helping of guilt and shame: not  exactly the best recipe for a happy and hopeful future. Unfortunately, Laura’s story is not unique. Fortunately, there is a God who can take the ashes of our mistakes and turn them it into something beautiful. That’s exactly what happened to Laura. This story will bless you.

In Stephens new book, "You've Got a Story" he talks about getting published in today's market place, storytelling, self-discovery and transformation. To tell your story well, you need to be willing to open your heart and tell the story without pride or pretense. In this podcast Stephen speaks to that very issue, he calls it self-discovery. It is well worth your time.

In print or on screen, Stephen Bransford is a master storyteller; the most creative I have ever known. He has a gift to look beyond the obvious, peel back the superficial layers and discover the underlying motivations and truth. He's been published by Doubleday, Crossway and Thomas Nelson. He has written and directed stories for some of the most well known Christian leaders and organizations in America. If you're interested in the art of storytelling you won't want to miss this.

Margaret Kerry received the audition call from Disney in 1953. She had no idea what the part was, but it was Disney, and no one turns down Disney. She would be dancing and modeling for the upcoming Peter Pan movie as Tinker Bell. A child actor at the age of four in 1937, she appeared on many of the oldies like, Our Gang, and one of the first TV sitcoms for ABC,  The Ruggles. Also appearing on The Andy Griffith Show and The Long Ranger. And at the age of 90, she remarried. She says, "It was love at second sight."

Madeline is a gold and silver Olympic Medalist in track. She competed in three Olympics, 1968,1972,1976 and if not for the boycott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980, it would have been four. She set a world record in 1968 in the 800 meter race that stood for 15 years and  has been inducted into the National and Olympian Halls of Fame. In those years of running, amazing transformation took place in her life; they are incredible stories.

With over 8000 Thoroughbred race wins, which include, the Belmont Stakes three times, the Preakness five times and the Kentucky Derby, Pat Day is one of the greatest jockeys in history. He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1991 and holds hundreds of other titles. He works the backside of the track now as the President of Chaplains. His story is amazing, you won't want to miss it.

Fleceia leads an influential life. She is the Coordinator of WNBA Chaplains, has been on the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) staff for 20 years, was a high-school basketball coach 11 years, the Chaplain for the women's American basketball team at the Athens Olympics and now travels the country speaking to junior high, high school and college athletes. Her message is more than inspirational, it's infused with the gospel. Her story will guide and encourage parents who have athletes in their family.

You may not know the name Otto Thorwarth, but I would guess you have probably watched the blockbuster movie, "Secretariat." Otto, a great winning jockey, (over 1800 race wins) in his own right, played the role of the real jockey, Ronnie Turcotte, in Secretariat; along side Diane Lane, John Malkovich and others. But Otto's story is about more than riding a horse in a movie, much more. It's a story worth hearing.

Some say he's super human, some call him the "Hurricane," others say he is full of hot air. But the one most people remember him by is the, "I Believe Guy," and that is the real story. He holds 12 Guinness Book World Records. He has appeared on TV shows from "Good Morning America, to America's Got Talent, to Ripley's Believe It or Not." His records are unusual and amazing. They range from blowing up balloons to lifting cars with this breath. You'll love his story.

Dakota, systems engineer for the all new Space Force, and his wife Mandy, home schooling mom of their three children, have been creating functional prosthetic hands and arms for children with a 3D printer. Who knew it could be done so simply and inexpensively. The smile on the face of a child who for the first time can pick something up with a hand they never had is unforgettable. They can even make them look like a bionic super hero hand. It's an amazing story worth hearing.

In 1994, Scott Mendes had become one of the elite bull riders.  Fame, fortune and temptation were all part of the package.  Until the day that tragedy struck when his best friend was killed in front of him while riding a bull in the NFR (National Finals Rodeo). That was the day that Scott gave his life to Jesus. From then on, everything he did was for the Lord. Lucrative sponsorship that involved alcohol or other questionable things were over. He says, "receiving Jesus as you savior is a free gift from God, but If you truly decide to become his disciple, it will cost you something."

Brad Herman’s early life was not ideal. From the age of three, he was raised in a single parent home by his mom. He would see his dad every other weekend. But that usually meant spending time at the office while dad worked. In grade school he was diagnosed with Dyslexia. His inability to keep up tagged him as a Special Need’s student. Brad took another hit at fifteen when his father unexpectedly died.  Anger, worthlessness, and rejection filled his heart. However, that is not the end of Brad’s story. You’ll be amazed at what he’s doing today, it defies logic.

In 2012 a beautiful twenty-eight-year-old woman, the wife of an electrical engineer, and mother of a seven-month-old baby boy received a devastating medical diagnosis: State 3 Colon Cancer. If that were not enough, she had also been suffering with clinical depression most all her life. That combination would take her to the brink of suicide. If not for the Grace of God, her story could have ended there.

COVID-19 has taken its toll on the markets but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  In this podcast Scott Kays, Financial Principal and Founder of Kays Financial Advisory Group will be bringing us up to date. Scott and his staff of 17 professionals invests and manages hundreds of million for hundreds of clients. Most important to me, their philosophy of investing is rooted in a strong biblical prospective. You'll appreciate his wisdom and insights.

In 1992, Darey and Karen Jolley made a life changing decision. It meant pursuing a vision that would require all they had, their time, their energy and the abandonment of financial security. Few people had any idea who these two unassuming people were. They had little money and even less experience. What they did have was a call of God, a love for children and an unwillingness to quit. With faith filled hearts, they took their first steps and many lives have been touched in nearly thirty years. Don't miss their story, It will inspire and encourage.

"You'll never be good enough, you're a loser and always will be." Those words, spoken by an angry alcoholic father to his young son, echoed through Johan's mind every day of his life. Feelings of rejection and worthlessness drove him to prove his father wrong. His answer, the kind money that only a life of crime could ever provide.

The COVID-19 Virus has brought tremendous uncertainty into the marketplace. For that reason, many people are making fear driven financial decisions.  In this podcast, my guest, Scott Kays, a very wise investment advisor with over 35 years of experience and a strong biblical point of view will bring this into perspective. He manages hundreds of millions for hundreds of clients. I believe his words will help calm the storm of emotions that many are experiencing.

In April of 2019, “the big one,” that’s what the doctors called it, nearly ended life on earth for David Hinton. The fact that he survived is miracle enough, but there’s more, much more to this story.  During treatment for this massive heart attack, God gave David a remarkable vision. One that would not only change his life but others as well. Listen to David in his own words.

On January 14, 2009, Charlie and Jill's lives were forever changed. That was the day their precious twenty-three-year-old son, Beau Charles, passed away. Indescribable pain, grief, heartache and yes, anger, flooded their hearts and minds. Everything they believed and thought they understood about faith, healing, the power of prayer and the love of God would be challenged. Listen as they talk about the difficult process of dealing with this loss.

In March of 2008, after touching down from a long flight, this mom and dad received a sobering phone call from their daughter. She informed them that her brother, their son and youngest child was in the hospital. In the days following, they learned the seriousness of his condition. It was a grim diagnosis and the beginning of a life-and-death battle against an insidious and aggressive form of cancer.  Listen as Charlie and Jill tell their story.

In June of 2016 a 65-year-old man crashed into rocks and boulders as he tumbled 600 feet down the avalanche chute of a steep mountain. It should have killed him. His climbing partner thought it did. His story is one of courage, determination and most important of all, a series of God miracles that saved his life.

We have all heard it said, until people know how much you care, they don't care how much you know.  It may be why James wrote, "Faith without works is dead." Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty; words are not enough. My guest today has been getting dirty and meeting the needs of people through disaster relief for decades. When a family member, a friend or a neighbor has lost everything, what can you do and how should you do it? He answers those questions and more on today's broadcast.

The truth be told, I've made  my share of bonehead financial mistakes; I'm guessing I'm not alone. Our guest today, a very successful financial planner and money manager, humbley admits he has made a few as well. As he says on this podcast, "good financial judgement is the result of experience and experiences is often the result of poor financial judgement. After 35 years in the business, he has a thing or two to share on the subject. I am so thankful that Scott has agreed to be a regular guest on Family Stores.

In this podcast I am interviewing a woman who is now living in her 100th year of life. She is in great health, has a sharp mind, lives by herself and has a story to tell. The perspective of life from one who has lived long enough to see 17 presidents may be worth hearing.

Love at first sight is a short story about the host of Family Stories and how he met his wife of 50 years. For him it was love at first sight, for her, not so much.