Humans With Faith

What do we discover about our Father's heart in the biblical passage about Jesus' baptism? Listen in as Scott Rodgers and Donnie Mosher discuss Matthew 3:13-16. 

Amid our concerns during this time, Steve and I pivot on this episode of the Humans With Faith podcast. With so much heavy news and weighty matters going on, we hope this light and fun conversation brings a laugh or a smile to your face. If you're getting cabin fever and want a break from it all, throw in the earbuds and laugh a little with us. Or, ask Alexa to 'play the Humans With Faith podcast,' and invite your kids to join in. www.humanswithfaith.com.

In this episode, Steve and I discuss some ways to walk in peace amid the concerns we all have regarding the coronavirus. We also offer some ways we each can focus our prayers and encourage those around us. www.humanswithfaith.com. 'Alexa, play the Humans With Faith podcast.'

'If you just breathe and pray, it will go away.' True or false? Good advice or bad? Pray first is good counsel, but when it comes to anxiety, sometimes 'just pray' can be insufficient. When this friend called anxiety becomes our foe, understanding what's going on inside of us is a great start to gaining control and finding peace. 'So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.' - Jesus (Matthew 6:34 NLT) www.humanswithfaith.com 'Alexa, play the Humans With Faith podcast.'

According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. If depression is so common, why the stigma? And why is depression sometimes viewed as a failure of faith in some circles, Christian or non-Christian? In this conversation, Steve and I lean into a multi-layered discussion on how to diagnose depression and ways to invite Christ into the process of healing and wholeness if you're depressed. www.humanswithfaith.com 'Alexa, play the Humans With Faith podcast.'

Why is fear an obstacle to sharing our faith? How can a follower of Christ share the message of God's love in a loving and honoring way?  These are just some of the questions we tackle in this episode on the Humans With Faith podcast.  www.humanswithfaith.com. 'Alexa, play the Humans With Faith podcast.'

One doesn't have to look far to see God at work in the world. However, seeing God is entirely different.  In this episode of the Humans With Faith podcast, we converse around the question, 'Is an invisible God audible?' Is hearing the audible voice of God the biblical norm? If so, is there something wrong with us when we don't hear from God daily? If hearing the audible voice of God isn't routine, how does he most often communicate with us?  If, when it comes to hearing God's voice in your life, 'The silence is deafening!' how might he guide and direct you through your life? Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast player or online at www.humanswithfaith.com. 'Alexa, play the Humans With Faith podcast.'

'If God is good, why is life sometimes so bad?' In this episode of Humans With Faith, Steve and I have a messy conversation focused on one of life's biggest questions. Why do bad things happen to good people? Or, anyone for that matter? How could a loving God allow so much suffering in our world? Our opinion is that you don't have to be living in sin to be going through hell. And, to grieve is human.  We hope this honest conversation encourages those of you who are in a difficult situation, and we pray that God reveals himself to you in the middle of the pain that we all experience in this crazy thing called life. Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast player or online at www.humanswithfaith.com. 'Alexa, play the Humans With Faith podcast.'

In this episode of Humans With Faith, we tackle a very personal question. 'How can I learn to trust a Heavenly Father with everything when I can't trust my earthly father with anything?' Experiencing abandonment by his dad, one of our listeners struggles with fully embracing a relationship with Christ because the thought of abandonment remains. www.humanswithfaith.com

We're kicking off season five of the Humans With Faith podcast. In this episode, my co-host, Steve McNitt, and I discuss what this season is all about. This time around, each episode focuses on one particular topic, as requested by you, the listeners. Check out this short conversation as we unpack what we hope is a helpful and very personal season on Humans With Faith. www.humanswithfaith.com 

Welcome to this wide-ranging conversation with my co-host, Steve McNitt, and our guest, Emma Lenz. Emma, Steve, and I discuss topics like weird church experiences, the messiness of doing life with others, grieving with those you love, and how serving can be the door that opens us up to so much more in our lives. Follow Emma's work at Sac State on Instagram @sacstateyounglifecollege.  www.humanswithfaith.com  

Welcome to the second episode of 'The Hard Work Of The Soul' with my guest, Robina Bennion. Forgiveness, vulnerability, and risk-taking are just a few of the things we discuss in this conversation. I love Robina’s willingness to bring us along in her journey. Like you and me, Robina’s story is a work in progress. Let’s each allow Robina’s courage to inspire us to take our own steps of faith toward our future. www.humanswithfaith.com

The King of Pop famously said, "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change."  The title of that song by Michael Jackson is 'Man In The Mirror.' Today's guest, Robina Bennion, has taken to heart those very words. Arriving at a place in life where she knew she wanted more, Robina did something risky, even scary. She looked in the mirror and asked, "Who do I want to be?" These next two episodes focus on the importance of being honest with ourselves. Doing the hard work of the soul is the first step in moving out of an unhappy place, and into a more fulfilled life. www.humanswithfaith.com  

This episode is part two of my conversation with Michael and Brenda Miller. Michael is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, and together, they share their journey through the stress of deployment. Thank you, Veterans, for your service. www.humanswithfaith.com  

My guests for these next two episodes are Michael and Brenda Miller. Michael is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer. Over dinner with my wife and I, Michael and Brenda shared their story of Michael's deployment to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Their journey through what's often called 'Deployment Stress' became an opportunity to grow closer together and to grow in their faith. Today, Michael and Brenda share with other military couples what they've learned about walking through the stressful times before, during, and after deployment. www.humanswithfaith.com 

Scott Richards is the executive director of Teach For America in the region of what’s referred to as the California Capital Valley. Continuing from our last episode, Scott and I discuss doing what we’d call meaningful work. This time we get into topics such as empathy, proximity, complexity, even difficulty in our attempts at making the world a better place while creating opportunities for others. You’re listening to two guys who haven’t figure it out, but we’re committed to being part of the solution.  www.humanswithfaith.com  

Looking back on our childhood, we often see hints pointing to what we end up doing for work later in life. For Scott Richards, today's guest, this is undoubtedly the case. I hope you glean some insights regarding your journey as you listen to Scott, and I discuss our experiences and attempts to do meaningful work. This first episode with Scott traces his path from a trajectory quite different than what he’s doing today. However, I’d expect it was Scott’s past that, in many ways, shaped him for who he is and the work he’s now doing. I hope you enjoy these episodes on Humans With Faith with Scott Richards. www.humanswithfaith.com  

This episode is part two of my conversation with Brandon Hawkins as we discuss his experience of finding sobriety and freedom from religion. So much of the things that Brandon shares are immediately applicable in our lives. Let's listen close, lean in, and without hesitation, to take action on anything and everything we hear that can make a difference in our lives. www.humanswithfaith.com  

On the night that Brandon Hawkins gave his life to Christ, the first thing he said to his mother when he got home was, ‘Mom, I just became a Christian.’ Her response? ‘Go to bed. You’re drunk.’ From there, his lifestyle shifted from substance abuse and addiction to religion, and ultimately back to addiction. Then Brandon found true freedom. This episode is the first of two, as Brandon tells his story. www.humanswithfaith.com  

Does what we're doing shape who we're becoming? This is the second episode of a two-part conversation I had with four chaplains; four amazing people sharing how the chaplaincy is shaping their lives. As you listen to their stories, keep in mind your own. What might God do in you on the other side of your saying yes to him? Subscribe to Humans With Faith on your favorite podcast player or listen online at www.humanswithfaith.com.

I’m honored to bring you the first of two episodes focused on the chaplaincy. What is a chaplain? What do they do, and why do so many feel a calling into the chaplaincy? The wisdom you’re about to hear is potentially life-changing. While some of us might avoid the difficulty and awkwardness of engaging with others when tragedy happens, my guests count it a privilege to serve others experiencing such pain.  In this episode, you’ll hear statements like, ‘It’s a sacred honor to walk into someone’s tragedy.’ ‘It’s ok to say, ‘I don’t know what to say.’’ And, we’ll all learn what it means to be present in someone else’s pain. Today’s guests are Betsy Vanderpool, Roxanne Alby, Marc Saget, and Brenda Hawkins. You can learn more about the work done by my guests and explore how you can get involved at https://www.slec.us/.  www.humanswithfaith.com   

Change, it’s a scary word. Provoking anxiety or excitement, the thought of change depends on the circumstance. One thing’s for sure, if we’re pursuing God’s best in our lives, change is a constant. In the second episode of this two-part conversation with Al Kerkstra, we identify some steps of change that help us get from where we are to where we desire to be. www.humanswithfaith.com

Change, it’s a scary word. Provoking anxiety or excitement, the thought of change depends on the circumstance. One thing’s for sure, if we’re pursuing God’s best in our lives, change is a constant. Today’s guest, Al Kerkstra and I begin a two-part conversation dissecting change and embracing it as a tool for our growth. www.humanswithfaith.com  

‘God, what do you think about my ______________ right now?' My life, my relationships, my situation, you name it. That's just one more powerful prayer suggestion from today's guest, Diana Mescher. This is the second episode featuring Diana as we discuss The Power of Perspective. You can find out more about Diana at www.dianamescher.com. Follow Diana on Instagram @diana.mescher. www.humanswithfaith.com 

'God, can you help me care about people I would normally ignore?' That's a frequent prayer of today's guest Diana Mescher. I'm thrilled to introduce many of you to Diana, a brilliant, compassionate leader whose love for Jesus is simply contagious. Diana's curiosity about people's stories often creates God moments; conversations that illuminate why and how God may be at work in the midst of our situations. Enjoy this, the first of two episodes with Diana Mescher. www.humanswithfaith.com

This episode is the final conversation on 'Lessons From Half Dome.' I want to thank my guests, Robina Bennion, Erica Butler, and Brenda and Brandon Hawkins. Get ready for them to inspire you that some of our best discoveries are on the other side of our fear. www.humanswithfaith.com 

This episode is the second of three conversations where I sit down with four guests, each who recently hiked Half Dome. In this discussion, we listen to Robina Bennion's story. Hiking Half Dome is spectacular. I highly recommend it. What you're about to hear is not the norm. Here's a link to the video Brenda mentions from her hike in 2018. Oh, those infamous cables. Here's a link to the song, 'Fear Is A Liar.' Enjoy episode two of 'Lessons From Half Dome.' www.humanswithfaith.com

What happens when thirty people with diverse backgrounds, different perspectives, and varying degrees of physical ability all embark on a twenty-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite? A lot happens. More than one might expect. In these three episodes, I sit down with four of the thirty to hear their stories, learnings, and literally, life-threatening experiences. Enjoy episode one. www.humanswithfaith.com

Season Four of Humans With Faith begins next week. Here's a preview of some of what to expect. I'm humbled that many of you listen to, share, and put into action the conversations I'm able to have with my guests. Here's to another great season of life-giving, encouraging episodes. Everyone has a story. Humans With Faith is your go-to place to hear from people just like you who's faith in Christ influences their everyday life.

This is the second of two episodes with my guest, Steve McNitt as we discuss the process of writing. It's no surprise that a majority of people have said they'd like to write a book someday. What was a bit surprising was how many of you listened through and enjoyed our first episode on the process of writing. If you're curious about some of what it takes to make a book a reality, Steve and I share some of our struggles with the process and a little of what we've learned. At a minimum, maybe this episode is something you'll find entertaining. Hopefully, you'll find some encouragement, even some helpful advice.  www.humanswithfaith.com

Have you ever had the thought, ‘I wanna write a book someday?’ If you have, you’re probably in the majority. The next two episodes on Humans With Faith take a different turn as my guest, Steve McNitt and I discuss the process of writing. I don’t expect this conversation to change your life, but it may be the very thing that motivates you to write that book you’ve been thinking of or convince you that it’s not for you. Either way, you’ll have a slightly better understanding of the often romanticized, grueling, and most painful journey of writing a book. Steve’s book, titled ’Simple. Enormous. Love’ is available on Amazon or his website at www.stevemcnitt.com. www.humanswithfaith.com  

In this episode, Amy and Jeremy Malekos continue sharing their story of struggle, strength, and triumph as their daughter faced an uncertain future after a difficult diagnosis. Jeremy and Amy share some inspiring moments in this conversation when saying things like, 'Stop fighting against each other and start fighting for each other,' and, 'We don't have a guarantee that our story is going to change, but we do have a guarantee that we don't have to go it alone.' Make sure to listen to the first episode with Jeremy and Amy before you listen to this. Enjoy. www.humanswithfaith.com 

The Humans With Faith Podcast focuses on the life of average folks like most of you and me who are hungry to learn from one another how faith in Christ influences every area of our lives. In our desire to see God at work, we sometimes look for the incredible, the amazing, crazy God stories that leave us saying 'Wow.' I love the crazy God stories. What I love, even more, are the ordinary, everyday stories of God at work in the mundane, day to day stuff that makes up real life. Today's guests, Amy & Jeremy Malekos are sharing a story that's a bit of both; a crazy God story that also includes the regular stuff that all of us can relate to. In this, the first of two episodes with Amy and Jeremy, I hope your faith, maybe even your lack of faith is stirred in a way that draws you closer to God, compels you to pray and not give up, asking Him to move in your life when the struggles are overwhelming. www.humanswithfaith.com

A 13-year-old boy who’s head over heels for steamed carrots. A 16-year-old girl who loves singing and dancing and the constructive feedback that comes with the performing arts. Today’s guests are Maddie and Mikey Jantzen, a sister and brother duo who'd prefer rehearsing for their next production more than sitting in front of the TV. In this fun conversation with two of my youngest guests to date, we also dive into things beyond the stage; stuff like school, parents, God, and our favorite superpowers. Don't let the age of my guests fool you. They drop some nuggets of wisdom that's good for all of us to hear. www.humanswithfaith.com 

My guest, Jen Heideman says that kids are more willing to talk about faith than we may think. In this second episode with Jen, you'll hear her practical and straightforward approach to helping students open up to discussions about life, including spiritual things. Jen also says that connecting at a deeper level with a teenager can begin by asking, 'What was your peach and what was your pit?' Listen in and hear what she means. Thanks again to my co-host, Steve McNitt for joining me and for discussing our contractual agreement on the air, in front of you all. :-) www.humanswithfaith.com 

Today’s guest is Jen Heideman, Area Director for Young Life in Eldorado County, CA. In these two episodes with Jen, my co-host, Steve McNitt and I sit down with Jen to discuss some of the stuff young people face every day and how the rest of us can effectively invest in the lives of the next generation. www.humanswithfaith.com

This is the second conversation in a two-part series with John Voelz, Pastor - Curator at Lakeside Church in Folsom, CA. Focusing on creativity, church, and culture, this episode centers on leveraging creatives and artists in the local church. If you frequent a local church, this discussion may expand your perspective and cause you to notice the details of things like screen graphics, interior design, even that old paper document that's been around almost as long as the Bible itself; the often ignored and sometimes useful church bulletin. John says the church needs to harness the passion and gifting of more than just musicians. What about the writers, designers, photographers, and other creative story-tellers in the church? Check out John's podcast, 'Because I Want To Talk About It,' anywhere podcasts are found. Here's a link to it on Apple Podcasts.

Has God, the Creator placed creativity within us? Welcome to the first of two episodes with my guest, John Voelz. John is a Pastor - Curator at Lakeside Church in Folsom, CA. In this discussion, John and I delve into music, art, and other expected forms of creativity. What you may not expect is that John's definition of creativity is likely broader than most. Mentioning different kinds of creatives, John defines the difference between Artisans, Originators, Assemblers, and Estheticians. Based on what John has to say, we may be more creative than we think. www.humanswithfaith.com 

In this, the final episode of this short series titled, 'Five Core Questions Of The Human Soul,' my guest Leonard Lee reveals question number five, which is, 'What happens when I die?' Understandably, that's a question that has haunted some but can bring hope to us all. The Scriptures give us an encouraging answer to this question that might even challenge us to consider another question, 'If what the Bible says about eternity is true, what can I do differently today?' Thanks for listening and remember to share this with someone you know. Links in this episode are found at www.humanswithfaith.com

This episode is the second of three with my guest, Leonard Lee as we discuss what he calls the 'Five Core Questions Of The Human Soul.' Two things happen in this conversation. First, we get through the first four questions, which are: Where do I come from? What's wrong with me? How do I fix this? How do I live? Leonard and I then take an unexpected tangent on hearing the voice of God in our lives that ties into question number four, 'How do I live?' that I hope you find valuable and immediately applicable. www.humanswithfaith.com

Is there someone in your life that seems to have a knack for dropping wisdom right when you need it? It's my pleasure to introduce you to one of those people in my life. Leonard Lee travels the world training pastors, leaders, and as he says, 'Anyone who will listen.' In this, the first of three episodes, Leonard unpacks what he calls the 'Five Core Questions Of The Human Soul.' These episodes are incredibly shareable. Who do you know that would benefit from these conversations with Leonard? Make sure to share. www.humanswithfaith.com

He's back. Welcome to episode two with Dan Lasage, the father of eight kids, former bull rider, rodeo clown, mixed martial arts competitor and, as you'll hear today, he also competes in archery. In this conversation, Dan tells us what it means to put one foot in front of the other, the power of having a Fab Five, and the benefit of a couple of non-negotiables that are all about his wife and kids. You can follow Dan on Instagram @danthamanlasage. www.humanswithfaith.com 

Today’s guest likes to say he’s a normal guy who’s a father of eight kids, former bull rider, rodeo clown and competed in mixed martial arts. Normal? This episode is the first of two with Dan Lasage. In this conversation, Dan shares his battles with anger, isolation, and what he’s learned from leaning into the power of accountability with others. Dan will encourage you to push yourself outside your comfort zone, take ownership and embrace a growth mindset. www.humanswithfaith.com

When it comes to believing in intelligent design; that God is the Creator, does one have to ignore science? Hardly. My guest on this episode is Dan Dailey. A professional pilot, a budding astronomer, wine-making hobbyist, and person of faith, Dan shares some thoughtful comments as he and I have a conversation about creation. www.humanswithfaith.com

This the final episode of 'Only God,' as DeeDee Hawkins, Samantha Clark, Stephanie Valadez, and Kelly Dunn share their stories of experiencing a changed life. I want to thank these ladies for their bravery for pursuing a better life and their courage for sharing the journey with the rest of us. If you'd like to connect with them on Facebook, they'd love to hear from you. DeeDee Samantha Stephanie Kelly humanswithfaith.com

DeeDee Hawkins, Samantha Clark, Stephanie Valadez, and Kelly Dunn each arrived at the Powerhouse Transformation Center carrying with them their own story. Their struggles were unique, but their pain was similar. Being a victim of abuse, bound by addiction, and overwhelmed with the consequences of unhealthy choices creates a burden none of us are designed to bear. Broken is how they arrived. Being whole is how they leave. This episode is two of three as they share their story. humanswithfaith.com

DeeDee Hawkins, Samantha Clark, Stephanie Valadez, and Kelly Dunn each arrived at the Powerhouse Transformation Center carrying with them their own story. Their struggles were unique, but their pain was similar. Being a victim of abuse, bound by addiction, and overwhelmed with the consequences of unhealthy choices creates a burden none of us are designed to bear. Broken is how they arrived. Being whole is how they leave. This episode is one of three as they share their story. humanswithfaith.com

In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Scott MacGregor. For thirty years, Scott served in law enforcement, some of which included protection detail for the Governor of the State of California, emergency operations, counterterrorism, and threat awareness, SWAT, and the protection of dignitaries, not to mention many other things. The father of three girls, Scott faced an unexpected battle when his daughter, Teran turned seven years old. Diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a disease in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells for the body, Taryn was in a fight for her life. In a matter of eighteen months, she had fifty-three blood transfusions. Today, Scott says Taryn is a walking miracle. The organization Scott mentions is called, 'Be The Match.' Here's the link: join.bethematch.org/taryn

In this episode, my guest, Mark Marlow shares his story of substance abuse, incarceration, and ultimately coming to faith. If you’re not a person of faith, I think you’ll appreciate the sincerity and authenticity of Mark’s story. If you are a follower of Christ, what Mark has to say will encourage you and likely inspire you to remember that no one is so far gone, that God can’t do something incredible in their life. www.humanswithfaith.com  

Just when we thought we were done kicking off 2019 with our series, 'The Next You!' we had the opportunity to bring someone to the table who’s been applying the principles shared in every episode. If you’ve ever been tempted to believe all the chatter about change isn’t for you, think again. Today, our guest, Dana Guzman shares how her new journey to health is having an impact in even greater ways than she expected. Enjoy. www.humanswithfaith.com  

In this, the final episode of, 'The Next You!' we unleash Sargeant Ryan to stir your heart and mind to lean in, press on, and take the hill - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Enjoy. www.humanswithfaith.com