Long Story Short

Nikki Healy died one year ago today on June 14, 2022. In 2021 Nikki and David Paul talked every month as she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Those conversations formed the foundation of Season Three of Long Story Short. The following season, Nikki's husband, Steve, walked us through Nikki's final days and the months following her death.  One week before this one-year anniversary, Steve provided Long Story Short an update on how he and his children are doing since Season Four ended in early December. Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

Tracey Tiernan was making really good money playing in a band on weekends. She was having lots of fun and pursuing her life-long dream of being a professional singer.  And, then Tracey reconnected with Jesus. She returned to church and started leading worship. Tracey also began to feel like she was leading a dual life because of her band job. She knew she had to quit, but she also needed the money. Faith is hard because we can't see what's on the other side.  Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who hope in the Lord with renew their strength. In this episode, you'll hear the story of how God gave Tracey the strength for the faith needed to make a really hard decision. Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

In January 2021, John Lawhon learned his marriage vows were broken. He worked hard to save the marriage, but when John discovered even more, he knew it was over.  John is the Director of Content for BRIGHT-FM. He leads a team on a mission to make the hope of Jesus loud for others. You'll hear how John continues moving forward after his life felt broken. It's an ongoing story of how God is making hope louder for John.  “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)  Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/  

One afternoon in 2013, Tiffanie Knight thought she was having a heart attack. She wasn't. But, what happened that day still impacts Tiffanie today… and may for the rest of her life.  Tiffanie is part of the BRIGHT-FM team making hope louder for others. How do you do that when you're in the midst of a personal storm or storm clouds are always lingering nearby? Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)  You'll hear how God gave Tiffanie the courage to do a hard thing and ask for help after that afternoon in 2013. It's a decision that will also impact Tiffanie today…and will for the rest of her life. Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/  

Molly Chambers felt like an imposter. After joining Jack Larkin on the BRIGHT-FM afternoon show, Molly assumed it was only a matter of time before everyone else figured out the truth. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)You'll hear how God provided the tangible encouragement Molly needed to make hope louder for others!Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

On April 26, 2015, Todd got a phone call that changed his life. Forever. In this episode, you'll hear the story of how Todd Gaddy learned to live with joy when tomorrow is not guaranteed. Of course, it's not guaranteed for any of us, but Todd's filter for this “non-guarantee” changed after that call.Todd Gaddy is the Assistant Program Director and Chaplain for BRIGHT-FM, a ministry that makes hope loud. This is not just something Todd does for others. It's also something he needs himself. We all do.“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

Erin still gets emotional remembering the moment she knew her dream was over…that it would not happen the way she thought it would. It was a loss that Erin Branham needed to grieve.In this episode, you'll hear the story of a new dream that eventually emerged for Erin, but not before she walked through a difficult season of unrealized expectations.Erin Branham is part of a BRIGHT-FM team that makes hope loud for others. This is also something she needs as well. We all do.“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

Before the concert ended, Mike Alley knew his concert promotion business would not survive. For Mike, this was the second hit to what he believed God was calling him to do. Even though it felt like a dead end to Mike, it certainly wasn't for God.Today, Mike is part of a ministry with a mission to make hope loud! It's something Mike experienced himself in the midst of failure.“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31) Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

Christina James was not expecting what the doctor told her. The shocking diagnosis led to an immediate lifestyle change requiring intense discipline. Now years later, Christina wonders if she can rediscover that same discipline.Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.Christina James is on BRIGHT-FM every day between 10a-3p. Even though Christina is part of a ministry that makes hope louder for others, she needs the same hope made louder every day too.We all do.Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

November 29, 2000, was the day everything changed for Jack Larkin. Before that memorable Sunday morning, Jack says feeding his drug and alcohol addiction was a full-time job. After that day, it wasn't.  This is the story of how Jack Larkin went from active addiction to recovering addict in a single moment that he was not expecting.  Jack Larkin is on BRIGHT-FM every afternoon with the Jack and Molly Show. Even though Jack is part of a ministry that makes hope louder for others, this story is a reminder he also needs hope made louder himself every day.  We all do.  Season Five of Long Story Short is presented by J29inc and the Nikki Healy Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit families impacted by the devastation of cancer. You can learn more about the fund, apply, and donate at https://j29inc.com/nikki-healy/ 

Season 5 of Long Story Short is coming soon!Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally.Subscribe now so you don't miss anything!

On October 24, Steve Healy and his three children sat in the sand at Sandy Point State Park for a new family photo. It had been 132 days since Nikki died.In this final episode of Season Four, you'll hear about Steve's first sermon at Lighthouse Church since April, a significant perspective shift about grief, and how Steve is preparing for some hard days on the calendar that are fast approachingYou'll also hear some final thoughts about standing firm and an important, but unasked question from Season Three.

What's the best thing to say and do when someone we know is suffering? During Nikki Healy's three-year battle with cancer, she and her family were the recipients of a lot of words and actions from people who were concerned.  Much of it was helpful. Some of it was not.  In this episode, you'll hear from their experience about things you might want to consider carefully before saying and also what truly was encouraging. 

On July 2, Steve Healy heads home from the beach towards a life that feels anything but normal after Nikki's death. In this episode, you'll hear how Steve begins working towards that and what he set aside an entire month to do. Steve also talks about his return to work in August and something pretty important he now does at the end of each day with his son Everett. How do you stand firm in your faith when there are more questions than answers? That verse in 1 Corinthians 15:58 also provides something very practical we can do when our world gets rocked.  

Three days after Nikki Healy's funeral her family went to the beach. In this episode, you'll hear about the letter Nikki wrote to her husband telling him to go. You'll also hear how Steve Healy used that time sitting by the ocean to begin processing his wife's death, the moment their daughter learned some surprising news about her parents, and a funny exchange Steve had with his son towards the end of the week.

June 21 would have been Nikki Healy's 40th birthday. Instead, it was her funeral. And, it was led by her husband who is a pastor.In this episode, you'll hear how Steve Healy prepared himself for the emotions of that day, a lighthearted moment early in the funeral, and how Steve used Nikki's death to point people to Jesus.

When Nikki Healy died on June 14, a lot of people were crushed because they had been praying, hoping, and even expecting she would be healed.  Five days later, Pastor Sammy Foster of Lighthouse Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland addressed the confusion, disappointment, and even anger. In this episode, you'll hear the questions his children were asking and how they were a catalyst for what Sammy would preach. You'll also hear some of that powerful sermon and then Steve Healy takes us backstage for Nikki's viewing held the following day. 

The morning after Nikki Healy died, Steve had a moment in his kitchen with a really big question directed at God.How do you stand firm in your faith when the questions outnumber the answers? Steve Healy came face to face with this in the days following his wife's death from stage 4 rectal cancer. In this episode, Steve describes what happened right after Nikki died, guides us through the really hard days following, and how he was processing the deepest of questions.

At 1:32p on June 14, 2022, Nikki Healy took her final breath.Steve Healy guides us through his wife's last hours. We will hear about the gifts she ordered for loved ones, sweet family time as Nikki spoke encouragement, and the suffering she endured to the very end.How do you “stand firm” when life itself doesn't make sense? That's the question running through each episode of Season Four. It's a question that feels even more profound as Steve Healy describes the worst day of his life.

The final weeks for Nikki Healy were a surreal mix of some of life's special events and her sudden decline.Nikki's husband, Steve, takes us backstage for a birthday dinner, a high school graduation in their backyard, and the moment they knew they were out of treatment options for Nikki's stage 4 cancer.Season Four of Long Story Short is also a guide to standing firm when there are more questions than answers. This week we talk about how to not fear uncertainty.  

In December 2021, Nikki Healy's cancer was getting worse…even after a year of aggressive treatment. Season 4 of Long Story Short picks up where Season 3 ended.Steve Healy gives us a backstage pass to a storm that was intensifying during the first few months of 2022. You'll hear about a very difficult family meeting, the day Nikki and Steve learned what the cancer was really doing, and a spur-of-the-moment vacation to the beach…Nikki's happy place.The Bible tells us to stand firm in our faith. How do you do that when your world is falling apart and there are more questions than answers? Season 4 of Long Story Short will take a hard look at this.

Season 4 of Long Story Short is coming soon! Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally. Subscribe now so you don't miss anything!

Thirteen hours after the last episode of Season Three was released, Nikki Healy's battle with stage 4 rectal cancer ended. In this episode, we say goodbye. 

Nikki Healy is a young mother of three who agreed to document a year of treatment for stage 4 rectal cancer. That year comes to an end in this last episode of Season 3 as you'll hear our final conversations during Fall 2021. Nikki's courage is on display during our last call when she, almost casually, says “I don't have much to complain about.”Second Corinthians 12:9 tells us that God's grace is sufficient. During this season of Long Story Short, we've also been working through the question, “Is God's grace truly sufficient for one of life's hardest challenges?” We'll give Nikki the final word on this question at the end of the episode.

On January 21, 2020, Rachel Janous went to the hospital for blood tests before her next round of radiation treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. She never left. In the latest episode of the podcast Long Story Short, you'll hear what happened during the following 39 unforgettable days from Rachel's husband, Brandon. It's a story of God's sufficient grace and how His power is made perfect in our weakness.  

On July 26, 2021, Nikki Healy had a scan indicating her cancer might be spreading. It is devastating news. In fact, the entire summer is really hard for Nikki as her perspective starts to shift.Season 3 of Long Story Short asks the question…is God's grace truly sufficient for life's biggest challenges…like cancer? For Nikki, that's not a rhetorical question. It never was, but now it's more real than ever.

When Nikki Healy was first diagnosed with rectal cancer, she felt embarrassed. She considered keeping it a secret. Instead, she made a decision that would change the very nature of her journey with cancer.  Going public with a cancer diagnosis is a very personal choice. In this episode, Nikki talks about why she decided to let others know was the right thing for her. In this episode, you'll hear about the impact that's had on Nikki and so many others.  During Season 3 of Long Story Short, we are also looking hard at the question of God's grace… is it sufficient for life's biggest challenges… like cancer. Nikki's decision to be open about her cancer might even give us a glimpse into the answer to that question for her.  

Nikki Healy, and her family, left Arizona on Good Friday 2021. During the following weeks, life for Nikki felt normal. But, always lurking in the background was the reality of her Stage 4 rectal cancer. One month after leaving, Nikki returned to Arizona for what her doctor's called “the knockout punch”.Fighting cancer is a physical, emotional, and spiritual rollercoaster. Nikki Healy experienced this in full measure during Spring 2021. You'll go backstage for both the highs and lows of that season.During Season 3 of Long Story Short we are looking deeply into the sufficiency of God's grace when, like the Apostle Paul, we are pleading to have removed a “thorn in the flesh that torments us.” What was Paul's thorn and how does it relate to us today? That's also part of this episode.

Undergoing treatment for Stage 4 rectal cancer, Nikki Healy is constantly facing life-changing decisions. It's stressful, fatiguing, and relentless. Each decision can feel like a gamble. Even cancer found very early requires hard decisions.  In this episode, you'll meet two women who fought Stage 1 breast cancer and you'll also hear about the difficult choices each faced along the way.  Is God's grace truly sufficient for decisions where your life depends on figuring out the right answer? We continue to unpack 2 Corinthians 12:9…”My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Nikki Healy spent the first three months of 2021 in Arizona getting alternative treatment for her Stage 4 rectal cancer. She was joined by her husband Steve and their three children. Being together was a blessing…and, at times, even fun. But, fighting cancer is hard and the reality of Nikki's treatment and impact did not meet what Nikki was expecting.  In this episode, you'll hear about a side trip that created lasting family memories, how a dangerous medical development took Nikki to a dark place, and how her expectations were changing.  We also continue to unpack 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God tells Paul that, “my grace is sufficient for you,” and how that applies to one of life's hardest challenges… cancer.

Weeks after getting the news her cancer is now Stage 4, Nikki Healy is considering alternative treatment. It's not cheap and it'll require moving the family to the other side of the country for months. In Episode 3, Nikki and her husband, Steve, work through how to make this happen. It won't be easy.  You'll also hear the story of Ivelisse Page who was the same age as Nikki when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Ivelisse also decided to pursue alternative treatment after deciding not to get chemo or radiation.  Second Corinthians 12:9 tells us that God's grace is sufficient. During this season of Long Story Short, we are looking hard at this truth in light of one of life's hardest challenges…cancer.  

Six weeks after crossing the cancer finish line, Nikki Healy gets shocking news. In the second episode of Season 3, Nikki and Steve begin adjusting to this life-changing reality.  The Healy family also experiences life-changing love from their church…a church that is still feeling the recent loss from cancer of someone else they loved deeply…their founding pastor.  Second Corinthians 12:9 tells us that God's grace is sufficient. This season of Long Story Short takes a hard look at this truth in the midst of cancer…one of life's hardest challenges. 

On October 2, 2019, Nikki Healy finally got an answer to why her stomach hadn't felt right for almost five years. That answer changed the next 12 months for Nikki and her family. In this opening episode of Season 3, you'll meet Nikki and her husband, Steve, as they navigate through the most difficult year of their lives. Gratefully, they are able to focus on a finish line… September 15, 2020.1 Corinthians 12:9 tells us that God's grace is sufficient. But, is it really sufficient when facing terribly challenging circumstances? When life, itself, is hanging in the balance? We will explore this question during all ten episodes of Season 3. 

Season 3 of Long Story Short is coming soon! Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally. Subscribe now so you don't miss anything!

The day after she was in a serious car accident, Ava Paul underwent surgery to stabilize her many broken bones. The latest episode of Long Story Short picks up David and Ava's Big Change story from there. You'll go behind the scenes of Ava's long and slow recovery and how God brought beauty to this difficult season. You'll join David and Ava for a walk through their new neighborhood as they discuss the challenges of their Big Change… leaving almost everything behind in Maryland to move to South Carolina. You'll also hear about another change (a pretty big one, too) that happened within their Year of Change. And… at the very end of this episode, David will reveal one more change that just happened as he was putting this final episode of Season Two together.

Chris Maggitti was 21 when his father died. Chris and his dad were really close. Chris even says his father was his best friend…although his dad wouldn't say the same about him. In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll hear about the tragic day Joe Maggitti died, how Chris has handled the loss of his father, and why Chris actually respected and was inspired by his dad's choice of a best friend. You'll also hear the unfolding of a deep truth from the Bible…how God transforms unwanted change into something beautiful.

On April 25, 2016, Todd Gaddy got some very unwanted news that changed his life. Todd is a runner. So far, Todd has run 23 marathons. That's 26.2 miles. The news Todd received on that April day in 2016 also changed Todd's passion for running. In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll hear how there may be another plot twist coming to Todd's story and how he is handling that possible change today. It's a meaningful takeaway for each of us.

On December 27, 2020, Ava Paul was in a terrible car crash. This was the day after she and her husband arrived in South Carolina to begin a new season of their life together. In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll hear about the accident that changed everything they were expecting after this big move and what Dave calls one of the most epic “Ava moments” of their 37-year marriage.

Why are some of us afraid of change? Christina James made the same change twice, but it didn't feel the same both times. Not even close. In the latest episode of Long Story Short, you'll hear why returning to 95.1 SHINE-FM the second time was much harder, how she handled that, and what you and I can learn when we feel the same way about a big change we're facing.

In 2018, Jimmy Page and his family made a big change. Friends applauded and some were even jealous…wondering if they had the courage to do something similar. That's the romantic part of change. Change that we choose also has a gritty part as Jimmy came to realize. What felt pretty great at first soon enough presented some significant challenges…challenges that remain three years later. In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll hear Jimmy's story and the challenges of this big change he's still navigating through.

On December 23, 2020, Dave Paul said goodbye to the listeners of The Tracey and Dave Morning Show. Three days later, Dave and Ava left Maryland for South Carolina. Morning radio was something Dave wanted to do since he was 15…and for almost 40 years, that's exactly what he got to do. Season Two of Long Story Short is all about change. Change often requires saying goodbye to something old to make way for something new. The latest episode of Long Story Short is a very personal goodbye to a job Dave loved. Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally.

During the summer of 2020, Sandy Steward began a new job. That job, and the preparation for that job, changed the direction of Sandy's life. It was a massive change that came with a cost. In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll learn about Sandy's big change and the cost she paid…and is still paying…to make this change. While the change Sandy made is not common, it's also not unique. She's in some pretty famous company. Listen now…or download to hear Sandy's amazing story! Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally.

On January 1, 2019, Nikki Lerner took a huge risk and left a job she'd held for 20 years. Why did she do this? In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll hear Nikki's story backwards… ending with what led Nikki to make this massive change. At the same time, you'll also hear another story of change that also involved a huge risk. How did that one turn out? Listen to this week's episode and you'll hear the answers to both questions. Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally.

In 2020, David and Ava Paul made one of the biggest changes of their lives… moving from Maryland to South Carolina. In this premiere episode of Season Two, they take you behind the scenes and let you hear why they made this decision. You'll also listen in as their journey takes some unexpected turns before they finally head south. Season Two of Long Story Short is all about change… the change you plan for… the change you don't… and how the author of change uses it to draw us even closer to Himself. Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally.

Season 2 of Long Story Short is coming soon! Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally. Subscribe now so you don't miss anything!

If you're old enough, you have a story of 9/11. Each story is different.  Different perspective. Different angle. Different impact.  This special episode of Long Story Short, “9/11/2001” is one of those stories.

Go behind the scenes for each Season One episode of Long Story Short. This bonus episode also includes some content that did not make it into the released episodes.   

For the first time since it opened, River Valley Ranch canceled summer camp in 2020. It was heartbreaking for thousands of kids and devastating to a staff that loves serving them. On September 30, the staff at RVR did something powerful after a summer without camp. In this Season One Finale of Long Story Short, you'll hear what they did and how it was a turning point allowing RVR to once again begin moving forward. Intentionality today reduces regret tomorrow. Long Story Short is a uniquely personal podcast where David Paul presents stories about people, circumstances, and events that help us live our faith a little more intentionally.

I got my first iPhone a couple of years after it was introduced. I no longer think of it as a phone. In this episode of Long Story Short, I have one goal…to change forever the way you think about your phone. We'll also be reminded that everyone has a story…whether they were born almost 100 years ago…or only a year ago. Those stories are important. Preserving them is also important.   

In 1972, Charlie Duke got to live on the Moon for three days. He loved every minute of his great adventure…perhaps more than any of the other 11 astronauts who had the same privilege.  In this episode of Long Story Short, you'll get a feel for what Charlie experienced during his time on the Moon. You'll also hear how it impacted him after he returned to earth and what he did about it.