The Trailmarker Podcast

The Trailmarker podcast will be paused for the time beating as I determine the format for the upcoming season. I apologize for any disappointment, but look forward to coming back at the appropriate time. While you wait, take a listen to some of our older conversations or any episodes you may have missed. Thanks!

In this episode, Paul McDonald concludes his conversation with Drs. Mike McDonald and Jeremy Allen.  They discuss the importance of availability and having a willingness to just show up.  How available are you? Are you willing to serve and do the little things now, or are you focused on a big vision or a big mountain?  God will build His Kingdom through us, through our willingness to serve where we are.

In this episode, Paul McDonald talks with Mike McDonald and Jeremy Allen about the flip side of adventure.  They had spoken previously of big, memorable events, but adventure can be found in the dailies as well.  If familiarity breeds contempt, we must have contempt for the contempt in order to love well. They also begin talking about their Kingdom adventure, and how their mission to Uganda came to be.  The conclusion of the conversation will be on next week's episode.

In this episode, Paul McDonald talks with Drs. Mike McDonald and Jeremy Allen about how to combat regret and stifle the urge to second guess.  Recognize that God is sovereign, and that our "bad times" are what forms us.  God uses the struggle to shape us and mature us, to help us learn to lean on Him.  Release the responsibility, and live in a child-like expectant faith.

In this episode, Paul McDonald continues his conversation with Drs. Mike McDonald and Jeremy Allen.  They discuss the challenges of arriving someplace that doesn't look like how you thought it would.  As physicians, they understand the danger of second guessing decisions.  There is a danger in assuming that a different decision would lead to a different or better outcome.  When looking back, you ask yourself, "Was what you did improper? Was it illegal? Were you negligent? Did you act outside your scope?"  If you can say no to these, then it isn't malpractice.  There is a danger in assuming all the responsibility is yours--it negates God's sovereignty.

In this episode, Paul McDonald talks with Drs. Mike McDonald and Jeremy Allen about their 20-year friendship, and how God has used their relationship as a lifeline through life's biggest battles.  It is important to find someone who is walking a parallel path, so you can help each other along the way (like Sam and Frodo in the Lord of the Rings).  Keep your eyes open for men who are farther along the path, and can help you navigate the challenges that you face.  The enemy wants you to be isolated, believing your problems and failures are bigger than anyone else can handle.  Be faithful in the seemingly mundane and trivial (show up for church, Bible study, little things), so that when the big things come, you have a lifeline.  Put yourself in position to receive God's lifelines.

Paul McDonald and Tina Yeager continue their discussion of Tina's book, Beautiful Warrior.  They discuss the toxicity of seeking approval from outside sources.  Tina describes the difference between shame and conviction, and offers suggestions to men for how to pursue the hearts of the women in their lives. Tina is an award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach. She encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She offers writing workshops through Serious Writer Academy, hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, and is a mentor with Word Weavers International. Beautiful Warrior, her book on women’s esteem is available on Amazon. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.   Other places you can find Tina: Website: https://tinayeager.com/ Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You (publisher site): https://www.newhopepublishers.com/shop/beautiful-warrior/ Flourish-Meant Podcast (also accessible from my website): https://tinayeager.podbean.com/ Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tyeagerwrites YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tina-Yeager-M.A./e/B06Y4T4TMG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Paul McDonald and Tina Yeager discuss her book, Beautiful Warrior.  They compare the world's definitions of beauty and success with God's definitions.  "Your life is the message God preaches." Tina is an award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach. She encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She offers writing workshops through Serious Writer Academy, hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, and is a mentor with Word Weavers International. Beautiful Warrior, her book on women’s esteem is available on Amazon. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.   Other places you can find Tina: Website: https://tinayeager.com/ Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You (publisher site): https://www.newhopepublishers.com/shop/beautiful-warrior/ Flourish-Meant Podcast (also accessible from my website): https://tinayeager.podbean.com/ Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tyeagerwrites YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tina-Yeager-M.A./e/B06Y4T4TMG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

In part two of the discussion, Paul McDonald and Allen Arnold talk about digging deeper into the words from God.  Once you receive your word, what do you do with it? How do you use it to grow deeper in your union with God?  That leads to a conversation about the definition of success, one that isn't dependent on reaction from others, but on whether or not you did it with God.   Allen Arnold is the the Director of Content & Resources for Ransomed Heart Ministries and the author of The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create.

On this episode, Paul McDonald and Allen Arnold talk about the practice of advance words, seeking guidance from God for the upcoming year.  Allen recommends starting early to remove the pressure.  It's also important to go into the process without an agenda.  Avoid the "yep" in response to the guidance God gives--don't assume you know everything about it.  Spend time with the word, savor it.  Finally, write it down.  Remember it. Don't let it slip away.  The entire process is meant to lead to a conversation with God, to a deeper intimacy and relationship with Him.   Allen Arnold is the the Director of Content & Resources for Ransomed Heart Ministries and the author of The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create.

In this episode, Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney continue their conversation.  Britt discusses how God has led him on his writing journey and church planting.  Britt explains that it is easy to move when you're moving from a place of rest, victory, and love.  There's power in believing that you are loved.  Britt says we are created for intimacy and purpose, and you can't separate or divorce these concepts.  They conclude by discussing Britt's book, The Consequences of Saying Yes, which is the story of their church plant and coffee.  Britt can be found on Facebook (britt.mooney) and Instagram (@authormbmooney).  He also hosts two podcasts, Kingdom over Coffee and Brew and Ink.  He is also at phoenixroasterscoffee.com and mbmooney.com.  

In this episode, Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney discuss the adventure of pursuing God's calling for us.  It is important to keep moving with God, even though the destination may not match our plans.  God leads us to places where He becomes our only option, to help grow us up, mature us in our faith and dependence on Him.  More information on Britt Mooney can be found at mbmooney.com, or phoenixroasterscoffee.com.  He hosts two podcasts, Kingdom over Coffee and Brew and Ink.  He is on Facebook @britt.mooney and on Instagram @authormbmooney.  Email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

In this final piece of the conversation, Paul McDonald talks with his father, W. Paul McDonald, about transitioning in fatherhood as your children get older.  In any close relationship, forgiveness must be given and received, almost like breathing.  Paul offers a challenge to the listeners to create audio ebenzers with the people who are closest to you over the course of the holidays and into the new year.  If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Paul McDonald sits down with his father, W. Paul McDonald, to understand childhood and parenting better.  They share stories and discuss the joys they found in fathering their children. If you have any comments, feedback, or suggestions, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Paul McDonald talks with his dad, W. Paul McDonald, about the challenges of fatherhood, the difficulty of watching them suffer, and offers encouragement for those fathers who feel at the end of their rope.  For comments, suggestions, or feedback, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, brothers Paul and Mike McDonald discuss how to respond when it feels like your world is crashing down around you.  They talk about the power of prayer, the impact of the presence of others (especially to combat the lies of inadequacies), and seeing God's provision in the pruning process.  If you have comments, feedback, or suggestions, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com

Updated on 10/30--In this episode, brothers Paul and Mike McDonald continue their conversation, delving into Mike's experience with adoption and how that opened his eyes to seeing God as an adoptive father.  If you have suggestions, comments, or feedback, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

Paul McDonald talks with Dr. Mike McDonald, his brother, as they look back over twenty years of marriage.  Mike discusses how he has matured through the years, and how God used the painful experiences in the past to produce a stronger marriage today.  For comments and questions, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com

Paul McDonald continues his conversation with the men at Ricky Furr's small group.  They discuss how iron sharpens iron, and the importance of a sharp blade.  They also talk about the transformation that has occurred in their lives through their relationships with each other.  For more information about the Outpost, visit missionuprising.com.  For questions and feedback, email trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com

Paul McDonald visits with Ricky Furr's men's group as Paul introduces the concept of learning to live in the exhale.  Frequently life takes your breath away, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and drowning.  The men discuss how they respond to these situations.  For more information on the Outpost, visit missionuprising.com.  For questions or comments, email trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com

Paul McDonald talks with Ricky and Rebecca Furr about how important brotherhood and relationship is, and how engagement with a group of men has actually helped their marriage.  For more information about the Outpost (October 24-27, 2019), go to missionuprising.com.  For comments and questions, email trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

Paul McDonald talks with Ricky and Rebecca Furr about how God has transformed their marriage in the past few years, primarily through the Outpost.  As Rebecca will say, "Every man needs the Outpost, because every man needs God."  For more information about the Outpost (October 24-27, 2019), go to missionuprising.com.  For comments and questions, email trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

In part 2, Paul McDonald and Haines Maxwell discuss the challenge of men's ministry, the importance of working alongside the local church, and pulling in parallel.  For more information about the Barn, go to barnbrothers.org.  For more information about Mission Uprising, and the Outpost (October 24-27, 2019), go to missionuprising.com.

In this first part of the conversation, Paul McDonald and Haines Maxwell discuss how true authentic relationship is so important, and so difficult to find in a church.  We need men, brothers around us who truly know who we are, to walk through life with God.  For more information about the Barn, go to barnbrothers.org.  For more information about Mission Uprising, or to register for the Fall Outpost (Oct 24-27, 2019), go to missionuprising.com.

Paul McDonald and Randy Fuller talk about Randy's through-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and how hiking mirrors life.  He shares his story of his motivation for the trail, and how he arrived at his trail name, Survivor.  To follow Randy (or catch up), you can find him on Instagram (@clanfuller) and Facebook (Randy Fuller from Buena Vista, GA).  Join us in praying for his health and perseverance as he completes the Appalachian Trail and summits Mt. Katahdin in Maine in late September.  For information about the Outpost, go to missionuprising.com.

In this episode, Paul McDonald and Matthew Query discuss the Battles we face every day, the challenge of coming down from a mountaintop experience (caution: neuroscience discussed!), and how you don't need to kill something or get dirty to find Adventure.  If you'd like to be a part of Man-ventures, or you would like to share your story like Matthew, email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com.

Paul McDonald and Jason Moon discuss the ways Jesus interrupts our agenda, reminding us of things we had forgotten in order to heal us of our wounds and draw us closer to Him.  I apologize for some of the audio, but the content was too good to let it slip away.

Paul McDonald and Tony Hall discuss brotherhood and how to pursue it.  Also, a men's meeting begins at the Barn (8800 Collins Rd, Indian Land, SC) on September 7th at 8 AM.  This gathering will meet for 3 weeks (9/7, 9/21, 10/5) to discuss themes on the masculine heart.  All are welcome.

Scott Wentz teaches the Adventure session from Outpost while Tommy Nifong hosts. Scott describes his own process of stepping into the adventure that God has before him by introducing a book called 'The Story of With', and emphasizes the point that Adventure is the necessary component to fighting a life of boredom.

Tommy Nifong and his dad, James Pickett, host the show for Father's Day! In this episode they dive into an intimate conversation about their lives as father and son, and James relays his experiences  fathering four children into adulthood. They dig deeper as they explore the impact of a father calling a child into his life and how this can be applied in a Biblical and personal way.

Paul and Tommy have a chat about the concept of "Shut Down The Should" - where we begin to decrease our focus on things we should be doing and begin to turn our sights towards what God desires us to carry in each event of our life.

Paul and Tommy are continuing their discussion on Consecration, but in the more practical sense, and it all starts with relationships! They dig into their personal experiences and applications, as well as the downfalls of letting themselves slide away from these types of engagements both with their personal relationships, and their relationship with God.

Paul and Tommy are back again, opening with the Outpost Prayer, and then jumping into a spirited and in-depth conversation about consecration and how it can help us live our daily lives in deep spiritual connection with God.

The dynamic duo, Paul McDonald and Tommy Nifong are back together at last in this latest Trailmarkers episode where they chat about what it means to truly walk and engage in Christ-centered Brotherhood; how this contradicts the worldly perspective of friendship and how it can grow and strengthen you even when you're too tired to perform or accomplish! 

Paul McDonald is back, hosting this episode introducing Bob Duffy's testimony from the most recent Outpost. While not necessarily a Mother's Day episode, it is a deep dive into our emotional attachment to our mothers and how this relationship effects our lives as men interacting with the Beauties in our lives.

Tommy hosts as Patrick Creehan resumes his teaching from the Outpost: Heavy Lifting Day, Session One. It is a powerful session, wrapping up the concept of The Poser and how this is a definitive part of our growth to identify our poses so that we can begin to fight from a position of strength and intimacy with God.

Tommy Nifong hosts a playback from the most recent Outpost session presented by Patrick Creehan, called "Heavy Lifting Day - Session 1" where Patrick introduces the concept of The Poser and how we must all identify the poser in ourselves so that we can begin to grow into our true identity in Jesus Christ. Patrick does an excellent job of introducing the concept as well as guiding us through the clips of a couple of the poses we can all fall into. This is Part 1 of a four part series that will be released as time allows.

Paul and Tommy celebrate the 52nd episode of The Trailmarker Podcast by enjoying a drink together, which happens to have a very interesting story associated with it relating to adventure! This naturally leads to a conversation about The Adventure and how God is calling us into it through things that we may have never expected.

Paul and Tommy resume their conversation about the beauty and how we learn to treat and lead her into her own strength of being your Warrior Princess! Paul notes a situation that actually occurs during the recording process where Tommy intentionally prioritizes his wife's needs and encourages her to pursue rejecting the enemy as he attempt to rob her of her joy.

Paul McDonald is back from Uganda and he and Tommy Nifong have an in-depth chat about their personal pursuits of their wives' and what brings them alive. This is part one of two episodes where Tommy and Paul chat about their real-world of examples of The Beauty.

Tommy Nifong has a chat with co-worker and friend, Bart Helton, who just attended the Outpost for the first time! The conversation revolves around this theme of the inspiration that comes from the Outpost identifying the depth of attack that the enemy has taken on our life. This naturally drives us into action to plan a counter-attack. Tommy and Bart discuss their experiences with this initial realization and how they responded to their Beauties, specifically, and then they dig deeper into the strategies it takes to build a foundation of strength that keeps you on the front lines, fighting for those you love.

Paul McDonald and Patrick Creehan talk about the Poser as they revisit the concept of One More Thing. They explore the process and spiritual benefit behind identifying and living out of our 'True Self' as God defined it.

Scott Brinkley and Tommy Nifong have a conversation about expectation and how it is directly linked to our connection with what God is trying to teach us in life. They build on this topic by digging into the process Scott has been following to experience this truth in Christ, and how applying this to our own lives can give us the courage to expose the enemy in our lives.

Paul McDonald and Tommy Nifong talk about an author that they quoted from episode 45: Leo Tolstoy, who while popularly known as a capable character author, died miserable and alone, having pushed everyone in his life away... Paul and Tommy delve into the grand differences between the human wisdom of "living to a moral standard" versus the Christ-centered wisdom of laying our sins at the feet of Jesus so that He can enter into our sin-nature and heal it!

Paul McDonald and Tommy Nifong have a chat about some of their favorite songs, which leads into a conversation about a quote that is easily referenced to scripture, asking us to die daily to ourselves. This leads into a deeper dive into Paul and Tommy's personal experiences with what it looks like to die daily in the spiritual sense, and how we can apply this difficult concept to our lives.

Paul McDonald and Tommy Nifong delve into the early chapters of the popular J.R.R. Tolkien story, The Hobbit, and explore the purpose behind pursuing adventure and how the themes of Bilbo Baggins' struggle with being a domesticated home-body can be used as a powerful teaching on how we can suppress our God-designed need for fun! Questions, Comments, Suggestions? Email us at trailmarkerpodcast@gmail.com!

Paul McDonald, Brandan Lee, and Tommy Nifong touch on a difficult subject: sex trafficking in the world, the United States, and specifically in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how cultural bias skews our perspective to believing it isn't an epidemic and a direct product of the pornography industry...

Paul McDonald, Mike Flynn, and Tommy Nifong explore Mike's story as he entered into his story with The Outpost and began to truly experiencing the freedom and brotherhood that God has always intended. Mike also goes into a personal battle that has lead him to becoming an integral part of Proven Men - a ministry focused on sexual purity and how it has brought him even deeper into an experience of a true Biblical community of Believers.

Paul McDonald, Bill Browning, and Tommy Nifong talk about Bills first experience at The Outpost and how it shocked him back into a reality of hope, which ultimately led him to his new life of freedom in Jesus Christ...

Paul and Tommy sum up the last two episodes with a final note on expectation versus reality when it comes to God, and how our understanding of what we will get out of a situation can be heavily skewed by our perspective and our hearts...

Paul and Tommy move into the next point in their discussion on sewing seeds in life, digging into the frustration and doubt that can comes from having to wait for something to grow, and some strategies for how you can build into yourself and your desires by relying and God...