Westside Stories

Welcome to the auditory experience accompanying Atlanta Westside's Stations of the Cross exhibit, running April 14 to April 18, 2025. While this recording is designed to compliment the exhibit, it also serves as a meaningful way to reflect and meditate on Jesus' final hours—including His accusation and betrayal, His suffering, and His death—during Holy Week.We hope you'll set aside 30-60 minutes to join us during the exhibit. And we encourage you to come as many times as you can leading up to our Good Friday service on April 18 at 6:30p. More information about the exhibit, our church, and our services can be found on our website, AtlantaWestside.org. ————Chapter Markers(00:00) Instructions(01:36) Introduction(04:45) Station 1(09:30) Station 2(12:16) Station 3(15:54) Station 4(18:42) Station 5(20:50) Station 6(22:44) Station 7(24:35) Station 8(26:10) Station 9(29:23) Station 10(32:49) Station 11(35:46) Station 12

Westside elder Matthew Reynolds and his wife, Julia Reynolds have some of the most interesting career trajectories imaginable. Unfortunately, we're not going to touch on that today. Instead, we'll hear the joy, heartbreak, twists and turns, and crazy antics that finally led to them getting married.  This episode is just a small taste of the great narratives Matthew and Julia have to tell, and we highly encourage you to corner them like a rabid badger and force them to recount another of their stories. 

Westsider Tiffany Alley discusses her journey in building and selling one of the largest legal support service companies in the state—as well as her inspiring work mentoring female entrepreneurs and executives. Two things stand out about this episode. First, Tiffany has a remarkable gift for bringing out the best in others, and we want as many people as possible to know her. Second, if you enjoy a good underdog story, you're in for a treat!

In this special episode of Westside Stories, we're taking a break from our usual conversations with members of our congregation to feature a guest who can help us hone our storytelling skills. As the holidays approach, it's a perfect time to reflect on the power of stories—both in sharing our own and in drawing out the tales of others. We're excited to welcome Jason Dyba, an Atlanta-based storyteller and educator, who will share valuable insights on how to tell compelling stories and encourage meaningful dialogue. Join us for this inspiring discussion that will enhance your storytelling abilities!

Westsiders Erin East and Adam Meisenheimer discuss their journey with a national program called Grief Share. After experiencing profound losses, both Erin and Adam found healing in a Grief Share group. Their experiences were so transformative that they committed to leading pop-up groups at Westside and throughout Atlanta. As a note, while we'll touch on the grief Erin and Adam have processed, the focus of this episode is on how they've navigated their grief and the valuable tools and support the Grief Share program has provided along the way. If you or someone you know is grappling with the loss of a loved one, I encourage you to visit GriefShare.org to find local groups. You can also sign up for a special Grief Share class called “Surviving the Holidays” here at Atlanta Westside on November 16, 2024. And remember, even if you're not facing grief right now, it's almost certain you will at some point in your life. Our hope is that today's episode equips you with insights for when that time comes.

While they might not flaunt it, Westside members Byron and Kim are influential figures in the campus ministry landscape. Their reach is vast, and their impact on countless lives is undeniable. In this episode, we'll explore the highs and lows of their journey in the trenches of campus ministry.

Westsider Matt Alley discusses "Man Tsunami." We're diving into jeeps, mountains, bluffs, sunrises, and yes—hiking, hiking, and more hiking. Man Tsunami is Matt's initiative to bring men into the great outdoors, specifically the American West, where they can test their fortitude, forge strong relationships, and recognize the beauty of creation as a gift from God. If you don't know Matt yet, don't be quick to label him as either a free-spirited hippy or a “Wild at Heart” caricature of toxic masculinity. If camping and hiking weren't his passion, he'd still be finding meaningful ways to invest in the lives of men.

Westsiders Demps and Kristy Dempsey have dedicated years as missionaries in Brazil, longer than many in our church have been alive. While we're not trying to date them, it's clear they bring a wealth of real-world experience to the table. In this episode, we'll delve into their transition back to the States, exploring both the challenges and the blessings they've encountered along the way.

Westside member Ida Bell discusses how prayer has completely permeated her life.  We mean it. From her head to her toes. From finger to finger of her petite 5' nothing wingspan. If you're sitting in a bumper to bumper traffic jam, you want Ida Bell sitting next to you in the passenger seat. She oozes patience, gentleness, and kindness. And where does her sweet, lovely personality come from? Talking with God. Minute by minute. Hour by hour. 

Today on Westside Stories, Westside deacon Chris LeCraw discusses entrepreneurship—specifically the challenges and rewards of building a product or project from the ground up.  Chris is always looking for his next project. We bet if you invited him out for a beer or a cup of coffee, he'd be keen to hear your ideas. 

Today on Westside Stories, Westside members Ed and Kathy Woodall to talk about the ups and downs of nearly six decades of marriage. We also dive into Ed's fascinating career with cars, and how God has worked miraculously through  their careers, family and relationships throughout their lives.  Ed and Kathy are chock-full of wisdom. But they're also a lot of fun, and we're sure you're going to enjoy this episode. So without further ado ….

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Ben Pollard to talk about his long career as a football coach. Ben has coached at a number of prestigious football programs around the country. But his coaching has always been a means to an end—his first and foremost priority has always been to exemplify and express the gospel to his players. Based on the many, many strong relationships he's built over the decades, it would seem God put Ben in the right career.  

Today on Westside Stories, Westside deacon Weston Straka shares his story of grappling with divorce and finding his footing again. Weston is joined by his wife and fellow Westside deacon Laura Straka. Though Weston dives into a tough topic, his story is full of redemption and hope. Whether you  are currently experiencing a difficult relationship, have been through one in the past, or have had the luxury of nothing but blissful, easy relationships your entire life, this episode is for you.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside worship team member Julian Laury talks about growing up in Austria and his love for all things jazz.  Julian has an interesting way of tying the creative, right-brained elements of jazz improvisation with his analytical, left-brained day job in computer programming. It's a captivating listen, and we hope you'll enjoy.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Norman Powell talks about growing up in Argentina and developing a love for the radio and broadcast journalism. Norman has served at a number of major news and public relations outlets, including Voice of America, CNN, and currently CDC. It's also worth mentioning that Norman is one of the most beloved members of our church. Anytime you bump into Norman, you're sure to be greeted with a smile.

Today on Westside Stories, 11-year-old Westside member Oliver Iverson and his dad, Joel, talk about Oliver's thriving party rental business. Oliver's a pretty incredible kid. His sense of entrepreneurship and hospitality are far beyond his years. He's not only learned how to start and manage a business, but he's also learned how to make strategic business decisions and how to leverage his brother's as cheap labor. This is a fun episode. Time to dive in ...

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Sterling Skinner presents the correlation between working on cars and building relationships. Sterling is the Director of Instructional Labs at Georgia Tech and the founder of the Georgia Tech auto show. Sterling has a love for all things with engines and wheels and a knack for bringing people together, and the annual Georgia Tech Auto Show is the culmination of both.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta native Allen Bell discusses Atlanta's relationship to economics, diversity, technology, and growth. As the Executive Director of the Atlanta Resource Foundation, Allen has eyewitness insight into the way our city is changing and what it's going to take to help Atlanta flourish.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside elder Ken Culpepper and his wife, and worship team member, Anwhitney Culpepper, recount God's providence throughout their marriage. Ken and Anwhitney have faced a number of significant financial challenges over the years, yet they can point to God's goodness over and over again through patience, unity, and faithfully sewing seed and favor with everyone they come in contact with. We hope their story will inspire and encourage you—especially if you're facing similar challenges. ——— If you've never had an opportunity to pray with—or be prayed for by either of the Culpepper's, we highly, highly encourage you to seek them out on a Sunday morning and ask them to pray for you. They are so tuned into what God is doing in their lives, and they can't help but rub off some of that special God-connection with you.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Liz Griffith recounts crazy tales of babysitting, landing a career in sports marketing, and tackling the formidable challenge of being a career-driven mom. Liz has interesting insight in what it takes to pursue two seemingly contrary paths. Whether you're a mom or not, this episode is well worth the listen.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside founding members Jeff and Hannah Heck tell stories from raising their eldest son, Teddy, who has special needs. If you've ever sat in an Westside service and heard a loud “amen” coming from the front pew, chances are it was Teddy. This is a heartwarming and hilarious episode that'll make you want to high-five Teddy and wrap Jeff and Hannah in a bear hug.

Today on Westside Stories, Laurie Williams to discusses her role in full time campus ministry with Campus Outreach, also known as CO.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Tim Fescoe talks about his job in visual effects and his former life as a featured extra—including a hilarious story about taking his first kiss on camera.

Westside member Brooke Walker tells the story of how she landed in full-time college ministry and the highs and lows she's experienced as a campus minister. Brooke and her husband lance, an elder at Westside and also a full-time campus minister, have worked for CRU since they graduated school in the early aughts.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside pastor Steven Gilchrist talks about growing up in Oklahoma, his family, and how he became a Christian. Steven discusses grappling with a significant number of deaths in his family over the past few years. So, just a word of warning that this episode discusses death. Steven has been an associate pastor at Atlanta Westside since early 2021. He's in charge of community outreach with the hope of planting a new church in the coming years.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside member Angela Oliver discusses her position at the Center for Disease Control, also known as CDC. Angela began working for CDC in 2010, and she played a pivotal role in helping form and influence the policies that helped the United States prepare for and grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. While we can't go into specific details about the goings-on at CDC, this is an interesting conversation into the processes involved in CDC decision making—as well as a blueprint for the scope and scale of CDC's work. It should be noted that the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Atlanta Westside Presbyterian Church and Angela Oliver—not the CDC nor the United States Government.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Katy Alter discusses growing up adopted and learning how to grapple with and express feelings that are incredibly complex. Katy is one of the most clear, articulate, and self-introspective communicators we've ever met, and this episode was a true joy to work on. Let's hear from Katy ….

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Conner Norton recounts his amazing post-Braves-winning-the-world-series story. If you haven't heard Conner tell it, it's a fairly amazing tale that's been highlighted all over the internet. So, without further ado, let's extend Conner's fifteen minutes of fame and dive in …

Today on Westside Stories, Westside members Jim and Lis Irwin to discuss the anxious yet sweet time in their lives when work was hard to come by following the market crash of 2008. Jim is the President of Atlanta-based NewCity Properties. NewCity is responsible for a ton of Atlanta real estate development, including Ponce City Market and 725 Ponce. Jim also lead Atlanta Westside's development of our church building—including upcoming construction on the front half of the old Salas O'Brien space. Jim and Lis are founding members of Atlanta Westside where Jim is also an elder.

Today on Westside Stories, Westside member Sarah Hopson to chat about the US National Parks system. Trust us when we say that this is an incredible conversation. Sarah has a wonderful way of communicating the importance of our National Parks and monuments—as well as a few recommended hidden gems. If the rest of the National Parks team is anything like Sarah, it makes us want to quit what we're doing just to be part of that staff.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside's Senior Pastor, Walter Henegar, and Director of Spiritual Formation, Anne Henegar, are joined by Chuck and JoElyn Johnston to tell us a few stories from their time living in Atlanta's Grove Park neighborhood. Chuck and JoElyn have been members at Atlanta Westside since the early days—all the way back in 2008. They're also, practically, institutions in the Atlanta education scene. Chuck was president of the Children's Education Foundation, the founding headmaster at Whitefield Academy, and the Executive Director of the Atlanta Youth Academy. Chuck and JoElyn recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside's Senior Pastor, Walter Henegar, and Director of Spiritual Formation, Anne Henegar, are joined by Kelly Henderson to discuss his uber-interesting full-time role as a content creator on the social media and live-streaming network called Twitch. Kelly and his wife Leah, who we interview in an earlier episode of the podcast, have been members at Atlanta Westside since 2012.

Today, Atlanta Westside's Senior Pastor, Walter Henegar, and Director of Spiritual Formation, Anne Henegar, sit down with Glen Jackson to discuss his father. It's a very powerful story, but a quick word of warning: we are specifically discussing the death of a parent. Glen and his wife Claire have been members at Atlanta Westside since 2015. Glen is a founding principal at Jackson Spalding—a marketing and communications agency based out of Atlanta, GA.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside's Senior Pastor, Walter Henegar, and Director of Spiritual Formation, Anne Henegar, sit down with Westside member Kenneth Everett to talk about his passion for Salsa dancing. And let me say that Kenny, at just over 70 years old, has a special way of communicating that makes you want to find a salsa playlist on Spotify, crank up the speakers, and start dancing your fool head off.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside's Senior Pastor, Walter Henegar, and Director of Spiritual Formation, Anne Henegar, are joined by Leah Henderson to talk about the extreme highs and lows of her role as a labor and delivery nurse. A word of caution: this episode dives into the topic of death. Leah and her husband Kelly, who we interview in an upcoming of the podcast, have been members at Atlanta Westside since 2012.

Today on Westside Stories, Atlanta Westside's Senior Pastor, Walter Henegar, and Director of Spiritual Formation, Anne Henegar, sit down with Nagib and Becca Hermes to discuss their daughter Mina and her fight with a rare condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA. Becca and Nagib have been members at Atlanta Westside since 2013. Nagib is also an elder. Both Becca and Nagib work full time for CRU (formally known as Campus Crusade for Christ). *Song credit: "Beautiful Girl" was written and performed by Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson.