Keeping the Course: Authenticity and Consistency in Building a Christian Community - Special Guest Garrett Vaughan

Keeping the Course: Authenticity and Consistency in Building a Christian Community - Special Guest Garrett Vaughan

In this episode, Jason sits down with Garrett Vaughan (the second of three generations of Briarcrest Saints, and co-founder of BCS Dads in Fellowship) for a genuine conversation about faith, fatherhood, and friendship. Garrett shares how drifting from a close-knit Christian community in college led to spiritual stagnation, while being surrounded by other believers in his current stage of life has kept him grounded as a husband and father. Garrett and Jason discuss the importance of Christian men sharing struggles – spiritual and physical – and overcoming obstacles together. They also dive in on the importance of authenticity and consistency in marriage and parenthood. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify and YouTube today! 🎧 Want to be a part of BCS Dads in Fellowship? Learn more on our new website by visiting Current Parents > Parent Ministries. #ChristianPodcast

"Be Still, and Know that I am God." - Special Guest David Nugent

“Be still, and know that I am God.” David Nugent - a Briarcrest dad, Super Bowl champion, and business owner, joined the Courageous Conversations podcast to share a story of identity, burnout, and learning how (and when) to be still in God’s spirit. David went from rooming with Tom Brady to collapsing in a weight room, finding God in the stillness of that defining, life-altering moment. A self-described "all-in" personality, David kept saying yes until his body forced him to stop. Hear his courageous story about being diagnosed with a potentially fatal condition, his recovery, and his rejuvenation and restoration in Christ. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube today! #ChristianPodcast

From Corporate Burnout to Kingdom Purpose - Special Guest Chad Gilbert

What does it look like to chase success, attain the things you desired, and still feel completely empty? How does God restore us in those moments? In this episode Jason Ellis sits down with Briarcrest's Director of Marketing, Chad Gilbert, who shares about his journey finding real peace and purpose after 20 years in Corporate America. Chad opens up about battling anxiety and depression at the height of his career, a turning point moment on an airplane, and what happened when he finally surrendered control to God. They also dig into practical wisdom for parents navigating youth sports, intentional family time, and how to raise kids whose identity is rooted first in Christ, not their academic or athletic performance. More from this episode: · Why success without purpose always leaves you empty · How to recognize when God is opening (or closing) a door · Using "windshield time" to disciple your kids · The power of gratitude in your darkest moments · Advice for young adults just starting out in the "real world" 🎧 Listen and Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube!

"It's OK to not be OK. It's just not OK to stay that way." - Special Guest Gerardo Gonzales

In this powerful episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Coach Gonzalez shares his journey from his upbringing growing up near the California-Mexico border to finding Christ at 15. After losing his mother at 17, he faced a choice: run from God or draw closer to Him. His message to students: "It's okay not to be okay. It's just not okay to stay that way." Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch the full episode on YouTube to hear how his surrender transformed tragedy into a testimony of God's faithfulness.

Seeds Planted in Seasons of Struggle - A Sit-Down with Dr. Edd Lawrence

"Arise, go forth, and conquer." That's the daily exhortation Dr. Edd Lawrence offers his students when they leave his classroom. But what does it really look like to “go forth and conquer” in today’s world? Check out the latest episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast where Dr. Lawrence shares practical advice formed from decades of experience in parenting, teaching, and serving in the ministry. Here are a few of the insights Dr. Lawrence shared, as only he can! On Boundaries: Kids secretly want them—they provide safety and show love. They don’t know how much they need them…until they know how much they really need them. On Consistency: Parenting is all about intentionality. Training up a child in they way they should go means you're creating appetites for good things: faith, integrity, hard work. On the Gospel: At the end of the day, we're all sinners in need of a Savior - parents and kids alike. Good parenting begins with intentionality but is grounded in humility. From curfews to character, “seeds planted in seasons of struggle”, this conversation is full of truth, encouragement, and lived wisdom. If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone investing in the next generation, you don't want to miss this. Listen now on the Courageous Conversations Podcast!