Against the Grain

28. Developing Spiritual Hunger (with Tyler Moffett)

What if the spiritual hunger you feel is actually God's invitation to something greater? In this episode, Eric and Tyler unpack how broken young people struggling with isolation and hidden sins are finding real transformation through a "wide call, high call" approach: everyone is welcome, nothing is held back. Drawing from Luke 14's banquet parable, Tyler introduces his three A's framework for discipleship that fits naturally into the life you're already living. Ask their story. Articulate your own. Address topics biblically. No new program required. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or a mentor, this conversation will challenge and equip you to disciple the people already around you. Don't miss this practical roadmap to spiritual transformation. Keywords: discipleship, spiritual growth, mentorship, men's ministry, sexual addiction recovery, isolation, Luke 14, faith-based leadership, parenting with purpose, biblical counseling, spiritual transformation, Christian podcast, how to disciple, young men and faith, practical Christianity

57. You Weren't Meant to Grow Alone (with Brandon Smeltzer & Becky Stamps)

Exhort, Challenge, Grow: How Intentional Relationships Fuel Lasting Personal Growth Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Whether you're pursuing personal development, spiritual growth, or professional transformation, the relationships around you matter more than you might think. In this episode, Eric, Becky, and Brandon unpack what it really means to exhort one another, to speak truth, offer encouragement, and issue a genuine charge toward growth. This isn't surface-level accountability. It's the kind of deep, intentional relationship that actually moves the needle. What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Why personal growth requires community, not just commitment * What it means to "exhort and charge" someone in truth, and how to do it well * How to build intentional relationships that create space for honest, growth-focused conversations * The difference between sustainable growth and short-term change Becky and Brian bring a wealth of experience as leadership coaches, working daily with individuals and teams to cultivate lasting, transformational growth. Their coaching philosophy centers on walking alongside people, not pushing from behind or pulling from ahead, but partnering in the process. If you've been trying to grow on your own and feeling stuck, this episode is for you. Show notes: Learn more about Undefeated Growth: https://undefeatedgrowth.com/ Keywords: personal growth podcast, leadership coaching, intentional relationships, Christian accountability, spiritual growth, transformational coaching, life coaching, exhort one another, sustainable growth, truth in relationships, personal development, growth mindset, coaching podcast, faith and leadership

56. Motherhood Is More Than Mother's Day (with Laura Konopnicki, Haley Kueckelhan, & Holly Cunningham)

Mother's Day gets one day, but motherhood is every day. The flowers fade and the brunch ends, but the calling of a mother never takes a day off. In this episode, Laura, Haley, and Holly pull back the curtain on the real, beautiful, and sometimes messy journey of motherhood — and how a living faith can anchor you through all of it. Whether you're in the thick of toddler tantrums, navigating the teenage years, or somewhere in between, this conversation is your reminder that you are not alone. Together, they explore how faith shapes the way we parent, how to lead our families with intention and grace, and how to find genuine joy even in the hardest seasons of motherhood. In this episode, you'll discover: * How faith directly influences your parenting style and decisions * Practical ways to engage and connect more deeply with your family * How to cultivate joy in the midst of motherhood's everyday trials * Encouragement for the moments when you feel like you're falling short This is the episode every mom needs , not just on Mother's Day, but on a random Tuesday when the laundry is piling up and grace feels hard to find. Hit play and be encouraged today. Topics Covered: motherhood, Christian parenting, faith and family, parenting podcast, Mother's Day, joy in motherhood, faith-based parenting, encouragement for moms, Christian moms, parenting with grace

55. Preparing to Launch (with Caleb Bundy & Jermaine Arphul)

Graduation season is here! Whether you're the proud parent of a high school senior, a mentor, educator, or the graduate yourself, this episode is for YOU. The leap after graduation is real. While it's a season of excitement, it's also wrapped in confusion, unexpected pressure, and a level of independence most students have never navigated before. New city. New community. New identity. Where do you even begin? In this episode, we break down practical, faith-centered guidance for launching well into the next chapter of life. We talk about how to navigate the uncertainty of "what's next," how to build meaningful community from scratch, and how this season is one of the greatest opportunities of your life to own your personal relationship with Christ in a way that's truly yours. This isn't just a graduation pep talk. It's a roadmap. You'll walk away with: * Practical steps for making a confident, grounded transition after high school or college * Encouragement for parents and mentors on how to support the grad in your life * A fresh perspective on faith and independence, and why this season is a gift, not just a gap Whether you're stepping into college, a career, the military, or something in between, this episode meets you right where you are. Topics covered: graduation 2025 | high school graduation advice | Christian graduation episode | faith after graduation | life after high school | college transition tips | Christian podcast for students | launching into adulthood | parenting a senior |youth ministry podcast | faith and independence | Christian student podcast | new beginnings faith

54. Planting Churches, Planting Seeds (with Tim Green & Kevin Brooks)

"There are already churches everywhere, why would we need to start more?" If you've ever heard that question (or asked it yourself), this episode is for you. Church planting is one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) aspects of Christianity. In this episode, Eric, Kevin and Tim break down exactly what church planting is, why it matters more than ever in a rapidly changing world, and why the assumption that "we already have enough churches" couldn't be further from the truth. But starting a church from scratch isn't easy. This episode gets honest about the real challenges, like financial pressure, leadership development, community resistance, and the sheer weight of building something from nothing. And more importantly, it shares what's being done right now to lower those barriers and empower the next generation of church planters. In this episode: * What church planting actually means and what it doesn't * Why growing communities still desperately need new churches * The biggest obstacles facing church planters today * Practical solutions and support systems making a difference * How you can be part of the movement — even if you're not a pastor Topics covered: Church planting | How to start a church | Christian mission | Church growth | Church leadership | New churches | Evangelism