Ep. 197 - Dana Lyons - There’s always hope!

Ep. 198 Alan and Sarah Reese - Heaven is our ultimate goal!

🙏 On this episode of Conversations with Buddy, we sat down with Alan and Sarah Reese to talk about faith, family, and walking through life’s hardest battles with hope. From raising Maddie and Max to navigating the realities of CF and a liver transplant journey, their story is filled with courage, love, and unwavering belief. ❤️ ✨ “Nothing is owed to you.”  That perspective changes everything. Alan and Sarah shared what it means to stop striving, reset expectations, and truly appreciate the blessings right in front of us. Through every challenge, they continue to choose gratitude, prayer, and faith over fear. 🙌 💬 One of the most powerful moments came when they talked about being “completely loved” and how “Heaven is our ultimate goal.” Their testimony reminds us that even in suffering, God is still moving. Pray, believe, and trust the process… even when the answers don’t come quickly. 🙏 😂 We also had some lighter moments with Alan talking about marriage like, “I’m just the pretty face!” and the famous phrase: “That sounds good to me!” Sometimes the best conversations are the real, honest, unfiltered ones that make you laugh and think at the same time. 🎙️ ❤️ This episode is a reminder to circle back to what matters most: faith, family, gratitude, and prayer. A blessed life doesn’t mean a perfect life — it means trusting God through it all.  Final answer… PRAYER 🙏 Please support this family by going to: cota.org/cotaformaddie #Jesusfollowers #faith #purpose #prayer #golflovers #blessedlife #conversationswithbuddy  🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett [https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett] If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.  _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett: Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled, failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!  “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. [https://www.guildmortgage.com/licensing.] The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org [http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]).

Ep. 197 - Dana Lyons - There’s always hope!

🎙️ In this powerful episode, Dana shares her incredible journey from a cancer diagnosis to becoming cancer free ❤️. Through faith, surrender, and her walk with Christ ✝️, Dana discovered that even brokenness can become a gift.  Her story is filled with hope, healing, and the reminder that all things are possible with God ✨. Growing up in a single-parent home on the Jersey Shore 🌊, Dana carried shame and struggled to find her identity. She shares how “mirror work” 🪞 and taking full responsibility changed her life forever.  “God broke me so He could rebuild me” 🙏🔥 is a powerful theme throughout this conversation. Dana also dives into marriage, relationships, and communication. One simple but life-changing question she asks is: “What do you need from me today?” 🥹 Sometimes love really is that simple — show up, love God, love others, and check the posture of your heart ❤️🤝. This episode is packed with grit, grace, faith, and encouragement 🎧✨. Dana’s passion to bring hope, healing, and community to others shines brightly as she shares her dream of building a healing center 🏡❤️‍🩹.  If you need encouragement today, this conversation is for you! To connect with Dana you can email her or go to her website: email: dana@gritandgraceenterprises.com website: gritandgraceenterprises.com socials: Facebook.  #Jesusfollower #faithandhealing #cancersurvivor #grit&grace #conversationswithbuddy 🎙️  🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett [https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett] If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.  _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett: Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled, failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!  “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. [https://www.guildmortgage.com/licensing.] The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org [http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]).

Ep. 196 Chris Pineda - Beneath the Transaction!

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Conversations with Buddy, Buddy sits down with Chris Pineda for a deep conversation on identity, purpose, leadership, and what it truly means to transform from the inside out. Chris shares the heart behind his movement #LiveBeneath and his book Beneath the Transaction, revealing why “transformation is caught, not taught.” 🔥 📖 Chris opens up about his incredible journey through higher education and leadership development — from earning a bachelor’s degree in intercultural peace-building, to a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict resolution from Creighton University, and ultimately a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology. But beyond the credentials, Chris explains why true transformation is spiritual, relational, and deeply personal. ✨ ❤️ One of the most moving moments in his new best seller book, Beneath The Transaction comes when Chris shares the story of his daughter telling him, “You’re a good daddy. I love you. You can go to bed.” That moment became a powerful reminder of grace, identity, and the “breath of life” we all long for in a world filled with pressure, performance, and transaction-driven living. This conversation will challenge you to slow down, become present, and wrestle with your true purpose. 🌍 Chris also dives into the mission behind “Groundwork,” a world-class leadership institute focused on culture, intentionality, and transformational growth. From Filipino heritage and the tradition of Mano po, to vulnerability, purpose, and leadership that lasts, this episode explores how culture and relationships shape who we become. “Transformation does not compartmentalize” is a theme woven throughout the entire conversation. 🙌 💡 Alongside insights from leadership voices like Scott Wiegal and Jared Virtue, this episode unpacks the realities of becoming — not just celebrating what works, but learning from struggle, discomfort, and moments of survival. If you’ve ever felt stuck between transaction and transformation, this episode will encourage you to lead intentionally, love deeply, and never stop becoming. 🎧🔥 #LiveBeneath 🔥 #Transformation 🧠 #BeneathTheTransaction 👈 #LeadershipDevelopment 🙌 #Purpose ✨#Leadership ⚔️ #ConversationsWithBuddy 🎙️  🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett [https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett] If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.  _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett: Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled, failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!  “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. [https://www.guildmortgage.com/licensing.] The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org [http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]).

Ep. 195 Lucy Escobar - Looking for Lucy!

Lucy’s journey is a powerful story of vision and courage. 🚀 After a successful 20-year career in banking, she made a bold move into entrepreneurship, launching her own coaching and consulting firm to expand her impact. Her story is proof that growth requires faith, risk, and the willingness to step into something greater. 🙌 Lucy teaches that true leadership starts with alignment—people, strategy, and culture.💡 She helps leaders move beyond ideas into real execution, equipping them with practical tools that drive results. It’s not just about thinking big—it’s about building systems that actually work 📈. Her heart for community and legacy is undeniable. ❤️ Through initiatives like the Oregon Book Fair, Lucy is creating opportunities, making literacy accessible, and uplifting diverse voices. Her work goes beyond business—it’s about making a lasting impact for future generations 📚✨. One of the most powerful messages from this episode is identity and mindset. Lucy reminds us, “we are not our behavior,” encouraging leaders to grow without being defined by past mistakes. Her challenge is simple: elevate your awareness, cast vision, and take action—even if it means doing it afraid.🔥 Lucy’s coaching platform is where transformation happens. Through her Strategic Systems approach, she helps leaders gain clarity, confidence, and direction while building high-performing teams. Everyone deserves a coach—and Lucy is on a mission to help people step into their purpose and build a legacy that lasts 🙌✨. I highly recommend reaching out to Lucy for a few reasons… to get to know her as a person and also see if she is the right coach for you! You can hop on her website and schedule a free introductory call at LucyEscobar.com Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. 🙏 #JesusFollower #faith #purpose  #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #BuildYourLegacy #StrategicGrowth #DoItAfraid #conversationswithbuddy  _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett [https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett] If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.  _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett: Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled, failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!  “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. [https://www.guildmortgage.com/licensing.] The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org [http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]).

Ep. 194 Patrick Haney - Preludes to Grace!

On this episode, I sit down with Patrick Haney—a man shaped by war, loss, and redemption. Deployed to Iraq at 18, he lived in the reality of the battle roster and brothers killed in action. ⚔️  Patrick shares his wake-up call—how God met him in his sin and loved him anyway ❤️. In the middle of unanswered prayers, he cried, “Lord, restore my marriage” 🙏. Like Book of Job, he wrestled with pain but discovered a deeper truth:              God’s plan is better. This episode is about freedom 🕊️, radical forgiveness, and real transformation. God didn’t waste his story—He redeemed it ✝️🔥. 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. #JesusFollower #faith #purpose #veteran #conversationswithbuddy  _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett [https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett] If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031.  _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett: Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled, failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ!  “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. [https://www.guildmortgage.com/licensing.] The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org [http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]).