Episode 119: Ray & Krysta Howell from Kicking Bear

Episode 119: Ray & Krysta Howell from Kicking Bear

In this episode of Wild Faith, we sit down with Ray and Krysta Howell of Kicking Bear Ministries to talk about the journey that led to one of the most impactful outdoor ministries in the country. We dive into how Ray's love for hunting and the outdoors eventually grew into a calling to reach kids and families through archery, mentorship, and the Gospel. Ray shares stories from some of his most memorable hunts, the lessons he's learned in a lifetime spent outdoors, and the heart behind starting Kicking Bear. We also hear how Ray and Krysta met, what it's been like serving together in ministry, and why investing in the next generation remains at the center of everything they do. Most importantly, we talk about what they hope every child walks away with after attending a Kicking Bear event—that they are loved, valued, created with purpose, and never alone. Whether you're a hunter, a parent, or someone passionate about mentoring others, this conversation is packed with encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that one person can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.   Kicking Bear Links: Website: https://kickingbear.org/ [https://kickingbear.org/] Events: https://kickingbear.org/events/ [https://kickingbear.org/events/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickingbearoffical/ [https://www.instagram.com/kickingbearoffical/] Wild Faith Podcast Links: Store: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products [https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfaith/ [https://www.instagram.com/wildfaithpodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast]

Episode 118: Jesse Urban from Be Still Retreats

Burnout is real—and it's affecting far more people than we realize. In this episode of Wild Faith, we sit down with Jesse Urban, co-founder of Be Still Retreats, to talk about his faith journey, the calling behind Be Still, and the growing crisis of burnout among pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday men. We dive into the importance of rest, why so many people struggle to slow down, and how God often meets us in the stillness. Jesse shares the story behind Be Still Retreats, the mission of helping those who spend their lives serving others, and the upcoming Rest in the Riser event in partnership with HHA USA aimed at addressing clergy burnout through faith, fellowship, and the outdoors. Whether you're a pastor, a husband, a father, or simply someone carrying more weight than you should, this conversation is a reminder that rest isn't weakness—it's part of God's design.   Jesse's Links: Be Still Retreats: https://bestillretreats.org/ [https://bestillretreats.org/] Rest In The Riser (Registration): https://www.strideevents.com/events/rest-in-the-riser-3d-archery-shoot/2026/register [https://www.strideevents.com/events/rest-in-the-riser-3d-archery-shoot/2026/register] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestillinc/ [https://www.instagram.com/bestillinc/] HHA USA: https://www.hhausa.org/events/ [https://www.hhausa.org/events/]   Wild Faith Podcast Links: Store: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products [https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfaith/ [https://www.instagram.com/wildfaithpodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast]

Episode 117: The Return to the Wild | Basswood Lake BWCA Trip 2026

On this episode, we recap our recent trip to Basswood Lake in the BWCA. Jake, Jordan, and Ryan experienced the Boundary Waters for the first time, and together we share stories from an unforgettable few days in the wilderness. We talk about the incredible fishing, the beauty of Basswood Lake, and what it's like to truly get away from it all in one of the most remote places in Minnesota. From chasing walleyes, smallmouth, and northern pike to weathering a storm miles from camp, the trip was full of adventure, lessons learned, and memories we'll be talking about for years. Most importantly, we share where we encountered God throughout the trip in the beauty of creation, the challenges we faced, and the brotherhood built around campfires, canoes, and life in the wilderness. A huge shoutout to LaTourell's Moose Lake Outfitters for helping make the trip a first class experience.  Basswood delivered another trip we'll never forget and a reminder of why it's important to step away from the noise and return to the wild. Wild Faith Podcast Links: Store: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products [https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfaith/ [https://www.instagram.com/wildfaithpodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast]

The Check-In: The Weight of Being "Fine"

How many times have you said "I'm good" when you really weren't? We are back with The Check-In, and this week we're talking about the pressure men feel to always have it together. The truth is, a lot of us are carrying more than we let on—stress, responsibility, anxiety, exhaustion, and the fear that being honest will make us look weak. In this episode, we unpack why men stay silent, the lie that strength means handling everything alone, and what it actually looks like to be honest about where you're at. If you've been carrying a weight nobody knows about, this conversation is for you. You don't have to have it all figured out. You don't have to pretend you're fine. And you were never meant to carry it alone.   Wild Faith Podcast Links: Store: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products [https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfaith/ [https://www.instagram.com/wildfaithpodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast]

Episode 116: Do You Want To Be Healed?

A lot of men say they want change. Peace. Freedom. Discipline. Healing. But what if part of us is still clinging to the very thing keeping us broken? This week we dive deep into the story of the crippled man at the Pool of Bethesda in The Gospel of John 5, where Jesus asks a question that still cuts straight through the heart of men today: "Do you want to be healed?" We unpack why so many men stay stuck in cycles of anger, isolation, addiction, shame, distraction, and spiritual numbness — even when they know they need change. We talk about the fear of surrender, the death of the old self, and why true healing in Christ requires more than just wanting life to get easier. This is a raw conversation about what it means to stop lying beside the pool and finally get up and walk. If you’ve been carrying the weight of the old man for too long, this episode is for you.   Wild Faith Podcast Links: Store: https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products [https://www.wildfaithpodcast.com/category/all-products] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildfaith/ [https://www.instagram.com/wildfaithpodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfaithpodcast] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@WildFaithPodcast]