76: [Best of MTA] Gladys Cruz: Llamas, Balloon Art, and the Journey to Wholeness

76: [Best of MTA] Gladys Cruz: Llamas, Balloon Art, and the Journey to Wholeness

Gladys Cruz immigrated from Mexico to Michigan as a young girl, leaving behind a challenging present for an equally challenging future. In this episode Gladys shared about starting her own luxury balloon art business, her struggle with depression & anxiety, the importance of seeking help, and her hopes and dreams for the future. Links & Episode Notes * Llamazing Events [https://www.llamazingevents.com/] (Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/llamazingevents/]) * Engedi Español [https://engedichurch.com/es/espanol/] * Coyote (person) - Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote_(person)] * Advance Parole | U.S. Customs and Border Protection [https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/advance-parole] * Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Internal Revenue Service [https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc] * What is CRM? | HubSpot [https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm/what-is] * Postpartum depression - Mayo Clinic [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617] Made to Advance is a production of Engedi Church [https://engedichurch.com/] and is hosted by Brian Aulick [https://www.instagram.com/brian.aulick/].

75: [Best of MTA] Steven Malcolm: Perseverance, Creativity and Finding Faith

Hip-hop artist Steven Malcolm shares his journey from challenging upbringing to a successful recording career. Amidst the chaos, he found encouragement in basketball, music, and ultimately, his faith in Christ. Links & Episode Notes  * Steven Malcolm [https://stevenmalcolm.com/] (Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5yqWHaDl8ZrYgeKANLyIv8] | Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/steven-malcolm/308036242]) * The Edge Urban Fellowship [https://www.theedgegr.com/] * Reach Records [https://www.reachrecords.com/] * 116 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/116_(hip_hop_group)] * Lecrae [https://lecrae.com/] * “Christ My Swagg” cover art [https://cdn-images.imagevenue.com/a2/68/0e/ME17C5OV_o.JPG] * Andy Mineo [https://andymineo.com/] * Canon [https://www.getthecanon.com/] * Json / Lamp Mode [https://lampmode.com/] * Steven’s TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stevenmalcolmmusic] / Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stevenmalcolmmusic/] * “Summertime” ft. Snoop Dogg (Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/6xVoLlq3quzkHiW10FDwaQ?si=2ee66a21410843ed] | Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/album/summertime/1604260756?i=1604260759]) * “Believe In Me” (Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/7B2w1uTuVh7XXSbQWfplID?si=c421f8f9381742a5] | Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/album/believe-in-me/1604260756?i=1604260761]) * The Edge Urban Fellowship 2011 Cypher [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mUNn-_Qyea0] (YouTube) * “40” (Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/5qEj6mzlC6st46bNxmX5LI?si=94f2abeb7b4f48be] | Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/album/40/1710733495?i=1710733508]) * BOATS (Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/album/boats/1710733495]) Made to Advance is a production of Engedi Church [https://engedichurch.com/] and is hosted by Brian Aulick [https://www.instagram.com/brian.aulick/].

74: Josh Haltom: God Isn’t Done

Josh Haltom is Discipleship Pastor at Engedi Church in Holland, Michigan. In this conversation Josh talks about his journey to faith, reconciling with his parents, and the power of the Holy Spirit. He and (fellow Hoosier) Brian also bond over their shared love for Indiana University. Links & Episode Notes * Indiana University [https://bloomington.iu.edu/] * 2026 Football Spring Game - Indiana University Athletics [https://iuhoosiers.com/feature/2026-football-springgame] * Night With the Son at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall | Indiana University Auditorium [https://www.iuauditorium.com/events/detail/nightwiththeson-2026] * Joby Martin [https://jobymartin.com/] * The Prodigal God [https://amzn.to/4v59mwl] by Tim Keller Scripture References * 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/2CO.12.7-9.NIV] * John 14:12 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.14.12.NIV]

73: Aaron Nelson: Finding God on Tour with The Lion King

Aaron Nelson is a professional performer and veteran cast member of Disney’s The Lion King. He’s been touring with The Lion King for over 10 years, performing eight shows each week in roles like Simba, Scar, and Mufasa. Aaron shares about achieving his dream, the emptiness he experienced when he reached those heights, and how God met him there. Links & Episode Notes * Aaron Joseph Nelson (@theactlete) [https://www.instagram.com/theactlete/] * Disney’s THE LION KING [https://lionking.com/] * Columbia College Chicago [https://www.colum.edu/] * Disney College Program [https://www.disneycareers.com/en/disney-college-program] * Festival of the Lion King [https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/animal-kingdom/festival-of-the-lion-king/] * Dangerous Calling [https://amzn.to/3R690Xx] by Paul David Tripp * Engedi Music [https://reel.link/engedimusic] Scripture References * Hebrews 12 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.12.NIV]

72: Ryan Maher: Running the Largest Broadcast Channel on Instagram

Ryan Maher is a pastor and co-leader of digital ministries like Trust God Bro, Her True Worth, and The Prayer Channel, and he’s also the author of The God Worth Trusting. He and Brian talk about the book and how it explores God’s goodness and the truth of human suffering. Ryan also reflects on the early days of Instagram and reaching people with the good news of the gospel in the digital age. Links & Episode Notes * Ryan Maher [https://ryanmaher.net/] * Trust God Bro [https://www.instagram.com/trustgodbro/] * Her True Worth [https://www.instagram.com/hertrueworth/] * Prayer Channel [https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbbujFvTbiPTtuiz/] * The God Worth Trusting: Restoring Faith in a Good God [https://amzn.to/4ud0Cny] * Moving Mountains [https://amzn.to/3OJg23C] by John Eldredge * Bible App [https://www.youversion.com/bible-app] Scripture References * John 16:33 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.16.33.NIV] * 1 John 5:19 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1JN.5.19.NIV] * Ephesians 5:1 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EPH.5.1.NIV] * Hebrews 6:10 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.6.10.NIV] * 2 Corinthians 10:5 [https://www.bible.com/bible/111/2CO.10.5.NIV] “Never believe anything bad about God.” —Dallas Willard