Michael In The Middle

500 Miles- Episode 58

In 1988 The Proclaimers, a Scottish duo, wrote and performed one of pop music’s most singable and relatable hits of the late 20th century. The endearing theme of loyalty affirmed the commitment to endure any challenge or distance to stay with a loved one or friend.  In 2014, lifelong friends Justin and Patrick literally went to the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile trek across Spain, and endured the unrelenting challenge of an “accessible Camino.” Justin had become paralyzed due to a neuromuscular disease and Patrick answered Justin’s prayer to do the Camino by simply saying, “I’ll Push You.” The resulting documentary film of the same name was released and five subsequent trips have been taken since.  This summer (2026) two more final trips will be led by Patrick and Justin, but these trips will also be accompanied by cinematographer Trevor Lubiens. In this episode of Michael in the Middle tells the story of how own journey to discovery as he recounts previous and deeply profound trips with his friends. Trevor also tells how they will produce a new documentary, “More Than Steps.” It’s a fascinating hour that delves into friendship, doubt, revelation, and triumph!

Episode 57- I Believe I Can Fly

Michael in the Middle is back! In his return to regular podcasting, Michael shares his thoughts on why we sometimes need a kickstart to restart projects or initiatives toward the kind of personal growth that helps others in the process. Come along as Michael looks back at his journey toward becoming a Maxwell Certified Leadership Team member. The ultimate destination is always determined by the roads we take along the journey!

It Won't Rain Always- Episode 56

When it started raining in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Bobby and Alyssa Forest had an inkling that maybe this storm would be different than anything they had ever seen. They were right.  Within days of the arrival of Hurricane Helene, their home and their church, Asheville First Nazarene, became a soul-saving and life-giving haven for thousands over the next three months. And that story continues.  Episode 56 of Michael in the Middle explores how one couple found their way toward helping others even in the middle of their own need. It's a fascinating hour of love and care. As the Janet Pascal song from several years ago reminds us, "It Won't Rain Always."

Episode 55- The Leader of the Band

Dan Fogelberg sang a memorable line in the late 1970s, “my life’s a living legacy to the leader of the band.” It hit me again as I listened to my friend, Gary Barker, tell his story of building businesses and adding value to people over the past as several years.  Gary’s a successful member of the Maxwell Certified Leadership Team but his journey was marked by his relationship with father and other influential people. The conversation found here in Episode 55 flowed with practical leadership tips but also several affirmations of simply being present in positive ways in the lives of others.

More Than a Feeling (Episode 54)

Episode 54 features a frank discussion of the necessity of honesty as well as the price that is paid for true forgiveness to occur in our most significant relationships. Before the conversation gets heavy there's also a healthy dose of Boston Red Sox family lore. Jeff Scott's grandfather, Stephen Nease, was president of Eastern Nazarene College for a number of years. He also served as president at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, Southern Nazarene University, and Nazarene Theological Seminary. Jeff is deeply ingrained in the church and in higher education. He is thoughtful, highly learned, and also funny. The story he shares in the podcast centers largely around a crisis of faith and, later, the journey he and his wife, Joy, have taken toward wholeness. It's worth every minute of your time!