Faith in the Real World: Living it Out When Life is Busy & Messy

Bonus Interview: Bret Martin - Fatherhood, Ministry & Muay Thai

In this special bonus episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, AJ Riley sits down with Bret Martin — Involvement and First Impressions Pastor at Shelby Christian Church in Shelbyville, KY, father of three, Muay Thai professional, and founder/instructor of Crucible Muay Thai. Together they dive into what it really looks like to balance faith, family, leadership, discipline, and purpose in everyday life. From ministry and marriage to fatherhood and fighting, Bret shares honest insight into the lessons learned both inside and outside the ring. This conversation explores perseverance, identity, mental toughness, staying grounded in faith, and the responsibility of leading well in every area of life. Raw, real, and full of practical wisdom, this episode is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t just built in the spotlight — it’s built in consistency, character, and showing up for the people God has placed in front of you. 🎙️ Episode: “Fatherhood, Ministry & Muay Thai” 🎧 Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroad Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

Built Different Episode 4: Samson - Strong Enough to Break Everything

Strength alone doesn’t make someone unbreakable. In Episode 4 of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as we take a real and honest look at the life of Samson—a man gifted with incredible strength, yet constantly battling temptation, pride, anger, and self-destruction. Because Samson’s greatest battle was never just against enemies… it was against himself. This episode dives into: * unchecked impulses * emotional reactions * compromise * pride * hidden struggles * and what happens when somebody looks powerful on the outside while quietly falling apart inside But even in failure, Samson’s story reminds us that God is still able to meet broken people in broken moments. 🎙️ Built Different Series Episode 4: Samson — Strong Enough to Break Everything Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

Built Different: Episode 3 : Moses - Leadership Isn’t About You

Everybody wants purpose… until purpose comes with pressure. In Episode 3 of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as he takes a real look at the life of Moses—not just the miracles and the Red Sea, but the pressure, exhaustion, insecurity, and responsibility that came with leading people through impossible situations. Because leadership isn’t always about being strong. Sometimes it’s about feeling overwhelmed and still choosing to keep going. This episode dives into: * insecurity and calling * carrying responsibility * leadership fatigue * emotional burnout * and learning that not everything rests on your shoulders Moses was chosen by God… but he was still human. 🎙️ Built Different Series Episode 3: Moses — Leadership Isn’t About You Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

Built Different: Episode 2 : Elijah - When Strong Men Hit a Wall

We all know Elijah as the bold prophet who called fire down from heaven… but what happens when the strong man hits a wall? Join host AJ Riley as he takes a real and honest look at burnout, exhaustion, fear, and what it means to keep going when you feel completely drained. Because even Elijah—after one of the greatest victories of his life—found himself alone, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. This episode isn’t just about Elijah. It’s about us. The pressure we carry. The battles nobody sees. And how sometimes God meets us not in the noise… but in the silence. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

Built Different : Episode 1 - DAVID

We all know the moment David faced the giant… but nobody really talks about what came after. The pressure. The expectations. The weight of becoming something more. In Episode 1 of our Built Different series, we take a real look at the life of David—not just the victory over Goliath, but the journey that followed. From being overlooked in the fields… to stepping into the spotlight… to carrying the responsibility of leadership, failure, and faith. This isn’t just a Bible story. This is about real life. Because sometimes the hardest battles don’t come before the win… they come after it. 🎙️ Built Different Series Episode 1: David — The Pressure to Be More Than You Are 👍 Like, follow, and share on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show themes "Backroad Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" created and copyrighted by AJ Riley