Canyon Pathways Podcast

PROGRESS: A Story of Alignment w/ J.P. Avekoe

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396573/fan_mail/new] |“Progress is not just advancement… it’s alignment.” We all want progress. But what happens when progress isn’t about moving faster… but about moving in the right direction? In this conversation, Luke sits down with J.P. Avekoe to explore what progress really looks like—not in theory, but in a life marked by challenge, success, loss, and ultimately, surrender. J.P.’s story stretches from Togo to the U.S. and back again. From survival… to success… to a deeper calling. And along the way, one thing becomes clear: Progress isn’t just movement. It’s alignment. What This Episode Explores When life feels like a grind Midlife can feel repetitive, heavy, and unclear. J.P.’s story gives language to that tension—and the desire for something more. Progress beyond external success From building a business to achieving financial success, J.P. experienced forward movement… but discovered that external progress doesn’t always lead to internal peace. Alignment over achievement True progress began when J.P. stopped trying to control everything—and started reorienting his life toward God. Faith vs. trust Faith says “I believe.” Trust says “I’m stepping into it.” J.P.’s journey is the shift from one to the other. Responding to the call After multiple moments where his life was preserved and redirected, J.P. reaches a turning point—not just believing in God, but trusting Him enough to follow. About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about [https://www.canyonpathways.org/about] Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats [https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats] The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com [http://heartofmanmovie.com/] The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XT2TpA0AZ6eD0dQ6tAjZB]

FIELD NOTE | PROGRESS: When Forward Doesn’t Feel Like Forward

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396573/fan_mail/new] We all want progress. We want to feel like we’re moving… like something is changing… like we’re not just stuck. But midlife has a way of complicating that. Sometimes it feels like a grind. Sometimes it feels like we’re going backward. And sometimes everything looks like it’s moving forward on the outside… while something inside is wearing down. In this Field Note, we slow down and reconsider what progress actually is—and what it isn’t. A Thought to Sit With > “Progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. And if you’ve taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer.” — C.S. Lewis  What This Episode Explores • The weight of midlife Responsibility in every direction can leave us feeling stuck, exhausted, and unsure if we’re actually moving forward. • The illusion of movement Not every step is progress. It’s possible to stay busy, take action, and still drift further off course. • The need for reorientation Real progress isn’t just motion—it’s direction. And for us, that direction is relational. • Progress as return Like the younger son, progress begins when we turn back toward the Father—and take one step at a time in that direction. A Simple Invitation If things feel stuck right now, don’t overcomplicate it. * Pause. * Reorient. * Take one step toward the Father. That’s progress. Reflection Questions *  Where do you feel stuck or stagnant right now?  *  Are you moving—or actually moving forward?  *  What might it look like to reorient toward the Father this week?  About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about [https://www.canyonpathways.org/about] Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats [https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats] The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com [http://heartofmanmovie.com/] The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XT2TpA0AZ6eD0dQ6tAjZB]

Anticipation: Leading with Vision w/ Aseka Taabu

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396573/fan_mail/new] Anticipation sits at the center of leadership. In this episode of the Canyon Pathways Podcast, Sherman Bradley sits down with Aseka Taabu, a Canyon Pathways brother based in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore the Field Note word Anticipation and how it shapes the journey of sonship and leadership. Anticipation isn’t simply about predicting what might happen next. It’s the posture of reaching forward—seeing what may be coming and preparing both yourself and others for what lies ahead. As responsibilities increase in midlife, anticipation can begin to shift. What once felt like excitement about the future can slowly become anxiety or a sense of waiting for something to go wrong. Yet the invitation of sonship calls men back into a different posture—one rooted in trust. In this conversation, Sherman and Aseka reflect on how anticipation shapes leadership, parenting, relationships, and the decisions men carry as they steward influence in their families and communities. Aseka shares reflections from his own leadership journey in Kenya, offering wisdom on responsibility, preparation, and the importance of remaining grounded in identity as a son while navigating the demands of leadership. Anticipation, when rooted in sonship, is not about controlling the future—it’s about stepping toward it with faith, wisdom, and clarity. Key Takeaways * Anticipation plays a critical role in leadership and decision-making. * Leaders must learn to anticipate both opportunities and challenges. * Midlife leadership can shift anticipation from excitement to anxiety if identity isn’t grounded. * Anticipation allows leaders to prepare others—especially children and teams—for what lies ahead. * A son approaches the future differently than a servant. * Healthy anticipation helps leaders navigate uncertainty and guide others through complex seasons. * Identity as a son restores confidence and hope in how we face the future. Sound Bites “Anticipation can make or break leadership.” “Good leaders anticipate not only threats, but opportunities.” “Anticipation means reaching into the future and bringing it into the present.” “Midlife leadership can shift anticipation from excitement to anxiety.” “A son learns to anticipate with confidence.” About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about [https://www.canyonpathways.org/about] Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats [https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats] The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com [http://heartofmanmovie.com/] The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XT2TpA0AZ6eD0dQ6tAjZB]

Intentional Sonship: Redefining Identity and Purpose w/Jacob Johnson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396573/fan_mail/new] In this conversation, Jacob Johnson shares his journey of personal transformation, the founding of Calyan Wax Co., and the importance of intentionality in life. He reflects on his experiences with family dynamics, forgiveness, and the role of community in personal growth. Jacob emphasizes the significance of understanding God's love and intentionality, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as sons and to pursue meaningful relationships and purpose in their lives. Key Takeaways: * Healing begins when we stop striving and start receiving. * Addiction and fatherlessness often distort our sense of worth and identity. * God meets us in our lowest moments—not with shame, but with invitation. * Sonship is not a title we achieve but a truth we are invited to receive. * Restoration is possible when we stop hiding and allow others to walk with us. * Spiritual fathers can play a critical role in calling out identity. * Confession and community are powerful agents of transformation. * Freedom often begins with one simple question: “Who told you that you’re not a son?” Memorable Quotes: * “There’s a war over your identity.” * “You can’t earn sonship. It has to be received.” * “You’re not as alone as you think you are.” * “God fathered me through the kindness of others.” * “My addiction was a symptom of something deeper.” Chapters 00:00 Building Community and Connection 02:46 The Journey of Sonship and Testimony 05:38 The Impact of Canyon Pathways 08:26 Living Light: A Transformative Word 11:43 Intentionality in Life and Faith 14:32 The Spectrum of Intentionality 17:31 Childhood Influences on Intentionality 19:27 Navigating Confusion and Anger 22:38 Identity Shaping Moments 25:36 The Role of Justice in Personal Growth 44:21 From Pain to Purpose: The Journey Begins 49:14 Summer of Transformation: Seeds of Change 53:39 From Candy to Candles: The Entrepreneurial Shift 59:51 Building a Legacy: Balancing Family and Business 01:07:04 Forgiveness and Healing: A Father's Impact 01:14:18 Understanding the Heavenly Father: A Journey of Trust 01:21:18 Encouragement for the Journey: You Are Enough About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about [https://www.canyonpathways.org/about] Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats [https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats] The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com [http://heartofmanmovie.com/] The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XT2TpA0AZ6eD0dQ6tAjZB]

FIELD NOTE on "INTENTIONAL": To Stretch Toward That Place Inside

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396573/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Canyon Pathways podcast, host Noel Bouché explores the profound depth of what it means to be intentional. Drawing inspiration from an unlikely source—the 90s alt-rock hit "Father of Mine" by Everclear—Noel unpacks how intentionality is less about strategic planning and more about the relational effort of reaching toward another. From the etymology of the word to the character of God as an intentional Father, this field note challenges the "box-checking" mentality of leadership and parenting. Noel invites us to move beyond mere methods and into the heart-level work of stretching out our hands to those we lead, mirroring the way Abba reaches out to us. It is a call to move from the striving of servanthood into the restful security of sonship, finding wholeness in the places that are often the hardest to reach. Takeaways * Intentionality is about motives, not just methods. Taking someone to the beach or the movies is just a means; the true goal is reaching the inner person. * To be intentional is to "stretch out." Rooted in the Latin intendere, it literally means to reach toward another with effort, energy, and passion. * True intentionality requires relational humility. It means setting aside our own agendas to discover what brings joy and delight to the other person. * God is the ultimate Intentional Father. He is not distant or passive; He is constantly reaching out to rescue, comfort, and deliver His children. * Our response to being reached is to reach back. We are invited to stretch out our hands in response to God, moving from fear into the freedom of being a beloved son. * Intentionality pushes back chaos. By providing order and focus, purposeful intent acts as a proactive force against the dehumanizing disorder of life. Download Reflection Questions [https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/intentional] Subscribe to the Canyon Pathways podcast and visit canyonpathways.com for show notes, discussion questions, and new episodes. Join us as we live like sons and lead like fathers. About Canyon Pathways: https://www.canyonpathways.org/about [https://www.canyonpathways.org/about] Learn about our retreats: https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats [https://www.canyonpathways.org/retreats] The Heart of Man Film: http://heartofmanmovie.com [http://heartofmanmovie.com/] The Canyon Pathways Spotify playlist: https://canyonpathwayspodcast.com/cpspotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XT2TpA0AZ6eD0dQ6tAjZB]