162 - Connor Essegian: Chasing Jesus Instead

162 - Connor Essegian: Chasing Jesus Instead

Nebraska basketball fans know Connor Essegian for what he does on the court. But in this conversation, Connor shares the much deeper story of what God has done in his life off the court. With remarkable honesty, he talks about chasing success, losing his identity in basketball, battling unhealthy habits, and how a series of unexpected moments—including a conversation on a golf course and a late-night stop outside a church—became turning points in his journey of faith. It's a powerful reminder that even when our plans unravel, God is still at work drawing us to Himself. Connor also shares what he's learning about living boldly for Christ in the spotlight of Division I athletics, why he sees his platform as an opportunity to point others to Jesus, and how God used injury and disappointment to deepen his faith and redefine his purpose. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a coach, or simply someone searching for lasting identity and peace, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to live for something greater than yourself.

161- Dr. Matthew Spalding: We Still Hold These Truths

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's a good time to ask a simple question: Why does a document written nearly two and a half centuries ago still matter today? In this conversation, Dr. Matthew Spalding of Hillsdale College helps us look beyond the familiar phrases and historical events to uncover the ideas that have shaped the American experiment from the beginning. Together, we explore the enduring truths found in the Declaration, why generations of leaders have returned to it in moments of national challenge, and what it can still teach us about freedom, equality, self-government, and human dignity. We also discuss the often-overlooked role of faith and providence in America's founding, why the founders believed these principles were rooted in something bigger than politics, and what the upcoming America 250 celebration can mean for our nation today. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of civics, or simply someone who wants to better understand the ideas that have influenced the United States for 250 years, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into America's past, present, and future—and why those truths are still worth revisiting.

160 - Dr. Bob Paul: Different by Design

Why do the differences that first attracted us to someone often become the very things that frustrate us later? In this conversation, Dr. Bob Paul of Focus on the Family's Marriage Institute explores one of the most common challenges couples face: learning how to navigate their differences. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, Bob explains why "irreconcilable differences" are rarely the real problem and how healthy marriages learn to value, rather than fight against, the unique ways God has created each spouse. Along the way, we talk about communication, prayer, conflict, emotional connection, and what it means to build a marriage that both people genuinely love. Bob shares practical wisdom on everything from knowing when your spouse wants empathy instead of solutions to discovering how God can use differences to create greater unity. Whether your marriage is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and practical tools for building stronger relationships and growing closer together.

158 - Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave: The Truest Thing About You

For years, Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave sang songs about God's faithfulness, hope, and goodness. Then life brought a season he never expected. After losing his father, mother, and brother within just a few years, Mike found himself walking through some of the deepest grief of his life. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, he shares what it looks like to hold on to God's goodness when your heart is broken, why suffering has reshaped his understanding of worship, and how Jesus has met him in the middle of pain in ways he never could have imagined. Along the way, Mike opens up about the lasting impact of his brother Jay's life and faith, the hope of heaven, the lies we often believe about ourselves, and what it means to truly care for people who are hurting. This conversation is filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and Gospel hope for anyone walking through loss, carrying disappointment, or simply wondering where God is in the middle of difficult seasons. If you've ever needed a reminder that God's presence is real even when life hurts, this conversation is for you.

156 - Ron Brown: A Mission Bigger Than the Game

For more than 30 years, Ron Brown has used the platform of college football to point people toward Jesus. Known by many as a “missionary to the state of Nebraska,” Coach Brown joins us for a conversation that goes far beyond football as he reflects on faith, discipleship, spiritual battles, and the calling God placed on his life decades ago to stay rooted in Nebraska. Along the way, he opens up about mentoring young athletes in today’s changing culture, what he’s seeing spiritually in this generation, and why he still believes the Gospel is the greatest message he can carry into locker rooms, churches, camps, and communities across the state. This conversation also takes an honest and challenging look at the culture surrounding youth sports and the pressure many families feel to chase scholarships, exposure, and success at all costs. Ron shares wisdom for parents trying to keep faith and family at the center, reminds us why worldly definitions of success often fall short, and encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective in a world full of distractions.