152 - ENCORE - - Annie F. Downs

159 - Dr. Mark PItts: Presence Matters Most

What does it really mean to be a father? Is it something you do, or is it part of who God created you to be? In this Father's Day conversation, Dr. Mark Pitts joins us to talk about the message behind his book Called to Be Dad [https://a.co/d/0fIQJuBf]and why he believes fatherhood is more than a role—it's a calling. Drawing from decades of ministry, parenting, and personal experience, Mark shares how God shaped his understanding of fatherhood and why being present may be one of the greatest gifts a dad can give his children. Along the way, we explore what it means to lead a family well, the difference between providing for your family and protecting the peace of your home, how husbands and wives can work together as partners, and why fathers need the encouragement of other men who are walking the same road. Whether you're a dad, hoping to become one, praying for one, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of God's heart as our Heavenly Father, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that none of us are called to do this alone.

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.

155 - Dr. Kathy Koch: Loving Your Adult Children Well

For many parents, the transition into adulthood can bring unexpected grief, tension, distance, and questions they never anticipated facing. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Dr. Kathy Koch talks about relationships with adult children — from boundaries and communication to parenting regrets, family conflict, faith struggles, and learning how to love well in a new season of life. Drawing from her book, Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations that Work, Dr. Kathy offers practical wisdom and deep encouragement for parents who want healthier relationships without controlling outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kathy shares why it’s important to move from “parenting” to guiding and supporting, how humility and listening can rebuild trust, and why hope ultimately has to be rooted in God rather than our children’s choices. Whether your relationship with your adult child is thriving, strained, or somewhere in between, this episode is full of grace, perspective, and reminders that God is still present in the middle of complicated family dynamics. For more information on Kathy Koch’s latest book: https://www.amazon.com/Resolve-Conflict-Peace-Adult-Children/dp/0802440754 [https://www.amazon.com/Resolve-Conflict-Peace-Adult-Children/dp/0802440754]

154 - Tasha Layton: Trusting God In The Waiting

This conversation with Tasha Layton goes far beyond music. Tasha shares her journey of growing up in church, walking through deep hurt, and ultimately discovering that even in her searching, God was pursuing her. It’s an honest look at faith that isn’t always neat—where questions, pain, and healing all have a place. She steps into deeply personal territory as Tasha opens up about her journey through infertility, the waiting that stretched her faith, and the unexpected ways God showed up. Along the way, she reflects on motherhood, grief, and what it looks like to trust God when life doesn’t unfold the way you hoped. This conversation is full of perspective, hope, and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, God is good—and we’re invited to trust Him, even when we don’t fully understand.