EP54 - It’s God’s Work, Not Ours: Bethel University President Ross Allen on Faithful Leadership in a Busy World

EP57 - Self-Brain Surgery: Renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren on How to Renew Your Mind

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this powerful episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone sit down with neurosurgeon, author, podcast host, and war veteran Dr. Lee Warren for a deeply practical and faith-filled conversation about the brain, suffering, identity, grief, and hope. Dr. Warren shares how God led him from a small-town Oklahoma upbringing into the field of neurosurgery, how serving as a combat surgeon in Iraq changed his understanding of control and trauma, and how the devastating loss of his son forced him to confront pain that medicine could not fix. Through his work in neuroscience and his faith in Christ, Dr. Warren explains why we cannot believe every thought we think, how our brains can be rewired through intentional focus, and why Scripture has been pointing us toward human flourishing all along. He unpacks concepts like neuroplasticity, self-brain surgery, thought biopsies, prayer, anxiety, identity, forgiveness, and what it means to renew your mind in everyday life. This episode is for anyone who feels anxious, discouraged, grieving, stuck, or ready to begin thinking differently. Dr. Warren reminds listeners that your brain is not stuck, your story is not over, and God’s promises remain true even in the hardest chapters of life. —---------------------- TIMESTAMP SUMMARY: 00:24 — Welcome and introduction to Dr. Lee Warren 01:17 — Dr. Warren’s roots and path to neurosurgery 02:42 — Staying calm in high-pressure surgery 03:13 — “We fall to our preparation” 07:20 — Why your brain is never the same two days in a row 08:00 — Identity, trauma, and “this is just who I am” 10:30 — Brain scans, anxiety, and the body’s response 12:38 — Prayer, meditation, and neuroscience 15:04 — Philippians 4 and God’s prescription for anxiety 16:28 — Serving as a combat surgeon in Iraq 19:16 — PTSD and learning the brain can lie 21:48 — Losing his son and walking through grief 24:15 — The moment self-brain surgery became personal 26:20 — Grief, perspective, and learning to zoom out 31:15 — Discerning thoughts from God, the enemy, and ourselves 37:19 — Depression, feelings, and taking action 40:00 — Identity and who God says we are 47:20 — Forgiveness, bitterness, and the body 50:35 — One truth every listener should be rooted in —---------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES: * “We don’t rise to the occasion, we fall to our preparation.” * “Preparation produces better results.” * “Your brain is never the same two days in a row.” * “The way you think about the things you go through actually turns your brain into what it is.” * “We’re not stuck being how we’ve been.” * “Your brain can’t tell the difference between something you’re imagining and something that’s actually happening.” * “Your mind is not a product of your brain. Your mind is in charge of your brain.” * “Science arcs toward truth over time; Scripture points straight to it.” * “You never wait to feel better before you take action. You take action because it will make you feel better.” * “Every single thing that God said He would do for people who are hurting turns out to be true.” ------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Dr. Lee Warren’s website — http://wleewarrenmd.com/ * Dr. Lee Warren’s podcast — https://wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/ * Dr. Lee Warren’s books — https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/ * Dr. Lee Warren’s newsletter — https://wleewarrenmd.com/newsletter/ * Dr. Lee Warren’s YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@drleewarren * Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss — https://a.co/d/025kPN48 * Andrew Newberg’s neuroscience research * William James — Early understanding of neuroplasticity * The Pilgrim’s Progress — Mentioned as a visual for carrying burdens. * Scripture references discussed: Psalm 144:1, Matthew 8:13, Philippians 4:6–8, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 6:12, Isaiah 43, 1 Corinthians 2:16, James, Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3–5. ------------------- FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTED Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper [https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper] ------------------- ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP56 - America at 250: Freedom, Faith & the Founding of a Nation with South Dakota’s Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen

EPISODE SUMMARY: As America celebrates its 250th birthday, what can its history teach us about freedom, leadership, citizenship, and the future of the nation? In this episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone sit down with Tony Venhuizen, Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota, for a fascinating conversation about the ideas and events that shaped the United States. Tony shares his journey from growing up in the small town of Armour, South Dakota, to serving in state government alongside multiple governors. He explains how listening, courage, cooperation, and an understanding of history have shaped his approach to public service and leadership. Together, they explore the roots of the American Revolution, taxation without representation, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the revolutionary belief that human rights come from God—not government. Tony also explains why the Founders designed the federal government with checks and balances, why George Washington’s example was so important, and why citizenship in a republic comes with responsibility. The conversation also tackles difficult questions about slavery, racism, women’s suffrage, political division, and how Americans can acknowledge the nation’s failures without abandoning the ideals that have guided it toward greater freedom and equality. You will also hear Tony’s perspective on underrated presidents, the historical reality of political division, America’s greatest achievements, and why civic participation remains essential. This episode is an encouraging reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted. It must be understood, protected, practiced, and passed on to the next generation. —--------------------- TIMESTAMP SUMMARY: 00:21 — Welcome to Rooted 01:27 — Tony’s Journey into Public Service 04:37 — Life as Lieutenant Governor 05:13 — Leadership Through Listening 07:30 — Churchill, Lincoln and Leadership 08:35 — Tony’s Love of History 10:10 — Learning from the Past 11:14 — What Caused the American Revolution? 13:20 — Rights Come from God 14:34 — Religious Freedom and Limited Government 16:48 — Patriots, Loyalists and Revolution 18:32 — Why We Celebrate July 4 19:57 — The Meaning of the Declaration 21:34 — Creating the Constitution 22:42 — Checks and Balances 23:37 — What “We the People” Means 24:35 — Preserving Freedom 25:18 — Has America Always Been Divided? 27:29 — A President, Not a King 31:35 — America’s Most Underrated Presidents 35:06 — Reconsidering Woodrow Wilson 35:37 — Confronting America’s Failures 36:55 — Slavery and the Civil War 38:13 — America’s Progress Toward Its Ideals 39:14 — American Achievements 41:27 — What Would the Founders Think? 42:56 — Protecting Freedom for the Future 43:32 — Why Every Vote Matters 46:13 — Closing Thoughts —---------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES: 1. “If you don’t understand your history, you’re going to make mistakes that you could have avoided.” 2. “You need to take the time to listen to people and understand where they’re coming from.” 3. “The rights come from God to the people, and the government comes up from the people.” 4. “The idea of breaking away and forming our own country was a radical idea and a very risky idea.” 5. “Citizenship comes with responsibility.” 6. “Freedom is only one generation away from extinction.” 7. “You can’t just assume that the next generation is going to understand the value of this system and what makes it work.” 8. “Decisions are made by the people who show up.” 9. “Take the time to try to understand who people are, where they’re coming from, and why they believe the things they believe.” 10. “In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that, I learn from him.” ------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Governors of South Dakota - Book written by Tony Venhuizen  Running Mates Podcast - Tony Venhuizen’s podcast The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents - Reference book for U.S. Presidents John Adams - Book title by David McCullough ------------------- FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTED Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper [https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper] ------------------- ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP55 - From Family Road Trips to Fearless Faith: A Rooted Conversation With Our Parents

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this special episode of Rooted, hosts Josie and Symone sit down with their parents, Isaac and Kirsten Harms, for a meaningful and joy-filled conversation about family, faith, forgiveness, marriage, parenting, money, and travel. Fifty episodes after first sharing their story on the podcast, Isaac and Kirsten return to reflect on the lessons that shaped their family. They talk about why they made it a goal to travel to all 50 states, how family trips created lifelong memories, and how seeing history firsthand helped bring faith, freedom, and purpose to life. They also share practical wisdom on generosity, marriage, and parenting, including the importance of explaining the “why,” prioritizing presence over presents, and remembering that children ultimately belong to God. Isaac opens up about the impact of bitterness and how forgiveness became a path to freedom and healing. From hilarious family memories involving road trip snack bags, a rough Alaska boat ride, an Anakin Skywalker mask, and a hidden tea set, to powerful reminders about keeping your eyes on Jesus, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and encouragement for families in every season. —---------------------- TIMESTAMP SUMMARY: 00:00 — Why forgiveness sets us free. 00:20 — Isaac and Kirsten Harms return to Rooted 50 episodes later. 00:52 — How traveling to all 50 states became a meaningful family goal. 02:16 — How family travel brought history, freedom, and purpose to life. 03:08 — Favorite family trips to the East Coast, Hawaii, and New York City. 04:44 — The funny travel disasters that became lasting family memories. 05:55 — A rough Alaska boat ride and the reminder to keep your eyes on Jesus. 07:38 — How to approach travel and family goals when finances are tight. 09:00 — Practical memories and lessons from traveling with young kids. 11:20 — What Isaac and Kirsten learned about money, marriage, and generosity. 14:10 — How bitterness affects the heart, mind, body, and spirit. 16:35 — Jesus as the ultimate example of radical forgiveness. 18:20 — The importance of forgiving others and forgiving yourself. 21:05 — Parenting as stewardship and remembering children belong to God. 24:35 — Raising children with wisdom, community, and godly influences. 27:00 — The importance of humility, discipline, and explaining the “why.” 30:00 — Why presence matters more than presents in parenting. 31:40 — Building a strong marriage and handling conflict as teammates. 34:10 — Helping children face fear instead of letting fear grow. 38:00 — A fun rapid-fire round with Isaac and Kirsten. 41:35 — Final encouragement to fear not and rest in Jesus’ love. —---------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES: * “Forgiveness is setting a prisoner free and discovering that that prisoner was you.” * “God wants us to forgive because He loves us and wants us free.” * “When the storms are going around in our lives, we have to look at the horizon, which is Jesus.” * “Change ‘we can’t afford that’ to ‘how could we make that happen?’” * “God taught us not to be a reservoir with our money, but to be a river.” * “Whatever God gives us should go through us.” * “We cannot give what we do not have.” * “You’re not mine, you’re God’s, and He entrusted me to help raise you.” * “Do not prepare the path for the child, but the child for the path.” * “Your children remember your presence long after they forget your presents.” ------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Rooted Episode 5 — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep5-our-roots-dad-mom-share-their-cancer-story-faith/id1744046877?i=1000660044210 * Unoffendable — Book by Brant Hansen - https://a.co/d/0eGvIXad ------------------- FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTED Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper [https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper] ------------------- ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP54 - It’s God’s Work, Not Ours: Bethel University President Ross Allen on Faithful Leadership in a Busy World

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of the Rooted Podcast, we sit down with Ross Allen, President of Bethel University in Minnesota, to explore what it means to lead with faith, presence, and trust in God—without hurry. Ross shares his remarkable journey through global leadership, crisis management, and higher education, reflecting on how God shaped his leadership through seasons of uncertainty, international living, and spiritual surrender. From learning cultural humility overseas to discovering the spiritual discipline of rest, Ross challenges the American obsession with busyness and invites listeners into a deeper, more rooted way of living and leading. Together, we discuss why rest is holy, how leadership flows from abiding with God, and why remembering that this is God’s work—not ours changes everything. This conversation is an encouragement for students, leaders, pastors, and anyone longing to live faithfully without burnout. —---------------------- TIMESTAMP SUMMARY: 00:00 – Introduction to Ross Allen and his leadership journey 02:30 – From corporate leadership to higher education 05:40 – Crisis leadership and learning to trust God’s direction 09:20 – Running for God’s glory: faith shaping leadership decisions 13:45 – Surrendering control and letting God lead 18:10 – Living and leading across cultures around the world 22:40 – How international life reshaped faith and perspective 27:50 – Yosemite, surrender, and learning to let God be God 30:00 – What Americans overlook about work, pace, and presence 33:30 – Cultural honesty, communication, and humility 35:10 – Busyness, burnout, and the neuroscience of stress 37:20 – Why rest is holy and Jesus was never rushed 38:45 – Leadership through presence and personal connection 40:00 – “It’s God’s work, not ours” 41:20 – Eliminating hurry and abiding with Christ 42:30 – Final encouragement: what it means to be truly rooted —---------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES: 1. “God doesn’t need me to glorify Him—He will glorify Himself.” 2. “This isn’t my ministry. It’s God’s work.” 3. “Rest is not lazy. Rest is holy.” 4. “Jesus was never rushed, even when urgency surrounded Him.” 5. “We sacrifice ourselves on the altar of ministry and think God will honor that.” 6. “Our identity isn’t in what we accomplish—it’s in Him.” 7. “Leadership begins with presence, not productivity.” 8. “Busyness can distract us from God just as much as sin.” 9. “When you let go, God takes over.” 10. “Abiding with Christ changes how you lead and how you live.” ------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer * Biblical References: * Psalm 23 (rest, quiet waters) * Spiritual Practices: * Silent solo retreats * Sabbath rest * Abiding with Christ ------------------- FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTED Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper [https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper] ------------------- ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP53 - When Sports Shape Identity: A Message Every Athlete Needs to Hear with FCA Director David Melms

EPISODE SUMMARY: What happens when your identity is no longer tied to performance—but rooted in being loved? In this powerful episode of the Rooted Podcast, hosts Josie and Symone sit down with David Melms, Twin Cities Metro Director and Sports Chaplain with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). David shares his journey of faith, leadership, and calling—from starting FCA as a college student in a spiritually resistant environment to now serving athletes at every level, from youth sports to professional teams. Together, they explore what it means to “play loved” instead of playing for approval, how people-pleasing subtly becomes an idol, and why sports can be both beautiful and broken. David unpacks how identity, worship, and faith intersect in athletics—and how God often uses competition to surface what’s truly going on in our hearts. This conversation is deeply practical, honest, and freeing—whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone learning to live rooted in truth rather than performance. —---------------------- TIMESTAMP SUMMARY: 00:00 Playing loved instead of playing for approval 01:00 Welcome to Rooted + introducing David Melms 02:00 What the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is 04:00 David’s call to ministry through college sports 07:00 Starting FCA at a secular college campus 10:00 Courage, calling, and pioneer leadership 13:00 Faith roots and early spiritual influences 16:00 People-pleasing and identity struggles 19:00 Root idols: approval, power, comfort, control 22:00 Why sports reveal the heart 25:00 Sports as worship and excellence 27:00 What a kairos moment is 29:00 Winning, losing, and identity in Christ 31:00 Adventure camp and spiritual formation 33:00 Mentorship for Millennials and Gen Z 35:00 Core truth: play loved 37:00 How to connect with FCA + closing —---------------------- NOTABLE QUOTES: 1. “I don’t play to win God’s love—I play from His love.” 2. “Sports reveal what’s already in your heart. You can’t hide in competition.” 3. “People-pleasing is subtle, but it’s one of the strongest identity traps.” 4. “Playing loved makes you freer, faster, and fiercer.” 5. “Sport is morally neutral—it becomes beautiful or broken based on who’s leading it.” 6. “God often uses pressure to expose what needs healing.” 7. “Approval, comfort, control, and power—those are the idols beneath the surface.” 8. “Worship isn’t just singing—it’s how you live, play, and compete.” 9. “Leadership is constantly being formed on the field, whether we realize it or not.” 10. “Kairos moments are invitations from God—we choose whether to slow down and listen.” ------------------- RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – https://www.fca.org/ [https://www.fca.org/] * FCA Minnesota – https://www.minnesotafca.org/ [https://www.minnesotafca.org/] ------------------- FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTED Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper [https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper] ------------------- ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.