Interviews Episodes

Will shares how his desire to reach unreached people groups led him toward international missions and eventually to Northwest China, where he and his family lived for a year, taught English, and served within a different culture. That experience eventually helped him recognize that there are cultural and gospel barriers within the United States as well.

We’re starting Reconcile Stories because we believe the public square today is the Internet, and the best way to get the gospel there is by sharing real, messy stories of God’s grace through podcasts and video. I’m Will, pastor at Reconcile Community Church, and with Ben—our podcast guy—we want to amplify testimonies from our congregation and ministry partners so people can hear how Jesus actually shows up in everyday lives. You’ll hear people from wildly different backgrounds, and our hope is that someone listening will either go, “I resonate with that,” or “Man, God did something crazy”—both are wins. We also talk honestly about church hurt and how empathy, listening, and the kind of community Jesus modeled can be a place of real healing instead of just more side eye. So come hang with us, hear the stories, and yeah—pray for us as we try to do this well and keep it about Christ and his work in people.

JP3 talks about how men’s ministry showed him that our identity isn't in what we do or what people can do for us, but in Christ — and that real manhood is forged in intrusive, relational community where we learn to cast our care upon Jesus. He shares his story of growing up hyper-churched, walking through family pain and poor choices, and how getting plugged into God’s Mighty Men finally gave him a safe, biblical space to discover my spiritual gifts and stop burning all my energy trying to perform. Out of that journey he started Men on Purpose during the lockdown — Manhood Monday became our weekly lifeline, full of honest teaching, small-group accountability, and even straight-up conversations about sexual purity and fidelity. We talk about the tension between natural gifts and spiritual dependence (yeah, sometimes your charisma takes you farther than your character can keep you), why vulnerability among guys is not weakness but healing, and how diversity and getting out of comfort zo…

We dig into why people stay in abusive relationships — Dawn shares her story of being married to Sean, the years of coercive control, shame, and the church pressure that told her to “do the right thing” even when it cost her health and identity. I (Dawn) talk about how a fast courtship, an unexpected pregnancy, isolation, and messages about submission made me doubt myself, stay in survival mode, and even feel “so incredibly faithless” at times. We unpack how well-meaning pastors focused on behavior modification instead of root issues, how a friend and counselor (shout out to Brandy and Andrea) finally helped give permission, and how worship and reclaiming the gospel became the lifeline that led me to leave. Ben and I also wrestle with how churches can enable abuse by telling victims to go back, why one person believing a victim matters, and how marked repentance — not platitudes — is the line between restoration and danger. I share the painful aftermath — Sean’s suicide, my journey to…

God is there, waiting—arms open—and you have to get to the other side. We sit down with Shayla Renee, who vulnerably walks us through how a five‑year, manipulative relationship nearly stole her life, how losing her mother and hiding behind church attendance instead of a real relationship with Christ set the stage, and how God’s patient love finally pulled her out. Shayla tells us plainly about how abusers don’t show up as monsters at first, how red flags and the yo‑yo cycle of love‑bombing and discard look, and why triggers are not reasons to stop but invitations to let God heal. We talk about conviction versus condemnation—run toward God when you feel convicted, don’t run away in shame—and how practical support (friends, church, advocates) and faith helped her reclaim herself. Shayla’s now a best‑selling author and victim advocate—her book He Almost Stole My Life and shaylaInspires.com are full of resources—and we hope her story gives you the courage to keep moving forward, even when…

This podcast episode profoundly explores the concept of freedom, distinguishing between physical incarceration and the invisible prisons that many individuals experience in their lives. We engage in a candid conversation about the transformative power of faith and music, highlighting how songs can resonate deeply with those trapped in various forms of bondage. Our guest, Mike Weaver, leads us through his personal journey, revealing the pivotal role that music has played in his life and the lives of others, particularly during times of suffering and despair. We also delve into the songwriting process, emphasizing how vulnerability and authenticity can give rise to music that speaks to the heart of human experience. Ultimately, we celebrate the hope that emerges from sharing our stories and the enduring belief that, despite our struggles, divine grace is ever-present.

This podcast episode delves into the profound and often concealed issue of hidden abuse. We engage in a poignant conversation with Megan, who shares her personal experiences and reflections on the complexities of navigating both the perpetration and victimization of such abuse within familial and relational contexts. The significance of discussing hidden abuse, particularly within faith communities, is underscored, as it remains an underrepresented topic that is crucial for awareness and healing. We explore the insidious nature of emotional and psychological manipulation and the importance of recognizing red flags that may indicate such abuse. Ultimately, this episode serves as an urgent call to action for individuals and communities to foster open dialogue and support for those affected, illuminating the path toward healing and understanding.

The cancer diagnosis that I received profoundly shaped my identity and perspective on life, leading me to recognize the invaluable lessons embedded within suffering. As I reflect on my journey, I have come to understand that pain and sorrow, which I once sought to evade, are, in fact, the most significant catalysts for personal growth. This episode features an insightful interview with Tim Timmons, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, who articulates his experiences and the wisdom he has gleaned from navigating life's adversities. Through our conversation, we delve into the essence of embracing challenges rather than resisting them, fostering a deeper connection to our faith and purpose. Join us as we explore these themes, recognizing that even in our struggles, there lies a profound opportunity for transformation and discovery.

Empathy serves as the cornerstone of genuine human connection, distinguishing itself sharply from the more superficial nature of sympathy, which often breeds disconnection. Throughout our discourse, we delve into the nuances that differentiate these two concepts, ultimately positing that empathy aligns more closely with biblical principles. By examining poignant examples, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan and the compassion exhibited by Jesus, we illustrate how true empathy compels us to engage with others in their suffering rather than merely observing from a distance. Moreover, we provide practical guidance on how to cultivate empathy in our daily interactions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional needs of those around us. Join us as we explore these vital themes, striving to embody a more empathetic approach in our lives.

The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the profound exploration of the consequences of personal choices and their far-reaching implications, particularly as they pertain to familial relationships and dynamics. I engage in an authentic dialogue with my parents, wherein we delve into the struggles and emotional turmoil they experienced in the wake of my past decisions. This conversation elucidates the notion that the ramifications of one's actions often extend beyond the individual, profoundly affecting loved ones. We also reflect on the cultural expectations surrounding parental perfection, especially within ministry contexts, and how these pressures can obscure the realities of vulnerability and authenticity. Ultimately, our discussion seeks to provide insights that may resonate with other parents navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love and open communication.

The focal point of this podcast episode revolves around an insightful interview featuring Ben, the host of the Prodigal Journey, as he recounts his personal faith journey and the transformative experiences he has encountered. This discourse, initially shared on the Coffee Break podcast with Brianne Nicholson, delves into the intricacies of faith, grappling with struggles, and the profound impact of community support. Listeners will be privy to the nuances of Ben's narrative, which, while bearing similarities to his previous accounts, presents fresh perspectives and revelations that have emerged over time. As we engage with Ben's story, we not only witness his challenges, including a tumultuous battle with addiction, but also his triumphant emergence into a life of purpose and connection through Christ. I invite you to immerse yourself in this compelling exploration of faith and resilience, and to consider how such journeys can resonate within your own life.

In this episode, the intersection of faith, recovery, and personal growth is vividly illustrated through Jeremy Lister's compelling testimony. Listeners are invited to witness the stark realities of Lister's life, characterized by a tumultuous past rife with addiction and loss, and the profound transformation he undergoes through faith and community support.

The essence of this podcast episode resides in the compelling journey of Brett Porter, who candidly shares his experiences with addiction and the profound consequences thereof. We delve into his transformative path, which began with a realization during his college years that marked a pivotal shift in his spiritual life. As Brett recounts his struggles with substance abuse, he elucidates how his initial desire for freedom and entrepreneurship led to a perilous descent into criminal activities and self-destruction. Throughout this discourse, we explore the critical moments that compelled Brett to seek help, including the essential role of accountability and community in his recovery process. Ultimately, his narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing one's vulnerabilities and the necessity of embracing support amidst adversity.

What does a logo have to do with a person’s journey back to God? In this special bonus episode of The Prodigal Journey, I sit down with Lauren Marshall, the designer behind the podcast’s logo, to talk about the story, research, and meaning that shaped its creation. Lauren shares how the Parable of the Prodigal Son—and the realization that both sons were lost in different ways—became foundational to the visual identity of The Prodigal Journey. They explore themes of identity, redemption, grace, vulnerability, and what it means to truly come home to God.