Forge: Conversations for the Journey

What happens when God removes your last excuse—and meets you with peace instead of punishment? In this conversation from the Men’s Retreat, Joe sits down with Chad, who describes coming up the mountain after years of busyness, resistance, and quiet running. Chad shares how a first night message on passivity exposed patterns he had lived in, and how God met him in a moment of fear and weakness with calm, clarity, and rest. We talk about rebellion and the story of Jonah, the way God pursues us when we try to go the other direction, and how surrender becomes visible over time—in worship, in community, and in the courage to speak up. Chad also reflects on the steady, faithful influence of a father-in-law, the restoration of family relationships, and the joy of now serving other men. Jesus doesn’t stop chasing hearts. If you’ve been running, numb, or stuck in old patterns, you’re not too far—there’s an invitation to come back, surrender, and let God use your story.

What happens when God removes your last excuse—and meets you with peace instead of punishment? In this conversation from the Men’s Retreat, Joe sits down with Chad, who describes coming up the mountain after years of busyness, resistance, and quiet running. Chad shares how a first night message on passivity exposed patterns he had lived in, and how God met him in a moment of fear and weakness with calm, clarity, and rest. We talk about rebellion and the story of Jonah, the way God pursues us when we try to go the other direction, and how surrender becomes visible over time—in worship, in community, and in the courage to speak up. Chad also reflects on the steady, faithful influence of a father-in-law, the restoration of family relationships, and the joy of now serving other men. Jesus doesn’t stop chasing hearts. If you’ve been running, numb, or stuck in old patterns, you’re not too far—there’s an invitation to come back, surrender, and let God use your story.

What if the place you fear most—the unknown, the “belly,” the darkness—isn’t punishment, but rescue? Right after stepping off stage at the Men’s Retreat, James sits down with Joe to talk through what God is doing beneath the surface. James shares the anxious build-up before teaching, the moment worship “broke it open,” and the relief of realizing God can use our stories—especially the ones we’d rather not revisit—for His glory. We talk about why men crave control and convenience, how we manufacture drama just to feel alive, and why the “unknown” feels like bad news even when it’s where God is doing His deepest work. James unpacks the Jonah story with honesty and imagination, connecting the belly to spiritual formation, surrender, and the difference between conviction and condemnation. God isn’t waiting for you to clean it up first. If you’ve been resisting obedience, numbing out, or stuck in a loop you can’t name, this conversation invites you to notice what’s happening in your soul—and let Jesus meet you there.

What if the place you fear most—the unknown, the “belly,” the darkness—isn’t punishment, but rescue? Right after stepping off stage at the Men’s Retreat, James sits down with Joe to talk through what God is doing beneath the surface. James shares the anxious build-up before teaching, the moment worship “broke it open,” and the relief of realizing God can use our stories—especially the ones we’d rather not revisit—for His glory. We talk about why men crave control and convenience, how we manufacture drama just to feel alive, and why the “unknown” feels like bad news even when it’s where God is doing His deepest work. James unpacks the Jonah story with honesty and imagination, connecting the belly to spiritual formation, surrender, and the difference between conviction and condemnation. God isn’t waiting for you to clean it up first. If you’ve been resisting obedience, numbing out, or stuck in a loop you can’t name, this conversation invites you to notice what’s happening in your soul—and let Jesus meet you there.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to run—especially when God invites you into something you don’t want to face? Joe sits down with Aaron right after night one of a men’s retreat, reflecting on Jonah 1 and the deeper ache beneath Jonah’s silence. They explore what might have offended Jonah so deeply, why he refuses to talk to God, and how fear, anger, shame, and pride can push a person into isolation. We talk about God’s mercy that won’t let us stay stuck, the way sin quietly escalates, and the gift of community—men who can put an arm around you and help you tell the truth. Aaron also shares vulnerably about marriage as a place of healing, and how spoken encouragement can breathe life into the places shame tries to bury. God’s kindness isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation. If you’ve been running, shutting down, or carrying something alone, you don’t have to stay there. Step into the light, and let grace meet you with people who will walk with you.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to run—especially when God invites you into something you don’t want to face? Joe sits down with Aaron right after night one of a men’s retreat, reflecting on Jonah 1 and the deeper ache beneath Jonah’s silence. They explore what might have offended Jonah so deeply, why he refuses to talk to God, and how fear, anger, shame, and pride can push a person into isolation. We talk about God’s mercy that won’t let us stay stuck, the way sin quietly escalates, and the gift of community—men who can put an arm around you and help you tell the truth. Aaron also shares vulnerably about marriage as a place of healing, and how spoken encouragement can breathe life into the places shame tries to bury. God’s kindness isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation. If you’ve been running, shutting down, or carrying something alone, you don’t have to stay there. Step into the light, and let grace meet you with people who will walk with you.

What if your need for mercy is deeper than you think—and what if God’s mercy runs deeper still? In this final teaching from Scottsdale Bible Church’s Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, Jason brings us into Jonah 4—the chapter that exposes not Nineveh’s rebellion, but Jonah’s heart. The surprising twist is that Jonah isn’t furious at wickedness; he’s furious at mercy. And that confronts something many of us would rather ignore: how easily religious comfort can prefer justice for others and grace for ourselves. We talk about the river of mercy in Ezekiel’s vision, the danger of an outwardly “right” theology with an inwardly hardened heart, and the ways God sometimes “kills the plant” to rescue us from what we’re clinging to. Jason connects Jonah’s unresolved question to the cross—where justice and mercy finally meet without compromise. God’s mercy is not shallow sentiment. If you’ve been waking up this weekend—seeing your own heart more clearly—there’s an invitation here to come to Jesus honestly, stay in community, and receive again the mercy that heals what rebellion can’t.

What if your need for mercy is deeper than you think—and what if God’s mercy runs deeper still? In this final teaching from Scottsdale Bible Church’s Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, Jason brings us into Jonah 4—the chapter that exposes not Nineveh’s rebellion, but Jonah’s heart. The surprising twist is that Jonah isn’t furious at wickedness; he’s furious at mercy. And that confronts something many of us would rather ignore: how easily religious comfort can prefer justice for others and grace for ourselves. We talk about the river of mercy in Ezekiel’s vision, the danger of an outwardly “right” theology with an inwardly hardened heart, and the ways God sometimes “kills the plant” to rescue us from what we’re clinging to. Jason connects Jonah’s unresolved question to the cross—where justice and mercy finally meet without compromise. God’s mercy is not shallow sentiment. If you’ve been waking up this weekend—seeing your own heart more clearly—there’s an invitation here to come to Jesus honestly, stay in community, and receive again the mercy that heals what rebellion can’t.

What would change if “God’s will” stopped being a phrase you recite—and became a life you actually surrendered? From the mountain at Scottsdale Bible Church’s Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, Mike takes us into Jonah 3 and invites us to see repentance as more than words. Nineveh hears a simple warning, but what follows is a city-wide turning—humility, confession, action, and a desperate hope for mercy. We talk about the difference between knowing and believing, confession and repentance, and why reconciliation sits at the center of God’s story from beginning to end. Mike also shares how one courageous gospel conversation became his “Jonah”—and how obedience from a coworker changed everything. God’s love runs deeper than our sin. If you’ve been half-in and half-out, stuck in shame, or carrying hidden chains, there’s an invitation here: surrender your will, turn toward Jesus, and step back into the freedom He actually offers.  

What would change if “God’s will” stopped being a phrase you recite—and became a life you actually surrendered? From the mountain at Scottsdale Bible Church’s Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, Mike takes us into Jonah 3 and invites us to see repentance as more than words. Nineveh hears a simple warning, but what follows is a city-wide turning—humility, confession, action, and a desperate hope for mercy. We talk about the difference between knowing and believing, confession and repentance, and why reconciliation sits at the center of God’s story from beginning to end. Mike also shares how one courageous gospel conversation became his “Jonah”—and how obedience from a coworker changed everything. God’s love runs deeper than our sin. If you’ve been half-in and half-out, stuck in shame, or carrying hidden chains, there’s an invitation here: surrender your will, turn toward Jesus, and step back into the freedom He actually offers.  

What do you do when you realize you’ve been running—from God, from people, or from the hard parts of your own story? Recorded at Scottsdale Bible Church’s Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, James walks us into Jonah’s turning point: the place where rebellion meets mercy, and suffering becomes the strange doorway back to God’s care. Through Jonah’s prayer “in the deep,” we see a Father who disciplines, yes—but whose deepest instinct is compassion. We talk about the tension of “good news, bad news” reversals in real life, the ache of spiritual darkness, and why God’s rescue is meant to be holistic—heart, soul, mind, strength, and relationships. James also shares pieces of his own testimony, tracing how God met him in pain and kept him from being swallowed by it. God doesn’t cast off the broken. If you’ve been carrying shame, hiding wounds, or trying to survive alone, there’s an invitation here: cry out, come back, and let mercy do what punishment never could.

What do you do when you realize you’ve been running—from God, from people, or from the hard parts of your own story? Recorded at Scottsdale Bible Church’s Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, James walks us into Jonah’s turning point: the place where rebellion meets mercy, and suffering becomes the strange doorway back to God’s care. Through Jonah’s prayer “in the deep,” we see a Father who disciplines, yes—but whose deepest instinct is compassion. We talk about the tension of “good news, bad news” reversals in real life, the ache of spiritual darkness, and why God’s rescue is meant to be holistic—heart, soul, mind, strength, and relationships. James also shares pieces of his own testimony, tracing how God met him in pain and kept him from being swallowed by it. God doesn’t cast off the broken. If you’ve been carrying shame, hiding wounds, or trying to survive alone, there’s an invitation here: cry out, come back, and let mercy do what punishment never could.

What if the places you most want to avoid are the very places where God intends to meet you with mercy? Recorded at the Scottsdale Bible Church Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, this session opens the “Into the Deep” weekend journey through Jonah. After a brief welcome, Aaron leads men into Jonah 1—not as a children’s story, but as a mirror that exposes the heart and reframes what we think we know about God. We talk about rebellion that moves “down” in subtle steps, the numbness that sin can produce, and how our choices spill over onto the people around us. And we talk about God’s mercy that pursues—calling, hindering, exposing, and refusing to be indifferent when we run. God’s mercy goes deeper still. If you’ve been resisting, hiding, or just going through the motions, this is an invitation to stop running, open your heart, and let the Lord meet you—through His Word, through prayer, and through the brothers beside you.

What if the places you most want to avoid are the very places where God intends to meet you with mercy? Recorded at the Scottsdale Bible Church Men’s Retreat in Williams, Arizona, this session opens the “Into the Deep” weekend journey through Jonah. After a brief welcome, Aaron leads men into Jonah 1—not as a children’s story, but as a mirror that exposes the heart and reframes what we think we know about God. We talk about rebellion that moves “down” in subtle steps, the numbness that sin can produce, and how our choices spill over onto the people around us. And we talk about God’s mercy that pursues—calling, hindering, exposing, and refusing to be indifferent when we run. God’s mercy goes deeper still. If you’ve been resisting, hiding, or just going through the motions, this is an invitation to stop running, open your heart, and let the Lord meet you—through His Word, through prayer, and through the brothers beside you.

What if the thing that feels like pressure isn’t condemnation—it’s mercy calling you back? Joe and Mike pick up their conversation by contrasting two paths: a life lived under conviction while still running, and the “aha” freedom some people experience when they meet Jesus after years far from Him. Mike reflects on the wreckage he left behind—especially broken relationships—and Joe challenges him toward apology, repair, and the quiet healing that can come when you make things right. We talk about how Mike fell in love with Scripture through imagery—seeing how the Old Testament forms patterns that the New Testament fulfills. They explore spiritual realities the Bible describes with startling clarity: angels, demons, and the call to stand armored in Christ. From there, Mike gets deeply practical about what it looks like to “pick up your cross daily”: early mornings, Bible, prayer, presence, discipline, and integrating Christ into work, marriage, and fatherhood. The adventure isn’t comfort—it’s transformation. If you’re in depravity, half in and half out, or trying to lead other men through it, there’s hope: plant seeds, do the hard work, and keep coming back to Jesus.

What if the thing that feels like pressure isn’t condemnation—it’s mercy calling you back? Joe and Mike pick up their conversation by contrasting two paths: a life lived under conviction while still running, and the “aha” freedom some people experience when they meet Jesus after years far from Him. Mike reflects on the wreckage he left behind—especially broken relationships—and Joe challenges him toward apology, repair, and the quiet healing that can come when you make things right. We talk about how Mike fell in love with Scripture through imagery—seeing how the Old Testament forms patterns that the New Testament fulfills. They explore spiritual realities the Bible describes with startling clarity: angels, demons, and the call to stand armored in Christ. From there, Mike gets deeply practical about what it looks like to “pick up your cross daily”: early mornings, Bible, prayer, presence, discipline, and integrating Christ into work, marriage, and fatherhood. The adventure isn’t comfort—it’s transformation. If you’re in depravity, half in and half out, or trying to lead other men through it, there’s hope: plant seeds, do the hard work, and keep coming back to Jesus.

What does it look like when surrender isn’t a church moment—it’s the moment you finally stop running? Joe sits down with Mike, a Forge leader at the Cactus campus, to talk about a “radical conversion” that happened fast and hit deep. Mike describes growing up in church, spending years sprinting the opposite direction, and then reaching a breaking point in early 2020 where he fell to his knees and told God he was done. We talk about what it means to be “all in” without rushing into a ministry title, how the Word gives language for spiritual experiences, and why integrating Christ into ordinary work and family life is often the real calling. Mike also shares how Forge became a lifeline—friendships, discipleship, and a place where broken men learn to walk as new men together. Surrender is not losing—it’s coming home. If you’ve been half in, half out, there’s still a way back: humility, truth, and a Father who meets prodigals with grace.

What does it look like when surrender isn’t a church moment—it’s the moment you finally stop running? Joe sits down with Mike, a Forge leader at the Cactus campus, to talk about a “radical conversion” that happened fast and hit deep. Mike describes growing up in church, spending years sprinting the opposite direction, and then reaching a breaking point in early 2020 where he fell to his knees and told God he was done. We talk about what it means to be “all in” without rushing into a ministry title, how the Word gives language for spiritual experiences, and why integrating Christ into ordinary work and family life is often the real calling. Mike also shares how Forge became a lifeline—friendships, discipleship, and a place where broken men learn to walk as new men together. Surrender is not losing—it’s coming home. If you’ve been half in, half out, there’s still a way back: humility, truth, and a Father who meets prodigals with grace.

What if one of the most powerful ways to love people well is simply to listen—really listen? Joe and Trace talk about the “magic” of being genuinely interested in others, and how that posture quietly reflects the heart of Jesus. From parenting moments to everyday conversations, they explore why attentiveness communicates value—and why our self-focused culture makes that harder than it should be. We talk about what it means to be a “Christ follower” instead of just wearing the label “Christian,” and how deeper faith forms when we stop striving to manufacture fruit and start abiding in the Vine. They also reflect on humility, spiritual attack, and the freeing realization that you can’t carry your marriage, parenting, or ministry on your own strength. God isn’t asking you to perform—He’s inviting you to be with Him. If you’ve been tired, reactive, or trying to force change through willpower, this is a call back to stillness, dependence, and the kind of faith that becomes real at home.

What if one of the most powerful ways to love people well is simply to listen—really listen? Joe and Trace talk about the “magic” of being genuinely interested in others, and how that posture quietly reflects the heart of Jesus. From parenting moments to everyday conversations, they explore why attentiveness communicates value—and why our self-focused culture makes that harder than it should be. We talk about what it means to be a “Christ follower” instead of just wearing the label “Christian,” and how deeper faith forms when we stop striving to manufacture fruit and start abiding in the Vine. They also reflect on humility, spiritual attack, and the freeing realization that you can’t carry your marriage, parenting, or ministry on your own strength. God isn’t asking you to perform—He’s inviting you to be with Him. If you’ve been tired, reactive, or trying to force change through willpower, this is a call back to stillness, dependence, and the kind of faith that becomes real at home.

What happens when you step away from the noise—phones, schedules, pressure—and you finally sit still long enough to hear from God? Joe and Steve record from a freezing men’s retreat morning, reflecting on a weekend shaped by quiet, Scripture-soaked teaching, and a felt invitation to stop striving and start abiding. They talk honestly about how hard “ten minutes with the Lord” can be, and why that simple rhythm might be the hinge point for spiritual clarity and peace. We talk about what it looks like to bring the mountain back home: practicing proximity to the Holy Spirit, trading pride for humility, and learning to see the people God puts right in front of us. They also reflect on the power of shared stories—men receiving Jesus, brothers praying, and the ripple effect that carries into Monday morning. God meets open hands. If you’ve been running on fumes, striving to hold it together, or craving a reset—this is an invitation to get low, listen closely, and let Jesus do what only He can do.

What happens when you step away from the noise—phones, schedules, pressure—and you finally sit still long enough to hear from God? Joe and Steve record from a freezing men’s retreat morning, reflecting on a weekend shaped by quiet, Scripture-soaked teaching, and a felt invitation to stop striving and start abiding. They talk honestly about how hard “ten minutes with the Lord” can be, and why that simple rhythm might be the hinge point for spiritual clarity and peace. We talk about what it looks like to bring the mountain back home: practicing proximity to the Holy Spirit, trading pride for humility, and learning to see the people God puts right in front of us. They also reflect on the power of shared stories—men receiving Jesus, brothers praying, and the ripple effect that carries into Monday morning. God meets open hands. If you’ve been running on fumes, striving to hold it together, or craving a reset—this is an invitation to get low, listen closely, and let Jesus do what only He can do.

What if the breakthrough in your life starts with telling the truth? In this episode, Joe and Steve pull back the curtain on what’s really happening inside Forge and the marriage ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church. From tear-filled moments at tables to couples flooding classrooms for help, the heartbeat is clear: vulnerability unlocks freedom. We talk about leading from weakness, the power of confession, and why discipleship must be relational—not programmatic. Steve shares how pursuing men, rather than waiting on them, accelerates spiritual growth and multiplies leaders. The conversation then turns to marriage revival—how transparency from the pulpit created space for couples to admit they’re struggling and seek Christ-centered restoration. Revival isn’t hype—it’s humility. If pride breaks, knees bend. And when knees bend, God moves.

What if the breakthrough in your life starts with telling the truth? In this episode, Joe and Steve pull back the curtain on what’s really happening inside Forge and the marriage ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church. From tear-filled moments at tables to couples flooding classrooms for help, the heartbeat is clear: vulnerability unlocks freedom. We talk about leading from weakness, the power of confession, and why discipleship must be relational—not programmatic. Steve shares how pursuing men, rather than waiting on them, accelerates spiritual growth and multiplies leaders. The conversation then turns to marriage revival—how transparency from the pulpit created space for couples to admit they’re struggling and seek Christ-centered restoration. Revival isn’t hype—it’s humility. If pride breaks, knees bend. And when knees bend, God moves.

What happens when experience meets theology in real time? In this episode, Joe and Steve unpack the tension and gift of stepping into pastoral ministry while still learning in seminary. Steve shares how studying theology at Dallas Theological Seminary is shaping him—not in abstraction, but in the middle of shepherding 450 men every Tuesday night. We talk about deconstruction in culture, the responsibility of theological depth, and the challenge of preserving vulnerability as Forge continues to grow. As tables expand and new men walk in weekly, leadership must multiply without losing intimacy. Out of that tension comes vision: raising up table leaders, developing apprentices, and launching a “Watchman” layer to protect the mission and steward revival. Growth is a gift—but only if it’s guarded with humility, prayer, and structure.

What happens when experience meets theology in real time? In this episode, Joe and Steve unpack the tension and gift of stepping into pastoral ministry while still learning in seminary. Steve shares how studying theology at Dallas Theological Seminary is shaping him—not in abstraction, but in the middle of shepherding 450 men every Tuesday night. We talk about deconstruction in culture, the responsibility of theological depth, and the challenge of preserving vulnerability as Forge continues to grow. As tables expand and new men walk in weekly, leadership must multiply without losing intimacy. Out of that tension comes vision: raising up table leaders, developing apprentices, and launching a “Watchman” layer to protect the mission and steward revival. Growth is a gift—but only if it’s guarded with humility, prayer, and structure.

In this episode, Joe and Steve unpack the heart of spiritual freedom: understanding who you are in Christ and learning how to fight with truth. They talk about shame, pride, passivity, and the subtle ways the enemy steals identity from believers who should be walking in authority. We talk about obedience as a lifestyle, not an event. Steve shares the story of leaving a successful career to step into full-time ministry, the fear that came with it, and the night he sensed God clearly calling him back to Scottsdale for a greater purpose. The conversation moves from theology to practice—bold prayer, spiritual gifts, fighting from victory, and what it looks like to actually “set captives free.” Freedom isn’t a weekend experience. It’s a Spirit-led sanctification process. If you’ve been living anonymously, passively, or quietly bound, this conversation is an invitation to step into your authority in Christ.

In this episode, Joe and Steve unpack the heart of spiritual freedom: understanding who you are in Christ and learning how to fight with truth. They talk about shame, pride, passivity, and the subtle ways the enemy steals identity from believers who should be walking in authority. We talk about obedience as a lifestyle, not an event. Steve shares the story of leaving a successful career to step into full-time ministry, the fear that came with it, and the night he sensed God clearly calling him back to Scottsdale for a greater purpose. The conversation moves from theology to practice—bold prayer, spiritual gifts, fighting from victory, and what it looks like to actually “set captives free.” Freedom isn’t a weekend experience. It’s a Spirit-led sanctification process. If you’ve been living anonymously, passively, or quietly bound, this conversation is an invitation to step into your authority in Christ.

What if the breakthrough you’re praying for requires patience—and maybe even suffering? In Part 2 of this conversation, Joe and Ben dive into the power of planting seeds and playing the long game in faith. Ben reflects on how a simple, unintentional comment about Bible study became a seed in his own life—and how that awareness now shapes the way he talks about Christ with others. We talk about patience, God’s timing, and the difference between forcing faith and faithfully loving people. Ben also shares the transformational experience of training for and completing the New York City Marathon—using physical suffering as a way to test perseverance, deepen trust in God, and prove to himself that he no longer quits when things get hard. Faith isn’t just belief—it’s endurance. If you’ve been tempted to give up, remember: growth takes time, seeds take patience, and sometimes the fire is what shapes you most.

What if the breakthrough you’re praying for requires patience—and maybe even suffering? In Part 2 of this conversation, Joe and Ben dive into the power of planting seeds and playing the long game in faith. Ben reflects on how a simple, unintentional comment about Bible study became a seed in his own life—and how that awareness now shapes the way he talks about Christ with others. We talk about patience, God’s timing, and the difference between forcing faith and faithfully loving people. Ben also shares the transformational experience of training for and completing the New York City Marathon—using physical suffering as a way to test perseverance, deepen trust in God, and prove to himself that he no longer quits when things get hard. Faith isn’t just belief—it’s endurance. If you’ve been tempted to give up, remember: growth takes time, seeds take patience, and sometimes the fire is what shapes you most.

What happens when the life you’re chasing keeps collapsing underneath you? In this episode, Joe sits down with Ben to talk about loss, running, and the slow realization that success, travel, and reinvention can’t fill the ache of a drifting soul. After the sudden death of his father, Ben found himself searching for purpose—through college life, Europe, San Diego, and constant motion—only to discover he was still empty. We talk about grief, the “treadmill” analogy of life without Christ, spiritual curiosity, and the night Ben drove to Walmart at 9 p.m. to buy his first Bible. We explore how a simple invitation to Forge became the turning point where curiosity became commitment and faith became personal. You can run for a long time. But eventually, you have to decide what your life is built on. If you’ve been searching, drifting, or starting over again and again, there is a Rock that doesn’t move.

What happens when the life you’re chasing keeps collapsing underneath you? In this episode, Joe sits down with Ben to talk about loss, running, and the slow realization that success, travel, and reinvention can’t fill the ache of a drifting soul. After the sudden death of his father, Ben found himself searching for purpose—through college life, Europe, San Diego, and constant motion—only to discover he was still empty. We talk about grief, the “treadmill” analogy of life without Christ, spiritual curiosity, and the night Ben drove to Walmart at 9 p.m. to buy his first Bible. We explore how a simple invitation to Forge became the turning point where curiosity became commitment and faith became personal. You can run for a long time. But eventually, you have to decide what your life is built on. If you’ve been searching, drifting, or starting over again and again, there is a Rock that doesn’t move.

Is something stirring in this generation that we haven’t seen in a long time? In Part 2 of this conversation, Joe and Hudson turn their attention outward—to what’s happening among students across the Valley and beyond. From packed campus gatherings to students inviting friends to church, Hudson shares what he believes is a genuine movement of the Holy Spirit among teenagers who don’t come from Christian homes but are hungry for truth. We talk about the tension of following Christ in a secular public school, the daily pressures of speech and influence, and the quiet courage it takes to live differently. Joe challenges Hudson to explore spiritual gifts, listen deeply to others, and consider how God uniquely designed him for kingdom impact. Revival starts with surrender. If you’re young and wondering whether faith is real, lean in. If you’re older and watching this generation, pray boldly. God is still moving—and He’s not done writing stories.

Is something stirring in this generation that we haven’t seen in a long time? In Part 2 of this conversation, Joe and Hudson turn their attention outward—to what’s happening among students across the Valley and beyond. From packed campus gatherings to students inviting friends to church, Hudson shares what he believes is a genuine movement of the Holy Spirit among teenagers who don’t come from Christian homes but are hungry for truth. We talk about the tension of following Christ in a secular public school, the daily pressures of speech and influence, and the quiet courage it takes to live differently. Joe challenges Hudson to explore spiritual gifts, listen deeply to others, and consider how God uniquely designed him for kingdom impact. Revival starts with surrender. If you’re young and wondering whether faith is real, lean in. If you’re older and watching this generation, pray boldly. God is still moving—and He’s not done writing stories.

Have you ever wondered what your story could unlock in someone else’s life—if you actually shared it? In this conversation, Joe sits down with Hudson after a providential meeting and invites him to tell the honest version of his faith journey: growing up Catholic, drifting after his parents split, and wrestling with what it means to say you believe something—but not feel settled in your heart. We talk about conviction, the difference between “head knowledge” and heart surrender, and the reality of a “camp high” that fades unless it’s carried home. Hudson reflects on the impact of siblings, a cousin, youth group, and a gym Bible study—and how community and accountability helped move his faith from momentary emotion to genuine assurance. God doesn’t waste seeds. If you’ve been drifting, doubting, or trying to carry faith alone, there’s grace for you. Plant the seed, trust the Lord with the growth, and step back into the Word and into community.

Have you ever wondered what your story could unlock in someone else’s life—if you actually shared it? In this conversation, Joe sits down with Hudson after a providential meeting and invites him to tell the honest version of his faith journey: growing up Catholic, drifting after his parents split, and wrestling with what it means to say you believe something—but not feel settled in your heart. We talk about conviction, the difference between “head knowledge” and heart surrender, and the reality of a “camp high” that fades unless it’s carried home. Hudson reflects on the impact of siblings, a cousin, youth group, and a gym Bible study—and how community and accountability helped move his faith from momentary emotion to genuine assurance. God doesn’t waste seeds. If you’ve been drifting, doubting, or trying to carry faith alone, there’s grace for you. Plant the seed, trust the Lord with the growth, and step back into the Word and into community.

What if losing everything was actually mercy? After years of leading a thriving ministry, Edward found himself drifting back toward addiction — slowly, subtly, and dangerously. What began as compromise eventually became collapse. Facing the reality that he was becoming the very cautionary story he once warned others about, he made a radical decision: walk away. In this episode, Edward shares the humbling journey of leaving behind success, selling everything, and taking his family on the road in an RV — not knowing it would become a year-long desert season of healing. From breakdowns to breakthroughs, from shame to surrender, he recounts the moment by a river in Arizona where God met him again. Sometimes the wilderness isn’t punishment — it’s protection. If you’re in a season that feels stripped down or uncertain, this conversation will encourage you to trust the God who restores.

What if losing everything was actually mercy? After years of leading a thriving ministry, Edward found himself drifting back toward addiction — slowly, subtly, and dangerously. What began as compromise eventually became collapse. Facing the reality that he was becoming the very cautionary story he once warned others about, he made a radical decision: walk away. In this episode, Edward shares the humbling journey of leaving behind success, selling everything, and taking his family on the road in an RV — not knowing it would become a year-long desert season of healing. From breakdowns to breakthroughs, from shame to surrender, he recounts the moment by a river in Arizona where God met him again. Sometimes the wilderness isn’t punishment — it’s protection. If you’re in a season that feels stripped down or uncertain, this conversation will encourage you to trust the God who restores.

How far would God go to bring you back? Edward’s story takes us into the darkest chapters of his life — from a picture-perfect childhood to a hidden battle with addiction that nearly cost him everything. Sitting beside men whose trauma seemed far worse than his own, he wrestled with shame and the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him. In this powerful conversation, Edward shares how God met him at rock bottom, not with condemnation, but with grace. He opens up about confronting a distorted view of God, learning to be honest about anger and pain, and discovering a Father who never walked away. This episode is a reminder that no depth of failure is beyond redemption. If you’ve believed the lie that you’ve gone too far, lean in. The God of grace is closer than you think.

How far would God go to bring you back? Edward’s story takes us into the darkest chapters of his life — from a picture-perfect childhood to a hidden battle with addiction that nearly cost him everything. Sitting beside men whose trauma seemed far worse than his own, he wrestled with shame and the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him. In this powerful conversation, Edward shares how God met him at rock bottom, not with condemnation, but with grace. He opens up about confronting a distorted view of God, learning to be honest about anger and pain, and discovering a Father who never walked away. This episode is a reminder that no depth of failure is beyond redemption. If you’ve believed the lie that you’ve gone too far, lean in. The God of grace is closer than you think.

What happens when you realize you can’t do it alone anymore? In this episode, Edward shares what it felt like to move to Arizona with no roots, no community, and no clear direction — only a deep hunger for real brotherhood. After years of ministry leadership, recovery work, and spiritual highs and lows, he found himself in a season of dependence unlike any before. We talk about what it means to walk into a room of men and risk being known. We explore the tension between pride and vulnerability, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when connection doesn’t come easy. Edward opens up about desperation, obedience, and how God often builds community one faithful step at a time. If you’ve ever felt alone in a crowded room or unsure where you belong, this conversation will remind you: keep showing up. God may be building something deeper than you can see.

What happens when you realize you can’t do it alone anymore? In this episode, Edward shares what it felt like to move to Arizona with no roots, no community, and no clear direction — only a deep hunger for real brotherhood. After years of ministry leadership, recovery work, and spiritual highs and lows, he found himself in a season of dependence unlike any before. We talk about what it means to walk into a room of men and risk being known. We explore the tension between pride and vulnerability, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when connection doesn’t come easy. Edward opens up about desperation, obedience, and how God often builds community one faithful step at a time. If you’ve ever felt alone in a crowded room or unsure where you belong, this conversation will remind you: keep showing up. God may be building something deeper than you can see.

What keeps you breathing when the weight feels unbearable and hope seems out of reach? In this powerful continuation, Brandon opens up about walking through one of the darkest seasons of his life—marked by separation, spiritual exhaustion, and real battles with suicidal thoughts. With humility and clarity, he shares how God met him in the depths, using Scripture, worship, and faithful brothers to remind him of truth when lies felt overwhelming. This conversation doesn’t rush past the pain. Instead, it honors the process of sanctification—the slow, sacred work God does in us through suffering, surrender, and community. Brandon’s testimony points to a God who stays present, even when we feel distant, and a brotherhood that refuses to let men fight alone. If you or someone you love has ever wrestled with despair, this episode is a reminder that darkness does not get the final word—and that God often shows His goodness through the faithfulness of others.

What keeps you breathing when the weight feels unbearable and hope seems out of reach? In this powerful continuation, Brandon opens up about walking through one of the darkest seasons of his life—marked by separation, spiritual exhaustion, and real battles with suicidal thoughts. With humility and clarity, he shares how God met him in the depths, using Scripture, worship, and faithful brothers to remind him of truth when lies felt overwhelming. This conversation doesn’t rush past the pain. Instead, it honors the process of sanctification—the slow, sacred work God does in us through suffering, surrender, and community. Brandon’s testimony points to a God who stays present, even when we feel distant, and a brotherhood that refuses to let men fight alone. If you or someone you love has ever wrestled with despair, this episode is a reminder that darkness does not get the final word—and that God often shows His goodness through the faithfulness of others.

What happens when honesty finally replaces performance—and conviction becomes an act of love rather than judgment? In this episode of the Forge Podcast, Brandon shares how stepping into Forge during the early years of marriage became the turning point he didn’t know he needed. What began as a reluctant yes turned into a life-giving brotherhood marked by truth, accountability, and a deeper understanding of what it means to place hope fully in Christ. Brandon reflects on the power of being known, the courage it takes to receive correction, and how God uses other men to lovingly call us higher. Through stories of humility, marriage tension, and spiritual awakening, this conversation reminds us that real growth often starts when we stop hiding—and start surrendering. If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure how faith is meant to shape everyday life, this episode invites you to consider the freedom found in walking honestly with God and with others.

What happens when honesty finally replaces performance—and conviction becomes an act of love rather than judgment? In this episode of the Forge Podcast, Brandon shares how stepping into Forge during the early years of marriage became the turning point he didn’t know he needed. What began as a reluctant yes turned into a life-giving brotherhood marked by truth, accountability, and a deeper understanding of what it means to place hope fully in Christ. Brandon reflects on the power of being known, the courage it takes to receive correction, and how God uses other men to lovingly call us higher. Through stories of humility, marriage tension, and spiritual awakening, this conversation reminds us that real growth often starts when we stop hiding—and start surrendering. If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure how faith is meant to shape everyday life, this episode invites you to consider the freedom found in walking honestly with God and with others.

What if spiritual growth isn’t about adding more—but about letting go? In this episode of The Forge Podcast, Mark shares a powerful and deeply personal story about obedience, freedom, and the surprising way God invites us to clear out what weighs us down. From his early days at Forge to a storm-soaked prayer walk that turned into a defining breakthrough moment, Mark reflects on how God used Scripture, community, and surrender to reshape his faith. As the conversation unfolds, Mark walks us through a lesson rooted in the story of Jericho and the hidden sin of Achan—revealing how even small things we hold onto can quietly rob us of focus, effectiveness, and intimacy with God. Rather than striving to add more spiritual disciplines or achievements, Mark challenges us to ask a harder question: What needs to be removed from the tent of our lives? This episode is an invitation to slow down, examine what’s been encumbering you, and rediscover the freedom that comes from wholehearted obedience. Whether you’re early in your faith journey or have been walking with the Lord for years, Mark’s story will encourage you to run the race lighter—and more fully alive.

What if spiritual growth isn’t about adding more—but about letting go? In this episode of The Forge Podcast, Mark shares a powerful and deeply personal story about obedience, freedom, and the surprising way God invites us to clear out what weighs us down. From his early days at Forge to a storm-soaked prayer walk that turned into a defining breakthrough moment, Mark reflects on how God used Scripture, community, and surrender to reshape his faith. As the conversation unfolds, Mark walks us through a lesson rooted in the story of Jericho and the hidden sin of Achan—revealing how even small things we hold onto can quietly rob us of focus, effectiveness, and intimacy with God. Rather than striving to add more spiritual disciplines or achievements, Mark challenges us to ask a harder question: What needs to be removed from the tent of our lives? This episode is an invitation to slow down, examine what’s been encumbering you, and rediscover the freedom that comes from wholehearted obedience. Whether you’re early in your faith journey or have been walking with the Lord for years, Mark’s story will encourage you to run the race lighter—and more fully alive.

What if the words we speak are telling the truth about what’s really happening in our hearts? In Part 2 of Chubbs’ story, the conversation turns to language, laughter, and the subtle ways faith shows up—or doesn’t—in everyday life. Chubbs reflects on how profanity became second nature, how it masked deeper pain, and how God used conviction—not condemnation—to invite real change. As his heart softened, his words followed. This episode dives into the connection between surrender and speech, the importance of guarding what we consume, and how prayer replaces old habits one moment at a time. It’s honest, funny, and deeply challenging—reminding us that transformation isn’t about behavior modification, but heart renewal. If you’ve ever justified what comes out of your mouth—or felt nudged that God might be calling you higher—this conversation will meet you right where you are and encourage you toward something better.

What if the words we speak are telling the truth about what’s really happening in our hearts? In Part 2 of Chubbs’ story, the conversation turns to language, laughter, and the subtle ways faith shows up—or doesn’t—in everyday life. Chubbs reflects on how profanity became second nature, how it masked deeper pain, and how God used conviction—not condemnation—to invite real change. As his heart softened, his words followed. This episode dives into the connection between surrender and speech, the importance of guarding what we consume, and how prayer replaces old habits one moment at a time. It’s honest, funny, and deeply challenging—reminding us that transformation isn’t about behavior modification, but heart renewal. If you’ve ever justified what comes out of your mouth—or felt nudged that God might be calling you higher—this conversation will meet you right where you are and encourage you toward something better.