Only1Thing Podcast

In this episode of The Only 1 Thing Podcast, we sit down with Christian recording artist and songwriter Colton Dixon for an honest conversation about faith, family, and life behind the spotlight. Colton shares stories from his journey on American Idol, the challenges of balancing a music career with marriage and fatherhood, and what it looks like to stay grounded while living life on the road. We also dive into some deeply personal family experiences and the ways God used difficult seasons to draw their family closer together and deepen their faith. Whether you’re a parent, a musician, a leader, or simply someone trying to keep Jesus at the center of a busy life, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and a reminder that when everything else competes for our attention, there is still only one thing that truly matters.

In this final episode of the season, we slow down and reflect on the journey we’ve shared together. We look back at the amazing conversations we’ve had, parents, leaders, pastors, friends—each one pointing us back to Jesus and reminding us of what really matters. We take a moment to thank our sponsors for believing in this mission and helping make these episodes possible. And as we head into a new year, we talk honestly about the importance of pausing: fasting, praying, resting, and making space for God to reset our hearts and priorities. We’ll be taking a short break from the show to spend time with our families and to seek God with fresh expectation for what’s ahead. We can’t wait to come back renewed, refocused, and ready for what the next season holds. For now, we rest. For now, we pause with purpose. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

Jesus said we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but what does that look like in the marketplace, at school, or in everyday life? In this episode of the Only1Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan are joined by Brad and Brenda Keller to talk about how every believer carries influence right where God has placed them. From the workplace to the neighborhood, Christians are called not to retreat from culture but to engage it with faith, integrity, and hope. Together, they unpack how biblical figures like Joseph, Esther, and Daniel thrived in challenging environments without compromising their faith, and how we can do the same today. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

In this powerful and encouraging episode, we sit down with Team USA Paralympic athlete Joe Delagrave to hear his incredible story of identity, resilience, and faith. A devastating accident changed his life in an instant—taking away the future he thought he was destined for. But God wasn’t finished writing his story. Joe opens up about the journey from loss and broken identity to finding true purpose in Christ. He shares the highs and lows, the questions and the breakthroughs, and how God rebuilt his confidence and calling from the ground up. If you’ve ever felt like your world suddenly shifted… if you’ve questioned who you are or where God is leading you… Joe’s story will give you hope and remind you that Jesus is the One who defines us—not our circumstances. Don’t miss this conversation that will challenge and inspire you to discover the only One thing that truly matters. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

In this episode, Iowa Hawkeye quarterbacks Mark Gronowski and Hank Brown sit down with us for an honest conversation about faith, pressure, leadership, and purpose—on and off the field. They share what a typical week looks like during the season, the mental and physical toll of preparation, and why the relationships in the quarterback room matter so much. Mark opens up about the ACL tear that changed his life, how God used rock-bottom moments to rebuild his identity, and the journey that eventually led him to Iowa. Hank talks about experiencing revival at Auburn, finding authentic community, and what it means to live as “a missionary disguised as an athlete.” We also talk about pressure as a privilege, the growing spiritual hunger they’re seeing among students, and how they stay grounded in Jesus when expectations are heavy and the spotlight is bright. If you’ve ever wondered what faith looks like inside college athletics—or how God moves in locker rooms, film rooms, and football fields—this conversation will encourage you. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

In this episode, we sit down with U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson to talk beyond politics and hear from the mom, wife, neighbor, and follower of Jesus behind the role. Ashley opens up about raising two boys while campaigning for Senate, navigating nonstop travel, and staying grounded in faith when the country feels divided. She shares candid stories—from Instacarting groceries from thousands of miles away, to praying with constituents moments after the Charlie Kirk incident, to dealing with hurtful public criticism while teaching her kids grace and resilience. We dive into how she leads with humility and compassion, why “hurting people say hurtful things,” and how followers of Jesus can help bring unity back to our communities and our country. A hopeful, honest conversation about faith in public life and the courage to lead with Christlike character. A reminder: this podcast isn’t about politics. It’s about people and the One Thing that shapes everything—Jesus—and how we follow Him in the places He calls us. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

What if the words we speak to our kids could shape the trajectory of their entire lives? In this encouraging and practical episode, we sit down with author and parenting influencer Jody Hill to explore the God-given superpower of our words. Jody shares how her journey of encouraging parents online began, and the moment she realized her message was resonating deeply with families everywhere. She opens up about the heart behind her new book, Your Words Are Your Superpower—why our words matter more than we think—and how simple shifts in the way we speak can transform our homes. We also dive into the spiritual side of communication: • How does Jesus change the way we parent? • What does grace look like on the hard days? • And what hope is there for parents who feel like they’ve already messed up? Whether you feel confident in your parenting or completely overwhelmed, this conversation will remind you that with Jesus, change is possible… one word at a time. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

When shocking news hits, like the recent passing of Charlie Kirk, we all feel the weight differently. For Jonathan, the instinct was to pause and process: to slow down, sit in the emotion, seek God’s heart, and wisely strategize what’s next before moving forward. For John, he felt the weight, but life didn’t stop. There was still work to be done, and moving forward with purpose felt like the right response. Both reactions were real. Both were rooted in faith. But the tension between them? It sparked an honest conversation about what happens when people who love each other don’t respond the same way to the same moment. In this heartfelt episode, we invite listeners into that tension: • Grief or grit… which one do you reach for first? • When tragedy hits, is wisdom found in silence or in speaking? • How do Jesus followers honor the moment while still moving forward in hope? We explore what the Bible teaches about the ministry of presence and the ministry of movement, and how both can reflect the heart of Jesus. Because sensitivity and strategy aren’t opposites… they’re teammates. If you’ve ever disagreed with someone you love about how to respond to crisis, this episode will give you permission to feel deeply, act boldly, and love faithfully, even in the tension. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

What do you do when you pray, and it feels like heaven is silent? When the waiting drags on, disappointment grows, and you start Wondering if God even hears you? In this episode of the Only1Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan dive into one of the hardest parts of following Jesus—waiting on God. Through personal stories, Scripture, and the example of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they explore how God uses delays, silence, and even “unanswered” prayers to weave His greater plan into our lives. You’ll be encouraged to shift your prayers from immediate relief to kingdom-centered hope and to trust that God’s timing is never late, His answers are always connected to something bigger. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

Many fathers deeply love their families, but still feel stuck. They show up to provide, yet often struggle to be truly present, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. In this episode of the Only1Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan sit down with Daniel Grose, the voice behind Honest Fatherhood, to talk about the challenges and opportunities dads face today. Daniel shares candidly about the pressures of providing, the vulnerability fathers often bury, and why so many men struggle to lead at home with more than just their paycheck. This conversation will encourage dads to reframe what presence really looks like, and equip them with direction, courage, and skills to lead their families with purpose. If you’re a father, or know one, this is a conversation worth sharing. Let’s break the cycle together. Guest Resources: Learn more about Daniel Grose and Honest Fatherhood on Instagram: @HonestFatherhood If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

Who are you really? In this episode of the Only1Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan sit down with Brad and Brenda Keller to talk about identity, purpose, and what it means to live out who God created you to be. Brenda shares how her identity was once wrapped up in being “Miss Oz” and what God taught her about who she truly is in Him, especially through seasons of loss. Brad opens up about his own journey of rediscovering identity and purpose, pointing us back to the truth that before we can walk in our calling, we first need to know who we are in Christ. Whether you’re wrestling with questions of purpose or feeling stuck in your season, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical steps, and biblical truth. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.  

Have you ever felt guilty for saying “no”? In this episode of the Only 1 Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan unpack why “no” isn’t selfish, it’s actually a Spirit-led boundary that can protect your calling, relationships, and walk with Jesus. Drawing from Lisa TerKeurst’s The Best Yes, we’ll explore how every “yes” is also a “no” to something else, and how Jesus Himself modeled healthy boundaries by choosing the Father’s will over people’s demands. Together, we’ll look at Scripture, practical steps for praying through decisions, and how to give a gracious “no” that actually becomes a greater “yes” to God’s best. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, overcommitment, or the pressure to always say yes, this conversation will encourage you to step into freedom and realign your priorities with God’s Kingdom. Tune in, lean in, and discover how saying “no” can actually honor Jesus. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

In this episode of Only 1 Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan explore why Jesus is truly worthy of being the center of our lives. Together, they dive into three compelling reasons: Who He is, What He has done, and What He promises. Through Scripture, personal reflections, and practical insights, they invite you to make Jesus the one thing that shapes your week and your life. Lean in, open your heart, and discover why He alone is worth it. If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe on your favorite platform, and help others discover what it means to make Him the Only 1 Thing. Instagram: @only1thingpodcast Facebook: @only1thingpodcast Sponsored by Don Bushnell Ministries | DonBushnellMinistries.org Only1Thing Podcast — In a world full of distractions, make Him the One Thing.

In this heartfelt episode of Only 1 Thing Podcast, John and Jonathan sit down with Brad and Brenda Keller to talk about walking through grief and loss while keeping Jesus at the center. They share personal stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement for anyone who feels like their story is over, reminding us that God is always at work, even in the hardest seasons.   Lean in, open your heart, and discover how to trust God’s timing and keep Him as your One Thing.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Only 1 Thing Podcast with Jonathan Lee McElhenny and John Beyer! In today’s episode, you’ll hear the heart and vision behind why this podcast exists. Our mission is simple, yet life-changing: helping people make Jesus their one thing in the middle of a busy and distracting world. By the time you finish listening, you’ll understand the story behind this podcast, how it came to be, and why it matters to us personally. You’ll also get to know both of your hosts a little better as we share our introductions, a few laughs, and some honest conversation about what it means to center life on Jesus. This isn’t about us having all the answers. It’s about creating a space for real conversations, encouragement, and discovery… together. In this episode, you will learn: • The heart behind the Only 1 Thing Podcast • Why making Jesus the one thing is more urgent now than ever • Who your hosts are and why this project matters deeply to us • How we hope this podcast can inspire, challenge, and encourage you This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to have you join us on the journey.