Serve is a Verb

Send us Fan MailShawna Willis is a wife, mother, woman of faith, and a true testament to God’s redeeming power. With over 24 years of experience in HR leadership and executive project management, Shawna has supported top-tier executives across corporate America. But her journey didn’t stop there. After decades in the business world, Shawna answered a deeper calling to Christian counseling, pursuing her Master of Divinity and becoming a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor.Shawna shares her story of resilience and redemption — from surviving childhood abuse to finding hope in Christ at the age of 12. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, she opens up about how her faith has directed her through both personal and professional chapters of life. Now, she brings healing and clarity to others through Bible-based counseling and leadership development.Resources & Links:Connect with Shawna Willis: https://www.biblicalvisioncounseling.com/Learn more about the National Christian Counselors Association: https://www.ncca.orgLiberty University – Master of Divinity Program: https://www.liberty.eduAcknowledgements:Episode music: Weluvnoah. "Real or Fake"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weluvnoah/1676477402https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoH9zY9Irv6VKmcSuHbg4?si=yQA_8dnrT_-Q_dQRNoFzhQ

Send us Fan MailJeff Cook is the Founder of Faith Angler Network (FAN). Their Misson: "Through a passion for competitive fishing, Faith Angler Network is committed to invest in the lives of young anglers by fostering a network that is dedicated to share the life-changing reality of faith, fishing, and friendship." Jeff shares his personal story and how FAN came into existence.  Through FAN, Jeff and his team are sharing the passion of fishing while building faith, character, and community. They draw inspiration from Matthew 4:19, "And he (Jesus) said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."Website Faith Angler Network: https://faithanglernetwork.com/Social Media: @faithanglernetworkAcknowledgements:Episode music: Weluvnoah. "Real or Fake"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weluvnoah/1676477402https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoH9zY9Irv6VKmcSuHbg4?si=yQA_8dnrT_-Q_dQRNoFzhQ

Send us Fan MailJamie Tanner is the founder and Board President of Simple Sparrow Care Farm. In 2017, she embarked on a mission to use farm-based programs to help individuals "Learn + Grow + Heal" through the power of nature. Her vision gave rise to a care model centered around trauma-informed care, benefiting people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The model aims to teach individuals how to care for themselves by learning to care for others. Jamie's research and personal insights are explored in her doctoral dissertation, A Development and Evaluation of Simple Sparrow Care Farm’s Executive Leadership Training Program. Her work demonstrates that the care farm model is replicable and scalable, promoting better mental health and enhancing overall quality of life.  Resources mentioned:"Body Keeps the Score" Bessel Van der Kolk"What Happened to You" Bruce Perry"Waking the Tiger" Peter Levine"The Connected Therapist" Marti Smith"Sensory Healing After Developmental Trauma" Marti SmithSimple Sparrow Care Farm: www.simplesparrow.farmTrust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI): Kayrn Purvis Institute for Child Development: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/Trauma Informed Care Farming (coming Fall 2025): www.traumainformedcarefarming.orgFor that convenient $2M donation and barn dedication: www.simplesparrow.farm/donateAcknowledgements:Episode music: Weluvnoah. "Real or Fake"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weluvnoah/1676477402https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoH9zY9Irv6VKmcSuHbg4?si=yQA_8dnrT_-Q_dQRNoFzhQ

Send us Fan MailPaul McLaughlin is the Founder and President of Heroes Below, Rising Above. Paul helps listeners understand how a three-year prayer journey created Heroes Below, Rising Above. How the blessings, gifts, and skills God provided him turned into a 501(c)(3) with its mission to help reduce the risk of suicide. Heroes Below provides Active-Duty Military, Military Veterans, Active-Duty Law Enforcement, Law Enforcement Veterans, First Responders, their spouses and caregivers living with PTSD and TBI an innovative stress reduction and relaxation program through a unique underwater experience using SCUBA equipment in a heated indoor pool. The only cost for program participants is the time they want to spend blowing bubbles underwater. The program's simplicity is that no participant needs to know how to swim, because all we do is float.Links:Heroes Below: https://www.heroesbelow.org/Facebook Heroes Below: https://www.facebook.com/HeroesBelowAcknowledgements:Episode music: Weluvnoah. "Real or Fake"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weluvnoah/1676477402https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoH9zY9Irv6VKmcSuHbg4?si=yQA_8dnrT_-Q_dQRNoFzhQ

Send us Fan MailMelissa Fleming recounts the story of her son, Brock, who was diagnosed with DIPG at the age of seven. His courageous fight inspired the formation of "Team Brock," a supportive community that rallied around Brock and his family throughout his battle. After Brock's passing, Team Brock transformed into an initiative in partnership with "The Cure Starts Now," focused on raising awareness of DIPG, funding pediatric brain cancer research, and offering support to families facing similar challenges. Through events and community involvement, the Flemings continue to honor Brock's legacy while advocating for improved treatments and outcomes for children battling cancer.Links:The Cure Starts Now - Team Brock https://thecurestartsnow.org/get-involved/chapters/texas-austin-round-rock-team-brock/#eventsFacebook Team Brock https://www.facebook.com/teambrockfleming/Dana Farber Dr. Kiernan https://youtu.be/E4hW58JkTHY Acknowledgements:Episode music: Weluvnoah. "Real or Fake"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weluvnoah/1676477402https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoH9zY9Irv6VKmcSuHbg4?si=yQA_8dnrT_-Q_dQRNoFzhQ

Send us Fan MailThe trailer for Season 3! An invitation to find inspiration.  Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.Acknowledgements:Music: Weluvnoah. "Real or Fake"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/weluvnoah/1676477402https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xoH9zY9Irv6VKmcSuHbg4?si=yQA_8dnrT_-Q_dQRNoFzhQ

Send us Fan MailWhat do we do with everything we've heard in Season 2? Tim discusses reviewing the previous year and setting goals for next year.  The tools discussed in this episode are designed to equip the leader for self-development and equipping the teams we lead.Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailSherm Brand is our guest as we wrap up Season 2.  He shares his experience of being wounded in combat as a platoon medic in Vietnam and how he has learned to walk in step with the Spirit.  Sherm is a mentor and encourager for those trying to find healing and freedom from brokenness while experiencing a new life in Christ.  Recovery programs:Celebrate Recovery https://celebraterecovery.com/re:generation https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailMichael Carson shares how his attempt at managing PTSD left him broken, alone, and isolated from those who cared about him.  He shares his journey of finding self-control, not based on self-reliance, but giving up control to Jesus.  Today, Michael serves as the National Outreach Director for the Freedom Fighter Foundation, helping veterans and first responders break free from cycles of dysfunction as they work through trauma.  Freedom Fighter Foundation https://freedomfighterfoundation.org/Song: Ben Fuller - “I didn’t find God, He found Me” https://youtu.be/Ilt0Ds9baQk?si=WgWbgN8V2XhLTDvWAcknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailChris Smith, a Marine Corps veteran, returns to the show to discuss Gentleness, what it means to die to self, and why passivity isn't Gentleness. Book: Gentle and Lowly - Dane Ortlundhttps://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Lowly-Christ-Sinners-Sufferers/dp/1433566133Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailScott Crosley is the Founder and CEO of Pivot - Faith and Valor.  They exist to Pivot Women and Children Globally from Sexual Slavery and Exploitation to Freedom. Scott shares with us his journey from church planter to U.S. Army Ranger and Chaplain to serving in the dark corners of the world and how the aspect of Faithfulness prepared him for his purpose in this season of life.Pivot - Faith and Valor https://www.pivot-faithandvalor.org/Pivot Columbia Operations: https://youtu.be/DFAhf1IsduM?si=bTiqr-3db1Vs4ftiPivot Encounter Thailand Video: https://youtu.be/w5i2CxyPmJs?si=eYm0ebp1_XSc6SyVAcknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailBri Martindale explores the aspect of Goodness and shares her family’s journey through circumstances that could lead one to question God's goodness. In addition to being a foster mom, she serves as a recreational therapist working with young friends who have experienced trauma or have varying abilities. Bri authored and illustrated a book, “God Says I'm Beautiful: A Pursuit of Beauty, " available on Amazon.  Book: “God Says I'm Beautiful: A Pursuit of Beauty” https://www.amazon.com/God-Says-Im-Beautiful-Pursuit/dp/0578472406Recovery Program: re:generation https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailKim Rendon has been a foster mom to over 300 kids. She shares how this passion was ignited early in life from watching her parents foster the neglected and cast aside. Kim carried this passion with her to the mission field, where she met her husband. They served together in orphanages, caring for the disabled and left behind. Kim discusses kindness and how we can take specific, practical steps to grow in kindness as individuals and bring it to our teams.  In addition to being a foster parent, Kim is an assistant communications manager for a police department in central Texas.  Steps to Become a Foster/Adoptive Parent: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/Get_Started/steps.aspAcknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailJake Pulaski leads the discussion on patience and long-suffering, how this relates to discipleship, and ways we can bring perspective to our teams.  Jake is a Marine Corps veteran and currently serves as the National Director of Training for the Freedom Fighter Foundation.  Freedom Fighter Foundation https://freedomfighterfoundation.org/Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailAfter being sentenced to life in prison, Dr. John Lane shares how his death on November 17, 1990, led him to a life of peace.  Dr. John's journey of finding peace and a new purpose has brought him to a life of service working in prison ministry, with Celebrate Recovery, and as a chaplain for Patriot Outfitters.  Crestview Baptist Church employs Dr. John, who also serves as a deacon.Crestview Baptist Church https://peoplesharingjesus.com/Celebrate Recovery https://www.celebraterecovery.com/Attorney Mark Morales https://markmorales.com/Prison Fellowship Academy (formerly Innerchange Freedom Initiative)  https://bit.ly/3JMR2mhTwice Pardoned - Harold Morris https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Pardoned-Ex-published-Paperback/dp/B008TG1RTKAcknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize” Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailMs. Brenda Patterson, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, discusses her journey of finding joy and provides practical ways to grow in joy and bring joy to others. Simple Sparrow Care Farm https://www.simplesparrow.farm/Magdalene House https://www.magdaleneaustin.org/ Article:Harvard Health Blog https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/do-i-have-anxiety-or-worry-whats-the-difference-2018072314303Books:Character Matters - Aaron Menikoff https://a.co/d/66fyPCKThe Fruit of the Spirit - Trask and Goodall https://a.co/d/7EBsZOCAcknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailKeith Ferguson kicks off Season 2 by helping us understand how the Fruit of the Spirit relates to leadership, the shepherd motif as a leader, and the first aspect of Love. He currently serves as the lead pastor at Cityview Bible Church and the executive director of the Association of Hill Country Churches. He also maintains a blog on Substack called "Gospel Renewal."  Cityview Bible Church - https://cityviewbible.org/Association of Hill Country Churches - https://www.plantaustin.com/Gospel Renewal on Substack - https://keithferguson.substack.com/Books:C.S.Lewis - The Four Loves https://a.co/d/775HnL8Gary Chapman - The Five Love Languages https://a.co/d/6k5LeVrFrancis Chan - Crazy Love https://a.co/d/hgkDyb6Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor  

Send us Fan MailServe is a Verb returns for Season 2.  Join us as we study the Fruit of the Spirit and understand how it applies to self and team leadership.Acknowledgements:Music: Cody Martin “Revitalize”Artwork: Noah Chancellor

Send us Fan MailLt. Tim Chancellor wraps up Season 1 by helping us wrestle with the ideas of Value, Identity, and Purpose.  He shares his own personal story of how an incorrect understanding of ourselves can affect those closest to us.  The discussion ends with how we can build a strong foundation to help us live, love, and lead those with whom we have interaction, influence, and impact.  Tim started "Serve is a Verb" to pass on leadership experience to emerging leaders.  Many of the lessons he learned were through trial and error.  He learned success comes from learning from those around him and being mentored by others.  He desires to share the wisdom he learned so others can avoid the same potholes and obstacles he faced in his ongoing leadership journey.  Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailNatasha Sawyer coaches us through having the correct mindset for doing hard things and responding to failure.  Natasha shares her personal story of being a D1 collegiate athlete and how it has shaped her approach to life, parenting, and running a business.  Natasha is a trailblazer, coach, and personal trainer dedicated to helping individuals achieve their fitness and wellness goals.  With a passion for guiding people towards healthier lifestyles, she's embarked on a journey of empowerment and transformation.  https://coachnatashasawyer.my.canva.site/ @herfitnessspot.  Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailChad Wright, the founder of Forward Partners, talks about defeating burnout, establishing healthy rhythms, and orienting ourselves toward wellness so that we can be healthy leaders who lead thriving teams.  You can hear more from Chad and his team at The Leader Lab podcast and connect with them at @forwardpartner.  https://www.forwardpartners.net/Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailOfficer Rey Rodriguez shares the two biggest influences in his life and how it has shaped his approach to serving.  His approach led him to be part of Operation Blue Santa and to tackle a community project that continues to influence the community years later.  Rey walks us through how the plan was put into place and gives concrete steps on how this could be replicated.  If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information on Operation Blue Santa, go to https://bit.ly/48QARQ1Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailDet. Chris Smith shares how his experiences in combat have shaped a passion for caring for those he serves alongside.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after 9/11 and currently serves in central Texas at a police department.  Chris shares his own personal story of dealing with trauma and how he works to help others process through their own experiences.  Advisory:  This episode contains experiences and recollections from combat; listener discretion is advised.  If you or someone you love is dealing with the effects of military or first responder trauma, the Freedom Fighter Foundation exists to provide assistance.  They can be reached at freedomfighterfoundation.org.  Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailSgt. John "JD" Donaldson talks about choosing positivity and how it connects to maintaining passion in your career.  Sgt. Donaldson has 33 years of experience in law enforcement in Texas and California.  He instructs a variety of topics, including peer intervention training.  If you are interested in hearing more about this topic, JD can be reached at [email protected].  Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailMichele Kelley is the founder and president of the Chris Kelley Foundation.  Detective Sergeant Chris Kelley made the ultimate sacrifice on June 24, 2015 while serving with the Hutto Police Department.  Michele talks about Chris' service, how the foundation was created, and the work they do every year to honor his life and service.https://www.odmp.org/officer/22519-detective-sergeant-christopher-dan-kelleyRecognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailSgt. Michael Carson (Ret.) highlights the work of the Freedom Fighter Foundation and discusses the leadership values of Loyalty and Integrity.  Michael is retired from the U.S. Army and serves the community by helping veterans and first responders recover from the unseen wounds that come from their service.      Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailDet. Laurie Burks explains what it means to Be Fearless.  Laurie has completed twenty years in law enforcement in addition to working with Santa Cops 4 Kids and volunteering time to raise awareness and funds for the Rockwall County Children's Advocacy Center.  Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailLt. Darin Bayles walks us through the idea of "It may not be them...it may be you."  Darin is the founder of Leading Blue Training and Consulting.  He can be contacted at https://www.leadingbluetraining.com.Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.

Send us Fan MailWhy are we called Serve as a Verb? Listen to the introductory episode to see why we exist. Recognition: The music for this episode is "Ride It Like You Mean It" by Kristian Leo.  The artwork is created by Noah Chancellor.  Serve is a Verb would not be possible without the support of our family and friends.  They carry the heavy load as we're living out our purpose in this season.