The Brian Ray Podcast

Welcome to The Brian Ray Podcast, where we dig into real stories, real conversations, and the moments that shape our lives — faith, family, challenges, and everything in between.  This episode is brought to you by The Ray Team Realtors® at LifStyl Real Estate— where Kristin and I help individuals and families navigate every step of their real estate journey. Buying, selling, or just curious about the market, we’re here for all your real estate needs.  Today’s guest is Trefor Thomas. Trefor is a 2025 graduate of the Lexington Christian Academy and is currently awaiting induction day at the United States Naval Academy. Trefor has an amazing story of resilience, determination and faith. He also discusses the pitfalls of idolatry and placing worldly things in the place of God. I pray that you are blessed by this conversation and will share it with everyone you love. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Mr. Trefor Thomas.

Today’s episode begins our series that features Silas, who was the peer of the apostle Paul. Meaningful friendships seem to be a challenge for men. I want to provide insight on the power of relationships, how they shape our lives and direct our paths. One of my oldest and best friends, Dr. Tom Compton, sat down to discuss growing up in Garrard County, the influences that shaped us in small, rural town America, and the importance of lifelong friends.  Tom is one of the hardest workers I know, a man of integrity and character.  He is a devoted husband and an intentional father. I pray that you will be blessed by this conversation and share it with everyone you love. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Dr. Tom Compton. 

Today’s guest are Jenna Wooten-Lee and Alison Braun Strunk. They are graduates of the 2011 LCA class and members of the 2010 KHSAA State championship runner-up. This wraps up our Young Timothy portion of the Life of Paul. Jenna and Ally discuss their time at LCA, how it prepared them for college and give us an update on life, marriage, and parenting. Praying that this episode encourages you and gives you insight on the unique relationships that are developed through Christ and sports.  Enjoy this episode of the Brian Ray Podcast with Jenna Wooten Lee and Alison Braun Strunk.

Today’s podcast features a discussion about our 20th wedding anniversary. Kristin and I discussed our trip to three national parks and reflect on the amazing blessings that have come from 20 years of marriage. We pray that you are encouraged and blessed by our conversation.

Our young Timothy series continues to be blessed my current LCA seniors.  Our guests today are Mr. Mack Darland and Mr. Tyler King.  We have an amazing conversation about their journey as student athletes, state champions and young men of Christ.  They share raw, honest and real perspectives about the challenges of being young men in today’s world.  Their values, convictions and faith have created a culture of accountability, selflessness and love.  We pray that you will be encouraged and ask that you share this conversation with all those you love.  Thanks for listening to this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Mack Darland and Tyler King.  

Today’s guest is Mr. Scott Barnhart.  He was one of my original young Timothy from 2011 and it has been a pleasure watching him grow into a young man in Christ.  He shares about his marriage, fatherhood and family.  He is a great example of how LCA can partner with families to help equip and prepare young men and women to go out into the world to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I pray that this episode encourages you and that you will share it with someone that you love.  Thank you for listening to this episode of the Brian Ray Podcast with Mr. Scott Barnhart.  

As we continue our theme that highlights young Timothy in the life of Paul, we are honored to have Miss Jentry Bertram and Miss Evy Kincer.  They are members of the 2026 graduating class at LCA.  This may be one of the best conversations I have ever recorded as they discuss their time at LCA, their spiritual development and how they choose to follow Jesus as young women in Christ.  This is a conversation that will give you hope for our future as it represents the heart and direction of this bold and emerging generation.  We pray that you will be encouraged and ask that you share this conversation with all those you love.  Thanks for listening to this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Jentry Bertram and Evy Kincer.  

As we continue our theme that highlights the three men in the life of Paul, I am excited to have a conversation with one of my original “young Timothy’s”, Mr. Clay Mossbarger. Clay is a native of Central KY and a 2012 graduate of the Lexington Christian Academy.  Clay was a member of my first small group that was formed in the Spring of 2010 and was foundational in my understand that the weight room can be a mission field. Clay loves Jesus, his wife and the outdoors.  We pray you are encouraged by this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Mr. Clay Mossbarger.  

Today’s guest is Coach Ian Kossick.  He launches a new series we are connecting to the life of the Apostle Paul.  Paul has three distinct men in his life, an older man, a peer and a younger man.  In scripture, the younger man was Timothy.  God has provided an abundance of relationships with student athlete over the years.  All of them served as “young Timothy” in my life.  Ian is a follower of Jesus, faithful husband, loving father and a strength and condition professional.  We pray his story will encourage you invest in the younger generation.   We hope you enjoy this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Coach Ian Kossick.  

This is Part Two of my conversation with my good friend, Brian Owens.  After more than 20 years in corporate leadership, most recently at Amazon, Brian made the decision to retire and step away from that chapter of his life.  Today, we talk about that transition—what led to it, what he’s learned, and what it looks like to walk into something new with faith and purpose.This is Part Two with Brian Owens.

Today kicks off a special two-part conversation in our “Out with the Old, In with the New” series with someone who’s been a close friend of mine for over 20 years — Brian Owens. Our friendship goes way back, and getting to sit down and really unpack his story has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.Brian recently retired after a long career as a director in the corporate world, and what makes this conversation so meaningful isn’t just what he accomplished — it’s the journey behind it. We talk about faith, leadership, overcoming adversity, and what it really means to put others first… not just professionally, but in everyday life. He shares openly about the challenges he’s faced, the commitments he’s made, and the role his family has played in shaping who he is and the success he’s built. This is a story about resilience, perspective, and leading with purpose. I’m excited to share part one of this two-part conversation with my friend, Mr. Brian Owens.

Today’s guest is Jon Weece. Jon has transitioned out of vocational ministry into a new mission field that will have statewide, regional, and potentially national impact. He discusses the challenges of leaving a career and the importance of having Christ as our identity. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Brian Ray podcast with Mr. Jon Weece.

 Today’s guest is David Bundy.  David is a part of my OG group, that has invested in my faith for the almost six years.  He has recently transitioned out of his role as a servant leader in a regional accounting firm and discusses his faith, career and lessons he has learned.  His story embodies our theme of “out with the old, in with the new.”  I pray you are blessed by this conversation. Enjoy this episode of the Brian Ray Podcast with Mr. David Bundy. 

Today’s guest is Evan Davis.  Evan is a 2017 LCA graduate, man of faith and aspiring professional golf player.  He discusses the importance of his faith and how it has impacted every aspect of his life.  Evan is an amazing young man and I pray you will be blessed by our conversation.  We are on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Amazon Music.  You can also find us on Instagram at @TheRayTeam. See you next week.

In this episode, I will discuss my gratitude for season 1 and preview season 2. I want thank everyone who has listened this podcast. I pray that it honors God and brings Glory to His Son, Jesus. We look forward to all the new conversations we have to share in 2026.

“Health isn’t just physical—it’s a spiritual, mental, and physical fight, and you have to choose to stay in it.”“Today my guests are Kristin Ray and Lauren Wheatley, the creators of the Swole Sister Collective. They’re redefining wellness through strength, discipline, and consistency—without the fluff. In this episode, we talk about their personal stories, the community they’ve built, and how dialing in health is a spiritual battle as much as it is a mental and physical one.” We pray you will be blessed by episode 15 with the Swole Sister Collective.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Today’s guest is my wife, Kristin Ray.  Today, we walk down memory lane to discuss our favorite Christmas memories and share the joy we experience with our current Christmas traditions.  Merry Christmas to you and yours.  We pray you will be blessed by episode 14 with return guest Kristin Ray. 

Today’s guest is Mr. Jeff Jones.  Mr. Jones serves as the Lexington Christian Academy Head of School.   He is new to LCA as of the 2025-2026 school year.  I am excited to share his story as a Christ follower, husband, father and leader.  We pray you are blessed by this conversation. Enjoy episode 13 of the Brian Ray Podcast with Mr. Jeff Jones.We are on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Amazon.  You can also find us on Instagram at @TheRayTeam.

Today’s guest is Thad Highbaugh.  Thad is the principal for the Lexington Christian Academy Elementary School.   He is a Christ follower, husband and father.  We discuss the leadership, the joys of serving the primary age level and the impact of Christian education.  We pray you are blessed and feel a connection, with the leader, of our youngest LCA Eagles. Enjoy episode 12 of the Brian Ray Podcast with Mr. Thad Highbaugh. We are on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Amazon.  You can also find us on Instagram at @TheRayTeam.

Today’s guest is Lea Clark.  Lea serves as the LCA junior high principal.  She is a woman of faith, wife, mother and a great lady of integrity.  This is the third episode in our series of LCA leaders. Her perspective is unique as she was a LCA parent and teacher before serving as an administrator.  I believe you will be blessed by our conversation and understand her love and passion for Jesus, students, education and LCA.  We hope you enjoy episode 11 of the Brian Ray Podcast with Mrs. Lea Clark.

Today’s SPECIAL guest is Kristin Ray.  This is my much better half and wife of 19 years plus.   She is a repeat guest and will make more appearances in the future.  As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, we discuss gratitude and what we are looking forward to in the weeks to come.  We hope you enjoy this heartfelt episode 10 of the Brian Ray Podcast with SPECIAL guest, Kristin Ray. 

Dr. Cassondra Koett is the Principal of Lexington Christian Academy, where she leads with a blend of academic excellence, spiritual grounding, and a deep commitment to cultivating a culture of care. A seasoned educator and administrator, she is known for her ability to build strong teams, empower teachers, and create learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow.She is in year 16 with LCA spending 10 years in the classroom with seniors teaching public speaking and AP Literature and Composition.   A proud graduate of the University of Southern California, Dr. Koett blends the Trojan spirit of determination with a heart for service shaped by more than two decades in education. Her leadership at LCA is marked by strategic vision, joyful collaboration, and a passion for helping young people discover the purpose God has designed for them. Outside of her work at LCA, she’s a dedicated wife, daughter, friend, mentor, and proud fur-mom to Toby the Golden Retriever. Whether she’s cheering on her students, investing in her staff, or celebrating life’s adventures with family and friends, Cassondra brings kindness, wisdom, and integrity to every role she carries.  She is a loyal fan to her beloved Pittsburgh teams where she called home before making the move with her husband, Dan.   

Today's guest is Keith Galloway. He has the assistant principalat the Lexington Christian Academy and Athletics Chaplain. Today we discuss his time and experiences in coaching and the faith centric relationships we have formed over the years.

 Today’s guest is Brian Davis. Brian graduated from LCA in 2016 and went to UK to study Computer Engineering. He finished his degree in 2021 and commission as an officer in the US Navy. He is currently stationed in Charleston, SC teaching at Nuclear Power School. He married in 2021 before moving to Charleston. He and his wife, Emily, have 2 kids, Theo, 3 and Eleanor, 1 and a half. Hope you enjoy episode seven of the Brian Ray Podcast with Brian Davis. *EDITOR'S NOTE: We experienced some audio difficulties. You may have to turn your volume up to hear the podcast better. This podcast is a work in progress and we are grateful for your grace as we learn and grow.

Today’s guest is Samuel Martin.  He is a native of Georgetown, Kentucky. Samuel started attending LCA in 7th grade, and graduated from LCA in 2019. He played baseball for most of his time at LCA, and then ran track and cross country his senior year. Samuel also participated in Chick Fil A leader academy, beta club, and chamber choir. He  graduated from West Point in 2023, and currently live with his wife, Katherine, and baby girl, May, at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he serves as a Blackhawk Platoon Leader. We hope you enjoy episode six of the Brian Ray Podcast with Samuel Martin. (LCA)

Today’s guest is Pierce Ragland.  This is the second podcast of a four part series highlighting LCA graduates who are currently serving in the Armed Forces as we lead up to Veteran's Day 2025. Pierce graduated LCA in 2022 where he participated in Chick-fil-A leaders academy, Beta Club, served as a youth ministry leader for middle school students, and played basketball all four years. He and his family are members and worship at Southland Christian Church. He is currently a part of the West Point (United States Military Academy) Class of 2026 (Firstie) where he is an English major with a minor in Regional Studies of Europe (focus on German). He has served as a peer tutoring, writing center consultant, physician shadowing at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and studying abroad in Austria at the Theresian (terr-ree-zee-en) military academy. Currently he is serving as an announcer for Parades and intramural basketball. His hobbies include Protestant Theology/  apologetics, playing guitar, film buff, and lifting. We hope you enjoy episode Five of the Brian Ray Podcast with Pierce Ragland. (LCA)

Today’s guest is Sam Arnold.  He is a former student athlete and is a part of my LCA circle. He is the first of a four part series highlighting LCA alum who are currently serving in the US Military. He is a 2015 LCA grad where he played football and baseball. Sam attended the University of Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2020. Upon graduation he attended Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course (IBOLC) Jan 21- June 21 . He moved to Alaska Oct 21 and served as a Stryker Platoon Leader from Dec 21- Sept 22. Next, he served as an executive officer from Sept 22- Sept 23. Following this, he did second stint of Executive Officer time from Oct 23- Sept 24. Currently serving as the assistant Battalion Operations Officer. Sam shares his amazing story of faith and fortitude. (LCA)

Today's guest is my wife, Kristin Ray. We will discuss our success and challenges of communication within our marriage. We will also discuss the joys and challenges of parenting teenagers.

Today's guest is Kurt Braun. Kurt is a part of my Southland and LCA circles. He is a Christ follower, husband, father and leader.

Episode 1: Today’s guest is Dusty Bonner.  Dusty is a Christ follower, husband, father, friend and a sales professional.