The Living Grounded Podcast

In this important and timely episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, Jill Kowalski, Kyle Zacour, and Ron Moore discuss the growing crisis of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection impacting families, teenagers, and communities across America. More importantly, they ask: What does Scripture teach about why humans were created for relationship? Why are teens and young adults struggling to feel seen and known? What role should Christian parents and the Church play in rebuilding meaningful connection? And what hope does the Gospel offer that culture cannot?

Megg Hondru and Luke Mantzell join host Ron Moore to discuss the challenges teens face today that look nothing like they did a generation ago.  Through personal stories, frontline experience, and honest conversation, we explore: - Where a passion for reaching teens begins - The hidden pressures teens carry that most adults miss - How parents can start difficult conversations around shame, mental health, and technology - What it looks like to truly show up for teens in today’s culture - And how faith and the message of Christ fit into these conversations in a real, practical way This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness, presence, and hope. If you’re a parent, mentor, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

What are the biggest digital threats facing your kids right now—and what can you do about them today? In this focused episode, Ron Moore breaks down ten essential insights every parent needs, from managing screen time and preventing addiction to fostering trust and teaching identity in Christ. This episode is practical, urgent, and deeply encouraging for parents navigating today’s challenges.

Tyler walked away from his faith and into a life marked by substance abuse, searching for something to fill the void. What began as distance from God eventually led to an overdose that could have ended everything. But it didn’t. In this powerful and honest conversation, Tyler shares how one constant never wavered—his dad’s unconditional love. That steady presence became a lifeline, guiding him back not just to sobriety, but to a restored relationship with Christ. Today, Tyler is helping others find that same grounding. Through discipleship and real-life investment in people, he’s walking alongside others who feel lost, just like he once did. This episode is about brokenness, redemption, and the kind of love that refuses to give up.

In this episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, we sit down with bestselling author Cliff Graham to explore the raw, unfiltered life of King David. From battlefield courage to deep personal failure, David’s story reveals what it truly means to be both a warrior and a worshiper. This conversation challenges modern assumptions about masculinity, leadership, brotherhood, and what it means to be a man after God’s own heart.

In this powerful and sobering episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, we sit down with survivor and advocate Alicia Kozak to uncover the real dangers of online grooming and exploitation. Alicia shares her personal story of being abducted after online manipulation—and how the FBI rescued her after four terrifying days. This conversation equips both parents and young people with practical awareness, while pointing us back to truth, courage, and hope.

Jessie Merckle discusses how she navigated the pressure and challenges to become the top javelin thrower in the country even amidst some behind-the-scenes difficulties. ,

Jill Kowalski sits down with Ron Moore to wrestle through faith, politics, Israel, and God’s sovereignty in a world at war. This conversation won’t give you easy answers—but it will challenge how you think, pray, and live.

Fear stops a lot of people from stepping into the life God is inviting them to live—but what if fear isn’t the signal to stop, but the signal to trust Him more deeply? In this episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, we welcome back Kent Chevalier, chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to talk about courage, calling, and the message behind his book Do It Afraid. Kent shares how to discern whether fear is a warning or an invitation from God, the role prayer plays when facing intimidating decisions, and practical steps anyone can take to move forward in faith.

Ron Moore and Kyle Zacour join Jake Overman, University of Pittsburgh football standout, to discuss his Christian faith and what it looks like to live boldly for Jesus. 

A recent high school arrest for sexual extortion has shaken our community and left many parents asking, “Could this happen to my child?” In this powerful and practical conversation, therapist Heidi Erickson explains how screens impact the developing brain, why online behavior can escalate so quickly, and how technology can hijack young minds. Most importantly, we offer real tools and hope for parents who want to protect their children without living in fear.

In this episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, I sit down with longtime friend, Scott Keffer, to trace his journey from first trusting Christ to faithfully discipling others for decades. Scott shares how a deep love for Scripture shaped his identity, leadership, and one-on-one investment in people. Whether you feel spiritually dry or hungry for more of God’s Word, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to engage Scripture in a way that transforms both heart and life.

Jill Kowalski, Tom Rojahn, and Ron Moore discuss the question “Where do I go to hide from God?” using the story of King David’s escape to Ziklag. In this episode, we explore the warning signs that lead us to our own “Ziklag,” and the grace of crisis that brings us home.

Kaitlyn and Matt Freund share with raw honesty how their faith was tested when their daughter Monroe was born with life-threatening health challenges.

In this heartfelt episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, Kyle and I sit down with Olivia Sperber, a gifted singer-songwriter with a recording contract and a clear path to Nashville—who chose to pause her rising career for something even more meaningful: family.

Tom Rojahn and Ron Moore take an honest and biblical look at Christian community. Together, they explore why following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey—and why true community goes far beyond showing up on Sundays.

Writer and activist Ben Zeisloft on the abolitionist view of abortion. This episode is purposed to stretch us, challenge us, and force us to examine what faithfulness looks like in a complex culture. 

Fernando Ascencio speaks openly and honestly about grief, suffering, and hope in Jesus while grieving the loss of his son and being diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Geppert, leader of the Southeast Asia Prayer Center and the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation, discusses the power of prayer in both personal and community contexts.

This Christmas episode of Living Grounded goes behind the manger as Jill Kowalski, Tom Rojahn, and Ron Moore walk through seven biblical purposes of the Incarnation. Their conversation reveals how Christ’s coming transforms more than a season—it transforms a life. Discover the lasting significance of God taking on flesh./

Karen Smith shares her powerful journey of faith, loss, and healing after the suicide of her husband and how God is using her to minister to college-age students today. 

Mack and Janet McAdoo on finding identity in Jesus rather than basketball and finding purpose and ministry in taking the message of Christ throughout the world with 1Died4All Sports. 

Melissa Arabia—an inspiring mom and ministry leader on creative and tangible ways for parents to become grounded in God’s Word. 

Tommy Sewall shares why your personal story is one of the most powerful tools in sharing the Gospel—especially with Gen Z. Learn how authenticity, vulnerability, and real relationships open the door for Jesus-centered conversations.

Logan Zawasky on surviving a life-threatening accident, the low times, the chronic pain, and how Jesus has been his constant strength through it all.

Ray Comfort, founder of Living Waters Ministry, on sharing Jesus naturally and boldly to family, friends, and people who sit next to you on a plane. 

Professional dancer, teacher, and social media influencer Sarah Ashley Hunt on how she stays centered on Jesus while using her platforms to inspire rather than impress. 

Dr. Gary Scott Smith, renowned historian, author, and former chair of the History Department at Grove City College on Christian Faith in the Public Square. 

Forgiveness isn’t just a virtue—it’s a battleground for the soul. In the wake of a national conversation sparked by contrasting public statements—from radical grace to open resentment—we’re diving deep into the meaning, power, and challenge of forgiveness. What does it really mean to forgive? Is forgiveness the same as grace? Does forgiving mean forgetting—or reconciling? And how do we live this out when the wounds still hurt?  In this episode, Jill Kowalski, Tom Rojahn, and Ron Moore walk through the biblical foundation of forgiveness, share personal reflections, and explore what it takes to release the weight of anger and bitterness. Through powerful stories, honest questions, and Spirit-led truth, we invite you to confront the pain, receive God's grace, and make the courageous choice to forgive.

How should a Christian respond to the Charlie Kirk conversation? Host Jill Kowalski sits down with Ron Moore and Tom Rojahn to discuss Kirk’s impact and how Christian’s should engage with family and friends. 

Casey Wassel describes her journey through the silent weight of a miscarriage and working through postpartum depression.

Mark Steffey, the long-time Chaplain of the Pitt Panthers college football team, on the spiritual tensions college athletes face when success, pressure, and expectations collide with the deeper questions of purpose and identity.

In this powerful episode of the Living Grounded Podcast, we're joined by leadership coach Luke McClain to explore the foundational principles that shape authentic, effective leadership. Whether you're leading a team, a business, a family, or simply yourself, this conversation breaks down what it truly means to lead with clarity, purpose, and presence. Luke shares real-world insight, personal stories, and practical tools that help leaders stay grounded while guiding others toward growth.

In this episode with therapist Debbie Schratz, we take an honest look at how anxiety weighs on our hearts, shapes our choices, and often pulls us away from God. Through biblical wisdom, practical tools, and compassionate conversation, we offer hope and guidance for walking in peace—even when life feels overwhelming.

In this powerful re-airing of a Living Grounded favorite, we revisit the deeply personal story of Lindsey Graney. Once living in a lifestyle that distanced her from both her family and her faith, Lindsey shares how she came to rediscover the God she once pushed away. Her story is one of struggle, surrender, and ultimate transformation. No matter your journey, her testimony is a reminder that God meets us right where we are—and that no one is ever too far gone for grace.

Josh and Meaghan Elliott on confronting secret sin and finding God’s great grace.

Mike and Casey Fitzgerald on living far from God and finding their way back home.

David Gibbs, President and General Counsel of the National Center for Life and Liberty on the current administration, immigration, cultural shifts, and how a Christian should think about Israel. 

Bill Mowry on five practices to encounter God through the Scriptures.

College students Maggie Booth and Taylor Aiello join hosts Kyle Zacour and Ron Moore to give advice to incoming college students from their personal experience. 

Amy Shannon on experiencing tragedy, loss, and God’s strength.

Craig Gyergyo on four questions that all leaders wrestle with but few will say out loud.

Chris Torchia on how parents should respond to their son or daughter who comes out as gay or lesbian.  How should Christian parents respond when their son or daughter comes out as gay or lesbian? In this episode of The Living Grounded Podcast, Pastor Mike Torchia joins us for a compassionate and candid conversation that balances biblical conviction with Christlike love. We explore the heartbreak, hope, tension, and truth surrounding this deeply personal issue—and how parents can stay grounded in faith while navigating difficult conversations. Whether you’re a parent walking this journey, a friend seeking to support someone who is, or a follower of Jesus wanting to better understand, this episode offers wisdom, grace, and gospel-centered guidance.

Reagan Dillie describes how a tragic loss shook her faith and the journey to re-engage with God.

Dr. Debbie Schratz on caring for our mental health in a digital world. 

Jennifer Tsangaris on striving for success and entering into surrender. 

Lindsey Gurk on the struggles with perfectionism, the weight of unrealistic expectations, and spiritual surrender.

Dr. Larry Moyer on how to share the Gospel with family members. Talking to family members about the gospel can be one of the most emotionally charged and spiritually challenging conversations we face. They're the people we love most—and the ones we most long to see in heaven. But often, we unintentionally make it harder than it needs to be.  In this episode, we explore five common mistakes believers make when sharing their faith with family. These insights will help you speak with more clarity, confidence, and compassion as you pursue the eternal well-being of those closest to you.

Amanda and Rich Osberg on tragedy before their marriage and the recovery and purpose through the pain

Connie Armitage on her journey of faith through the loss of her son and husband.