The Something Different Podcast

In this episode, Pastor Tommy shares stories and insights from the journey of the Centerville campus—from its launch on Easter Sunday in 2019 to where it is today, seven years later. You’ll hear how Pastor Tommy’s unique background has helped shape a church family that fights for one another and is known to get a little rowdy for Jesus.

In this episode Debbie Jarr and Neal Caylor share their experience of serving on a team that recently traveled to Asheville, NC to provide relief to the people hard hit by the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

It’s easy to preach about joy, but it’s much harder to live it when the world constantly tells you that you aren’t enough.In this candid conversation, Pastor Craig and Pastor Marty peel back the curtain on their own lives—sharing the personal struggles they’ve faced even while leading a church. They move past the Sunday morning clichés to discuss the brutality of comparison and how it wages war on our personal identity.

In this episode, Pastor Craig interviews Ana Julia, a 21-year-old missionary from Brazil who is currently serving in Guinea-Bissau. During her four-day visit to The Bridge, she inspired both students and adults with stories of God’s miracles, her fervent prayer life, and her heart for the nations.

In this Valentine’s Day–inspired episode, Pastor Craig sits down with his wife, Becky, and Jenny Schmidt for an honest conversation about marriage; why it's hard—and why Christian marriage requires choices and attitudes that don't often don't come naturally to us.

In this episode, Pastor Craig sits down with Luke Yetter the morning after Luke served as a guest speaker at The Bridge. Luke shares more of the story behind his incredible journey—rising from financial poverty to early retirement at just 34 years old. But what seemed like the ultimate success quickly revealed a deeper struggle: relational poverty. Luke opens up about the unexpected emptiness he experienced and how, in that broken place, he encountered God in a powerful and life-changing way. Now Luke is now on mission to help people grow in loving both God and others.

Season 2 kicks off with Pastor Craig and Pastor Marty sitting down for one of the most honest, hopeful conversations we’ve had yet. From fresh snowfall and fresh starts to rededication moments (and even a nose-job story), this episode sets the tone for a new year of depth, substance, and expectancy.Together, they look back at “2025 Wrapped” and dream toward 2026, asking what it really means for our church to grow from “101 to 201.” They unpack why many church plants stall out, what it looks like to cultivate true vocational calling, and how to move beyond simply offering “relevant messages” into something more—something authentic, Spirit-led, and rooted.Pastor Craig and Pastor Marty dive into the tension of being “deep and wide,” exploring a church culture that is both word and spirit… mystic and liturgy… sacrament and supernatural. They talk churn, comfort, disruption, and the kind of significance that doesn’t always look like “taking hills.”Let’s become a 201 church together.

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty + Craig discuss what it means to be “on mission.” They share about the significance of mission trips, including benefits such as commitment, obedience, fasting from routine, gaining new perspectives, building relationships, and the spiritual and personal growth that can result from participating in mission trips.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Craig + Darik are joined by Pastor Cub, Ottumwa’s campus pastor, and discuss what it looks like to lead in situations when you’r not in charge. They take a look at real life scenarios, work and home related, and touch on ways we can do this well, how we can learn and improve, and ultimately, become leaders who are influencing people towards the right thing no matter what position we’re in! The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty, Joined as usual by his friends Pastor Craig + Darik, discuss the topic of “Year End Review.” Tune in and get some insight into how you can look back at your year in a way that sets you up for future momentum Resources:https://thebridgechurch.cc/year-end-reviewEpisode Summary: “Year End Review”Authenticity: Emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and living out one's true identity.Identity in Christ: For Christians, understanding and embracing one's identity in Christ is crucial for authenticity.Vulnerability: Being open and vulnerable is necessary for authenticity, but it should be done appropriately and in safe environments.Healthy Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure one remains true to oneself.Emotional Intelligence: Developing emotional intelligence to better understand oneself and manage relationships with others effectively.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.ccSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28mG4pLjMy19xG1tfWjrLRApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-something-different-podcast/id1750082999

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty and his wife Jenny, share thoughts the importance of being authentic. Episode Summary: “The Importance Of Being Authentic”Authenticity: The importance of being authentic, which involves living out one's true identity and knowing oneself deeply, including strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities.Journey and Past Experiences: Understanding one's journey and past experiences is crucial in developing authenticity. This includes acknowledging both positive and negative experiences that have shaped who you are.Vulnerability: Being authentic requires vulnerability, which means being open about one's struggles and imperfections in appropriate settings.Boundaries and Emotional Intelligence: Establishing healthy boundaries and developing emotional intelligence are essential for maintaining authenticity. This involves understanding and managing one's emotions and interactions with others. Spiritual Identity: For Christians, knowing one's identity in Christ is fundamental to being authentic. This includes understanding that each person is uniquely created by God with a specific purpose and plan.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty, Craig, and Darik share thoughts and wisdom on money. Too often, this quickly becomes a loaded topic, but they guys break it down in a practical way that gives you ideas on how you can win with your finances. Episode Resources:Every Dollar App - Dave Ramsey Financial Solutionshttps://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/everydollar?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADJkv4Kd-T5c2VBvNkUa9Iq2mGWl4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3vO3BhCqARIsAEWblcBmVJh01uxtV_5sv9gQFmX7zDPiNh7znD7VhM5cUYIooxJbsnL9DGoaAo72EALw_wcBPastor Marty’s Show Notes + list of 25 financial principles thathttps://storage2.snappages.site/5GTJFG/assets/files/SDP_Episode_07_Show-Notes.pdfEpisode Summary: “Money Thoughts”1. Track Your Money: Use tools like the EveryDollar app to monitor your spending and understand where your money is going. 2. Set Financial Goals: Establish clear financial goals to guide your spending and saving habits.3. Get Out of Debt: Prioritize paying off debt, distinguishing between good debt (like a mortgage) and bad debt (like credit card debt). 4. Establish an Emergency Fund: Save up to $1,000 initially, then aim for three months of living expenses to cover unexpected costs. 5. Be Generous: Practice generosity and consider giving as an essential part of your financial plan, reflecting a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty is joined once again by his best friend and wife, Jenny, as well as good friend Kelsey Van Hemert (Next Gen Director at The Bridge church). In this episode, they discuss parenting, teens, tweens, screens, technology, highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s all there and packed full of wisdom and resources. Enjoy!Episode Resources:Habits of the Household - Justin Whitmel Earleyhttps://a.co/d/f3fVyU0Are my kids on track? - Sissy Goff, David Thomas & Melissa Trevathanhttps://a.co/d/3ng2Sm3Parenting: Getting it Right - Andy & Sandra Stanleyhttps://a.co/d/07ABfbGIt’s Just a Phase So Don’t Miss It (Orange)https://a.co/d/0jVgUUZThink Ahead - Craig Groschelhttps://a.co/d/hR0zQPcParenting In The 21st Century | Sermon Serieshttps://www.thebridgechurch.cc/media/series/tqydctr/parenting-in-the-21st-centuryEpisode Summary: “Parenting?”Phone-Free Schools Implementation:Decision made to have phone-free schools with 60% parent support.School board approval obtained.Implications for students and parents in terms of communication and monitoring phone usage at home.Parental Involvement and Support:Parents advised to align rules at home with school policy. Emphasis on parents monitoring phone usage and setting boundaries at home.Challenges and Impact on Students:Need for students to detox from phone usage during school. Risk of excessive phone engagement after school, leading to a cycle of detoxing and re-engagement.Awareness of Technology Effects:Acknowledgment of brain rewiring and addictive nature of technology. Emphasis on self-awareness and self-regulation in phone usage to avoid negative mental health and social effects.Respect for Authority and Decision-Making:Importance of honoring authority and respecting school rules.Understanding the impact of decisions on personal behavior and well-being regarding technology use.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty and the SDP crew share thoughts on how to approach change and transition in all phases of life: at home, at work, with friends, family, etc. It’s all there. Enjoy!Episode Resources:Managing Transitions by William Bridges https://a.co/d/6tdp97f Episode Summary: “Change/Transition”Change is more situational and concrete, while transition is psychological and emotional, involving smaller changes related to the big change.Recognizing the difference between change and transition can help understand why things are difficult.Transition involves three stages: ending, neutral zone, and beginning, each with its own characteristics and challenges.Communication, trust, and grace are crucial during times of change and transition.Reflecting on past experiences, retelling stories, and being present in the moment can provide resilience and courage during transitions.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty is joined by his best friend and wife, Jenny, to talk about marriage and all the things they wish they had known. Episode Resources:Book: Timothy Keller - The Meaning of Marriage Book: Craig Groschel - From this Day Forward Sermon Series: "Parenting in the 21st Century"https://www.thebridgechurch.cc/media/series/tqydctr/parenting-in-the-21st-centuryEpisode Summary: “Rest”Communication in marriage: Emphasized the importance of effective communication, including the practice of "sharing the floor" to improve communication.Dealing with in-laws: Highlighted the significance of understanding each other's backgrounds and family dynamics to navigate relationships with in-laws.Handling money in marriage: Shared experiences of financial disagreements, learning to communicate about money, and the importance of regular money meetings.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

In this episode of the SDP, Pastor Marty is joined by Pastors Craig + Darik to talk about something we could all use a little more of… rest. Episode Resources:Year in Review / Questions to discover what is restful for you: RPMS-EF: Ask yourself the question, “how am I…” Relationally?Physically?Mentally?Spiritually?Emotionally?Financially?Serve Day is Saturday, July 20. Sign up to serve or register a project HERE: thebridgechurch.cc/servedayWE SERVE WITH JOY! It’s about right priorities. We can wait to bless SE Iowa with serve day projects at all 4 of our locations!Episode Summary: “Rest”Rest is often misunderstood and undervalued, but it is essential for our well-being. Genuine rest goes beyond simply sitting or lying down for a few minutes and requires intentional time to recharge and rejuvenate.Serving others can be restful and fulfilling for our souls. When we help and bless others, it not only benefits them but also brings joy and satisfaction to our own lives.Restraint is important for maintaining a healthy soul. It involves saying no to certain things or activities that may drain us or distract us from what truly matters. By practicing restraint, we can focus on what is truly important and find greater peace and contentment.Relationships play a crucial role in nourishing our souls. Connecting with others, sharing life experiences, and having meaningful conversations can bring a sense of belonging, support, and love. It is important to prioritize and invest in relationships that bring us joy and fulfillment.Taking time to reflect and evaluate our lives is essential for soul care. Asking ourselves questions about what fills us up, what drains us, and what areas of our lives need attention can help us identify areas for growth and improvement. Regular self-reflection and evaluation can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.The Something Different Podcast covers a wide range of topics related to faith, family, leadership, and the good life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always authentic and for sure something different. Our hope is to share practical thoughts about the intersection of faith and life. Tune in on the first Tuesday of every month to hear faith building conversations that aim to inspire and energize your journey!For more info, resources, and access to past episodes, please visit: somethingdifferent.cc

Show Notes:https://www.barna.comBarna Group is a Christian research organization that provides data and insights on the trends affecting faith, culture and ministry today. Explore their articles, reports, podcasts, courses and services to help you lead by faith in an ever-changing world.