The Engage Your Destiny Podcast

This week on The Ben Peterson Show, we confront one of the most dangerous spiritual and cultural shifts of our generation: artificial intelligence becoming a false source of truth, purpose, and even worship.As AI rapidly advances, some of the world’s leading technologists are already discussing AI-generated religions, AI “Messiah” figures, and the future of digital spirituality. What happens when faith becomes a trillion-dollar business model? What happens when people begin turning to machines for guidance meant to come from God?Ben Peterson breaks down the rise of AI religion, the commercialization of faith, the dangers of deception, and why this generation must learn to use AI as a tool — not a guide for the soul.From AI avatars of Jesus and Buddha, to the growing conversation around AI consciousness and purpose, this episode explores why humanity is entering a defining moment unlike anything we’ve seen before.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: http://engageyourdestiny.org/becomeaguardian📕 PRE-ORDER BEN’S NEW BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637636237?tag=simonsayscomNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: AI, faith, and the future of culture01:30 – Engage Your Destiny’s mission and the Guardian program02:15 – Ben’s new AI book and helping families navigate technology03:30 – AI-generated Jesus and Buddha avatars04:30 – Religion becoming a trillion-dollar business05:45 – Why AI cannot replace a relationship with God06:30 – Pendulum Theory and generational collapse cycles08:00 – “Me” generations vs “We” generations08:45 – Prosperity gospel and commercialization of faith10:30 – The dangers of turning religion into entertainment11:15 – Anthropic, Claude AI, and “child of God” discussions12:15 – Technology accelerating human sin13:00 – AI relationships, sex robots, and moral collapse13:45 – “The Great Deception” and Matthew 2414:30 – AI-created religions and digital messiahs15:15 – Why people will begin worshiping AI16:00 – Wars, rumors of wars, and the birth pains of the end times16:45 – Rachel’s childbirth story and spiritual preparation17:30 – Awakening your spirit in the age of AI18:15 – Final warning: use AI as a tool, not your guide

This week, we step into a pivotal moment on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast as we introduce The Ben Peterson Show—a new chapter focused on faith, culture, and the rising influence of artificial intelligence.As technology rapidly reshapes the world, a deeper question emerges: are we using AI as a tool… or allowing it to become our guide?In this episode, Ben Peterson shares the heart behind the rebrand and unpacks a critical tension facing this generation—how to navigate faith in an age where answers are instant, but wisdom is often missing. Through real-life stories and personal conviction, he reveals the difference between creating with purpose and outsourcing the very voice God placed within us.This message goes beyond technology. It’s about identity, discernment, and the responsibility of believers to remain grounded in truth while engaging a changing world.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: http://engageyourdestiny.org/becomeaguardian📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to The Ben Peterson Show01:00 – Why the rebrand from Engage Your Destiny Podcast02:00 – Faith in the age of AI and cultural shifts03:00 – The critical question: tool or guide?04:00 – Using AI as a tool (real-world business example)05:30 – The danger of using AI as a guide06:30 – Choosing prayer over instant answers07:30 – Waiting, seeking, and receiving clarity08:00 – The growing reliance on AI for direction08:30 – Gen Z, AI, and the crisis of guidance09:00 – A call to lead, think, and live differently

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we sit down with Andrea Hand, artist, songwriter, and founder of Sound of Hope, for a powerful conversation about suicide, trauma, mental health, and the healing power of faith.Andrea shares how her life changed after losing three people to suicide in a single year, including her cousin. What began as a calling in music became a mission to confront the silence around mental health and help people find hope, healing, and freedom.From touring with Carrie Underwood and appearing on The Voice, to building a nonprofit that helps remove the stigma around emotional pain, Andrea opens up about what unresolved trauma, hidden wounds, and core lies can do to a person’s life if left unaddressed.This conversation goes deeper than mental health awareness. It is about truth, inner healing, community, and learning how to walk with God in a world filled with noise, distraction, isolation, and artificial intelligence. Andrea shares why faith matters, why healing is often a process, and why no one should suffer in silence.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 Introduction00:45 Andrea Hand’s background in music and ministry02:00 Losing three people to suicide in one year05:00 The beginning of Sound of Hope06:00 Suicide, mental health, and the church’s blind spot07:30 The vision for the Sound of Hope docuseries10:00 Trauma, core lies, and inner healing18:30 Rejection, identity, and the music industry27:00 Why Andrea is passionate about removing the stigma30:00 AI, isolation, and protecting the human soul38:00 Hearing God in a distracted world43:00 Final message of hope for those who are struggling

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we share a powerful testimony from an undisclosed base in the Middle East, a story of warfare, prayer, and the undeniable intervention of God. In the middle of ongoing incoming attacks, a chaplain cried out for a miracle: a six-hour window to rescue a family trapped in a war zone. What happened next is a reminder that God still moves on the battlefield.This episode is more than a testimony from the front lines. It is a call to faith under pressure. Ben Peterson opens the Word in Joshua 10 and draws a direct connection between the God who fought for Israel and the God who still answers impossible prayers today. When chaos surrounds you, when the battle feels nonstop, and when you need heaven to make a way, this message will challenge you to pray boldly and stand firm.This conversation also speaks directly to the spiritual battles many are facing right now, fear, mental exhaustion, temptation, hopelessness, and the war for the mind. If you’ve been feeling under attack, this episode will remind you that you do not have to surrender your thoughts, your peace, or your purpose. You are called to fight with spiritual authority and trust the God of the impossible.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 Welcome to Engage Your Destiny00:45 The Guardian mission and supporting active-duty military01:50 Joshua 10 and the God who fights for His people04:20 Testimony from an undisclosed base in the Middle East05:00 Six weeks of nonstop incoming fire05:45 A family trapped in a war zone06:15 The chaplain’s impossible prayer06:40 The six-hour miracle window07:20 What battle are you facing right now?08:10 God still answers prayers on the battlefield08:40 Spiritual warfare and taking thoughts captive10:00 A call to fight for your mind, family, and purpose10:20 Why Engage Your Destiny supports service members10:40 Become a Guardian and join the mission

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, Ben Peterson takes on one of the most urgent questions of our time: Is A.I. slowly eroding your faith?As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in everyday life, military operations, decision-making, and even the way people search for meaning, this conversation goes deeper than technology. Ben unpacks how AI can quietly become a substitute for spiritual dependence, discernment, and trust in God—especially when people begin turning to machines for answers their souls were meant to bring to the Lord.Using a powerful Navy SEAL training analogy, biblical truth, and his own story of trauma, combat loss, and suicidal darkness after Iraq, Ben reveals what real faith looks like when you cannot see what’s ahead. This episode is a challenge to reject false comfort, resist spiritual numbness, and return to the only compass that can guide you through the dark: the Word of God.This is more than a conversation about innovation. It is a wake-up call about dependence, identity, spiritual hunger, and the battle for your soul in a digital age.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers. Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Is A.I. eroding your faith?01:00 – The mission of Engage Your Destiny and why this topic matters02:20 – How AI is already being used in military operations02:50 – Navy SEAL underwater navigation as a picture of faith04:30 – Faith, the Word of God, and believing in what you cannot see06:10 – What separates humanity from machines07:00 – The rise of artificial superintelligence and spiritual dependence07:40 – Why quick answers can weaken deep faith08:00 – Jesus walking to the cross and trusting through the unknown09:00 – Ben’s story: Iraq, trauma, loss, and suicidal darkness10:05 – The mentor’s words that changed everything10:40 – Is AI replacing trust in God?11:20 – Are you turning to technology for answers your soul needs from God?12:00 – How faith led Ben from pain into purpose13:00 – Doom scrolling, numbness, and spiritual hunger13:30 – Final challenge: what are you turning to for your soul?

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we step into a conversation most people will never hear inside the life of a Special Forces chaplain who has walked through war, brokenness, and redemption.From the battlefields of Ramadi to ministering to elite warriors in the Middle East, Justin shares what it means to carry faith into some of the darkest places on earth. This is not theory it is lived experience.We hear how trauma, infidelity, and despair nearly destroyed his life and how God met him in that place and rebuilt everything. From restoring his marriage to baptizing soldiers on deployment, his story reveals what redemption really looks like under pressure.But this conversation goes deeper.It explores the unseen weight carried by soldiers, the reality of evil in modern warfare, and how faith stands in a world of uncertainty, AI driven combat, and global conflict. What does it mean to follow Christ when life and death decisions are happening in real time?This is more than a story.It is a call to understand the cost of war on the soul and the power of faith to restore it.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 From infantry soldier to chaplain03:00 Trauma from Ramadi and losing 120 soldiers06:00 Marriage breakdown and moment of conviction08:00 Encounter with God and radical transformation12:00 Darkness in the military and how faith brings light16:00 Ministry in Special Forces and earning trust19:00 Faith in the middle of global conflict24:00 AI warfare and the future of the battlefield30:00 Spiritual mission vs modern war35:00 Finding answers in a world of noise41:00 Who are you without technology44:00 How to hear God’s voice50:00 Final encouragement and mission

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we step into a conversation that goes far beyond technology.As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes warfare, culture, and daily life, a deeper question emerges—what is it forming in us?From the frontlines of Iraq to the frontlines of today’s digital battlefield, Ben Peterson shares what he witnessed in combat, the spiritual battles soldiers carry home, and why the crisis of military suicide continues to rise at an alarming rate.But this conversation doesn’t stop at war.We uncover how AI is changing the way people think, decide, and relate—and why this moment in history may be more significant than most realize. As nations race to advance artificial intelligence and even deploy autonomous systems, the line between human judgment and machine control is beginning to blur.This is more than a discussion about technology.It’s about identity, dependence, and the quiet shift happening in the human soul.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and why this conversation matters now01:45 – Ben’s story: Iraq, trauma, and coming home04:30 – The military suicide crisis explained07:30 – The pressure on today’s military forces10:30 – Social media, addiction, and mental health decline13:00 – “AI is not just automation… it’s formation”16:30 – How AI is being integrated into the military19:30 – Autonomous weapons and AI decision-making22:30 – The global AI race and rising risks25:30 – The deeper spiritual implications of AI28:30 – Dependency, identity, and digital influence31:00 – Where we are headed in the next few years33:30 – How to navigate AI without losing your foundation36:00 – Final thoughts and call to awareness

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we’re hearing real-time reports from the battlefield—stories most people will never hear.From deployed units in the Middle East, we’re witnessing something undeniable. Drones that should have detonated didn’t. Soldiers survived impossible situations. Men are awakening to faith in the middle of war.But this isn’t just about what’s happening on the battlefield.It’s about the war happening inside people.In this episode, we break down how spiritual strongholds are formed—and how they are destroyed. Through a powerful framework of wound, message, vow, and mask, we uncover why so many stay stuck… and how true freedom begins.This is not just a story about war.It’s about faith under pressure, healing at the root, and the reality that God is still moving—right now.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction and mission update02:00 – Expansion into military bases (San Diego & Camp Pendleton)05:30 – Miracles reported from the battlefield08:30 – The reality of modern warfare and AI drones10:30 – Faith in what cannot be seen12:30 – The “Mask Cycle” explained (wound, message, vow, mask)15:30 – Breaking strongholds through healing and forgiveness17:00 – Invitation to partner with the mission

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, Ben Peterson breaks down a viral AI-generated video showing Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in a fight scene that never actually happened.Every frame, voice, and movement was created entirely by artificial intelligence.As deepfake technology rapidly advances, we are entering a world where video may no longer be reliable evidence. If AI can recreate anyone’s face, voice, and actions, how will we know what is real?This episode explores the growing power of AI, the future of digital deception, and why spiritual discernment will matter more than ever in the years ahead.In a world where truth may become harder to see, hope and clarity are found in Jesus Christ.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps00:00 – The viral AI video of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise01:10 – How AI can recreate actors, voices, and scenes02:40 – How artificial intelligence analyzes massive digital data04:00 – Why video evidence may no longer be reliable05:00 – The rise of deepfake technology and its implications06:10 – The three levels of artificial intelligence explained07:20 – What happens if AI becomes self-aware08:10 – The coming age of deception in the digital world09:20 – Why spiritual discernment matters more than ever10:00 – Finding hope through faith in Christ

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we bring you urgent messages from inside Iran — from underground Christians praying for freedom and from U.S. soldiers taking enemy fire on the front lines.As war intensifies in the Middle East, we examine what’s really happening beneath the headlines. The underground church in Iran is growing despite persecution. Believers are risking their lives. Soldiers are navigating the spiritual and emotional weight of combat. And artificial intelligence is now being used in modern warfare at levels we’ve never seen before.This episode isn’t just about geopolitics — it’s about the soul.From reports of persecuted Christians crying out for peace, to firsthand updates from deployed service members whose tents were destroyed in recent attacks, we explore what it means to stand firm in faith when the world feels unstable.We also unpack the growing alliance between Iran, Russia, and China, the global AI arms race, and the moral weight facing military members as autonomous weapons enter the battlefield.This conversation challenges us to pray differently.To think deeper.And to support the men and women defending freedom — not just physically, but spiritually.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we confront one of the most urgent questions of our time:What happens when artificial intelligence enters the battlefield?The U.S. military is accelerating AI training across all service branches. A $200 million Pentagon contract with Anthropic has ignited tension over autonomous drones, mass surveillance, and AI systems that can potentially make kill decisions on their own.From the AI arms race with China and Russia, to the ethical standoff between the Department of Defense and major tech companies, this episode unpacks what’s really happening behind the headlines — and why it matters for every American.Ben Peterson addresses the growing tension between military necessity and moral responsibility — and reminds believers that while we may support leaders, our ultimate loyalty belongs to Jesus alone.This episode is not fear-driven.It’s faith-driven.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-     ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable    📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:     Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny    Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 – Engage Your Destiny expansion update & prayer02:00 – The Pentagon’s $200M AI contract with Anthropic04:30 – Autonomous drones and AI kill decision debates07:30 – Russia, Ukraine, and the AI battlefield reality09:30 – AI war gaming and military strategy shifts11:00 – Government pressure and “supply chain risk” threats12:30 – Allegiance to Jesus over political leaders14:00 – How Christians should navigate the AI era

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we confront one of the biggest spiritual questions of our time: Is AI becoming your new best friend — or your new master?As artificial intelligence rapidly integrates into military systems, daily routines, and even personal relationships, we unpack what this means for your faith, identity, and spiritual formation. From productivity hacks and life optimization to emotional dependency and distraction, this episode explores the fine line between using technology as a tool — and letting it shape your soul.We examine the cultural promise of AI as the “friend who never sleeps,” the hidden cost of digital intimacy, and why believers must guard their first love in a world engineered for attention capture. This conversation isn’t anti-technology, it’s about spiritual clarity in a distracted age.This episode is especially critical for active-duty military members navigating AI in modern warfare, leadership, and everyday life.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.  📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-    ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable   📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:    Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny   Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/ Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we confront one of the most urgent cultural battles of our time — the crisis facing young men in America.From the rise of artificial intelligence and technological acceleration, to workforce withdrawal, fatherlessness, screen addiction, and economic pressure, Ben Peterson unpacks why this is the most confusing time in history to grow up — and why that confusion does not cancel destiny.Five million able-bodied men are missing from the workforce. One in five young men are not in education, employment, or training. Anxiety is rising. Purpose is fading. And a generation is being told to give up before they ever begin.But history tells a different story.From the Great Depression to World War II, hardship forged the Greatest Generation. In this episode, we explore why today’s challenges may be preparing the next generation of spiritual leaders, warriors, and world changers.This is not a message of condemnation — it’s a message of clarity, grace, and calling.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.  📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-   ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable  📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:   Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny  Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/ Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – The Crisis Facing Young Men in America02:00 – How AI and Technology Are Reshaping the Future03:00 – The War for the Minds of Young Men04:00 – Five Million Men Missing from the Workforce06:00 – Housing Costs, Economic Pressure & the “Screw It” Mentality07:00 – Screen Addiction, Pornography & Social Isolation08:00 – Fatherlessness and Generational Impact09:00 – The Great Depression & The Greatest Generation Parallel11:00 – Hardship as the Forge of Destiny12:00 – Less Input, More Output: The Spiritual Solution13:00 – Created for Such a Time as This14:00 – The Call to Rise

his week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, Ben Peterson shares a powerful update on where we’ve been and where we’re going next.After months behind the scenes, Ben reveals the mission God has placed on his heart preparing the Church, the military, and families for the coming wave of Artificial Intelligence.From smartphones to social media, we’ve already seen how technology reshaped culture and we weren’t ready. Now AI is advancing faster than anything before it. It won’t just change jobs or warfare. It will change how we think, how we relate, and whose voice we listen to.We believe the most elite fighting force in the world must also become spiritually prepared for what’s coming. And we refuse to let the Church miss this moment.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.    📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-  ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable 📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book    NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.    Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!    LET'S CONNECT:  Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps00:00 Welcome back and 2026 vision update02:00 The divine prompting to write the AI book04:00 Smartphones, social media and cultural shifts06:00 Why AI will change everything07:30 The battle of voices God versus digital influence09:00 Military training and China’s AI race10:30 National book campaign and speaking tour12:00 Preparing families, churches and leaders14:00 The call to action and prayer

This week on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, Ben Peterson brings a message every warrior needs: the fear of the Lord, the battle you’re in, and why the voice of God must matter more than the critics around you.From Psalm 25, Ben unpacks how honoring God unlocks direction, prosperity, and inheritance—not only for us, but for the generations that follow. He shares how every struggle you face is building a legacy for those who come after you… and how God confides His secrets in those He can trust.Ben also breaks down Teddy Roosevelt’s iconic “Man in the Arena” charge, reminding us that victory only belongs to those who dare greatly. The critics don’t count. The ones who step into the fight do.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.  📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book  NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!  LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny  Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps00:00 – Ben opens the message & mission of EYD01:00 – Praying for a move of God on military bases02:20 – Psalm 25 and the fear of the Lord04:00 – Why we care more about critics than God’s voice05:00 – Your battle is building inheritance06:10 – God confides in those He can trust08:00 – The “Man in the Arena” and silencing critics09:10 – You can’t win victory without risking defeat09:55 – God warns Ben to write his next book10:50 – Delayed obedience removes grace11:30 – A call to fear God, obey quickly, and step into your assignment

This week we dive into Eric Newberry’s powerful story on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast — a story of trauma, redemption, and the unstoppable power of God’s love.From losing his mother at age two, surviving abuse, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, to encountering Jesus in his darkest hour—Eric’s story is nothing short of miraculous. What began as a prayer in a small 10x10 room became a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, leading him from pain to purpose.Today, Eric and his wife Sammy are missionaries and modern-day abolitionists, rescuing over 15,000 people from slavery in Pakistan—freeing families, launching small businesses, and restoring hope through faith.This episode is more than a testimony—it’s a reminder that God never leaves, never forsakes, and always redeems. From the brokenness of childhood to the miracles of global freedom, Eric’s journey shows what happens when you surrender everything to Jesus.

In this powerful episode of the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, Navy EOD Commander Brad Penley opens up about his journey from war to redemption — from clearing bombs on the battlefield to breaking free from the emotional and spiritual battles within.After years of performance-driven success, hidden addiction, and personal collapse, Brad discovered that his real war wasn’t in Afghanistan — it was in his heart.Through tragedy, loss, and a radical encounter with faith, Brad’s story reveals the true cost of high performance without healing — and the redeeming power of Jesus to make all things new.

This week we dive into Willis Johnson’s story on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast. We see how a combat veteran turned junkyards into a Fortune 100 empire—without ever losing sight of faith, family, and service.From praying over his very first five acres of land, to building one of America’s largest auto auction companies, Willis reveals the power of authentic leadership, wise stewardship, and never questioning God’s goodness.His story is more than business—it’s about choosing faith over doubt, family over wealth, and generosity over self-gain. From Vietnam to Wall Street, Willis shows how discipline, vision, and prayer can shape a life of destiny.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.  📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable?📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book  NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!  LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny  Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

This week's episode dives into Willis Johnson’s story on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast. We hear the incredible journey of a Vietnam veteran who went from shoveling chicken manure on a ranch to building a $40 billion company — all while keeping his faith at the center. From his father’s relentless work ethic, to surviving ambushes in Vietnam and earning a Purple Heart, Willis reveals how prayer guided every decision in life and business. He opens up about what war taught him about leadership, responsibility, and valuing people, and how those same lessons built a global enterprise rooted in integrity and generosity.Today, Willis and his family steward a foundation that invests in Christian causes and missions across America, living proof that success without faith means nothing. His story is one of grit, faith, and legacy.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.  📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable?📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book  NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny  Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

This week we hear more of Adam’s story on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast. We see a journey of redemption, resilience, and faith after years of trauma on the frontlines of policing in Los Angeles.From enforcing impossible mandates during COVID and facing the chaos of the George Floyd riots, to walking through divorce, brokenness, and isolation, Adam’s story reveals the heavy toll of public service. But it doesn’t end there.Through the forgiveness and faith of his wife, and a personal encounter with God’s grace, Adam found restoration. Today, he is not only reunited with his family but has built a new life in Tennessee, founding White Shepherd Coffee, a place where faith, loyalty, and trust shape every cup served and every conversation shared.WATCH UNTIL THE END – this story could change how you see pain, purpose, and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families–❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is transforming lives.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/Follow us on Pray.com: https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

Former California police sergeant Adam Sturgeon shares his journey of trauma, faith, and redemption.For 16 years, Adam served as a police officer, working gang units, narcotics enforcement, robbery task force, and even the COVID incident management team. He faced life-and-death moments, including a shooting that left him questioning everything he believed.Behind the badge was a man wrestling with trauma, grief, and doubt about God’s goodness. From officer-involved shootings… to the struggles of policing after George Floyd… to building a new life as the founder of White Shepherd Coffee—Adam’s story shows the cost of service and the hope of redemption.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/suicideispreventable📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book  NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.  Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!  LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny  Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/  Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Adam Sturgeon02:00 – Adam’s bio: 16 years as a police officer, gang/narcotics enforcement, robbery task force04:00 – Officer-involved shooting: a suspect tries to stab Adam and his partner07:00 – The emotional aftermath: “He could’ve been me”10:00 – Growing up in California and family background13:00 – Police academy training in Long Beach17:00 – Policy changes from Rodney King to George Floyd22:00 – Classmate shot in week three of training – a sobering reality27:00 – Learning how to talk to people vs. using force31:00 – The struggle with faith: “Does God even exist?”36:00 – Robbery task force and life on the streets38:00 – COVID Task Force: freezer trucks, fear, and city protocols40:00 – Closing & Engage Your Destiny mission

In Part 2 of Anna’s story on the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we witness her story become one of redemption and faith after enduring sexual assault, abuse, loss, and isolation during her military service.From facing trauma, alcoholism, and jail time, to finding mentorship under a Christian general in Korea and reconnecting with her faith through Engage Your Destiny — Anna’s testimony reveals how healing, faith, and community can transform a life.Today, Anna is stepping into her calling: serving other women in the military, sharing her testimony, and helping soldiers break free from shame, trauma, and isolation.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/ Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Part 2 of Anna’s Story01:00 – Facing fear and threats after sexual assault04:00 – A destructive relationship, loss, and arrest06:00 – Jail time and turning back to God10:00 – Alcoholism, promiscuity, and military stigma13:00 – Finding mentorship under a Christian general in Korea20:00 – First experience with Engage Your Destiny23:00 – Healing through Warrior Wednesdays and retreats29:00 – From soldier to ministry leader34:00 – Supporting other women through trauma37:00 – Sexual assault, isolation, and suicidal struggles in the military42:00 – How Engage is changing lives and military culture44:00 – Anna’s vision for faith and healing on military bases

Staff Sergeant Anna Weisel shares her story of resilience, faith, and survival in the U.S. Army.At just 19 years old, Anna joined as a Field Artillery Fire Direction Controller—a rare combat arms role for women. Over seven years, she rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, deployed to Europe, and served across eight countries. But behind the uniform was a story much deeper.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/ Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Anna Weisel02:00 – Anna’s Army journey: 19 years old, Combat Arms06:00 – Growing up with faith and an absent father10:00 – Miscarriage and the emotional toll of silence16:00 – Debt, failure, and choosing the Army21:00 – Breaking her leg in basic training & restarting from scratch27:00 – Fort Hood and the darkness in the military33:00 – Sexual assault during deployment in Germany37:00 – Finding God and rebuilding faith

The assassination of Charlie Kirk shocked a nation.In this week’s episode, Ben Peterson, Army combat veteran and founder of Engage Your Destiny, processes the murder of a respected leader, Charlie Kirk while issuing a sobering reminder: our battle is not with guns and bullets, but for the soul of our nation.Ben shares the heartbreak of seeing the video of Charlie’s death, his prayers for resurrection, and how God gave him clarity in the midst of grief. From the martyrdom of Paul and Peter… to the radical conversion of John Newton… to the true meaning of the Great Commission—this message is both a call to spiritual war and a challenge to lay down our lives for the sake of others.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now 📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers. Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destiny Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome & why Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a wake-up call02:00 – Light vs. darkness: the real spiritual war04:00 – The martyrs of history: Paul, Peter, Joan of Arc, MLK06:30 – The Great Commission: multiplying leaders, not personalities08:00 – The Kingdom suffers violence: what that really means10:00 – Strongholds, weapons of the Spirit, and the fruits of the Spirit11:30 – The redemption story of John Newton (Amazing Grace)14:00 – The danger of pointing fingers vs. the call to love16:00 – Measuring faithfulness through God’s eyes, not the world’s17:30 – Daily surrender: “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”18:30 – Closing prayer for Charlie’s family and our nation

The assassination of Charlie Kirk shocked a nation. In this powerful episode, Ben Peterson—Army combat veteran and founder of Engage Your Destiny—issues a call to war. But not a war with guns or bullets. A war for the soul of our nation.From the story of Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls… to the pendulum of history swinging between unity and selfishness… to Ben’s own battles with trauma, fear, and faith—this message is a challenge to sharpen your sword and fight back against darkness.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now 📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers. Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/ Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps 00:00 – Welcome & why Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a wake-up call02:00 – Light vs. darkness: the real spiritual war04:00 – The story of Nehemiah and rebuilding Jerusalem08:00 – The Pendulum Theory: how history repeats itself14:00 – Ben’s personal story: childhood trauma, bullying & combat PTSD17:00 – Nehemiah 4: Fighting for your family with a sword in one hand and work in the other19:30 – A 40-day fast: breaking addictions & sharpening the sword21:00 – The challenge: what’s holding you back?22:00 – Closing prayer for revival & the Kirk family

In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, host Ben Peterson sits down with Army veteran Sylvester Jenkins III—a soldier who survived five combat tours, broken family cycles, and the brink of suicide.From sleeping in a car as a child and joining a gang at 13… to failing grades, addiction, and military demotions… to the night he sat in his living room with a loaded gun ready to end it all—Sylvester’s story is one of brokenness turned to redemption.What changed everything? A moment of hearing God’s voice that pulled him back from the edge and launched him into a new mission as a husband, father, pastor, and leader helping others find hope.Sylvester’s story is raw, real, and life-giving—shedding light on the silent battles of mental health, trauma, suicide, and addiction that so many service members face. And it proves that even in the darkest places, faith can ignite a new beginning.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/engage.your.destiny/ Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & Introduction02:00 – Meet Sylvester07:00 – Childhood poverty, gangs & broken family cycles19:00 – Failing school & searching for identity26:00 – Military career begins, early failures & demotion44:00 – Five combat tours in Iraq & Afghanistan55:00 – Losing a close friend to an IED59:00 – Divorce, addiction & empty house1:00:00 – Near-suicide & hearing God’s voice1:08:00 – Faith, family, and rebuilding a new life1:14:00 – Becoming an author, speaker, and pastor1:18:00 – Impact of Engage Your Destiny on soldiers1:21:00 – Closing reflections & prayer

What if I told you drunk driving, credit card debt, and suicide in the military had one thing in common? They're all preventable. Completely preventable.This week, we share a very special episode telling the raw, personal story of a soldier, Andrew.From a childhood marked by pain and loneliness, to the heartbreak of losing his grandfather, to serving in the military where suicide cast a dark shadow over his unit — Andrew’s story shows the real struggle of fighting unseen battles and what happens when faith enters in.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families –❤️ DONATE TODAY: PreventSoldierSuicide.com 📕 READ THE STORY THAT’S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET’S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

In this deeply moving episode of Engage Your Destiny, host Ben Peterson speaks with Army pilot and combat veteran Paul Jordan, whose journey takes us from the chaos of war and emotional shutdown… to a life-altering encounter with God that healed what war and trauma had broken.Paul’s story is vulnerable, honest, and painfully real. After flying 600+ combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan—often under gunfire and while rescuing Navy SEALs—Paul returned home a shell of himself. Numb. Disconnected. On the verge of losing it all. Until one night, alone in a hotel room, everything changed.Today, Paul is a new man. He’s walking in purpose, leading his family, and using his story to help others find the same healing he once believed was impossible.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 - Intro & recap of Paul’s military background 01:10 - Rescuing Navy SEALs & gunfire every night 05:30 - The weight of trauma begins to show 08:00 - Emotionally numb & detached from family 12:00 - Breaking point: crying in the kitchen 14:20 - A hotel room encounter with Jesus 17:40 - Paul's spiritual transformation begins 22:00 - Restoring his marriage & fatherhood 25:00 - Encouragement for those still struggling 28:00 - Closing thoughts & mission invitation

Feeling drained, exhausted, or stuck in burnout?In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, we dive deep into how to overcome burnout and heal your mind — spiritually, mentally, and physically.From childhood trauma, combat stress, and performance-driven living… to finding hope, healing, and renewed strength through faith and practical lifestyle shifts — this message is transformational.Whether you’re in the military or just fighting your own battles with stress and exhaustion — this episode offers a roadmap to healing, freedom, and lasting peace.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps00:00 – Welcome & Podcast Mission00:57 – Personal update: New baby & ministry launches02:18 – Prayer & introduction to today’s topic03:55 – Childhood trauma, bullying, and coping with addictions06:48 – Military combat trauma & performance-driven living07:39 – Burnout and body collapse at age 3010:40 – How trauma affects the nervous system14:01 – Renewing your mind through Scripture (Romans 12)17:00 – Power of memorizing Scripture against temptation21:45 – Assessing habits: caffeine, alcohol, sleep, sugar, phones25:02 – Sleep as a superpower for nervous system healing26:33 – Eliminating distractions & dopamine hits from your phone27:51 – Neuroplasticity: you can rewire your brain28:58 – Closing prayer & encouragement

In this week's episode of Engage Your Destiny, host Ben Peterson speaks with Army aviator and Marine veteran Paul Jordan, whose journey takes us from a violent childhood, family trauma, and war-torn skies… to divine protection, spiritual awakening, and purpose.Paul’s story is emotional, intense, and deeply human. Raised in chaos, marked by abuse, and haunted by false accusations as a child, Paul turned to violence and survival. He went on to serve 22 years in the military, flying over 600 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, including rescuing elite operators under fire, and personally transporting Vice President Joe Biden.Yet, it wasn't the battlefield that broke Paul—it was what came after. Confrontations at home, battles with fatherhood, and a desperate need for healing drove him to a final surrender… to Jesus Christ.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Meet Paul Jordan: Marine & Black Hawk Pilot 02:55 - 600+ Combat Missions, 1,000+ Combat Flight Hours 04:00 - Childhood: Broken Home, Abuse, and Early Trauma 07:00 - False Accusations & Church Hurt 09:00 - Violence, Rage, and Emotional Isolation 13:45 - Gunpoint Confrontation with His Own Father 15:55 - Teenage Rebellion and Fighting 17:15 - Football Injury 18:50 - Joining the Marines & Getting Married 20:45 - Wild Marine Corps Stories (Japan, Fights, and More) 23:50 - Near-Fatal Car Crash & Hearing God's Voice 25:50 - Desire to Fly, Applying for Army Warrant Officer 31:30 - Black Hawk Flight School & Aircraft Selection 35:00 - First Combat Deployment to Iraq 38:10 - Dust Landings & Learning to Fly in Combat 39:50 - First Time Getting Shot At 41:00 - Miraculous Protection in Combat 43:00 - First Air Assault Mission with Fifth Group 44:00 - Flying Joe Biden & “Rick Flair” 

What happens when you've lost all feeling—and all hope?In this episode, Eric Newberry shares how hitting rock bottom led to a life of meaning, service, and global impact. His path from emotional shutdown and addiction to leading efforts that have helped free thousands from modern-day slavery is both powerful and deeply human.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome & the heart behind Engage Your Destiny02:00 – Introducing Eric Newberry and his story06:00 – Early life, culture, and challenges in small-town Ohio13:00 – The roots of pain: addiction, loss, and survival28:00 – Losing touch with emotions and self-worth50:00 – A turning point: one night, one decision1:02:00 – Finding direction, rebuilding from the ground up1:08:00 – Final thoughts on purpose, faith, and lasting impact

In this powerful message, Ben Peterson—veteran and founder of Engage Your Destiny—shares how to walk in the authority God has already given you. Drawing from the story of Solomon in 1 Kings 1, he teaches how to:✔️ Recognize your God-given kingdom and calling✔️ Hear from prophetic voices in your life✔️ Walk in spiritual authority with boldness✔️ Break victim mindsets and embrace leadershipThis episode isn’t just about biblical history—it’s a wake-up call for a generation lost in distraction, fear, and identity confusion. Whether you're a leader, parent, soldier, or simply hungry for purpose… this message will challenge and empower you to take your rightful seat at the table.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

In this deeply moving episode of Engage Your Destiny, host Ben Peterson speaks with Army veteran and anti-trafficking advocate Eric Newberry, whose life journey takes us from childhood trauma, addiction, and hopelessness… to resilience and a mission to set others free.Eric’s story is raw and incredibly relevant. Raised in poverty and surrounded by addiction, Eric struggled with identity, worth, and the weight of loss—until one powerful moment of awakening changed everything. Today, he's a voice for justice, helping others rise from darkness and reclaim their destiny.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonTimestamps:00:00 - Intro & mission of Engage Your Destiny02:00 - Meet Eric Newberry06:00 - Growing up in Appalachia13:00 - First encounters with addiction and trauma28:00 - Emotional numbness & identity loss50:00 - A night that changed everything1:02:00 - Rebuilding a life with faith and purpose1:08:00 - Reflections on healing, growth & legacy

What happens when a Navy SEAL reaches the end of himself — and a dream changes everything?In this powerful episode of the Engage Your Destiny Podcast, host Ben Peterson sits down with Steven Leslie, a former Navy SEAL, who opens up about his traumatic childhood, intense SEAL training, near-death moments in combat, and the vivid dream that changed his life forever.Steven shares his raw, unfiltered testimony — from growing up in isolation, surviving Hell Week, losing fellow soldiers, struggling with identity, to experiencing a supernatural encounter that led him to life-saving faith.It’s a story of redemption, grace, and a God who was faithful even when Steven wasn’t looking.If you’re wrestling with trauma or searching for hope in darkness, this episode is for you.WATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the power of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of military suicide with faith.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers. Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destiny Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

In this powerful episode, host Ben Peterson continues the conversation with Brad, a former Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) officer. Brad shares raw, unfiltered stories from Afghanistan and Iraq — clearing deadly IEDs, surviving firefights, and leading elite teams under extreme pressure.But the real battle? It wasn’t only on the battlefield.Brad opens up about addiction, PTSD, failed relationships, pornography, and the painful road to healing. Through spiritual awakening, faith, and a brotherhood rooted in Christ, Brad discovered redemption and purpose beyond military life.🔍 What you’ll hear in this episode:✅ The real danger behind dismantling IEDs in combat✅ How intelligence, pride & trauma can keep warriors far from faith✅ The hidden cost of high-performance living: addiction & brokenness✅ How Jesus brought healing, forgiveness & new life✅ Powerful moments of prayer, vulnerability & transformationTimestamps (recommended for YouTube chapters):00:00 Intro & call to support Engage Your Destiny02:00 Leading EOD teams & life in combat08:00 Surviving firefights and near-death moments17:00 Addiction, divorce, and brokenness32:00 The turning point: therapy, faith & men’s groups41:00 Becoming a father, finding love, and walking in grace50:00 Closing reflections & prayer📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review!LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestinyFollow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, CEO Ben Peterson hosts an inspiring conversation with Brad Penley, an EOD operator with over 22 years in the Navy. Brad shares his incredible story from growing up in Hickory, North Carolina, through his rigorous training in the Naval Academy, to facing real combat situations in Afghanistan. Alongside his military journey, Brad opens up about personal struggles with pornography and alcoholism, and how his faith has played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges. Tune in to hear Brad's story of resilience, dedication, and faith.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:40 Meet Brad Penley: Background and Career02:33 Brad's Childhood and Family Life10:13 Struggles and Rebellion14:16 Path to the Navy20:35 Shift to Irregular Warfare21:13 Choosing Explosive Ordnance Disposal22:01 Intense EOD Training23:12 Struggles with Faith and Lifestyle25:03 EOD School Challenges36:09 Deployment to Afghanistan40:57 Return Home and New Deployment41:58 Facing New Threats in Afghanistan42:44 Conclusion and Teaser for Next EpisodeWATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the pwer of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now 📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/book NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers. Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destiny Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson 

In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, host Ben Peterson shares a deeply personal and spiritual journey about pain, pruning, and God’s refining fire. From welcoming his newborn son Archer Jonathan to reflecting on overgrown bushes, Ben draws powerful lessons on why God allows messiness and suffering in our lives—and how it leads to true spiritual growth.Through heartfelt storytelling, scripture from John 15 and Malachi 3, and a moving analogy of the silversmith, Ben explores: Why pruning and pain are necessary for a greater harvest How to stay connected to Jesus, the true Vine The messy reality of marriage, family, and fighting for purity How God refines us in the hottest flames so we can reflect His image to the world This episode is an authentic, hope-filled reminder that even the most painful seasons have purpose, and our calling is to reflect Christ to everyone around us.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & prayer 01:42 God’s unexpected blessings in ministry 05:31 Welcoming baby Archer & life lessons 10:44 The messy work of pruning 16:12 John 15: staying connected to the Vine 20:29 The pain before the greater harvest 24:37 The silversmith & God’s refining fire 30:41 Reflecting Jesus in daily life 35:29 Final challenge & prayer🔥 WATCH UNTIL THE END — this message might change how you see pain, purpose, and the power of surrender. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 dedicated to fighting the epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our bravest with spiritual tools for every battle.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now 📕 READ THE STORY THAT’S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss how faith is transforming lives in our military and beyond.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, testimonies, or something different? Drop a comment below or leave a review!LET’S CONNECT: Facebook: /engagedestiny Instagram: /engage.your.destiny Pray.com: https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, host Ben Peterson interviews Brady Duke, a former Navy SEAL who shares his profound journey from a warrior to a man of faith. Brady opens up about the challenges he faced in the SEALs, his battles with personal demons such as alcohol and pornography, and the deep internal struggle of finding his true identity. Listen to Brady's raw and emotional testimony of confessing his sins, repenting, and ultimately finding peace in being a son of God. This episode is a compelling exploration of faith, redemption, and the courageous act of surrendering one's identity to a higher power.00:00 Introduction to Engage Your Destiny01:02 Brady Duke's SEAL Team Journey02:33 Challenges and Training in the SEALs10:01 Faith and Struggles in the Military11:31 First Combat Tour in Afghanistan20:34 Unexpected Gathering20:51 Transformation from SEAL to Man of God22:07 Struggles and Redemption23:25 Confession and Healing27:57 Burying the Trident31:26 Restoration and Identity37:50 Repentance and Surrender42:58 Final Reflections and PrayerWATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the pwer of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle. 📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families- ❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers. Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT: Follow us on Facebook: / engagedestiny Follow us on Instagram: / engage.your.destiny Follow us on Pray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson#engageyourdestiny #veteran #BradyDuke #NavySEAL #MilitaryMinistry #SpiritualWarfare #FaithandFreedom #MentalHealth #CombatPTSD #BenPeterson

This week we're sharing a sermon from, Ben Peterson, founder and CEO of Engage Your Destiny. Hear how he shares his remarkable journey from sitting in the pews of River Valley Church to launching a global military ministry, Engage Your Destiny!Ben discusses his experiences in combat, addressing challenges faced by veterans and active-duty military personnel. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, having hope, and embracing one's God-given destiny. Through personal stories and biblical teachings, Ben encourages the congregation to trust in God's plans and to step into their roles as world changers. He also invites the audience to support his ministry and join him in making a significant impact in the lives of those serving in the military.00:34 Meet Ben Peterson02:04 Ben's Journey and Ministry04:18 Impact Stories and Testimonies06:18 Challenges in the Military09:47 Combat Experiences and Lessons13:32 Overcoming Fear with Faith17:54 Restoring Hope to Engage Your Destiny19:00 The Impact of Combat Losses21:08 The Guilt and Shame of War22:20 A Mentor's Guidance24:38 The Power of Resurrection25:59 A Vision for Vietnam Veterans28:31 Overcoming Financial Struggles29:37 A Divine Connection31:15 The Power of Testimony32:06 A Call to Faith and Action33:30 Prayers for Healing and Restoration37:46 Isaiah's Humbling VisionWATCH UNTIL THE END - this story could change how you see pain, purpose and the pwer of redemption. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle.📢 WANT TO BE PART OF THE MISSION? | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE TODAY: https://engageyourdestiny.org/donate-now📕 READ THE STORY THAT'S CHANGING LIVES: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookNEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY! SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to see how faith is impacting our soldiers.Want to see more behind-the-scenes, more interviews, or something different? Drop a comment or leave a review! LET'S CONNECT:Follow us on Facebook:   /  engagedestiny  Follow us on Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyFollow us on Pray.com:     / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson#breakingchains #engageyourdestiny #rivervalleychurch #benpeterson

Join us for an incredible episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast. Host Ben Peterson sits down with Brady Duke, a former Navy SEAL with an extraordinary journey. In this episode, Brady shares his upbringing in a military family, his challenging path through BUD/S training, and the intense mental and physical trials he faced. Get a firsthand account of life in SEAL training, the commitment required, and the transformative power of faith. Brady's story offers a unique insight into the world of high-performing military operations and perseverance. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donate📕 BUY THE BOOK: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   /   / engagedestiny  Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:     / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

Join us for a raw and powerful episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, featuring Kevin Polosky, a 27-year U.S. Army veteran with an unforgettable story. Founder & CEO of Engage Your Destiny, Ben Peterson, dives deep into Kevin’s journey—from combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo to the personal battles that nearly cost him everything.Kevin opens up about the weight of PTSD, alcoholism, and divorce, sharing the moment he almost ended it all—and the faith that pulled him back from the edge. This episode reveals the raw reality of struggle, survival, and the undeniable power of God’s love. Thanks for joining us.Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donate📕 BUY THE BOOK: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:     / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

WATCH this episode!Join us for a raw and powerful episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, featuring Kevin Polosky, a 27-year U.S. Army veteran with an unforgettable story. Founder & CEO of Engage Your Destiny, Ben Peterson, dives deep into Kevin’s journey, from combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo to the personal battles that nearly cost him everything.Kevin opens up about the weight of PTSD, alcoholism, and divorce, sharing the moment he almost ended it all, and the faith that pulled him back from the edge. This episode reveals the raw reality of struggle, survival, and the undeniable power of faith. Thanks for joining us.Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent military suicide with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donateSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:     / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

Welcome to the Engage Your Destiny podcast, hosted by Ben Peterson, founder and CEO of Engage Your Destiny. This episode focuses on the importance of being a witness for your faith, especially for our military veterans and their families. Ben dives into Acts 1:8 and discusses how Jesus called his disciples to be witnesses to those who killed Him, their enemies, and their captors. Through powerful anecdotes and personal stories, Ben emphasizes the significance of sharing our struggles to create genuine connections and introduce others to faith. He underscores the importance of focusing on Jesus' story rather than our own, encouraging listeners to live out their God-given destiny by sharing their testimonies. Tune in for an inspiring message that challenges and empowers you to be a light in the world.01:17 A Prayer for Guidance01:54 The Great Commission02:53 Understanding Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria04:19 The Good Samaritan06:02 Witnessing to the Ends of the Earth08:07 The Power of Testimony15:19 The Struggle in Your Story17:35 A Call to Action20:29 Closing Prayer and Final ThoughtsEngage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent military suicide with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donate📕 BUY THE BOOK: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:     / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

Want to watch this episode? WATCH here!Did you miss part 1? Watch it HEREWelcome back to the Engage Your Destiny Podcast hosted by Ben Peterson, founder, and CEO of Engage Your Destiny. In this episode, we dive into part two of Jimmy May's extraordinary story. From his profound experiences in combat as a Navy SEAL to his heart-wrenching battle with PTSD and personal struggles, Jimmy shares the dreams and divine interventions that changed his life. Listen to his transformation as he finds faith and launches Beyond the Brotherhood to support fellow SEAL veterans. Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent suicide in the military with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donate📕 BUY THE BOOK: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:    / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

WATCH this episode here!Welcome to this week's episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, dedicated to serving our active military veterans and their families. This episode is a heartfelt message to soldiers stationed in Poland, Germany, and those supporting the war efforts in Ukraine, offering them encouragement and a sense of purpose. Through powerful anecdotes of addiction, bullying, military service, and a transformative encounter with his faith, Ben encourages listeners to find hope and meaning in their struggles. This episode emphasizes the importance of surrendering to a higher purpose, trusting in God's plan, and finding true power and freedom in faith. 00:00 Welcome to Engage Your Destiny00:46 Message to Soldiers in Europe02:46 A Personal Story of Struggle and Faith05:45 Battling Addiction and Bullying11:16 Finding Purpose in the Military12:46 The Turning Point13:15 The Iraq Experience and PTSD21:50 The Power of Surrender and Faith24:58 Closing ThoughtsEngage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent suicide in the military with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donate📕 BUY THE BOOK: https://engageyourdestiny.org/bookSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:    / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

WATCH this episode!In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, host Ben Peterson sits down with retired Navy SEAL Jimmy May—a warrior with an incredible story.From growing up in El Paso to joining the Navy at 18, Jimmy takes us through his journey from nuclear mechanic to the elite SEAL teams. He opens up about grueling BUD/S training, intense combat missions in Iraq, and serving alongside leaders like Jocko Willink.But this isn’t just a war story. It’s about what happens after the battlefield—the personal battles, brokenness, and ultimately, the road to faith and redemption.👉 Don’t miss Part 2 next week, where Jimmy shares the moment everything changed—and how he met Jesus.Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent suicide in the military with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donateSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonBuy Our BOOK: / https://engageyourdestiny.org/book

WATCH this episode HERE. Welcome to the Engage Your Destiny podcast! In this powerful episode, Ben Peterson, founder and CEO of Engage Your Destiny, shares the remarkable story of POW hero Robert Reisner. Learn how his faith and leadership inspired fellow captives during years of brutal torture. Dive deep into how division and a consumer mindset are tools Satan uses to destroy our generation, and discover practical ways to combat these forces by seeking connection and embracing godly suffering. Don’t miss this. Live a life of significance and purpose. 00:00 Welcome to Engage Your Destiny00:34 Support Our Soldiers and Mission01:29 Introducing 'Engage Your Destiny' Book02:03 How Chat GPT Could Destroy Our Generation02:57 The Inspiring Story of Robert Reisner06:03 Lessons from Reisner's Faith and Leadership07:15 The Dangers of Division and Consumption10:31 The Impact of Digital Marketing12:54 From Consumer to Builder: A Mindset Shift17:04 Creating Godly Suffering for Growth18:17 Final Thoughts and ChallengeEngage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent military suicide with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donateSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:     / https://www.pray.com/benpetersonBuy Our BOOK:  / https://engageyourdestiny.org/book

Miss Part 1? WATCH here!WATCH Part 2 HERE!Join us for PART 2 as we follow the incredible journey of a former Special Forces and CIA operative as he shares his story from military service to combatting child trafficking. Dive deep into his experiences with the 5th Special Forces Group, the emotional and moral complexities of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the harsh realities of war. Hear from Matt and how he regained his faith and founded Operation Lightshine and the Sentinel Foundation to fight against human trafficking. This episode is a raw and powerful account of a soldier's life, the battles fought, and the personal struggles endured along the way.Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to prevent suicide in the military with faith.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donateSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:    / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

WATCH this episode!In this gripping episode, we follow the incredible journey of a former Special Forces and CIA operative, Matt Murphy, as he shares his story from military service to combating human trafficking. Dive deep into his experiences with the 5th Special Forces Group, the emotional and moral complexities of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the harsh realities of war. We hear how he regained his faith and founded Operation Lightshine and the Sentinel Foundation to fight against human trafficking. This episode is a raw and powerful account of a soldier's life, the battles fought, and the personal struggles endured along the way.Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donateSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com: / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson

WATCH this episode here!Welcome back to the Engage Your Destiny podcast where CEO & Founder, Ben Peterson, delves into the incredible life of Clara Barton. The 'Angel of the Battlefield,' and her significant contributions during the Civil War and beyond. This episode explores Barton's unwavering faith, her heroic actions on the battlefield, and the founding of the American Red Cross. Ben also addresses the modern-day struggle with technology and instant gratification, and how it impacts our drive and purpose in life. Discover how to live a life of significance by focusing on real-world needs and fostering meaningful connections.00:00 Introduction and Book Promotion01:01 Series Introduction: If Chat GPT Were Satan02:13 Clara Barton's Heroic Acts During the Civil War06:39 Founding the American Red Cross08:57 The Johnstown Flood: A Defining Moment12:32 The Impact of Technology on Our Lives17:23 Living a Life of Significance19:41 ConclusionEngage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 501(c)3 on a mission to help combat the deadly epidemic of veteran suicide by equipping our Bravest with the spiritual tools they need to face any battle.📢 Join the Mission | Help us continue to reach U.S. military members, veterans, and their families-❤️ DONATE HERE: www.engageyourdestiny.com/donateSUBSCRIBE to never miss a new episode!Like this new video format? Is there something we can do better? Let us know by leaving a rating/review! See you EVERY Wednesday, right here, for a new episode. FIND US ON SOCIALS:Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/engagedestiny/Instagram:   / engage.your.destinyPray.com:    / https://www.pray.com/benpeterson