The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown

What is God's purpose for your life? How do you know if you're following His calling? And what should you do when you feel lost, stuck, or unsure of your next step? In this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Mathew Stephen Brown, we sit down with Chris Stewart to hear his testimony and have a real conversation about discovering God's purpose, understanding His calling, and finding direction in your faith. Together, let’s explore how to share our testimony and reflect how God is moving in our lives.

This week on The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, we welcome special guest Vivi Bezansky, the Next Gen Director at Sandals Church. Over the summer at Sandals Church we invest in the next generation by opening up residency positions to equip young adults with ministry skills. In this episode, we tackle our residents' most difficult questions on how to navigate this particularly hard season of life. Tune in to hear the wisdom Pastor Matt and Vivi have for them, and for YOU! 

Why does the Catholic Bible have seven extra books, and is your entire life already scripted by God? Pastor Matt answers some of your toughest questions about predestination, church history, and how to interact with other religions without losing your mind.

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew and Tammy Brown dive into conversations surrounding dating, marriage, spiritual maturity, and trusting God through different seasons of relationships. Together, they explore what it looks like to pursue relationships with wisdom, intentionality, and a desire to honor God in today’s world. Whether you’re single, dating, or preparing for marriage, this episode offers thoughtful encouragement and practical insight for navigating love and commitment through a biblical lens.

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown is joined by Dr. Joshua Knabb for a conversation about trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional healing through a Christian perspective. Together, they explore why people get stuck in cycles of fear and rumination, how trauma affects the mind and body, and what hope and healing can practically look like for Christians navigating mental health struggles.

This week on The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown responds to questions from listeners wrestling with some of the hardest tensions in Christianity. From struggling to feel gratitude for salvation, questioning why God created humanity at all, to navigating the debate between science, creation, and the age of the earth — this conversation explores what it looks like to bring honest doubts to God instead of hiding them. 

This week on The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown sits down with Pastor Fredo Ramos for an honest, thoughtful conversation about theology.

Drawing from years of pastoral experience, Pastor Fredo shares insight into the kinds of struggles, doubts, and tensions many people wrestle with—especially when it comes to end times, or the afterlife. Together, they explore how to navigate uncertainty, challenge long-held assumptions on entertainment, and how to pursue a faith that is both grounded and genuine.

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, we explore the challenges of faith, identity, and personal struggle. From navigating feelings of judgment and unfair treatment in the church, to wrestling with questions of sexuality and salvation, to confronting personal temptations and preparing for healthy relationships, we discuss how God’s grace, guidance, and truth meet us in the messiness of life.

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, we explore some of the biggest questions that challenge our faith and understanding of the world. From the mysteries of life beyond our planet, to meditation practices for calming an overactive mind, to what truly matters about our gender identity in the spiritual realm, we dive into how to navigate these deep topics while staying grounded in faith. 

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, we’re diving into the tension so many believers feel but rarely talk about.

What happens when your pursuit of God starts to feel like pressure instead of peace? When spiritual disciplines turn into performance? When you’re trying to be faithful in your work, but you’re not sure if it’s costing you your soul—or fulfilling your calling?

We talk through what it looks like to move from a works-based mindset into a genuine relationship with God, how to discern whether you’re walking in purpose or d...

In this episode of the The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown and Tammy Brown answer questions about manifestation, the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a non-believer, and what emotions we feel if we make it to heaven. This conversation explores whether we can find the answers to these thought-provoking questions in the Bible. 

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown sits down with Luke Bryant to talk about church planting, leadership, and the unexpected path that led Luke from law enforcement into ministry.
They discuss the story behind Liverpool One Church, the challenges of planting a church in Europe, and the personal realities leaders face along the way.

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In this episode of the The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown and Tammy Brown address questions about spiritual attacks, disturbing dreams, and whether someone can lose their soul. From wrestling with lust in dreams to wondering if past spiritual decisions have caused permanent damage, this conversation explores spiritual warfare, freedom in Christ, and the hope of redemption.

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown talks about what it looks like to stay close to God in the midst of life’s cycles and challenges. From personal struggles with consistency in faith to the pursuit of revival within the church, this conversation explores how Christians can remain open to the Holy Spirit, experience lasting spiritual growth, and live with purpose and passion every day.
 
Show notes: The quote that Pastor Matthew mentions is this episode is from DL Moody, "The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the alt...

Today we’re celebrating a huge milestone — 10 years of The Debrief Podcast— with a very special guest, Stephanie Schafer, one of the original co-hosts from when the show first began. Together, Matthew, Stephanie , and Tammy look back on the very first episode that aired on February 8, 2016, the heart behind starting the podcast, and the conversations that shaped the last decade.

In this anniversary episode, we revisit defining moments from the show, reflect on how honest dialogue has impacted real-life faith conversations, and explore why transparency — even when it feels uncomfortable — is still deeply needed in Christian spaces today. Fro...

Welcome back to The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown. This week’s episode,  takes a meaningful turn as Pastor Matthew is joined by his daughter, Madison Moses, as co-host for a Valentine’s Day–themed conversation about love, family, marriage, and singleness through a Christ-centered lens.

Together, Matthew and Madison respond to real questions from listeners navigating complex relationships and heartfelt longings. From parenting outside of marriage, to prioritizing marriage after God while raising children, to approaching Valentine’s Day with hope when you’re single and longing for connection—this episode explores what biblical love looks like in...

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown explores the tension every relationship eventually faces—conflict. From family dynamics to disagreements with others who don’t share our beliefs, how do Christians pursue peace without avoiding hard truths? This conversation centers on balancing grace, accountability, and healthy boundaries, offering biblical wisdom for navigating relational conflict. 

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown addresses the intersection of faith and mental health in a time when our minds can feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to trust. As conversations around healing, spirituality, and emotional well-being grow louder, this episode focuses on finding clarity, peace, and discernment without giving fear the final word. 

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In this episode, Pastor Matthew addresses a timely cultural question at the start before diving into deeper conversations about how Christians navigate freedom, authority, parenting, and fractured family relationships in today’s world. As theology meets real life, this episode offers biblical clarity and pastoral wisdom for believers facing complex and emotional realities.

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We’re back for part two of Matthew Stephen Brown’s conversation with Pastor John Martinez of Sandals Church Banning. After a powerful first episode, this debrief continues by turning to your questions — honest, practical, and rooted in everyday faith.
In this episode, Pastor Matthew and Pastor John respond to audience-submitted questions about what it really looks like to live out your faith in today’s culture. From navigating music and entertainment as a Christian, to understanding what “great faith” actually means and how it grows, to discerning the difference between genuine worship and performance, this conversation is thoughtful...

In this special episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown sits down with Pastor John Martinez, campus pastor of Sandals Church Banning, to discuss his journey into ministry and how he began working at Sandals Church. John shares the roles he’s held over the years and what those looked like in everyday ministry life. They explore the unseen realities of serving in a megachurch, including both the rewarding moments and the challenges. Pastor Matthew and Pastor John also talk about navigating creative blocks versus true spiritual dryness and how to practice faith authentically rather than performance. Th...

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown offers compassionate and biblical clarity on some of the most personal questions surrounding faith—what baptism means, how someone becomes a child of God, and how salvation works for people from different backgrounds and beliefs. With both honesty and hope, he explores how God meets us in our darkest moments, how grace covers our imperfect intentions, and how Scripture reveals a God who invites every person into redemption and life with Him. Tune in for a grounded and encouraging conversation that helps make sense of...

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, Pastor Matt and Tammy dive into some of the most common—and most misunderstood—topics surrounding Christian relationships. From navigating modern dating culture to discerning God’s guidance in choosing a spouse, we talk about  biblical wisdom for anyone trying to honor God in a complicated world. 

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, we’re diving into the tension many Christians feel around Halloween, and connections to witchcraft. Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown unpacks what it means to live with both conviction and compassion—how to stay grounded in truth while navigating a world that often blurs the lines between light and darkness.
Join the conversation as we explore how faith speaks into fear, how to love people with different beliefs, and what it really looks like to follow Jesus with wisdom in today’s culture.

**Show notes: In this e...

Welcome to ANOTHER bonus episode of The Debrief Podcast. You asked — they answered. In this episode, Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown and Pastor Justin Kowalski tackle your questions about faith, calling, and creativity. From discovering purpose to staying faithful in the unknown, this honest conversation will encourage and challenge you to live out your calling with courage and authenticity.

💬 Use this link to drop your own questions in the comments for a chance to be featured in a future episode! : sandalschurch.com/thedebrief

Welcome to special bonus episode of The Debrief Podcast! Meet Pastor Justin Kowalski — Associate Pastor at Sandals Church Palm Avenue and longtime member of the Sandals team for over 20 years. In this episode, Pastor Matt sits down with Justin to share his story, his journey in ministry, and what it means to live out faith with authenticity and creativity. Get to know one of the voices helping shape the culture and community at Sandals Church.

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This episode might not be suitable for younger audiences. In this deeply personal episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown and Tammy Brown sit down to talk about the challenges that can come after choosing to follow Jesus more closely. Why does life sometimes feel harder when you're trying to do the right thing? What does it look like to fight through temptation, especially when the struggle feels constant? With raw honesty and biblical truth, this episode offers encouragement for anyone walking through spiritual growth, healing, and the real tension between our past and the lives we’re...

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matt and Tammy Brown dive into some of the most pressing and personal questions facing Christians today—from immigration and justice to protests, discernment, and the way we judge ourselves. With honesty, biblical insight, and real-life perspective, they unpack how to navigate complex cultural and spiritual issues with both compassion and conviction. Whether you’re feeling torn, confused, or just curious, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance and encouragement for your faith journey.

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Not all friendships last forever—even the ones that feel God-ordained. In this heartfelt episode of The Debrief, Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown and special guest Madison Moses address what to do when your relationships leave you feeling alone, hurt, or confused.

Is God calling you into a season of separation, or are your friendships revealing deeper emotional and spiritual truths? From ghosted texts to years-long friendships that suddenly break, we explore how to grieve well, set boundaries with wisdom, and move forward with grace.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to keep reaching out or fina...

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown and special guest Madison Moses tackle tough questions about denominational differences, evolving church practices, and what it means to walk in the fullness of faith. From Orthodox traditions to women in church leadership, the conversation dives deep into whether Christian diversity reflects unity—or division.
Whether you’ve wondered who’s “right,” why churches interpret Scripture differently, or how to stay grounded when people you love take different paths, this episode will help you find clarity and compassion in your faith journey.

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matt and Tammy Brown respond to heartfelt questions from parents trying to love and lead their adult children through spiritual doubts, broken relationships, and emotional struggles. How do you stay anchored in your values without alienating those you care about most? This conversation dives into the real-life challenges of parenting grown children when faith, boundaries, and heartbreak collide. 

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matt and Tammy Brown respond to thoughtful questions from listeners about spiritual practices that are popular in today’s culture. From traditions rooted in emotional healing to symbolic numbers and cleansing rituals, they explore how these ideas relate—or don’t relate—to a biblical worldview. If you’ve ever wrestled with where culture and Christianity overlap or conflict, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew and Tammy Brown take on questions that challenge us to examine the heart behind our choices—what we listen to, how we serve, and the symbols we surround ourselves with. It’s a conversation about staying grounded in truth while navigating the gray areas of modern faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with what it really means to honor God in everyday decisions, this one’s for you.

Show Notes: 
Scripture on defects r - Leviticus 21:18-21 

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Tammy explore how relationships shape our spiritual lives. From emotional energy and spiritual ties to the deeper impact our connections with others can have on our faith journey, they discuss how to find freedom, healing, and wholeness. Whether navigating past relationships or wondering how to protect your spiritual health in future ones, this episode offers guidance on how to safeguard your emotional and spiritual well-being through God’s wisdom.

Show Notes: The scripture that Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown mentions in the episode regarding a tormenting spirit is 1 Sa...

In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Tammy talk about how important it is to read the Bible in context—especially when certain verses seem confusing, contradictory, or even wrong. They explore how understanding the bigger picture of Scripture can bring clarity to difficult passages and help us avoid misinterpreting what God is really saying. Join us as we tackle some difficult questions about the context of specific verses in the greatest book ever written. 
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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Tammy explore the timeless power and significance of the Bible in our lives today. They discuss how every part of Scripture, no matter how challenging or overlooked, carries value and purpose. From understanding different translations to the importance of engaging with all parts of the Bible, this episode provides insights on how to deepen your faith and connection to God’s Word.

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In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Tammy tackle real-life questions from the Sandals Church community on marriage. Whether you're preparing for marriage, or questioning cultural marriage traditions, this episode offers powerful biblical wisdom to guide you through some of life’s toughest decisions. Tune in as Pastor Matthew and Tammy break down how to lead well in marriage, navigate business challenges with conviction, and discover what truly matters in God’s eyes when it comes to marriage.

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Welcome back to The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown! In this episode, Matthew and Tammy dive into listener-submitted questions covering tough topics like dealing with workplace gossip, finding compassion in divisive political issues, and how to juggle multiple important roles as a man of faith. How can you honor God while navigating difficult conversations with coworkers who avoid confrontation? Should you stay true to your beliefs when family is divided over controversial topics like immigration? And how can you balance being a godly man, father, husband, and friend without losing yourself in the process?
Tune in for...

Welcome back to The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, where we tackle tough, real-world questions that impact your faith journey. In this episode, we dive into three tough questions that challenge the way we view fasting, discipleship, and the role of apostles in the church today. 

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Download the S...

Pastor Matthew Stephen Brown and wife Tammy Brown answer some of your intriguing faith-based questions. In this episode, listeners are seeking guidance on how to navigate the more mysterious aspects of faith—like seeing spirits and spiritual declarations—while also trying to reconcile those experiences with biblical teachings in our modern world.

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