Campfire Council

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What happens when you put your phone down and get honest with other men about faith, temptation, and life?

In Episode 149 of Campfire Council, Luke and Joey recap their men’s retreat at Village Creek Bible Camp in Lansing, Iowa—from pickleball and basketball to prayer partners and conversations that went deeper than introductions.

They discuss opening up about lust, worshiping without fear of judgment, navigating expectations and grief, and what Romans 8 reminds us about life through the Holy Spirit. Plus: getting to know your pastor, sharing your testimony befo...

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What does your first year following Jesus really look like?

Collin joins Luke and Joey on the Campfire Council Podcast to reflect on a year of faith—the excitement, the struggles, and the freedom of realizing you don’t have to earn God’s grace. We talk about letting go of guilt, trusting God when He feels silent, breaking old habits, and finding friends who help you grow.

Plus, an honest conversation about prayer, putting your God-given gifts to work, taking care of your body, and stepping outside your comfor...

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Can a video game become a mission field?

Tyler, known online as The Helpful Raider, joins the Campfire Council to share how he went from working in HVAC to full-time evangelism—and how ARC Raiders became an unexpected place to share Jesus.

We talk about his testimony, overcoming anger, stepping out in faith, and turning toxic gaming encounters into real conversations about God. We also tackle listener questions about gaming versus reading Scripture, personal conviction, and finding spiritual themes in games like Elden Ring.

Whether you’re a ga...

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When does waiting on God’s timing become avoiding putting yourself out there? And what does dating with intention actually look like?

In Episode 146 of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke, Joey, Miranda, and Olivia continue the conversation on Christian dating and relationships with honest answers to listener questions. From making the first move and handling rejection to splitting the bill and staying firm on your faith, the council shares personal experiences, different perspectives, and biblical wisdom.

The conversation also tackles dating with chronic illness, divorce, dating someone with children, an...

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How do you pursue a Godly relationship when dating feels awkward, rejection gets personal, and everyone has different expectations?

Luke, Joey, Miranda, and Gigi get honest about Christian dating—from embarrassing gym encounters and unexpected relationship red flags to the fear of making the first move. We talk about who should pay, character versus chemistry, what it means to be equally yoked, and how to build emotional boundaries without shutting people out.

Gigi also shares how she met her husband and the anxiety she experienced before marriage. Plus: why da...

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Is spiritual warfare real—and why do attacks sometimes seem to intensify when we grow closer to Christ?

Lee returns to the Campfire Council for a raw conversation about grief, temptation, spiritual attacks, and the faith that carried him through an incredibly painful season. Together, Luke, Joey, Miranda, and Lee discuss why the enemy targets believers, how Scripture helps us take our thoughts captive, and how God can use even our hardest circumstances for good.

The conversation also gets practical: resisting temptation, recognizing distractions, supporting people without dismissing their pa...

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Lee spent years chasing nightlife, money, relationships, New Age spirituality, and the next good time—until one more alcohol-fueled night forced him to confront the person he had become.

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, Lee joins Luke, Joey, and Miranda to share his journey from a Lutheran upbringing to college rebellion, the bar and nightclub industry, heavy drinking, and a life that looked successful from the outside but felt increasingly hollow within.

Lee recounts the morning he realized he was finished with alcohol, the unexpected podcast th...

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What are you doing with the gifts God has entrusted to you?

In Episode 142 of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke, Joey, and Miranda unpack the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. They discuss what “talents” really meant in the passage—and how the principle applies to our abilities, time, money, relationships, influence, and opportunities today.

The conversation explores the difference between salvation and works, the danger of comparison, the fear that keeps us from taking faithful risks, and the pressure we place on ourselves to produce visible results. They also s...

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Can Christians struggle with anxiety and still trust God? Is taking mental-health medication a sign of weak faith? What do you do when you pray, read Scripture, and your situation still doesn’t change?

In Episode 141 of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke, Joey, and Miranda sit down with their friend Olivia for a candid conversation about faith, anxiety, antidepressants, depression, and healing after rock bottom.

Olivia shares how anxiety became physically debilitating, why she chose therapy and medication, and how she learned to see those resources as tools rather th...

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What happens when someone needs more than encouraging words?

In Episode 140 of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke, Joey, and Miranda discuss an unexpected encounter with a man named Mike who was struggling to pay his rent. What began as an uncomfortable interruption became a powerful lesson about generosity, obedience, and being the hands and feet of Jesus.

The conversation challenges us to examine whether our faith changes how we respond to the people directly in front of us. Are we willing to pause our plans, listen to someone’s st...

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What does it actually mean to live authentically—and how do we keep approval, success, social media, and politics from defining who we are?

Author, speaker, and Wisconsin elected official Vanya Koepke returns to the Campfire Council Podcast to discuss his second book, “Authentic with Purpose.” Vanya explains why authenticity is more than “being yourself”: it means rooting your identity in truth, embracing vulnerability, building genuine community, and having the courage to live out your God-given purpose.

Together, Luke, Joey, Miranda, and Vanya talk about the temptation to measure ministry b...

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Why do we sometimes expect fewer trials when we’re doing everything a “good Christian” should do?

In Episode 138, Luke and Joey wrestle with suffering, unanswered prayers, and what it means to trust God when His promises feel impossible. They share the unforgettable testimony of a woman who continued praising God through eight miscarriages—and eventually welcomed the two children she believed God had promised her.

The conversation also explores worshiping from a broken place, recognizing God’s direction through Scripture and Christian community, dreaming big without losing sight of His wil...

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Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the one who hurt you the most... and sometimes it's even harder to let go of your anger toward God.

In this episode, we have one of our most personal conversations yet. We talk about forgiveness, pride, gratitude, and how God can completely transform your heart—even after years of bitterness.

We also discuss:

• Why holding onto anger only hurts you
• Conor McGregor's recent bold profession of faith
• Learning to forgive the unimaginable
• Why gratitude changes your perspectiv...

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Gossip seems harmless... until it destroys friendships, families, churches, and even our own hearts.

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we dive into one of the most common sins Christians often overlook. Why is gossip so easy? Is there a difference between venting and gossip? Can prayer requests become gossip? And how do we lovingly handle situations when others begin talking behind someone's back?

Together we discuss what Scripture teaches, how pride fuels gossip, practical ways to stop it, and why speaking life over others is one...

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Discipline isn't about having more motivation—it's about becoming more like Christ.

In this episode of Campfire Council, the crew dives into one of the most overlooked parts of the Christian life: biblical discipline. Why do we struggle to stay consistent? Is discipline different from legalism? How do we honor God with our bodies, our minds, and our daily habits?

Through listener questions, honest conversations, and Scripture, we discuss:

• Why motivation always fades
• The difference between discipline and legalism
• Faith, fitness, and stewarding your body
• Ov...

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Jordan Plantiko is back on the Campfire Council—and this conversation goes far beyond bodybuilding.

After stepping away from competition for five years, Jordan returned to the IFBB Pro stage, battled through injury, bounced back from disappointment, and captured a huge victory at the Optimum Classic. But what mattered most wasn't the trophy—it was the opportunity to point people to Christ.

We also recap Miranda's Junior Nationals experience, discuss why bodybuilding can become an idol, and explore how believers can use competition, success, and even failure to glorify God...

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Are you physically exhausted, mentally drained, or spiritually running on empty?

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we dive into what it really means to recharge. In a culture that tells us to scroll more, work harder, and stay constantly busy, we explore how God designed us to experience true rest.

We discuss:

• Physical, mental, and spiritual burnout
• Why simply "relaxing" isn't always enough
• The importance of spending time in God's creation
• How Scripture refreshes the soul
• Practical ways to slow down and r...

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How do people know you're a Christian?

Is it because of what you wear... what you post... or the way you actually live?

This week we're joined by Tanya (TD Impacts) for one of the most encouraging conversations we've had on the podcast. We dive into authentic faith, sharing the Gospel naturally, bringing hope into broken situations, and why Christians should be known for the way they love people—not just the words they say.

Tanya shares incredible stories from coaching, working at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, an...

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Have you ever looked back on a moment and thought, "I knew better, but I did it anyway"?

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the council has an honest conversation about sin, regret, repentance, and the incredible mercy of God. We discuss those moments when we've hurt others, ignored God's prompting, or deliberately chosen our own desires over His will—and how God's grace continues to meet us even in our failures.

We also answer listener questions about maintaining faith during stressful seasons, trusting God's plan when li...

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What is spiritual warfare, and how should Christians think about it biblically?

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the council dives deep into one of the most discussed and misunderstood topics in Christianity: spiritual warfare. Together, Luke, Joey, Emilio, Miranda, and Gigi explore what Scripture teaches about the ongoing battle between God's kingdom and the forces of evil, how temptation works, and where our own sinful nature fits into the conversation.

The discussion covers everything from manifesting and New Age spirituality to the Armor of God in...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the crew dives into one of the most requested and controversial conversations yet — Christian dating, relationships, red flags, spiritual leadership, and modern dating culture.

We play a hilarious and thought-provoking game of “Amen or Rebuke,” reacting to different dating scenarios like:

• “God told me you’re my wife”
• Christian dating apps
• Social media validation
• Spiritual leadership in relationships
• Posting Bible verses to impress girls
• Following Instagram models while claiming to pursue purity
• Guarding your heart vs shutting people out

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On this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the council dives deep into one of the most important — and uncomfortable — conversations Christians can have: evangelism, eternity, and the reality of heaven and hell.

Miranda shares her incredible journey after winning her first overall bodybuilding competition and explains how God has used the bodybuilding world as a mission field to share the gospel and glorify Christ. From prep struggles and identity to witnessing backstage at competitions, this conversation sets the stage for a powerful discussion on faith in everyday life.

The...

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What happens when Christian guys start debating modern dating standards, gender roles, hobbies, church culture, and relationship red flags? Chaos. 😂

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the council dives into a hilarious but surprisingly deep game of “Amen or Rebuke,” reacting to all kinds of Christian dating scenarios — from “social media evangelists” to six-figure expectations, gaming being called an idol, modern worship debates, and even whether a girl bench pressing more than you is an instant amen. 💀

But the conversation doesn’t stop there.

The episode takes a se...

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On this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the council dives into some of the deepest and funniest questions they’ve faced yet. From lighthearted icebreakers and Star Wars talk to honest conversations about prayer, mentorship, faith, and identity, this episode goes everywhere.

Luke and Joey react to thought-provoking questions from the “Not Just Sundays” card game, including:

• If you and Jesus hosted a podcast, who would your first guest be?
• What’s something you prayed for in one season that you wouldn’t pray for now?
• What would a pai...

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What starts off as a hilarious game of “Amen or Rebuke” quickly turns into one of our most real conversations yet.

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we break down Christian dating standards, red flags, and real-life scenarios—deciding what we’d accept… and what we’d have to rebuke 😂

But it doesn’t stop there.

The conversation shifts into deeper territory as we talk about:

• Faith, purpose, and obedience
• Asking God hard questions
• Dealing with loss and trusting His plan
• What we would do...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the guys reflect on a powerful week of growth, faith, and real-life impact.

After being invited to speak at a college ministry, the team breaks down what it was like stepping outside their comfort zones to share the gospel—and how it challenged their own walk with God. From teaching and apologetics to real conversations with students, this experience left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The conversation then shifts into something deeper: the struggle between motivation vs. discipline in your fa...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke and Joey sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about faith, Easter, and what it actually looks like to follow Christ in everyday life.

Coming off Easter weekend, the guys reflect on powerful moments—from church services and baptisms to the impact of simply planting seeds in people’s lives. They dive into the idea of a growing “revival” and why more people seem drawn to Christianity right now.

But the conversation goes deeper…

Why do so many Christians...

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What really happened on Good Friday… and why does it still hit so hard today?

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we sit down after Good Friday service to reflect on the cross, the sacrifice of Jesus, and what His death actually means for us today.

We talk about:

• why Good Friday feels heavier the deeper your faith grows
• the reality of Jesus carrying the cross
• Simon of Cyrene and why he was forced to help
• the meaning behind “My God, My God, why hav...

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What are we really consuming too much of?

In this episode of Campfire Council, we dive into the topic of overconsumption—not just with food, but with screens, caffeine, entertainment, social interaction, validation, information, and even our own negative thoughts.

We talk about how easy it is to justify the things we overindulge in, especially when culture normalizes them. From gluttony and fast food to social media addiction, secular music, self-focus, and comfort eating, this conversation gets honest about where conviction, discipline, and stewardship come into play in the Ch...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke, Miranda, Joey, and Emilio sit down with Collin and Katie for a powerful conversation about faith, worship, marriage, surrender, serving, and spiritual growth.

They share their personal story of how they met, what their dating relationship looked like, and how God completely transformed their relationship through intentional surrender and pursuit of Him. Katie opens up about her testimony, walking through a season of brokenness, addiction, false identity, and mental struggles — and how everything began to change when she truly pursued Jesus through pr...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we dive into one of the hardest and most honest questions in Christianity:

How can a loving God allow hell?

What starts as a casual, fun conversation quickly turns into a deep and meaningful discussion about faith, justice, and the nature of God. The crew wrestles with real questions many people think about but don’t always say out loud.

We talk about:

-What happens to people who never hear the name of Jesus
-Whether everyone ge...

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What happens when your faith is challenged every single day in the classroom?

In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, Luke, Joey, and Emilio sit down with their friend Gigi to talk about her journey through homeschooling, college, and defending her Christian faith in a secular university environment.

Gigi shares how she came to know Jesus at just six years old and how that early faith carried her through major life transitions—from moving to Las Vegas after high school to studying psychology and philosophy at the University of...

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In this Luke & Joey solo episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we dive into honest conversations about faith, church, and the challenges Christians face today.

Luke shares a personal story about the first time he was truly angry at God after a mentor who helped grow his faith suddenly left his life. That experience led to a season where he stopped caring about his faith entirely—and eventually taught him an important lesson about relying on God instead of people.

We also talk about whether Christians need to attend ch...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we bounce between faith and real life—starting with an all-time embarrassing church moment (trying to hook a chain onto a nail on a cross… and completely failing). From there we get into gym talk (workout splits, training together again, and a new trap movement discovery), plus a heated discussion on gym etiquette—like when someone steals your plates mid-set.

We also shift into deeper conversation: Bible stories that scared us as kids, the intensity of The Passion of the Christ, and the differ...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we sit down with IFBB Pro bodybuilder Elizabeth Moline to hear her incredible journey from addiction and emptiness to sobriety, faith in Christ, and earning her professional bodybuilding status.

Elizabeth shares her story of getting sober in 2014, searching for purpose through fitness, CrossFit, and Olympic weightlifting, and eventually discovering bodybuilding. After years of discipline, setbacks, injuries, and growth, she earned her IFBB Pro Card and stepped onto the professional stage.

But her physical transformation wasn’t the biggest change.

El...

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In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Sam to explore how martial arts, faith, and life’s setbacks have shaped his perspective on humility, comparison, and trusting God’s plan.

From dojo lessons about belt rankings and competition to Luke 14:10 and the call to humble ourselves, we unpack how easy it is to measure our worth against others — whether in martial arts, career success, or even our faith. Why does it feel like everyone else is getting “promoted” while we’re still putting in the work? And what does it...

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Sometimes our desires don’t align with God’s plan — and that can be hard to accept.
In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, the council answers listener questions ranging from faith and discernment to gym culture, energy drinks, and demon-possessed Bible stories. We dive into what it means to trust God when prayers go unanswered, how to discern God’s will versus our own desires, and how Scripture speaks into doubt, suffering, and obedience.

We also cover:
• Letting go of control and trusting God’s plan
• Favorite Bible...

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In this episode of the Campfire Council Podcast, we dive deep into what repentance really means — not just saying sorry, but turning away from sin and stepping into obedience.

We explore:

The difference between guilt and repentance
Why confession is biblical (James 5:13–16)
How accountability actually helps healing
When tools and boundaries are helpful — and when motivation matters
Why repentance requires action, not just prayer
How fleeing sin (2 Timothy 2:22) is sometimes the most faithful choice

Using Scripture, real-life examples, and honest conversation, we talk a...

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On the council, we have Luke, Joey, Emilio, and Miranda! This episode we dive into the word and go through Mark chapter 9. There is a lot to unpack, along with lots of laughs and good conversation that you will not want to miss! Also, whose birthday is it?? Tune in to find out! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! 

Links:

Miranda's Christian clothing website: https://sewninstrength.com
Use code: CAMPFIRE
20% off entire website!

Miranda's business account: https://www.instagram.com/_sewninstrength/

Spotify: h...