The Engage Your Destiny Podcast

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, ev...

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 lastin...

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...

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...

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 leadership

This episode isn’t just about biblical history—it’s a wake-up call for a generation lost in distr...

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...

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...

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...

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 Welcome
00:40...

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:

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 t...

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...

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...

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 un...

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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...

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 o...

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Did you miss part 1? Watch it HERE

Welcome 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 ve...

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 p...

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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 pers...

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 Destiny
00:34 Support Our...

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...

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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...

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...

Welcome to PART 2 with Ricky Herrera!
Missed PART 1? WATCH HERE! 

In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, host Ben Peterson sits down with Ricky Herrera, a seasoned veteran with 24 years in the Air Force as a combat controller, former firefighter/EMT, and Secret Service member. 

Ricky dives deep into his life story, sharing about his upbringing in Brownsville, Texas, his challenging family dynamics, and his path to military service. He discusses the intense training and mental fortitude required to become a combat controller, the harsh realities of combat in Iraq an...

WATCH THIS EPISODE on Youtube! In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, host Ben Peterson sits down with Ricky Herrera, a seasoned veteran with 24 years in the Air Force as a combat controller, former firefighter/EMT, and Secret Service member. 

Ricky dives deep into his life story, sharing about his upbringing in Brownsville, Texas, his challenging family dynamics, and his path to military service. He discusses the intense training and mental fortitude required to become a combat controller, the harsh realities of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and navigating the complexities of faith a...

WATCH this episode on Youtube!

Join us for a profound conversation between Ben Peterson, founder and CEO of Engage Your Destiny, and Craig Penley, a former Special Forces Green Beret. 

In this gripping episode, Craig shares his incredible journey of serving 16 years in the U.S. Army, his experiences in combat zones including Afghanistan and Ukraine, and the impact these experiences had on his faith and personal life. 

From high-stakes missions and the moral complexities of killing in war to building teams and finding solace in faith, Craig's story is...

Welcome back to the podcast!
This week is a special week, where Ben brings his audio-only podcast now on video. That's right, now you'll be getting more than just one video episode a week! WATCH episode HERE.
We can't wait to share more with you. 
Today, Ben explores how trauma shapes our faith, featuring the incredible journeys of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—both World War I veterans who turned their suffering into timeless stories. Discover how Lewis wrestled with faith in Mere Christianity and A Grief Observed, and how Tolkien wove the rea...

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In this episode of Engage Your Destiny's podcast, Ben Peterson sits down with Walter Pittman, a veteran from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Walter shares his deeply personal story of growing up with an extraordinary father, facing racist bullying, and discovering his true identity through faith and resilience. From his childhood experiences in Compton to a pivotal moment during his Air Force deployment, Walter's narrative reveals the transformative power of forgiveness and the unwavering love of Christ. Join us as we dive into this inspiring and heartfelt journey of overcoming adversity...

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In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, Ben Peterson, founder of Engage Your Destiny, sits down with Justin Knowles, a former EOD bomb tech and now a director for Engage Your Destiny at Fort Wainwright. 
Justin opens up about his intense curiosity for people, his dedication to helping others find freedom through faith, and his transformative journey from a tumultuous upbringing to becoming an influential leader. Covering heavy topics like childhood trauma, addiction, intimate struggles, and God's redemptive love, Justin shares how his experiences have shaped his calling to w...

Friends, we’ve got a raw one for you this week! Have you ever thought about the role of pain and suffering in your life? Well, we dove into what ChatGPT thinks about how satan could use it to destroy our generation and here’s what we got: 

Exploit Pain and Trauma:

WATCH this episode on Youtube & Pray.com!

In this episode of the Engage Your Destiny podcast, host and founder, Ben Peterson sits down with Mike Foster, a veteran who has survived some of the most traumatic events of modern history. From living through the Columbine Massacre at 14 to serving in two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps, and a 15-year career in law enforcement, Mike's story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. 
Join us as Mike shares intimate details of these life-altering experiences, how faith played a crucial role in his journey, and his m...

Do you know what you were created for? Have you gotten clarity on what your identity is? We are in a war for the identity of soul of our nation and it begins with you. Ben delivers a powerfully convicting message on the strategies of the enemy to sow identity confusion into our generation.

Do you struggle with sexual sin? Honestly, we all do. So let’s have an honest conversation about it. Tune into this message from Ben from our ChatGPT series and let’s experience the freedom Jesus paid for on the Cross for us.

Watch this episode on Youtube & Pray.com!
In this Engage Your Destiny Podcast episode, Ben Peterson, sits down with Aaron Iwanciw. A Marine Corps veteran with a heavy story that tackles the challenges of growing up in public housing, facing daily mortar attacks in Iraq, and coping with PTSD. 
From his tough early life in Michigan to his deployment in Iraq, Aaron's journey is a testament to resilience. Learn how Aaron transitioned from the battlefield to creating a successful company, Armor Corps, which serves the Department of Defense. 
Hear about the pivotal role Aaron's faith played in...

Watch this episode on Youtube and Pray.com!

Welcome to our very FIRST Engage Your Destiny VIDEO PODCAST, with Ben Peterson! 
Join us on this compelling journey with Matt Kondus as he shares his gripping story of courage, faith, and resilience. He details his experiences as a police officer and SWAT member, his struggle to overcome personal injuries, and the challenges of fatherhood—including his son's battle with cancer. Matt also opens up about the emotional turmoil of leaving his wife and the heartfelt journey to reconciliation years later.

Engage Your Destiny (EYD) is a 5...

Do you feel alone? Isolated? Do you fear being with people and how they perceive you? We stepped out into a bold new direction for our podcast to ask ChatGPT, if you were Satan, how would you destroy this generation? What we got back, was profound. Join us for part one of this journey, isolation.

Do feelings of guilt and regret hit your mind throughout the day, sending you into a spiral? Are there areas of your life you’ve shut off and don’t want to revisit because it simply is too painful? Boy do we know how you feel! Check out this simple, honest, and vulnerable conversation with Ben that will help you discover peace with your past.

Do you ever wonder if you’ve heard from God? Do you think He talks to you or wants to tell you thingS? Have you ever truly believed He has spoken to you? If you have asked yourself these questions or desire to hear what God is already speaking to your heart, tune into this message from Ben so  that you can get everything standing in the way of you hearing His voice out of the way!

A simple meeting with a pastor gave Ben a practice that has been transforming his life, marriage and home. This simple AND practical podcast will transform your mindset of prayer and give you a plan to go execute it! Let’s go!

Here it is! The long (but not too long) awaited final episode in the Hard to Kill Series! Ben addresses the most neglected area of what will make us strong and Hard to Kill, OUR RELATIONSHIPS! Tune into this incredible cap to what has been an amazing series to gain the strategies of how you can build truly strong relationships!