Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life

40 Episodes
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By: Adam Swedenburg https://linktr.ee/AdamSwedenburg

Welcome to Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life — a youth ministry podcast designed for students but meaningful for everyone.Faith is a journey, and no matter your age, we all face uncharted territories in life. Each episode explores real-life topics that matter to students and adults alike, offering practical wisdom, biblical insights, and inspiring stories to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence.Whether you're a student seeking direction, a parent wanting to connect, or simply someone looking for encouragement, Uncharted is here to equip and empower the next generation—while inspiring every generation—to live boldly for Christ. Join us as we...

Who You Are — Rejecting Labels and Living in Truth
Last Thursday at 9:00 AM

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg dives into the difference between who you truly are and the labels you’ve been given. Many of us live from words spoken over us—past mistakes, opinions, and lies that were never meant to define us. This episode challenges you to recognize those false identities, confront the lies you’ve believed, and begin living from the truth of who God says you are. It’s time to let go of labels and step into the freedom of your real identity. 

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Leading Like Jesus — The Power of Servant Leadership
04/13/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg dives into what servant leadership really means. In a world that defines leadership by position, power, and recognition, Jesus flips the script—showing that true leadership is found in humility, service, and putting others first. This episode breaks down how servant leadership isn’t just a concept, but a daily choice lived out in the small, unseen moments of life. Whether at home, work, church, or in relationships, you’ll be challenged to lead like Jesus—by serving, loving, and making an impact w...


Learning How to Pray: From Pressure to Connection
04/09/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg breaks down what prayer really is—and how to actually do it. If you’ve ever felt unsure, distracted, or like you’re “not good” at praying, this episode will take the pressure off. Prayer isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Discover practical ways to pray, grow in consistency, and build a real, daily relationship with God. 

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On the Other Side of Surrender — Living Resurrection Life
04/06/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg unpacks what resurrection really means after Easter. It’s not just an event—it’s a lifestyle. Through surrender, we step into new life, leaving behind fear, control, and old patterns. This episode challenges you to live like the tomb is empty—not just on Sunday, but in your everyday life. 

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Cast It — Don’t Carry It
04/02/2026

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Stress, worry, and pressure can feel overwhelming—but you were never meant to carry it all. In this episode, Adam Swedenburg unpacks what it truly means to “cast your cares” on God and how surrender leads to peace. As Easter approaches, this message is a reminder that what you release to God, He is more than able to carry. 

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Letting Go of Bitterness — Living Free This Easter
03/30/2026

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Bitterness doesn’t show up loudly—it grows quietly, shaping your heart over time. In this episode, Adam Swedenburg unpacks how resentment can keep you stuck and how the power of the cross and resurrection leads to true freedom. As Easter approaches, this message challenges you to let go, forgive, and step into the new life God has for you. 

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Breaking the Cycle — Escaping Unhealthy Patterns
03/26/2026

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Unhealthy patterns don’t start big—they start small, but over time they can shape your life. In this episode, Adam Swedenburg dives into what it looks like to break those cycles through the power of resurrection. With Easter approaching, this message is a reminder that you’re not stuck in your past—God offers real transformation, new life, and the strength to walk in freedom. 

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Discovering Your Gifts — You Were Designed on Purpose
03/23/2026

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You were not created randomly — you were designed intentionally. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg unpacks what it means to discover and use the gifts God has already placed inside you. Through Scripture, practical guidance, and personal reflection, he challenges listeners to move past comparison and insecurity, step into obedience, and fan into flame the purpose God has prepared in advance. 

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Faith Over Doubt — Choosing Trust When Questions Get Loud
03/19/2026

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Doubt doesn’t mean your faith is failing — it means you’re human. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg explores what it truly means to choose faith over doubt. Through Scripture, honest reflection, and practical steps, he reminds us that faith isn’t the absence of questions — it’s the decision to keep trusting God in the middle of them. 

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When to Encourage — Don’t Miss the Moment
03/16/2026

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Encouragement isn’t just a kind gesture — it’s a responsibility. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg unpacks when and why we should intentionally encourage others. Through Scripture, practical insight, and a personal story about nearly stepping away from the podcast, he reminds us that a single sentence spoken at the right time can be the difference between someone quitting and someone continuing. 

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Identity vs. Performance — Who Are You Really?
03/12/2026

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Are you living from identity — or performing for approval? In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg unpacks the difference between identity and performance, and how tying your worth to results leads to exhaustion and insecurity. Through Scripture, biblical examples, and personal reflection, he reminds us that our value isn’t built on what we produce — it’s anchored in who we are in Christ.

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Influence vs. Popularity — What Are You Really Building?
03/09/2026

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In a culture driven by likes, followers, and viral moments, it’s easy to confuse popularity with purpose. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg unpacks the difference between influence and popularity — and why one builds ego while the other builds legacy. Through biblical examples, leadership insight, and personal reflection, he challenges us to choose obedience over applause and lasting impact over temporary approval. 

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Prayer — More Than Words, It’s Relationship
03/05/2026

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Prayer was never meant to be a checklist or a performance — it was meant to be relationship. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg explores what it really means to pray as connection, not obligation. Through Scripture, practical insight, and personal reflection, he shares how prayer shifts from routine to relationship — and how consistent, honest conversation with God changes us from the inside out. 

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Worry vs. Wisdom — Knowing the Difference
03/02/2026

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Worry and wisdom can look similar on the surface — but they come from two very different places. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg unpacks the difference between anxious fear and faithful discernment. Through Scripture, practical examples, and personal reflection, he shares how to prepare responsibly without being trapped by worry — and how to find real peace by trusting God with what you cannot control. 


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What Forgiveness Is Not
02/26/2026

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Forgiveness is powerful, freeing, and often misunderstood. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg breaks down what forgiveness is not — from forgetting the wrong to excusing sin or waiting for the right feeling — and shows how true forgiveness sets your heart free.

Adam explores how to:

Release bitterness without excusing wrongdoingForgive even when reconciliation isn’t possibleFollow practical steps to align your heart with God’s grace

Through Scripture, personal stories, and real-life examples like Joseph, Jesus, and Stephen, this episode challenges listener...


Temptation, Choices, and Building Character
02/19/2026

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Life is full of temptation — but sin is never unavoidable. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg dives into the power of the choices we make in everyday moments. From small decisions to bigger crossroads, every choice matters in shaping our character, faith, and future.

Adam explores how to:

Pause, pray, and choose obedience when faced with temptationUse Scripture and accountability to guide your decisionsBuild lasting character through consistent, godly choices

With insights from Scripture, practical steps, and personal stories, this episode reminds us th...


God’s Purpose vs. My Plans
02/12/2026

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 Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we plan — and that’s okay. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life Podcast, Adam Swedenburg explores the difference between our limited plans and God’s limitless purpose. Through stories from Scripture — Joseph, Moses, and Paul — and personal experiences, Adam encourages listeners to trust God’s timing, surrender control, and align their lives with His greater plan.

You’ll discover:

Why God’s purpose matters more than our plansHow to walk in step with Him through surrender, patience, and daily guidancePractical ways to trust God e...


Is Doubt a Sin?
02/05/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg tackles one of the most common and misunderstood questions in the Christian life: Is doubt a sin? Through Scripture, biblical examples, and personal reflection, this message reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith—but often the place where faith grows deeper. Learn how to bring your questions to God honestly, respond to uncertainty with trust, and allow doubt to draw you closer to Jesus rather than push you away. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions, this episode offers hope...


Being a Loyal Friend
01/29/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg dives into what it truly means to be a loyal friend in a world where relationships are often based on convenience. Using Scripture and the example of Jesus, this message explores how loyalty shows up in hard seasons, speaks truth in love, forgives quickly, and stays present when life gets messy. If you’ve ever wondered how to reflect Christ more fully in your friendships—or needed encouragement to stay when it’s hard—this episode is for you. 

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Confidence Without Arrogance
01/22/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg explores the difference between true, God-centered confidence and the kind of false confidence rooted in insecurity and pride. Drawing from Scripture and the example of Jesus, this message unpacks what it means to walk boldly in your calling without elevating yourself above others. Learn how identity in Christ produces confidence that builds others up, stays grounded in humility, and remains steady through life’s challenges. This episode will help you trade insecurity and ego for assurance rooted in who God says you ar...


The First Step: When You’re Not Sure You’re Ready for Faith
01/15/2026

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This episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life is for anyone standing on the edge of faith and wondering if they’re truly ready. Adam gently walks through the questions, hesitations, and honest fears people experience when exploring who God is. With relatable stories, Scripture, and practical steps, this episode helps listeners understand that faith doesn’t start with certainty — it starts with curiosity, humility, and a single small step toward God.


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Heart Check: What You Treasure Shapes Your Life
01/08/2026

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg welcomes special co-host Rory Paquette, host of The Power of Man, The Podcaster Nation, and Wake up the Lions podcasts, to walk through a powerful, challenging truth — your treasure always reveals your heart. The two discuss how chasing comfort, approval, or possessions leaves us empty, while treasuring God brings peace and purpose. Filled with personal stories, biblical insight, and practical steps, this episode will help you evaluate your priorities and realign your heart with what truly matters.


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The Power of Consistency in Faith
01/01/2026

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Consistency can be hard, but it’s also where spiritual growth truly happens. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg shares why daily faithfulness matters, how to overcome common obstacles, and practical steps to help you stay rooted, focused, and strong even when life feels busy or unpredictable. 


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The Strength in Vulnerability: Courage to Be Real
12/23/2025

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg explores why vulnerability isn’t weakness but a pathway to freedom, connection, and spiritual growth. Through Scripture, real stories, and practical steps, discover how courage grows when we choose to be honest with God and others. 


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The Power of a Little
12/18/2025

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Sometimes we think God is waiting on us to have giant, unshakeable faith before He can work. But Scripture tells a different story. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg explores how “a little” is often God’s starting point. From the mustard seed faith Jesus talks about in Matthew 17:20, to the widow who gave the little she had, to the boy who offered his small lunch, we see that God multiplies what looks small in human eyes. Adam shares how small faith can be enough to keep you moving...


Rooted, Growing, Bearing: How Real Faith Produces Real Fruit
12/11/2025

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In this episode, Adam Swedenburg is joined by special co-host Rory Paquette, host of The Power of Man, The Podcaster Nation, and Wake up the Lions podcasts.  Together, they dig into the journey of spiritual growth — from putting down deep roots in God, to growing a strong, steady life of faith, to finally producing the fruit of the Spirit. They unpack why rooting yourself in Christ is non-negotiable, how daily habits shape the “tree” of your life. Honest, practical, and encouraging, this episode shows how anyone can grow fruit that lasts.



Hope in the Midst of Darkness
12/04/2025

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Even when life feels heavy, confusing, or silent — hope is still possible. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg opens up about finding hope when darkness surrounds you. Through Scripture, reflection, and practical steps, you’ll discover how to anchor your heart in God’s promises, remember His faithfulness, and keep walking forward when giving up feels easier. This isn’t blind optimism — it’s real hope rooted in a faithful God who never leaves you in the dark.


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Courage When Fear Shows Up
11/27/2025

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Fear is real — but so is God’s call to courage. In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg unpacks what it means to trust God when fear tries to take control. From Joshua’s bold obedience to Peter’s shaky steps on the water, we’ll explore how courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to move forward with God anyway. Learn how to recognize fear, respond with faith, and take your next brave step — even when your heart is pounding.


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When God Feels Silent
11/20/2025

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Have you ever prayed and felt like Heaven went quiet? In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, Adam Swedenburg unpacks what it means when God seems silent — and why His quiet seasons might be where the deepest growth happens. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and practical steps, discover how to trust God’s timing, listen differently, and find peace even when the answers don’t come right away. Silence doesn’t mean absence — sometimes it’s preparation.

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Ready to Share: Living Out 1 Peter 3:15
11/13/2025

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In this powerful episode, Adam Swedenburg is joined by special co-host Rory Paquette, host of The Power of Man, The Podcaster Nation, and Wake Up the Lions podcasts. Together, they dive into 1 Peter 3:15 and unpack what it means to live with a hope so real that people can see it — and ask about it. They talk about how to revere Christ as Lord in your heart, how to share your faith with confidence, and how to do it all with gentleness and respect. This conversation will challenge and encourage you to live ready — read...


Walking Through the Fire
09/29/2025

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Life’s trials can feel overwhelming, but God doesn’t leave us to face the fire alone. In this episode, Adam Swedenburg explores how life’s challenges refine us, how faith can grow stronger through the flames, and practical ways to stay anchored in God’s presence, promises, and people. 

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Anchored in Hope
09/22/2025

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We all face storms — bills piling up, relationships stretched thin, health struggles, and moments when faith feels fragile. But Hebrews 6:19 reminds us that “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

In this episode, Adam Swedenburg shares: Why biblical hope is different from wishful thinkin, how Paul, Peter, and Abraham stayed anchored in God through storms, three anchors you can hold onto today: God’s promises, God’s presence, and God’s people, and a personal story of walking through overwhelming seasons of ministry, family struggles, and health b...


From the Edge to Embrace: Bambi Lynn’s Story of Redemption and Purpose
07/01/2025

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In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Bambi Lynn—life coach, motivational speaker, blogger, and two-time published author (soon to be three!). Bambi shares her incredible testimony of transformation, beginning in 1987 when, just days after nearly ending her life by jumping off a bridge, she gave her heart to Jesus.

We talk about the life-saving moment when a passing police officer intervened, the shocking discovery she made in the psych hospital, and how pregnancy at 16 marked the beginning of a new chapter. From trauma and suicidal thoughts to...


Sacred Balance: Healing Minds & Souls with Miriam Diphouse McMillan
06/26/2025

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In this episode, I’m joined by Miriam Diphouse McMillan—author of Sacred Balance: How Ancient Practices Can Restore Modern Minds. Miriam is a chaplain at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, an ordained minister, a writer for the Intercession of Spirituality and Mental Health, and above all, a child of God. 

We dive deep into the intersection of faith and mental health, exploring how spiritual practices—like prayer—have been scientifically shown to calm the mind through MRI research. Miriam shares insights from over 12 years of experience walking alongside people in crisis, leading s...


Made for More: Finding Purpose in the Middle of the Mess
06/25/2025

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Have you ever felt like you’re just… not enough? Like you’re too broken, too behind, or too messy to be used by God? In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, host Adam Swedenburg takes us deep into the heart of that struggle—and reminds us of a greater truth: you were made for more.

Through powerful scriptures, real-life reflection, and moments of guided silence, Adam walks us through what it means to reject the enemy’s lies and believe what God says about us. From Ephesians 2:10 to Romans 8:2...


From Rejection to Restoration: Angela Eugene on Faith, Family, and Finding Her Father
06/24/2025

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Angela Eugene—ordained minister, associate pastor, author of "HerStory: Surviving the Journey Called Life Through Rejection, Abandonment, and Fear," and "Refresh Your Spirit", a 31-day devotional. Angela shares how her relationship with God deepened in the midst of marital chaos, and how she learned to keep Christ at the center of her marriage.

We explore the impact of fatherlessness in her early years, the shift when her stepdad entered her life at 15, and her emotional journey of reuniting with her biological father—ultimately beco...


Escaping Christmas: Grief, Grace, and Finding Light in the Darkest Season
06/19/2025

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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Becky Avery—author of Escaping Christmas, blogger, full-time professional, and full-time wife—who is on a powerful mission to help others navigate grief. After losing her mother to a long battle with cancer and her father suddenly just 17 months later, Becky and her brother found themselves dreading the holidays and wondering: Can you skip Christmas? That question became the seed for her moving book, written and published just one year after her father's death.

We talk with Becky about three core themes from her...


Rooted, Not Shaken: Finding Stability in an Unsteady World
06/18/2025

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In this episode of Uncharted: Navigating Faith and Life, host Adam Swedenburg dives deep into the importance of being spiritually rooted in a world that constantly shifts. Drawing from Jeremiah 17:7–8, Adam unpacks what it means to trust God through every storm and drought life throws our way. You’ll learn three powerful habits that grow deep roots—staying in the Word, staying in community, and staying honest with God. Whether you’re facing fear, loss, or feeling like you’re not enough, this episode reminds you that you don’t have to be unshaken by...


Love in Every Stripe: Finding God in the Brokenness with Shannon Debona
06/17/2025

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Shannon Debona—author of Love in Every Stripe Book, speaker, elementary teacher, and woman of deep faith. Shannon shares her journey of growing up in the church and walking with God her whole life, only to find herself in a spiritually dry season, wondering where God was in her pain.

Shannon opens up about the tragic loss of her husband to suicide, along with the passing of her cousin and grandmother—all within a single year. Through her grief, she discovered a de...


Through the Fire with Ryan Wickline – Mindset, Suffering, and God's Purpose
06/12/2025

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ryan Wickline — host of Through the Fire Podcast, mindset coach, junior high wrestling coach, motivational speaker, and passionate Christ follower.

We dive into Ryan’s journey coaching young athletes, how he uses mindset training to help them push past limits, and why it's so important to reject the lies the world tries to sell us. Ryan opens up about the role of suffering in our lives and how God uses it to shape us — not break us. Together, we explore Romans 5:3–4 and discuss the powe...