Brewing Narrative

Episode eight is here! We were so happy to be able to talk with the lovely Marcela Tobar. We wanted to chat with Marcela because we know her to be someone that passionately loves God and people. My (Landon) favorite part of our conversation was when we got to go in depth about her journey from El Salvador to the States and how her faith has grown, been challenged, and transformed since moving here. But there's so much more! Marcela's spirit is so contagious (the good kind). Oh, and we also enjoyed a different beverage on this episode. Can you guess what it is? Don't miss out on this! Enjoy, friends!  

Season two, episode seven is HERE! We had the absolute pleasure of talking with Janice Wade. Folks, there is a ton of good stuff here, so buckle yourselves in! Janice takes us back to her childhood and teenage years and shares the difficult memories of her sexual abuse by her father, the drug and alcohol abuse that resulted from that, and how all of it fostered a rebellion in her heart, especially towards the idea of a Good Father in Heaven. We also talk about the powerful ways God begins to work in our lives before we ever know Him, and how God places integral people in our lives so that we can have a chance to know Him. Finally, we talk about how Janice has allowed God to use all of her pain and brokenness to connect with others through her profession as a licensed counselor and a ministry leader specifically dealing with sexual trauma.  

We're really excited to bring you a conversation with Dr. Leighton Flowers! We wanted to switch things up just a little for this one. This is more of an informational episode! Leighton is the Director of Youth Evangelism for Texas Baptists and is also an Adjunct Professor of Theology for Trinity Seminary. Leighton was a Calvinist for about ten years and since making his way out of it, he has been committed to teaching others about God's love and provision for all people, contrary to the teachings of Calvinism. Don't miss this! If you would like to hear more from Leighton, check out his podcast Soteriology 101 (on all major platforms). Enjoy, friends!

Our fifth episode of season two is here! We loved our conversation with F. LaGard Smith. We did a deep dive into LaGard’s childhood and what it was like growing up as a “PK” (preacher’s kid) and striving to own his own faith at a young age. We spent some time talking about his many years of practicing law, and how the art of questioning makes its way into the life of a believer, and of course we touched on some of the many fantastic books that Smith has authored. You don’t want to miss this one! For more information on F. LaGard Smith and to access his works, visit lagardsmith.com.

Ok, folks! Episode four of season two is finally here! We had the pleasure of talking with our good friend TC Brown. We covered quite a bit in this episode, so get ready for a fun (emotional at times) ride. What's easy to notice about TC is that he speaks about the things that he's passionate about. We talked about his past as a wrestler, where that led him, and the role that it still has in his life today, the tragic loss of his sister, Mallory, but the BIG impact she left on his life and everyone else she knew, and how we can focus on the most important things in this life rather than distracting ourselves with the temporary. Check it out! 

Season two, episode three is here! We welcomed our friend and brother, Brett Maessen on the podcast. On this episode we spend some time talking about sports (baseball in both Brett and Matt’s case) and how they fit into the context of discipleship. We also talked about the tragic loss of a brother, the excitement of a new son, and becoming a young campus minister at a new church plant in Columbia, Missouri. Also, let me not forget, you might even hear a few college dorm stories! Enjoy, friends.

For our second episode this season, we welcomed Chris Goris on the podcast! In our conversation with Chris, we talk about the effects of divorce during childhood, loss of a parent, the desire to have children, and the motivation to be different and break cycles. You may be thinking, “Well, how do you do that?” Give this episode a listen and you will find out. Enjoy, friends!

For our first episode of season two, we invited Darius Williams on the podcast! In this episode we did a deep dive into Darius' childhood, where he discusses his relationship with his dad, and how his godly influence shaped him into who he is today. He also talks about why he decided to relocate to St. Louis and that sometimes we just can't seem to figure out what God is doing through it all. You'll also hear a bit about the challenges our culture has been facing and how Jesus can make a difference through it all. Just a warning, your jaws may be tired after this because it's hard not to smile when you hear Darius' contagious enthusiasm and love for people!  

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, we bring Nathan Taylor to the show! You might've heard about Nathan from our previous guests on our show, as Nathan is a good friend to all! Nathan Taylor shares his early childhood memories of an emotional void resulting in wanting to adopt a brother, his struggles with doubting God in various different ways, and now leading a class called Doubters Anonymous. 

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, we welcome Joy Little to the show. Joy shares her story of being a teen mom in her last years of high school, while raising a beautiful little girl. Aside from being a teen mom, Joy also learns very quickly how to raise a child with Cerebral Palsy. Fast forward to today, "Savy" is loved by so many, including everyone here at Brewing Narrative. By the help of Gods people and His church, Joy is able to overcome her early trials and persevere into the woman she is today. Now married, Joy and Nico are giving wholeheartedly to the youth ministry. Check out this episode today! 

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, Jess Williams comes on the show. As we reflect on Father's day we are reminded that not all Father Day's are the same. As Jess prepares for her marriage this fall, she paints us a picture of the beautiful journey of ups and downs that she has been on. We are thankful that Jess shares some vulnerable truths about her upbringing. While not all things are easy, we are also reminded of the promises and the hope that God gives us. By looking at Jess' life, its clear that her life is a living testimony of these exact promises. 

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, we zoomed in with I.T Antigha. I.T shares his upbringing, and how a near death experience changes his outlook on his life both physically and spiritually. Now, I.T leads bible studies in Tampa Florida and uses his artistic talents to spread the gospel. For us, we know I.T, through his Spoken Word performances at the annual Campus Ministry United's Family Vacation conference. But for many others, they know I.T as a loyal friend, Christ follower and a down to earth guy.

From being a comedian, to working on the railroad, to now being a minister, Brewing Narrative brings on Clint Hill on the show. Clint shares his story of being abused as a child, how he was introduced to drugs & alcohol at such a young age and how he went from being agnostic to atheist to now, minister.

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, we have Mitch Heady on the show! Mitch, comes on the show with complete vulnerability about how life was like as a student athlete before a relationship with God and after. More specifically he talks about how he was missing the emotional support during a crucial time of his life, the struggled of being disciplined and how he put stock in a lot of things that were ultimately unfulfilling. 

This podcast is caffeinated by the Kenya AB Imara single origin from We Are Upshot Coffee in Cottleville, MO. This washed process has roaster taste notes of cranberry, dried plum and caramelized sugar. 

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, we brought on Fernado Sucre to the show! Fernando touches on what it was like growing up in Panama City, the effects of inconsistency in his life and how God is currently using his life to help lead out a church plant in Columbia, Missouri!

On this episode of Brewing Narrative, we have Maddie Demas on the show! Maddie, "Ms All Thing's STL", comes on the show with intense vulnerability. Maddie shares her story with what it was like growing up with insecurity, and people pleasing  in high school and how an unfortunate event, eventually led her to Christ. 

This podcast is caffeinated by the Ethiopia Worka Sakaro from Parlor Coffee in Brooklyn, NY. Ethiopia Worka Sakaro is a washing station that collects coffee from 400+ different farms. This family owned farm works directly with Parlor Coffee. For more information on their coffee you can visit them in Brooklyn, NY or you can visit their website at parlorcoffee.com

This is the Brewing Narrative pilot episode. Hosts Landon, Ryan & Matt explain how Brewing Narrative came into fruition and what to expect moving forward. They will host other individuals with awesome stories about their relationship with God while drinking delicious coffee.