The Community + Purpose Podcast
By Austin & Calli Walker
The Community + Purpose PodcastJun 01, 2023
046 - Impacting the Kingdom by offering Relationships, Resources, and Rally Points; With Josiah Kennealy -
On today's episode, Austin sits down with Pastor, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster, Josiah Kennealy for a conversation about how relationships, resources, and rallying points are essential in impacting the Kingdom.
About Josiah
Josiah is a passionate pioneer for the next generation. He and his wife, Micah are both authors, pastors, podcasters, and speakers.
Josiah finds a passion in financial freedom and wrote a book entitled Debtless: Helping Students Take on Less Debt. When he graduated from North Central University debt free in 2013. Dave Ramsey thought it was a great story to share, and interviewed him as a guest on the Dave Ramsey Show.
He has served as a young adult pastor in the local church as well as a college pastor on a public university campus.
The Kenealys also serve as the directors for Minnesota Young Adults - the Minnesota Assemblies of God’s effort to reach the next generation of 18-30-year olds. They help churches pioneer new young adult ministries, gather a network of passionate ministry leaders, and host events. Additionally, they host the weekly youngadults.today podcast where they interview prominent minds in ministry leadership, generational research, authors, and practitioners in the field. Youngadults.today also has an annual conference at the Mall of America for leaders from across the nation.
Josiah and Micah travel frequently and speak to thousands of young people every year encouraging them to live their lives for Christ and the things that matter most. The Kennealy’s welcomed their first child in 2020, a daughter named Aurora. They make their home near Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Follow Josiah
www.josiahkennealy.com
Facebook|JosiahKennealy
Twitter|@JosiahKennealy
Instagram|@JosiahKennealy
YouTube|@JosiahKennealy
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Equip-Saints-Josiah-Kennealy/dp/B0BW32R2NT/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1685641968&refinements=p_27%3AMicah+Kennealy&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Micah+Kennealy
045 - How to keep stepping forward even when it scares you. Living out your purpose takes grit; With Preston Smith
Fear motivates us. It can motivate us to stand still. It can motivate us to retreat to what was once comfortable. It can even motivate us to keep moving forward in the midst of uncertainty, which is scary. Living out your purpose requires grit, resilience, and the ability to keep stepping forward when it scares you. We know, it sounds really easy to say but how do you do it?
On today's episode, Austin has a great discussion with pastor, leader, and speaker, Preston Smith about what it takes to keep going when it scares you. Preston shares a wealth of practical advice from his own experiences that will help anyone live out their purpose with boldness and intentionality.
About Preston
It all started for me in the small town where I was born and have lived most of my life, Albert Lea Minnesota. With a town no bigger than 17,000, it felt like I grew up in a Hallmark movie. I knew people on every corner, drama wasn’t far away and there were many happy endings. I married my high school sweetheart. I even worked a majority of my professional career at the church I grew up in. We bought a house and started growing our family within miles of where we grew up and the people that raised us. What a blessing it has been being so close to family.
I’m passionate about people. I love people and I love seeing people win. I’ve found from my experiences, work, and adventures that I want to use the power that words have in a way to encourage, bring life, better those listening, all to advance the Kingdom in the name of Jesus.
My wife Sydney and I have one biological son Briggs. We also have been fostering for awhile and have had 6 children in and out of our home. We currently have one foster son. We are also in the process of adopting from Liberia and are patiently awaiting to be united with this child in the near future. The Smiths desire to do as we’ve been called: we will be present, love unrelenting, dream big by doing all things for, with, and because of God. We believe that the best is yet to come, yet we desire to do all that we can with the time we have and with the people we love the most. We want our legacy to outlive us, one that points to Jesus first, our care for others next, and the passions for life itself in our humble pursuit of the Lord.
We’ve stepped out in faith to be a blessing to you. Let us know how we can best serve you and partner to bring about transformation, development, and Kingdom impact.
Connect with Preston
Website: www.wordsbypreston.com
044 - Staying Connected when it feels easier to disconnect; With Austin & Jonathan
Relationships are hard and they come with different complexities and situations that we must navigate. Some are good, and some, well, not so much. What do you do when you're faced with loving someone but you disagree with something they said or did? How do you remain connected when it feels easier to disconnect?
On today's episode, Austin sits down with his friend Jonathan Collier for a hurt-so-good conversation about loving people without signing off on their junk. This one is prickly and will make you think, which is good!
Check out The Wounded Healer by Henry Nouwen
Have a question? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
043 - Being well rounded and well read helps; with Austin and Calli
Comfort is a funny thing. It's a feeling that everyone enjoys and usually goes at least partially hand in hand with favorites. We have our favorite song, favorite movies, favorite comfort food...you get the picture. But here's the thing, if our primary focus is comfort then we can become complacent, and when we become complacent we stop growing, and well....life can become pretty boring.
On today's episode, Austin & Calli have a great discussion about becoming more well rounded and why we can all benefit from finding ways to shape ourselves. One of the opportunities they discuss comes in the form of reading and why reading different types of literature can help us grow, and have a greater impact in the communities where we live.
Have questions? Send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
042 - It's a Spring Check-in and Happy Easter; with Austin & Calli
Checking in on people is important. It's easy to allow the whirlwind of the week distract us from those around us, especially those closest to us. As humans we're relational, we want to be known, valued, and seen. That's also why we thrive in community and struggle in isolation.
On today's episode, Austin & Calli unpack the importance of checking in and offer a few practical tips for finding out how those around us are doing...like really doing.
Have questions? send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
041 - Austin & Calli "When Emotions are high, Intelligence is low"
On today's episode, The walkers dive into the topic of emotions and why when our emotions are high our intelligence to proactively respond to whats driving our emotions is lowered. Everyone feels emotions and the more we understand our own emotions and those of others the better equipped we are to live in community with one another.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
When we invest in our community and try new things, amazing things can happen
No matter where you are you have the ability to cultivate and take part in community. Technology has made it possible to build community where we live and also through digital interaction. Investing in your community through new avenues can be a catalyst for amazing things.
On today's episode, the walkers open with some exciting news about whats ahead for the Community and Purpose Podcast and also talk about something they invest a lot of time in, that has been one the most important "new things" they have pursued as a way to bring people together. You'll hear them talk about Apex Gathering and how it has become a space for different worlds to collide in a deeply meaningful way that has given way to lasting relationships through a very purposeful community.
Have questions? send us an email: Podcast@apexgathering.com
Learn more about Apex Gathering 2023: www.apexgathering.com
039 - Austin & Calli "What can you do to invest in yourself today?"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli are back with a great episode about investing in yourself, why routines matter, and the importance of quick, easy, attainable wins help develop discipline.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
038 - Austin & Calli "Celebrating things that matter, matters"
It can be easy to just let life just start to pass by. Busyness creeps in, life happens, priorities change. You know, all of the stuff that comes with growing up. But celebrating things that matter, matters.
On today's episode, the Walkers are back with a much needed conversation about celebrating moments, and why it's important to do things with people that matter, and why celebrating things that matter, matters a lot. Give this one a listen, maybe even twice.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com. We'd love to hear from you!f
037 - Austin & Calli "Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first 4 sharpening my axe"
When you set out to complete a task, how long do you spend preparing? Abraham Lincoln once said "Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first 4 sharpening my axe"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a great conversation around this famous quote and how there are times where you spend more time preparing versus executing and then there are times where you need to "build the plane as you fly it". Neither way is incorrect, but we need to identify when to move from one to the other.
Have questions? send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
036 - Austin & Calli "Coming of age trip"
Welcome to 2023!
On today's episode, Austin and Calli are back with a very neat episode centered around a coming of age trip that Austin took with one of his sons. There is a lot of practical gold that can be gleaned from this episode that can help anyone cultivate a more purposeful relationship with their children.
Have questions? Send us an email: Podcast@apexgathering.com
035 - Austin & Calli "Austin's 2022 look back; Its been a challenging year. How to use the ups and downs from 2022 to build a better 2023"
If you want to gain a clearer picture of where you want to go, say tomorrow, next week, next month, or even next year, you need to spend some time looking back. Don't stay there of course, but look back at what worked, what didn't. What you want to change, what you want to revisit.
On today's episode, Austin & Calli take a look at Austin's 2022 and unpack how to use the ups and downs to build a better 2023.
Have questions?
Send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
034 - Austin & Calli "Christmas Prep 2022; Take Space”
Have questions? Or if you want any of the things we talk about in this episode. Send us an email to: Podcast@apexgathering.com
033 - Austin & Calli "The world looks scarier than it actually is but, it still effects the way we live."
The world is a scary place yes, but it looks scarier than it actually is. However, it still effects the way we live- good, bad, or otherwise. On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a great conversation around the topic of trauma and emotional awareness. The better we are at becoming more emotionally aware and understanding how to move beyond the trauma that each and every one of us has experienced life in community becomes much more abundant and purposeful.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
032 - Austin & Calli "Saying Yes when you don't want to, a story on how I became a Flag Football coach"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a fun and practical conversation about what happens when we say yes when we shouldn't.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
031 - Austin & Calli "Deconstruction"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a very candid conversation about Deconstruction. This is a very timely episode with a great deal of insight from the walkers. We encourage you to listen to this and also share with someone you know who may benefit from this information.
Have questions? Send us an email. Podcast@apexgathering.com
030 - Austin & Calli "I'm not okay"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have an open and honest conversation about loneliness, what to do when we're just not okay, and why community is so important.
Have questions? Send us an email: Podcast@apexgathering.com
029 - Austin & Calli " Is this bravery or stupidity?"
Bravery is something that has become almost a cliché in our culture- maybe even a platitude. Everyone of us has exhibited bravery at some point in our lives but sometimes we may not feel it, may not feel worthy of being acknowledged for it, or to flip the script, we can sometimes confuse bravery for stupidity. On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a candid conversation about all things bravery and how to discern the difference between brave, or stupid.
have questions? We want to answer them!!!
Send us an email to Podcast@apexgatherning.com
028 - Austin & Jack "Community and Purpose in the Marketplace and the dry seasons of life"
On today's episode, Austin sits down with his friend of 20 years Jack for a discussion about the importance of community when we find ourselves in dry seasons of life.
Have questions? Send us an email.
Podcast@apexgathering.com
027 - Austin & Calli "How are those New Year's Resolutions going? Need to edit them? We did!"
If you're like most people, every January you embark on a journey to invest in New Years Resolutions. What do you do when you need to modify them? A lot can happen in a year so how are those resolutions going right now?
On today's episode, Austin and Calli talk about the world of resolution setting and what to do when you need to edit your resolutions. There's a ton of practical application in this episode that comes at a very pivotal time for most of us.
Have questions? Send us an email.
Podcast@apexgathering.com
026 - Austin & Calli "You're human, You're complex, You're not defined by 1 moment, 1 mistake, 1 measurement."
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a very practical conversation about how who we are matters more than a single moment, mistake, or circumstance.
Have questions?
Send us an email: podcast@apexgathering.com
025 - Austin & Ross "Flip the script"
On this episode, Austin flips the script and invites good friend and leader Ross Cochran in for an interview about life, leadership, and the lessons learned along the way. Full of insightful and relatable answers, Austin shares why he became a pastor, why he started Apex Gathering, why he believes in community and purpose, and finally what it has looked like for him to navigate life through the peaks and valleys of a life trying to pursuing community and purpose.
Have questions? Email us at podcast@apexgathering.com
024 - Austin & Calli "Right of Passage"
We hope you're having a great summer! On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a very insightful conversation about Rights of Passage trips and why they're important.
Have questions? Send us an email.
Podcast@apexgathering.com
023 - Austin & Calli "Summer... are you saying thank God or Dear God it's summer!"
Summer.... It's a particular time of year that garners two very different responses from people. Some are in the "thank God it's summer!" camp, and others find themselves in the "dear God it's summer!" camp. No matter where you find yourself, summer is a great time to have fun, relax, make memories, and find community even amidst the chaos of everyday life.
Have questions? Send us an email.
podcast@apexgathering.com
022 - Austin & Ty "Lonely at the top"
There is a notion that leadership is lonely at the top. While there is truth to that in the sense that an individual at any level of leadership will experience loneliness at some point, your leadership journey doesn't have to be a lonely experience.
On today's episode, Austin sits down with friend, entrepreneur, and fellow high capacity leader Ty Shraufnagel for a candid conversation about leadership and why it's it's not a zero sum game and it doesn't have to be lonely at the top.
Have questions?
Send us a message: Podcast@apexgathering.com
021 - Austin & Calli "There is more to life than the start and the finish"
A lot happens in the middle, in the in between but too often we get so focused on sprinting from point A to B we miss out on some amazing experiences that happen the messy middle. On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a great talk about why it's important to step into the messy middle and embrace all that life has to offer between the start and finish.
Have questions, send us an email: Podcast@apexgathering.com
020 - Austin & Calli "Apex Gathering"
The Apex Gathering exists to help Kingdom Builders pursue the mountains that God has uniquely designed them to climb. On today's episode, Austin and Calli talk about Apex Gathering, why it was created, the community that is being cultivated through it, and how it helps leaders continue to pursue the mountains God has called them to climb.
Learn more about Apex Gathering
www.apexgathering.com
Partner with us and help a leader attend an Apex Gathering
https://www.storehouse.world/c/apex-gathering/10405?mc_cid=a719e6abb1&mc_eid=2dc4b3a202
Have questions? Send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
019 - Austin & Jonathan "Transformation begins where advice giving ends"
On today's episode, Austin sits down with Jonathan Collier for a timely conversation about advice and why transformation begins when we go beyond just giving advice.
Connect with Jonathan
IG: Just_J0nathan
Website: www.jonathancollier.net
Have questions?
Send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
018 - Austin & Calli "Surprise! We flipped your house"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli unpack a recent endeavor that Austin took on while Calli was away on a girls trip with a friend. This is a fun episode that takes you behind the scenes of what it looks like when community shows up in big ways.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
017 - Austin & Calli "Calli's Revel Purpose"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli sit down for a conversation about Calli's experience at REVEL, which is a one – year, two event experience for women who are on a leadership journey. It is for women who long to go to the edge, who are seeking a fresh wind and deeper experience with their Savior. Calli shares her purpose and what she came away with from this transformative experience.
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
016 - Austin & Calli "Enneagram series part 2; know others"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli finish up part two of our series on the enneagram. Last week we looked at the importance or knowing yourself and how the enneagram is a great tool for that. This week we're looking at the importance of knowing others. Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or not, this this will be a fun and informative episode.
Learn more about the Enneagram
https://ianmorgancron.com/
Free Enneagram assessment
https://personalitypath.com/free-enneagram-personality-test/
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
015 - Austin & Calli " Enneagram Series Part 1; Know Yourself"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli kick off a two part series on the enneagram, a great personality tool to help you better understand yourself and others. Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or not, this this will be a fun and informative series.
Learn more about the Enneagram
https://ianmorgancron.com/
Free Enneagram assessment
https://personalitypath.com/free-enneagram-personality-test/
Have questions? Send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
014 - Austin, Calli, Ty, & Hayley "The importance of an equal fight when it comes to relationships and community that lasts"
On today's episode, Austin & Calli sit down with longtime friends Ty and Hayley Schraufnagel for a conversation about the importance of an equal fight when it comes to fighting for relationships and community that lasts. This is a really fun conversation that takes place from a cabin somewhere in the Colorado Rockies.
Interested in Apex Gathering?
Apply NOW! -> www.apexgathering.com
Partner with us to help Kingdom builders continue pursuing the mountains God has uniquely called them to climb.
Learn more-> https://www.storehouse.world/c/apex-gathering/10405
Have questions? connect with us at podcast@apexgathering.com
014 - Austin & Calli "Inviting people into community"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a very open conversation about the importance of community and why even in the most difficult seasons of life, community is always worth fighting for.
Interested in Apex Gathering?
Learn more-> www.apexgathering.com
Partner with us to help Kingdom builders continue pursuing the mountains God has uniquely called them to climb.
Learn more-> https://www.storehouse.world/c/apex-gathering/10405
Have questions? connect with us at podcast@apexgathering.com
013 - Austin & Calli "How do we combat the desire to "go back to normal?"
If normal is always a moving target how do we find comfort in new normals? On today's episode, Austin and Calli unpack how grieving, making space, and learning to say no can help combat the desire to go back to what once felt normal.
Interested in Apex Gathering?
Learn more-> www.apexgathering.com
Partner with us to help Kingdom builders continue pursuing the mountains God has uniquely called them to climb.
Learn more-> https://www.storehouse.world/c/apex-gathering/10405
Have questions? connect with us at podcast@apexgathering.com
012 - Austin & Calli "How do you continue to do all the things without losing relationships?"
When life requires so much of you how do you navigate all the things you're called to without losing your relationships? On today's episode, Austin and Calli unpack this question as they share how they're able to navigate all of the things while paying careful attention to their most important relationships.
Have questions? send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com, we'd love to answer them for you.
011 - Austin & Calli "Excessive Praise"
It seems that in today's culture that everything is either amazing, or terrible, or the best or worst ever. Sure, the things we experience on a regular basis will vary, but here's the deal, if everything is always amazing, then nothing is amazing. And if everything is terrible, then nothing is terrible.
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a fun but much needed conversation about the problem of excessive praise and what to do about it.
Have questions? We'd love to answer them! send us an email to Podcast@apexgathering.com
010 - Austin & Calli "Happy New Year!"
Happy New Year!
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a great discussion about the new year and the importance of planning. This is a great bonus episode, so wherever you are and whatever you're investing in today, make some time to give this one a listen and then share it with someone you care about.
Have questions? We would love to connect with you! Send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
009 - Austin & Calli "Daily Declarations and Positive self talk"
Hey everyone! On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a very fun conversation about the importance of daily declarations and positive self talk. The Walkers share come of their families Daily Declarations and offer some great encouragement for starting your day with truths that God says about you.
have questions about this episode? We would love to connect with you! Just send us an email to podcast@apexgathering.com
008 - Austin & Calli " Merry Christmas, You're Normal!"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli have a fun conversation about Christmas. They share laughs and unpack why you're normal for celebrating Christmas the way you do.
have questions? Let's connect! Send us an email | Podcast@apexgathering.com
Help us spread the word about the Community + Purpose podcast by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts, sharing your favorite episodes, and leaving a positive rating and review wherever you listen!
007 - Austin Walker & Mark Petersen "Rethinking Purpose"
On today's episode, Austin has a great conversation with close friend, entrepreneur, and leader Mark Petersen about rethinking purpose and shifting from an I/me mindset to a we/us mindset.
Connect with Mark.
www.facepunchfoods.com
Connect with CPP
podcast@apexgathering.com
www.apexgathering.com
006 - Calli Walker & Hayley Schraufnagel "Being Married To A High Capacity Leader"
On today's bonus episode, Calli sits down with friend and fellow leader Hayley Schraufnagel for a great discussion about what it's like when you're married to a high capacity leader.
Help us spread the word about the Community + Purpose podcast by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts, sharing your favorite episodes, and leaving a positive rating and review wherever you listen!
005 - Austin & Calli "Focus on root things more than fruit things"
On today's episode, Austin and Calli share about a recent trip they took to a couples leadership experience. They unpack why making space for dreaming is for individuals and couples and also the importance of focusing on our "roots" before "fruits".
Help us spread the word about the Community + Purpose podcast by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts, sharing your favorite episodes, and leaving a positive rating and review wherever you listen!
004 - Jonathan Collier "The importance of showing up"
On today's episode, Austin sits down leader and community cultivator Jonathan Collier for a conversation about the importance of community and why cultivating intentionally and showing up are so important for a community to flourish with purpose.
Connect with Jonathan
Instagram: @just_j0nathan
003 - Austin and Calli "How To Get Out Of A Relationship Funk"