Halfway There

268: Travis Johnson and World Changing Community

Travis Johnson is an active duty officer in the United States navy and the host of the Nonprofit Architect Podcast. Today, Travis shares about moving dozens of times as a child because of his mom’s mental illness. He also shares how he felt the Lord’s presence, got out of the abusive situation, and found stability in the Navy. Travis has found a way to give back by enabling and supporting nonprofit organizations through podcasting and his own service. Travis’s story reminds us that the Lord can use our background no matter how difficult.
Listen to Travis’s story now!
Stories Travis shared:
Starting his podcast Nonprofit Architect
Growing up with a mother with bipolar disorder needing to move often
Taking control of his family at 9 years old
Going to Bible camp one summer
Experiencing a supernatural happening before moving out
Joining the Navy to get a stable life
Finding a church in Oklahoma City that showed him what church should look like
The group who helped him understand the Christian life
Realizing people in Bahrain were just like him
How podcasting has changed his life
Great quotes from Travis:
No amount of shared DNA gives someone permission to treat you a certain way.
I just showed up with a good attitude and willing to help.
Everywhere you go, it’s just people.
Resources we mentioned:
Travis’s website
Christian Podcasters Association if you want to start one
Related episodes:
Amy Watson on Trauma, Healing, and Community
Trevor Kapralos and the Power of Community
Christina Dent and Compassion for Others
The post Travis Johnson and World Changing Community appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams

Tiffany Jo Baker is a caffeinated mom of two teen girls, surrogate mom who has delivered five babies for three families dealing with infertility. Today, Tiffany shares how she went her own, self-destructive way as a teenager, and the dramatic steps her parents took to get her back. She also shares how she became a surrogate mom, and the calling the Lord gave her to help others bring their dreams to life. Tiffany’s story reminds us that no matter where you are, God has plans for you if you’ll only step into them.
Listen to Tiffany’s story now!
Stories Tiffany shared:
Growing up in a Christian family in Ohio
Going rogue in high school and how God redeemed
Her “burning bush” experience
Getting a fresh start in college
Learning spiritual disciplines and new thought patterns
How she became passionate about surrogacy
Pitching the idea to her husband
What she learned from being a surrogate
Her role in the body of Christ as a “dream carrier”
Getting released to speak and write
Securing an internship to learn online business
Learning to be present
Great quotes from Tiffany:
None of us have all that we need to do all that God has called us to do.
If you’re confident, people will give you the responsibility.
I do soul care, self care, and dream care.
Our minds are a powerful weapon.
Resources we mentioned:
Tiffany Jo’s website
Related episodes:
Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind
John Ramstead and From Accident to Purpose
Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God
The post Tiffany Jo Baker and Giving Life to Dreams appeared first on Eric Nevins.

266: Scott Distler and Creating Space to Listen

Scott Distler is an author and the lead pastor of an Evangelical Free church in Northern Michigan. Today, Scott shares about the mentors who shaped him, how a betrayal sent him into a dark time, and the steps he took to get out of it. Scott learned to slow down and make space for his relationship with God in the difficult season and he shares those lessons. Scott’s story reminds us that our identity must come from who Jesus says we are not our accomplishments.
Listen to Scott’s story now!
Stories Scott shared:
Pastoring a church in Northern Michigan
Spending his childhood in church
Feeling called to become a pastor as a junior in high school
Going to Bible school to learn Scripture
His mentor’s advice about how to pray specifically
The moment that he knew the Lord answered his prayer
How is pastor mentored him and his best advice
Becoming spiritually arrogant before his “cave experience”
When his main supporter turned against him at church
Learning that his source of significance is in the Lord
Starting to journal as a spiritual practice
Realizing that Jesus understands betrayal
The practice of gratitude he kept with his wife
Why he decided to write The Cave
Great quotes from Scott:
Even though my greatest hurts in life have come from the church, I still believe in the local church.
Everything that happens to you makes you bitter or better. The choice is yours.
My source of significance has to be Jesus.
Resources we mentioned:
Scott’s church website
The Cave: When Ministry Becomes Misery by Scott Distler
Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons by Marshall Shelley
Related episodes:
Mark Brownson and Honesty with God
Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind
Jim Barnard Finds Hope in Suffering Through Community
The post Scott Distler and Creating Space to Listen appeared first on Eric Nevins.

265: Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind

Alicia Michelle is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster and certified NeuroCoach. Known as the Mindset Makeover Coach, she equips Christian women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools so they know HOW to renew their minds in order to overcome negative thinking and cultivate godly confidence. Today, Alicia shares how campus ministry changed her life, the health crisis that made her reevaluate, and what she has learned about renewing your mind in a godly way. Alicia’s story reminds us that we are wonderfully made and learning about how always yields benefits.
Listen to Alicia’s story now!
Stories Alicia shared:
Her business as a neurocoach and being a mom
Growing up in Los Angeles
Becoming a Christian through Cru at college
The mentor who shaped her early walk with Jesus
Moving back to Los Angeles
Meeting her husband at church
Struggling with all the “shoulds” of having a new family
The health crisis that changed her identity
Leaving a missions trip with a health issue
How the Lord helped her slowly rebuild her life
How we change things we believe
Integrating brain science and spirituality
Great quotes from Alicia:
I heard Christians are nice.
It is strange to return to your hometown and not be the person you were.
Resources we mentioned:
Alicia’s website: Vibrant Christian Living
Related episodes:
Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life
Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw and the God Who Likes You
Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Overcoming Anxiety
Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel
The post Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind appeared first on Eric Nevins.

264: John Ramstead from Accident to Purpose

John Ramstead is a keynote speaker and trainer, former combat Navy fighter pilot, leadership coach, international podcast host and bestselling author of On Purpose with Purpose–Discovering How to Live Your Best Life. Today, John shares about losing his dream of being a Top Gun pilot, the accident that nearly killed him, and the process of healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. John discovered that the Lord w0uld provide and give him a new identity. John’s story reminds us that God works even the worst of circumstance together for our good.
Listen to John’s story now!
Stories John shared:
Growing up as a church kid in Minnesota
Getting into Top Gun as a pilot and then losing the dream
Giving his live to Christ during a church service
Building a business to drive himself
Living in “smoldering discontent”
Starting his own company thinking it would help his discontent
The accident that changed his life
Experiencing the love of God in his presence
The long healing process he went through
Realizing he was angry with God because of his painful healing process
Trusting God for finances as he healed
How Romans 8:28 helped him get through pain
The coach’s question that changed his perspective
Why he wrote On Purpose with Purpose
Great quotes from John:
He’s in relationship with us even if we’re not meeting him halfway.
Excellence is the standard but grace is the word.
Get to know and love that better version of yourself that God sees.
Resources we mentioned:
John’s website, Beyond Influence
On Purpose With Purpose: Discovering How to Live Your Best Life by John Ramstead
Related episodes:
Cherlyn Decker and Learning to Roar
Cari Jenkins and Who You Really Are
Paul Edwards and Serving God’s Other Children
The post John Ramstead from Accident to Purpose appeared first on Eric Nevins.

263: Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is a speaker, writer, author of 7 books including her latest It's Not Your Turn. Today, Heather shares how her faith changed when she broke off an engagement and decided to wait on the Lord. She tells how she learned to listen to her feelings but not let them drive her and why she is striving to be more present in her interactions. Through it all, Heather has experienced the Lord guiding, directing, and providing unexpectedly. Heather’s story reminds us that sometimes our calling is to be faithful to show up where the Lord asks us to be.
Listen to Heather’s story now!
Stories Heather shared:
Growing up in the back of a van as her dad entertained around the country
Breaking off an engagement and deciding to wait on the Lord
Getting a phone call from the man who would become her husband
The moment that her VP gave her a meal card and what she learned
Why “feelings can get in the car but faith drives”
Leaders have to lead and what that means for us
Connecting relationship to faith
Praying about moving back to Michigan
Why we should trust God in all circumstances
Her calling to serve young people
Why you need to be available to your children
Showing up and its value to you
How to restore dignity to people in interactions
How meditation affects your brain
Great quotes from Heather:
I can’t plan for God, but I can walk with him.
The deepening of my faith came with deep water.
When you get to where you’re going, go back for those where you came from.
Sometimes it’s not your turn and it’s not your fault.
Resources we mentioned:
Heather’s website
It’s Not Your Turn: What to Do While You’re Waiting for Your Breakthrough by Dr. Heather Thompson Day
Christian Podcasters Association
Related episodes:
Traci Rhoades and the Case of Spiritual Envy
Cliff Haddox and the Story that Grows With You
Chuck DeGroat and the Invitation to Obscurity
The post Dr. Heather Thompson Day and the Sustaining Hand of God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

262: Traci Rhoades and the Case of Holy Envy

Traci Rhoades is an author, blogger, and Bible teacher. Today, Traci shares her early curiosity with hands on faith, why a humanities class opened her up to more Christian traditions, and how reading more widely led her deeper. She also shares why she wrote her book Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost. Traci’s story teaches us that different traditions give us fresh understanding of our ancient faith.
Listen to Traci’s story now!
Stories Traci shared:
How her blog opened her up to new traditions
Growing up in rural Missouri
Teaching elementary students as a high schooler
Going to a private Christian university
How two classes in humanities shaped her faith
Meeting her husband and moving to Michigan
How reading more widely led her deeper
What she believes godly fruit is and why it matters
Why she wrote her book for Evangelicals for whom it wasn’t enough
Great quotes from Traci:
It’s funny to me that there are practical reasons that God uses in divine ways.
I didn’t realize how much wider would lead me deeper.
If you expect to find a church that won’t hurt you, you won’t.
Resources we mentioned:
Traci’s website
Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: A Story of Church
A Fellowship of Differents: Showing the World God’s Design for Life Together by Scot McKnight
Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith by Richard J. Foster
Related episodes:
Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life
Karen Swallow Prior and the Spiritual Practice of Reading Fiction
Aimee Byrd and Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
The post Traci Rhoades and the Case of Holy Envy appeared first on Eric Nevins.

261: Joe Pomeroy and How Grace Cancels Shame

Joe Pomeroy is a businessman, speaker, and author. Today, Joe shares how he came to the end of himself when his marriage was breaking down, what he did to get help, and how he learned to accept grace. Now, Joe helps men apply what they know from business to their family in order to become the fathers and husbands they want to be. Joe’s story reminds us that even when we feel no worth, Jesus still finds us valuable.
Listen to Joe’s story now!
Stories Joe shared:
How he became a family leadership coach
Growing up in a Christian family in Arizona
Realizing the struggle his family went through
Feeling like he needed to be perfect and going through shame cycles
The moment in his early 30s that changed his view of righteousness
How his marriage began breaking down
Feeling like he was pushing his wife out
Having a “man-sized tantrum” about something he cannot remember now
Realizing he needed help
Learning how to accept himself as he is
Discovering how to run a family like a business
Using the principle of ROI
Trying to create a business around business and family
Great quotes from Joe:
Now I recognize there is power in vulnerability.
Most of the time, I wasn’t in darkness. I was in shadow.
When we put ourselves in the right place, we’re able to be an instrument of God for others.
I believe that all truth belongs to He Who Is the Truth.
Every day we deserve love because God has declared it so.
Resources we mentioned:
Joe’s website
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue Johnson
Related episodes:
Jay Bakker and Discovering Unbelievable Grace
Shá Sparks and Finding Purpose
Manny Randawa and the Conduit of Grace
The post Joe Pomeroy and How Grace Cancels Shame appeared first on Eric Nevins.