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Kurt Beach joins us, along with his daughter Mikayla Beach, to encourage listeners to shift their focus away from their troubles and toward a more positive, faith-driven life.Kurt was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and told he would probably be in a wheelchair by his mid-30's.  Instead, Kurt took on the biggest physically challenging race of his life."Searching for Every Step: Finding Purpose in Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy" documents Kurt's life journey from diagnosis to his recent victory over the fears in his life that kept him from the dreams that God gave him.Mikayla also talks about her dad and his journey, and how she aspires to be like him in that she doesn't believe we should ever discount the desires that God places in our hearts.Listen in, share it with your friends, and order Kurt's book to get the full story behind our conversation.Order Kurt's BookSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Todd grew up in a Christian family as a missionary kid. Then one day, his father told Todd that he was gay. His parents divorced and abandoned him. Todd became a high-end cocaine dealer until Jesus met him right were he was.In part 2, Todd shares another struggle as a pastor--painkiller addiction. Even as he tried to justify this use, he knew he needed help.  God continued to show Todd that He is always there, always pursuing him.Maybe you can relate to some of Todd's story; maybe you can't. Regardless, we are all in the same boat--we are all sinners who desperately need a Savior.  Listen to Todd's story and hear how there is hope for every one of us, regardless of what our past looks like.You can order Todd's book, "A Profound Mercy:  Finding Redemption in the Despair of our Own Doing" by visiting Todd's website or ordering directly on Amazon.Visit Todd's WebsiteSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Todd grew up in a Christian family as a missionary kid. Then one day, his father told Todd that he was gay. His parents divorced and abandoned him. Todd became a high-end cocaine dealer until Jesus met him right were he was.We talk to Todd about his life and how he now sees that God was pursuing him every step of the way. Maybe you can relate to some of Todd's story; maybe you can't. Regardless, we are all in the same boat--we are all sinners who desperately need a Savior.  Listen to Todd's story and hear how there is hope for every one of us, regardless of what our past looks like.You can order Todd's book, "A Profound Mercy:  Finding Redemption in the Despair of our Own Doing" by visiting Todd's website or ordering directly on Amazon.Visit Todd's WebsiteSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

What exactly is worship?Do we have to worship as a group, or can we worship alone?My friend, Jonathan Philby, joins us today to talk about the bigger topic of worship. Jonathan recently co-led a multiple week class on the subject of worship and brings much of his study to our conversation today.With the HOPE of Jesus Christ, we can freely worship Him, and Jonathan provides some great insight into some potential misunderstandings of worship.Don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate us, type up a quick review, and tell your friends about Behind the Mike: Conversations of Hope podcast!Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001?I do. I was working for an airline and we had just sent out the first flight of the day.  It was a normal day, until it wasn't.  You know the story.That was 20 years ago.  America has seemed to lose its way since then.My prayer is that we will heed God's warning to Israel from 2 Chronicles 7:14.Please share this podcast.  Like it & review it.  I want to spread the HOPE of Jesus through my podcast as far as I can--with your help.A video of this podcast is available at:  https://youtu.be/DgX3qLMijJA--------------------9fE5dL46GFrDxJH7XfGaSupport the show

Autumn and Karrah, lifelong friends, join us in this episode and they will be sharing about how they worked so hard, and stressed so much, about fulfilling their mental checklist of things that will get them to heaven.It wasn't until they both met a co-worker who shared about God's grace through faith in Jesus that will get them to eternal life--not works, that they found true freedom from the bondage of works and guilt.Autumn and Karrah both had a background in Catholicism, yet they couldn't explain why they did the things they did in Catholic school and Catholic mass.  Then they found that they could go directly to the Word of God themselves to see what God had to say to them.You will want to be sure to listen to this episode and share it with everyone you know!  Have questions about God? The Bible? Heaven and hell?  Contact us at Behind the Mike: Conversations of Hope at Mike@BehindTheMike.net or find a Bible-believing church in your area!  This is too important to wait another day!Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Shannon Bream joins us for a Conversation of Hope about her new book, “The Women of the Bible Speak.” Shannon writes about sixteen women in the Bible ranging from a prostitute to a murderer—from a queen to the mother of Jesus.  Each woman has a unique, and often outrageous, story of how God used them as a part of his plan. Some are even a part of the lineage of Jesus Himself.Have you ever felt like God couldn’t, or wouldn’t, use you because you were not up to His standards?  Well, the women in Shannon’s book are proof that God looks at the heart.Listen in and hear Shannon discuss “The Women in the Bible Speak.”Shannon Bream is the host of “Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream,” author of two books, and legal correspondent for the Fox News channel.RESOURCES:The Women of the Bible SpeakFinding the Bright SideShannon on FacebookShannon on TwitterShannon on InstagramFox News @ NightSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

In the final lap of the first race of the 2021 season, Michael McDowell's strategy was to wait for Brad Keselowski to make his move on leader Joey Lagano.  When that happened, Michael made his move and avoided their crash to take the checkered flag at the 2021 Daytona 500.Racing has been a big part of Michael's life since he began with BMX bikes. He has a conversation with us about the careful balance between his NASCAR career and his marriage and family.LINKS:Michael McDowellFront Row MotorsportsGoPro MotorplexNASCAR 2021 ScheduleSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Our nation is "a nation under God" in word and many consider themselves "Christians", yet know little about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.My guest is Pastor Dean Inserra, author of the book, "The Unsaved Christian".  Dean is the founding and lead pastor of CITYCHURCH, where he leads the vision and preaching. In this episode, we talk about Cultural Christianity and truly following Christ.  There is a distinction between the two and the differences are eternal.  Going to church, holy communion, being a good person, treating others well, and even volunteering at church does not send you to heaven.The Bible makes it very clear that there is nothing that WE can do to earn our eternity with God.  Sin separates us from God (since Adam & Eve) and sin's effect on us is death.  Only One with no sin can redeem us from hell, and His name is Jesus.Be sure to listen to my conversation with Dean Inserra!"The Unsaved Christian" book"Without a Doubt" book"Getting Over Yourself" bookSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Ted Barrett became a Major League umpire in 1994 and was full-time beginning in 1999. Ted earned a master's degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity College and Seminary, and a doctorate in theology, with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry, from Trinity. Ted's dissertation was "An Investigation of Faith As a Life Principle in the Lives of Major League Umpires".Ted has a long list of experiences from his career in Major League Baseball.  Some of them include: He was the home plate umpire for David Cone's perfect game for the New York Yankees against the Montreal Expos on July 18, 1999, Behind the plate on August 7, 2004, for Greg Maddux's 300th win, He became the only umpire in major league history to be behind the plate for two perfect games on June 13, 2012, when Matt Cain pitched a perfect game for the San Francisco Giants against the Houston Astros,  The only umpire in Major League history to have been on the field for three perfect games. He was selected as Crew Chief for the 2018 World Series. He was behind the plate for Game 3 which at 7 hours and 20 minutes was the longest game in World Series history. In his first game, he was behind the plate as Roger Clemens started. Listen in as we have a Conversation of Hope with Ted Barrett and discuss how God has placed him in a unique position for ministry through his organization, Calling for Christ.Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

How much risk are you willing to take as a parent, with your child's exposure to alcohol, vaping, marijuana, or other drugs?Richard Capriola has been a mental health and addictions counselor for over two decades. He’s been licensed in Illinois and Texas and recently retired from Menninger Clinic in Houston where he worked as an addictions counselor for adolescents and adults diagnosed with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.We speak with Richard about the risks our teens are taking with drugs and alcohol, and why?If you are the parent or grandparent of a teen, you need to hear this.  Don't be the parent who thinks their child would "never do that".  Be aware of the signs.  Have conversations with your teen. Learn how to get help.Be sure to check out Richard's website, his book, and his workbook.  As Richard's website states, "This Book May Save Your Child's Life." RESOURCES:Richard Capriola websiteThe Addicted Child (book)The Addicted Child (workbook)Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

College basketball is winding down and soon, March Madness will be here!  In this episode, our guest, Zach Tinman, shares his love for the game of basketball.  His dream was to one day play college ball, but he first needed to overcome some obstacles.  Lack of playing time and his height were just a couple of those obstacles, and year after year he needed to make a big decision--persevere and follow his calling, or quit. The latter seemed the easiest, but Zach wasn't willing to give up on his dream. Today, Zach is playing college basketball.  He joins us to share the struggles as an athlete and how he refused to allow daily challenges to define him.Although we are discussing basketball in Zach's story, this message is for anyone who is tired of the challenges, disappointments, and frustrations in life.  This story is about perseverance and trusting that God's calling in your life is there for a reason---and don't give up!Grace CollegeSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

When Belinda Ernst took her first medical mission trip to Haiti, she had no idea how God would use that trip to change the trajectory of her family. It wasn't long before the Ernst's were considering adopting a child from the country they came to love--the small country of Burundi in Africa.Charlie and Belinda already had two biological children, Alli and Sam.  Alli was an 8th grader when her parents went to Burundi to bring home her new brother, Roger.  Sam was in 6th grade. In this episode, I am joined by Alli, Sam, and Roger, as they talk about their perspectives on the family's adventure of adoption. RESOURCES:Mission PossibleAmerica World AdoptionRoger’s Gotcha Day videoSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

When Belinda Ernst took her first medical mission trip to Haiti, she had no idea how God would use that trip to change the trajectory of her family. Belinda is a pulmonary Physician Assistant. After multiple trips, her husband, Charlie, decided to take two of his basketball players with him to experience the orphans of Haiti for himself. Charlie is the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Findlay.It wasn't long before the Ernst's were considering adopting a child from the country they came to love.  With Haiti adoptions taking 4-5 years, they were introduced to the small country of Burundi in Africa.  Burundi, they were told, was very much like Haiti.After mounds of paperwork, Charlie & Belinda left their two biological teenage children at home with family to complete the adoption of their new son, Roger.In this episode, Charlie & Belina Ernst join me to share the details of what led them to adopt, and the highs and lows of that process.  Grab a box of tissues and settle in to listen to their truly amazing story of God's plan for their family.RESOURCES:Mission PossibleAmerica World AdoptionRoger’s Gotcha Day videoSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Hello and welcome to Behind the Mike: Conversations of Hope.  I am Tammy Stone and I wanted to introduce today’s guest because her topic is so extremely important. It’s also been very controversial in our society—especially during this election.  Abby Johnson educates the public on pro-life issues, advocates for the unborn, and reaches out to abortion clinic staff who still work in the industry. She is the founder of “And Then There Were None”, a ministry designed to assist abortion clinic workers in transitioning out of the industry. Abby was a speaker during the 2020 Republican National Convention and has authored books on the topic of abortion—including her book, “Unplanned” that was also made into a movie of the same title.  This week is a pivotal time for our nation as we go to the polls.  Regardless of your stance on this position, I hope that you will listen as my husband, Mike, sits down with Abby Johnson to have a conversation on the important topic of abortion, from Behind the Mike.Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Behind the Wire MinistriesWell, I would love for you to give your undivided attention to today’s episode.  It’s raw and real, and it’s going to challenge the way you view your life.  I’m going to start by asking a simple question…have you ever been in prison?  Have you ever been bound in chains and shackles?  Before you answer, I need to expound a bit.   Today’s guest is Pastor Scott Highberger.  Scott’s story is about freedom. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone who is more qualified to talk about freedom than Scott.  Like all of us, Scott has a past.  Beginning at age 12, Scott was arrested 35 times, he had 8 felony convictions and 5 prison sentences.  As I spoke with Scott and heard his unbelievable story, I began to feel like I couldn’t fully relate.  I was raised in church all my life.  I was never considered a troublemaker, except for maybe a couple of years in high school.  My record with the law is no more than a couple of traffic tickets. Yet, Scott explained that his story is very much like my own.  He explained that we don’t have to be physically incarcerated to be a prisoner.  He says, “Freedom isn’t just about a physical location; it’s a spiritual condition.  There’s an invisible prison that holds many in its grip…” So I ask you again…have you ever been in prison?  Have you ever been bound in chains and shackles?  How about Addiction?  Depression?  Anxiety?  Fear?  Loneliness?  What about Guilt?  Shame?  Regret? Scott has a book called, “Behind the Wire: A Prisoner’s Journey to the Pulpit”.  It reads much like a devotional and he has generously gifted us with a limited number of copies for podcast listeners.  Be sure to listen to the end of the podcast to learn how you can get a free copy! Scott’s story is also making its way to the big screen.  This feature film stars Joey Lawrence and Michael W. Smith.  We’ll give you some more information about the release of “Pardoned by Grace”, which will be released in 2021.   As you listen to Scott share his story today, we would like for you to consider those invisible prisons that are keeping you Behind the Wire.  Scott will talk about how to break free from those prisons and discover the path to true freedom. We invite you to listen to Pastor Scott Highberger share his story of living Behind the Wire and his journey to the pulpit, from Behind the Mike.Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

On July 22, 2011, he accompanied his sister, Schyler, to the American Idol auditions in North Charleston, SC. The judges, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, and Jennifer Lopez recognized Colton Dixon from the previous season and asked him to audition too.  Both Schyler and Colton Dixon received Golden Tickets to perform in Hollywood. In the end, Colton made it to the Top 7.  Just 9 months after he was eliminated from the show, Colton released his debut album, “A Messenger”, which made it to #15 on the Billboard Top 200, and #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian albums. In May of 2020, Colton released a self-titled EP, the first on his new Atlantic Records label. The album includes hits, “Miracles” and “Devil is a Liar”. I recently sat down with Colton Dixon to discuss some new opportunities in his career, challenges, and a couple of new Miracles in his life. We’ll even check in on his sister, Schyler, to see what she is up to. You will be encouraged as you hear how God is using Colton in 2020 amidst all the craziness and uncertainty. If you need some encouragement today, take a break and listen to Colton Dixon from Behind the Mike.Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

I’m sure you’ve been there.  You're walking through the mall or the airport, minding your own business, when suddenly…out of nowhere, it creeps up on you and seizes control of you.  That indescribably amazing smell of fresh, hand-rolled soft pretzels from Auntie Anne’s! You are instinctively led to the back of the line and begin deciding which of the pretzels and dips you’ll choose from?  I’ve been there and if you are not familiar with Auntie Anne’s Pretzels….you are missing out! This is “Behind the Mike: Conversations of Hope” and I am Mike Stone.  On today’s show, we have the great honor of talking with the Founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Anne Beiler.  If you thought that Anne was just another entrepreneur who wanted to make it big in the food industry, you would be mistaken. Anne’s story, instead, starts in an Amish family in a small town in Pennsylvania.  Her story is like many from her Amish upbringing, but as a young adult she was abruptly met with tragedy, deep despair, secrets, and ultimately healing and redemption.  And yes, we’ll also talk about those mouth-watering, freshly baked pretzels. I wish we could figure out how to share one of Auntie Anne’s pretzels through your device…well, maybe next time. Hey, if you only listen to one podcast this week, make sure it is this one!  Anne’s story will undoubtedly have you reaching for a box of tissues but leave you full of hope and encouragement. If you’ve ever been in a place of despair or hopelessness, you will want to listen to this story of finding true peace and joy in Jesus Christ, from Anne Beiler’s Conversation of Hope from Behind the Mike. Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Well,  a time when so many are out of work, there is certainly a heightened awareness of just how important our jobs are…how critical our income is.  But, today we are asking an important question…”Is Your Job Destroying Your Family?” You are listening to “Behind the Mike: Conversations of Hope” and I’m Mike Stone. Thank you so much for joining us! And yes, that’s a serious question.  “Is your job destroying your family?”  Well, we know how important jobs are.  We need to pay the bills.  We often find fulfillment in our jobs too.  We want the best for our family, and without our jobs, we cannot meet those needs. But in filling those needs, could you actually be neglecting your family?   Often times we hear friends who have just gone through a divorce say something like, “Wow, I thought I was providing for my family, but I was never around…I was never there.  I thought my hard work was giving them what they needed, but now I see that they really just wanted more of me.” I’ve invited a friend of mine, Pastor Chris Baney from CedarCreek Church, to join me today to talk about this important topic.  Chris and I both have experienced the challenge of finding the solution to the tension between our jobs and our families. We have some stories and examples to share, and although we don’t have a magic fix to this dilemma, I hope that Chris’ insights will help you avoid the pain and regret that can come from avoidable mistakes. Our hope is that you can sit down with your spouse and together listen to this Conversation of Hope with Pastor Chris Baney from Behind the Mike.Support the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)

Starting at chapter one, in verse six of the book of john. It says, After this, Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias, and a large crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews was at hand, lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming towards him, Jesus said, to fill up, where are we to buy bread so that these people may eat? Now he said this to test him, for he knew himself what he would do, Philip answered, 200, denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon, Peter's brother said to him, there's a boy here, who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? Jesus said, Have the people sit down, now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down about 5000, and number, Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated, so also the fish as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost. S o they gathered them up, filled 12 baskets, with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, this is indeed the prophet who has come into the world, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by forced to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. One of the things I want to encourage you with is that Jesus certainly cares about our spiritual being. But in this case, he was the one that mentioned, how are we going to feed all these people? Now he even says here that he knew what the answer was. But he said that to His disciples, just to kind of get them to think and to realize what was about to happen. One of the things I want to share is that we know, Jesus cares about our spiritual needs. Another thing I want to point out here is that Jesus is more powerful regardless of the situation that you're in.  I just want to remind you, regardless of where you're at, regardless of what you're going through, God is bigger than our problems, focus on him. And he will see us through. And finally, along those same lines, I just want to say if we stay close to Jesus, we know he'll care for us. Friends, I want to encourage you, wherever you're at today, we have people listening to this podcast from all over the world. And each of us live in different cultures in different situations and circumstances. But I want to tell you, hold on to Jesus. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, I would encourage you find a Bible to find a Bible believing church and talk to someone. Read through the book of John, you'll see how much Jesus loves you how much God cares for you. And as you begin to focus on him, the things of this world will see much smaller, and you'll find that God does provide I want to thank you for listening today. I want to encourage you to subscribe if you're not already. I also want to encourage you to go to our social media, leave a comment or suggestion. If you have a prayer request and we can pray for you. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly at Mike@BehindTheMike.net . I would be honored to lift you up in prayer. And, again, thank you for joining us this week. Remember if your life is grounded in Jesus, even in the darkest times, there is hopeSupport the show (https://buy.stripe.com/eVa02sdh33nU62s288)