The Overcomers with Matt Chandler

SummaryI was once again so encouraged by my conversation with the Derdens. There is little about Josh and Domonique’s story that isn’t shocking — from how they met, to Domonique uncovering Josh’s affair the night before their wedding, to how the Lord ultimately mended their hearts and marriage. It’s a gut wrenching story of the damage caused by unrepentant sin but a testament to God’s unrelenting pursuit of us. I pray you are encouraged in the Lord through their story.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show is to help others find it! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank You.Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!Christian Healthcare Ministries: Are you feeling pressure to choose an insurance plan that doesn’t fit your family? You’re not alone. This open enrollment, take back freedom over your healthcare decisions with Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is the faith-based alternative to insurance that aligns with the values that matter most. Choose a provider you trust with no network restrictions and affordable healthcare programs that work for you. Enroll today at CHMinistries.org –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Aaron and Jill Young’s story is heart wrenching at times.They take us through their difficult experiences, from growing up in a broken family to their struggle to find identity and meaning and how those undealt with wounds led to heartache early in their marriage. While what led to the brokenness in their marriage is all too common today, what’s different is how they navigated the pain and aftermath of infidelity. If you are listening and find yourself in a similar situation or even on the road toward infidelity, I pray that you would heed the warnings of the Young’s and be encouraged by what the Lord did in their Marriage.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show is to help others find it! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank You.Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!Christian Healthcare Ministries: Are you feeling pressure to choose an insurance plan that doesn’t fit your family? You’re not alone. This open enrollment, take back freedom over your healthcare decisions with Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is the faith-based alternative to insurance that aligns with the values that matter most. Choose a provider you trust with no network restrictions and affordable healthcare programs that work for you. Enroll today at CHMinistries.org –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Despite being raised in a loving Christian household, Boston experienced early battles with intense anxiety and depression, a struggle that escalated into feelings of worthlessness and self-violence during her teenage years. Circumstantial life changes added to her feelings of isolation and deepened her desire to hide the tumult she felt inside. Despite the darkness, Boston held onto the promises of the Bible, with the help of her family and church. My prayer is that Boston's story offers comfort and hope to anyone facing similar battles. And that you are reminded that, in Christ, we are more than conquerors.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show is to help others find it! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Unlike reading apps, Dwell is audio-based. It lets the spoken word be read over you throughout your day. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Season 2 launches October 3. This season I'll be sharing more stories from men and women who have found themselves in the valley and have experienced God's faithfulness in meeting them there. I hope you are encouraged in the Lord by their stories this season.This season, I will also be posting videos of these interviews to my Youtube channel. You can subscribe to that channel so you're alerted when new episodes are available.The purpose of this podcast is to remind your heart that Christ is near. So if you find this podcast encouraging, I would also encourage you to head over to my website, pastormattchandler.com, where you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is the same—to encourage you in the Lord and build you up.—Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

SummaryKatie and Matt share their decade-long journey of battling with endometriosis, Lyme disease, multiple physical ailments and surgeries– not to mention the emotional toll of losing a loved one in the midst of it all. They've faced wave after wave or trials with courage – leaning on each other, their community, and an unshaken faith in who God says He is.If you find yourself in similar circumstances, my prayer is that you would be encouraged – knowing that you are not alone. There is not only a God who sees and will sustain you, but a community of support available to you in the Church. Press into it.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!Christian Healthcare Ministries Are you feeling pressure to choose an insurance plan that doesn’t fit your family? You’re not alone. This open enrollment, take back freedom over your healthcare decisions with Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is the faith-based alternative to insurance that aligns with the values that matter most. Choose a provider you trust with no network restrictions and affordable healthcare programs that work for you. Enroll today at CHMinistries.org  –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What happens when life throws you curveballs like a struggling marriage and a brain cancer diagnosis? In this inspiring episode, my wife Lauren and I are joined by our good friend, Josh Patterson, as we candidly discuss our journey through marriage and the season of brain cancer. We open up about the struggles we faced during the first seven years of our marriage and how our expectations and desires were misguided and misplaced. Through leaning in, pressing in, and trusting in the sufficiency and grace of the Lord, we've been able to see true relational intimacy blossom in our marriage.We will also walk through the day I experienced a grand mal seizure on Thanksgiving morning in 2009, which led to a brain tumor diagnosis and a new chapter in our lives. We share our experience of coping with loss, making difficult decisions, and fighting to trust God in the face of a very bleak diagnosis. Our story serves as a testament to the reality of faith, and we pray that it inspires you to lean into God's grace and embrace the highs and lows of life with courage and hope.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:07) - Intro to The Overcomers(0:12:26) - Overcoming Rejection and Perfectionism in Marriage(0:23:59) - Overcoming Struggles in Marriage(0:37:50) - Fighting for Your Marriage(0:42:09) - Thanksgiving Seizure and Brain Tumor Diagnosis(0:57:27) - Coping With Loss and Difficult Decisions(1:12:34) - Finding Gold in Dark Days(1:18:48) - The Reality of FaithFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What does the journey of faith look like when it's tested by the darkness of a sin-broken world? Logan and Katy Thomson can attest, there is always hope and healing to be found in Christ.Together, Logan and Katy walk us through their struggles with difficult family dynamics, Katy's haunting experiences of sexual assault, her battle with PTSD, and even demonic oppression. Through it all, they reveal how leaning on their faith in Jesus Christ has helped them find healing, redemption, and the strength to face each day. Logan and Katy offer a testament to the transformative power of God's love amidst suffering and pain.We also explore Logan's role as Katy's support system, and how their marriage has evolved as they work through trauma and healing. This conversation sheds light on the role vulnerability, seeking help, and clinging to Christ plays in overcoming.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:07) - Intro to the Thomsons(0:07:35) - Living Two Lives(0:21:59) - Trauma, Hope, Faith(0:27:08) - Journey of Healing (0:35:39) - Self-Worth and Coping Mechanisms(0:42:58) - Navigating Trauma in Engagement and Marriage(0:56:33) - Overcoming Suicidal Ideation Through Prayer(1:08:22) - Finding Hope in Suffering(1:18:41) - Keep Getting UpFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Growing up as the child of Vietnamese refugees, Jonathan faced struggles with identity, shame, and belonging. In this conversation, he opens up about his journey of same-sex attraction as a Christian and how his faith in Jesus has been both a battle and a gift. He shares his experience of discovering that God's grace is big enough to hold our doubts and fears, even in our darkest moments.Throughout the episode, we explore the importance of creating a safe space for those wrestling with their faith and how the church can provide courage and support. From his first exposure to pornography to his experience with suicidal thoughts, Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of Jesus' grace and the significance of finding a community that will hold a safe space for us and battle alongside us.So, tune in and be encouraged in your own journey of sanctification as we reflect on how God's love moves towards us even when we aren’t looking for Him. EPISODE CHAPTERS(00:07) - Intro to Jonathan(09:32) - Finding Jesus Far from Home(20:11) - Navigating Faith and Struggles in Life(32:01) - Sanctification and Same-Sex Attraction(39:50) - Creating Safe Space(44:57) - Finding Grace and CommunityFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

How can faith in Christ help us overcome the darkest moments in our lives? Join me for an honest and vulnerable conversation with my dear friends, Ben and Lindsey Eenigenburg, as they share their journey of overcoming alcohol addiction. Ben opens up about his personal battle with alcoholism, anxiety, and hiding while Lindsey offers her perspective as a wounded wife struggling with anger and resentment.We discuss the impact of addiction on their marriage, the journey to forgiveness, and the importance of seeking help and opening up about one's struggles. Through their testimonies, we explore the role that prayer and faith played in both Ben and Lindsey's journey to recovery and reconciliation. Their honest conversation serves as a testament to the power of Jesus to sustain and rescue us, even in our darkest moments.So, whether you are personally struggling with addiction or know someone who is, I hope that this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that in Christ we are overcomers.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:06) - Intro to the Eenigenburgs(0:05:22) - Alcohol Addiction(0:16:28) - Navigating Marriage and Alcoholism(0:26:46) - Overcoming Addiction and Trauma(0:35:06) - The Journey to Forgiveness(0:40:41) - Rebuilding Marriage(0:46:36) - Reconciliation and Recovery (0:50:55) - From Addiction to Faith(0:57:13) - Advice for Others and Supporting Loved Ones(1:09:53) - Celebrating Sobriety and HealingFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What if you could face your deepest shame and find God’s grace meets you there? Join me as I welcome Emma, who shares her emotional journey of navigating life after a heartbreaking abortion. In this candid conversation, Emma opens up about her search for identity and love amidst her parents' divorce, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and the difficult decision she made to end it.Together, we explore the complexities of shame, how it comes in waves, and how it shapes our relationship with God and others. Emma shares how her shame as a young Christian hindered her journey to healing for years. Through her sister's spiritual transformation and her own growing curiosity about the gospel, Emma found hope in Christ and the ability to grieve her trauma and the loss of her child, nearly a decade later. Listen in to Emma’s struggle to overcome shame and find grace, reminding us all of the transformative power of Christ's love.EPISODE CHAPTERS(00:07) - Introducing Emma(04:16) - An Eighteen-Year-Old's Abortion Decision(18:08) - From Darkness to Light(27:28) - Overcoming Shame and Finding Grace(36:31) - Grieving After AbortionFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

When Vince and Katie Dang found out they were expecting their son Charlie, they never could've imagined the journey that lay ahead. Their story is marked by unimaginable pain, doubt, resilience and hope. Vince and Katie share their experience of navigating the loss of their beloved son, who was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and how it affected their marriage, faith, and family.In the midst of the loneliness of Charlie's medical journey, and the deep grief following his passing, the Dang’s share how they found God’s grace to be sufficient for each day as they look toward the day that they will be reunited with their son, Charlie.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:07) - Intro to the Vince and Katie Dang(0:05:03) - A Father's Experience With HLH Disease(0:18:30) - Hope and Faith in Medical Crisis(0:23:22) - Navigating Life With a Sick Child(0:38:02) - Rare Disease Struggle and Faith(0:42:32) - Charlie's Medical Journey(0:48:56) - Fighting for Charlie's Life(0:58:26) - Finding Hope in Difficult Seasons(1:02:50) - Navigating Grief and Hope(1:07:29) - Grief, Identity, and Healing(1:13:01) - Grieving and Finding Strength to Overcome(1:26:05) - Finding Hope in a Broken WorldFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Anne Lincoln Holibaugh’s story is marked by a curiosity about God, overcoming fears, challenges, and loss by a relentless pursuit of Jesus. From her early years, haunted by the fear of her parents' death, to her transformative encounter with Jesus at a church camp, Anne Lincoln’s resilience and pursuit of God in times of struggle is at the heart of what it means to be an overcomer.Anne Lincoln’s transition from her chaotic and abusive childhood home to the Christian bubble of Abilene, Texas, was a time of major disorientation for her. She faced the responsibility of caring for her parents, and the guilt of finding safety and happiness away from them. Despite these challenges, her faith provided solace and safety, and her community showed her kindness and grace. As we discuss her experiences, we also delve into the delicate balance of managing family relationships and personal growth.In this conversation, we explore Anne Lincoln’s journey of healing and the impact of loss on her faith, relationships, and ministry. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of knowing God's love toward you and the importance of trusting Him during times of uncertainty. EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:06) - Ann Lincoln's Journey to Faith(0:11:08) - Finding Safety in Faith(0:25:25) - A Child's Burden of Responsibility(0:30:28) - Parentification and Overcoming Guilt(0:42:16) - Disorientation, Reorientation, and Grief(0:48:15) - Navigating Life and Loss After College(0:54:46) - Navigating Transitions and Healing in Ministry(1:06:36) - Grace in Struggle and Loss(1:19:52) - Loss and Transition in LifeFOLLOW:InstagramIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Over my 20 years as a pastor at The Village Church, I've witnessed countless journeys towards maturity. Along the way, I've learned to appreciate the beauty of watching men and women being sustained through the dark night of the soul. That's what The Overcomers podcast is all about. Join me as I sit down with men and women who have endured unimaginable hardships, yet have emerged on the other side with their faith intact and often more vibrant than before.I will be releasing all of Season 1 next week. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.—Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

I got to sit down with Olga Reed, a longtime member of The Village Church and someone I deeply admire. Olga walks us through her story—from battling depression and loneliness as a first-generation college student, to coming to faith in Christ, and then surviving one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history at Virginia Tech.Her testimony is a resounding declaration that the darkness did not win and Christ was at work even in the darkest places. Through pain, trauma, and even survivor's guilt, Olga clung to the Word of God, discovered healing in community, and found that Jesus is better than life. In This EpisodeMeet Olga Reed: First-Gen Faith and Virginia TechDepression, Isolation, and Searching for BelongingSurrender to Jesus: "Fine"Finding Cru and Her First Bible StudyApril 15: The Suicide AttemptApril 16, 2007: Waking to SirensAfter the Shooting: Fear, Grief, and LonelinessHope in Romans 8 and the Power of ScriptureTriggers, Therapy, and Talking About ItEvil Exists, But So Does ResurrectionFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsQava.tvQAVA is a Christian streaming platform that helps you understand the Bible and live out your faith with confidence. Think of it as digital discipleship in your pocket. Visit qava.tv/theovercomers and use code OVERCOME50 for 50% off your first 6 months. That’s only $4.99 a month!Overcoming the Darkness by Nate PickowiczThis book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.On Our Way Home by Colleen ChaoThrough Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, I sit down with my lovely wife Lauren to explore her story. She shares about growing up as a “good girl,” always chasing approval, achievement, and the A+. But beneath that pursuit was a deeper struggle: the fear of being weak, broken, or not enough. We talk about how that mindset shaped our marriage, her ministry, and her identity—and the powerful moment when she finally laid it all down at Recovery. This conversation is filled with the kind of grace that sets people free. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or performance-driven faith, I believe this episode will offer truth and healing to where you are.In This EpisodeChildhood roots of perfectionism and people-pleasingHow "being good" can become a way to avoid needing GodMarriage as the first wake-up call to graceHitting the idol of achievement in music ministryThe surrender chip moment: Letting go of controlEmbracing powerlessness and understanding graceHow fixed mindset stifled creativity and risk-takingMoving toward a growth mindset in songwritingLearning to say “no” and disappoint people with peaceParenting and people-pleasing under the spotlightShame, criticism, and trusting God with your reputationRemaining vigilant: How perfectionism tries to sneak back inFinal encouragement for those stuck in performanceResources Beth Moore's Bible Study: Believing GodTVC Recovery MinistryFollow LaurenFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsQava.tvQAVA is a Christian streaming platform that helps you understand the Bible and live out your faith with confidence. Think of it as digital discipleship in your pocket. Visit qava.tv/theovercomers and use code OVERCOME50 for 50% off your first 6 months. That’s only $4.99 a month! Overcoming the Darkness by Nate PickowiczThis book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.On Our Way Home by Colleen ChaoThrough Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Josh Turner—pastor, leader, and now author of Into the Storm. Josh’s story is one of unexpected suffering and surprising strength. We talk about his daughter Riley, born with a rare condition, undiagnosed for 12 years, and now living life with courage and clarity most adults don’t have. Josh shares what it was like walking through that pain while pastoring, wrestling with God’s sovereignty, and being forced to reexamine what he actually believed about suffering.That experience, by the grace of God, moved Josh from being just a servant of God to living like a son. We also dive into the ministry he now leads, 10Ten Project, which helps pastors get healthy before they burn out or blow up. This episode isn’t just for church leaders—it’s for anyone walking through pain, anyone looking for hope, and anyone needing to be reminded: God is doing more than you think He is.In This EpisodeSuffering as a young pastor and preparing the church for itJosh’s early ministry influences and meeting MattThe story of Riley’s birth and undiagnosed conditionWrestling theologically with suffering and God’s sovereigntyTransition from servant to son – a pastor’s identity crisisWhy 10Ten exists: helping pastors finish wellHow many pastors are emotionally unawareReal stories from intensives and ministry breakdownsA theology of suffering is essential for everyoneEncouragement to those in suffering or leadership burnoutGuest Resources Into the Storm by Josh Turner10Ten ProjectFollow JoshuaFollow 10Ten ProjectFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsOvercoming the Darkness by Nate PickowiczThis book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.On Our Way Home by Colleen ChaoThrough Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

I sat down with artist, writer and friend Josh Nadeau to explore his path from theological precocity to personal crisis and ultimately, redemptive beauty. Josh shares how growing up steeped in Reformed theology didn’t insulate him from a slow descent into apathy, addiction, spiritual numbness, and walking through life “as a ghost”. It was beauty—raw, embodied, soul-stirring beauty—that woke him up. We talk about deconstruction, embodiment, addiction, the love of God, and why aesthetics — embodied faith — might be what Saints are made from. If you’re barely hanging on or wondering what a holy life could look like beyond checklists, I commend his book Room For Good Things to Run Wild to you.In This EpisodeGrowing up “super Christian” and deeply catechizedUniversity: the intellectual wrestling match of faithBurnout, apathy, and alcohol: five years of slow unravelingRock bottom: bourbon at 5am and the call of hidden musicChurchy clichés and the need for something that can bear the weightThe boxing gym: embodied weakness and discipleshipGnosticism, disembodied faith, and hunger for incarnationTheology of the Body & rediscovering the sacred in fleshBecoming a saint: not instant, not easy, but beautifulGod’s love beyond usefulness, the danger of returning to slaveryWhy Josh wrote Room for Good Things to Run WildBeauty as the apologetic for a disenchanted ageSpeaking to the silent middle: the “4 out of 10” Christian lifeGuest Resources Room for Good Things to Run Wild by Josh Nadeau Josh’s InstagramJosh’s SubstackFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsOvercoming the Darkness by Nate PickowiczThis book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.On Our Way Home by Colleen ChaoThrough Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, I sit down with JP and Ashley Graves—longtime friends and members of our church—with a story that’s both difficult and deeply hopeful. We talk about alcohol—not just as a drink, but as an idol that slowly took the throne in JP’s life and nearly destroyed their marriage. What started as casual drinking turned into dependence, deceit, and despair. Ashley shares what it was like to live with a man she barely recognized, and JP walks us through the moment of surrender that led to healing. This isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about learning to recognize the lies you may be believing and the power of Jesus to meet us in our mess, pull us out, and redeem what feels too far gone. If you’re feeling stuck, ashamed, or maybe you aren’t sure if your drinking is a problem—this episode is for you.In This EpisodeA Fun Marriage with a Hidden Struggle: JP and Ashley share their early faith journeys, how they met, and the beginnings of alcohol use in their marriage.Numbing with Alcohol Becomes Normal: COVID, cultural norms, and unprocessed pain escalate drinking into full dependency—especially for JP.Deception, Distance, and Despair: JP begins hiding alcohol, Ashley senses the loss of connection, and both begin living separate lives under one roof.A Daughter’s Baptism and a Drunken Confession: JP breaks down the night before he’s supposed to baptize their daughter, leading to a confession that changes everything.Recovery, Rebuilding, and Radical Forgiveness: JP enters counseling and AA. Ashley processes her pain and begins to hope again as God starts to restore.For the One Who Feels Hopeless: JP and Ashley speak directly to listeners—those stuck in addiction and those silently suffering beside them.Resources If you are struggling with alcohol, I want to encourage you to find help. Find a Recovery program at a local church or if you are local to Dallas, Check out Recovery at The Village Church.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsCovenant EyesVictory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.Acts 29This episode of The Overcomers is sponsored by Acts 29, with an invitation to the Acts 29 Conference this coming October in Dallas. To learn more and register, visit acts29.com/conference. Overcomers listeners will receive a special discount of $20 off registration prices using the code OVERCOMERS in all caps anytime before October 1.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

I sat down with Luke Lezon and Will Chung to explore how Gen Z and Millennials are wrestling with identity, dignity, and discipleship in a rapidly shifting culture. These young pastors are preaching into cities like Orlando and LA—transient places that offer gospel-sending opportunities—and we unpacked the dangers of comfort culture and over-therapeutic narratives. We talked about how the call to follow Christ includes self-denial, repentance, and mission. Each of us shared stories of wilderness seasons, pastoral burnout, and the deep healing required to lead from wholeness. This is a deep dive into the joys and costs of courageous ministry today. I pray it encourages you — whatever context you’re in.In This Episode[02:00] Identity vs. Dignity: Will’s Pastoral Lens[05:30] Cultural Pressures and Fragile Worth[06:30] Luke on the “Identity Fair” and a Better Story[07:45] Gospel Ministry in a Collapsing Secularism[08:45] Ministering in Transient Cities: Orlando & LA[10:00] Mission Field Mindsets and “Sending Capacity”[12:00] Five-Year Discipleship Windows[14:00] Lies This Generation Believes About God[17:30] The Overcorrection of Self-Care & Gospel Rest[21:00] Rest vs. Replenishment: Jefferson Bethke’s Shift[23:00] Gen Z’s Pain Tolerance & Hunger for Mission[24:00] Will’s 2020 Breakdown: Performing to Be Enough[29:00] Depression and Identity[31:00] Luke’s Story: Betrayal, Leadership, and God’s Timing[35:00] “Cut Robes, Don’t Kill Kings”: Leading Through Hurt[38:00] Repentance + Healing = Transformation[41:00] Therapy, Trauma, and the Gospel of Repentance[45:00] What Christian Therapy Is—and What It’s Not[47:00] Courage in the Pulpit: What It Looks Like Now[50:00] Don’t Be Lazy with the Word: Clarity Over Comfort[52:00] Hermeneutical Bubbles and Pastoral Cowardice[54:00] What the Church Needs to Repent Of (Apathy)[56:00] The Radical Disciple and the Lost Mission[58:00] Stop Selling Out for Ministry Success[01:01:00] Hearing from God, Not Social Media[01:04:00] Final Words + A Call to Spiritual FathersGuest ResourcesFollow LukeLuke’s ChurchFollow WillWill’s ChurchFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsCovenant EyesVictory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.Acts 29This episode of The Overcomers is sponsored by Acts 29, with an invitation to the Acts 29 Conference this coming October in Dallas. To learn more and register, visit acts29.com/conference. Overcomers listeners will receive a special discount of $20 off registration prices using the code OVERCOMERS in all caps anytime before October 1.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Marty Bryan—founder of Marty B’s Restaurant—and Eric Loper, a former tech executive turned faith-driven consultant. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to integrate your faith into your business—whether you’re the CEO or just starting out.Marty shares the story behind Marty B’s, a now nine-restaurant enterprise built on Christian values and radical hospitality. Eric opens up about leaving a high-powered tech role to launch companies that give 100% of their profits to ministry. We talk ambition, humility, leadership, and why bold faith in the workplace might cost you—but is worth it every time.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a manager in a Fortune 500 company, or just trying to live out your faith at work, this conversation is for you.In This EpisodeWhy Faith and Business Don’t Need to Be SeparateMarty’s Journey: From Learning the Industry to Owning 9 RestaurantsEric’s Story: Leaving Big Tech to Build Kingdom-Focused VenturesIntegrating Faith in a Hospitality BusinessMen’s and Women’s Bible Breakfasts at Marty B’sStarting Worship Nights and Staying BoldAmbition, Ego, and Kingdom ImpactBuilding Team and Culture Through HospitalityHandling Pushback, Staying FaithfulBeing Salt and Light in Secular WorkplacesPrayer as a Witness in the WorkplaceCulture Building: Alignment and DriftSystems, Structure, and Knowing Your StrengthsTruth Telling as a Cultural FoundationResources MentionedFirst Liberty Institute – Legal help for religious freedom casesMarty B’s RestaurantsFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsCovenant EyesVictory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.Moody PublishersFind Grace Beyond Salvation and I Choose Joy wherever you get your books or at Moodypublishers.comActs 29This episode of The Overcomers is sponsored by Acts 29, with an invitation to the Acts 29 Conference this coming October in Dallas. To learn more and register, visit acts29.com/conference. Overcomers listeners will receive a special discount of $20 off registration prices using the code OVERCOMERS in all caps anytime before October 1.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co