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The Midtown Podcast
The Midtown Podcast
Author: Jay Smith and Austin Bradford
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© Jay Smith and Austin Bradford
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Midtown Podcast is a simple, honest conversation about faith, growth, and everyday life. Hosted by Austin and Jay, the show feels like sitting down with friends to talk about what it really looks like to follow Jesus while building your life, chasing purpose, and figuring things out along the way.
We talk about relationships, discipline, creativity, mental health, calling, and staying grounded in your faith in a busy world. Some episodes are deep and reflective. Others are practical and encouraging. All of them are real.
If you want conversations that help you grow personally and spiritually w
We talk about relationships, discipline, creativity, mental health, calling, and staying grounded in your faith in a busy world. Some episodes are deep and reflective. Others are practical and encouraging. All of them are real.
If you want conversations that help you grow personally and spiritually w
46 Episodes
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How do you know if you’re really hearing God’s voice?In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we open John 10 and talk about what it means to live as sheep led by the Good Shepherd. We explore the difference between hearing God’s voice and understanding His voice, how to discern what’s from God, and why surrender and community are key to spiritual clarity.We talk about:• Hearing and discerning God’s voice• Identity as sheep led by Jesus• John 10 and the Good Shepherd• Surrendering control of your life• Softening the soil of your heart• Community prayer and discernment• Moving into new “pastures” with GodIf you’re in a season of seeking direction, clarity, or spiritual growth, this conversation will encourage you to trust the Shepherd who already knows your name.🎙 Midtown Podcast is a Christian podcast centered on scripture, testimony, and honest conversations about following Jesus in everyday life.Follow, rate, and share if this episode encouraged you.
What does real rest actually look like — and why is it so hard to slow down?In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we sit down with missionary Andrew Attia to talk about Sabbath, rhythms of rest, dependency on God, and what it means to live at a slower pace in a world obsessed with productivity.Andrew shares stories from ministry in Europe, reflections on learning rest during seasons of burnout, and practical ways to build rhythms with God that bring peace instead of exhaustion.We talk about:• Biblical Sabbath and rest• Slowing down to hear God clearly• Living from presence instead of pressure• Missionary life and spiritual rhythms• How to practically build rest into your life• Why rest requires trust in GodIf you feel busy, burnt out, distracted, or spiritually tired — this conversation will challenge and encourage you to rediscover rest in God.🎙 Midtown Podcast is a Christian podcast focused on testimony, discipleship, and real conversations about following Jesus in everyday life.Follow, rate, and share if this episode encouraged you.
What happens when you slow down, fast, and actually listen to God?In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we reflect on one year of conversations and what God revealed during 21 days of prayer and fasting. We talk about distractions, hearing God’s voice, spiritual maturity, discernment, unity in the church, and learning to live surrendered instead of in control.This is an honest conversation about:• Fasting and spiritual clarity• Learning to hear God’s voice• Discernment in a noisy world• Spiritual growth and maturity• Unity in the body of Christ• Letting God lead your lifeIf you’re navigating a season of seeking God, fasting, or wanting to grow spiritually, this episode will encourage and challenge you.🎙 Midtown Podcast is a Christian podcast focused on testimony, scripture, and authentic conversations about following Jesus.Follow, rate, and share if this episode encouraged you.
What happens when God speaks — and you actually obey?In this powerful episode of the Midtown Podcast, we sit down with Josh, a missionary from Kenya, who shares his journey of faith, obedience, and hearing God’s voice — a journey that led him from Africa to the United States.Josh opens up about growing up as a pastor’s kid, watching his father pray through the night, wrestling with faith, and eventually having a life-changing encounter with Jesus that marked everything. He shares how God confirmed his calling through Scripture, how difficult the immigration process really is, and what it means to trust God when you don’t know what’s next.We talk about:• Hearing God’s voice and discerning His direction• The reality of missionary life and obedience• Christianity in Africa vs. America• Faith in seasons of uncertainty• Revival, suffering, and the American church• Why comfort can be dangerous for believersThis episode is honest, challenging, and deeply encouraging — especially if you’re navigating calling, purpose, or obedience to God.🎙 Midtown Podcast exists to spark real conversations about faith, purpose, and following Jesus wholeheartedly.🔔 Follow, rate, and share this episode if it encouraged you.
In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we continue our journey through Ephesians 4 and talk honestly about identity, healing, community, and what it really means to walk in love as beloved children of God. We unpack:What it means to imitate God as a beloved childWhy culture quietly reshapes our identityHow corrupting words create “rust” in the soulThe progression from bitterness to wrath, anger, slander, and maliceHow the Holy Spirit heals wounds we’ve carried for yearsWhy Christianity was never meant to be lived aloneThis episode is an invitation to throw off the old self, receive your true identity in Christ, and step into a life of healing, forgiveness, and community. #MidtownPodcast#Ephesians4#ChristianPodcast#IdentityInChrist#HealingAndFreedom#BiblicalCommunity#SpiritualGrowth#WalkInLove
Today marks the beginning of our 21 days of prayer and fasting, and we’re opening the Word together in Ephesians 4.In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we talk about what it truly means to walk in a manner worthy of the calling we’ve received. From Paul’s identity as a “prisoner of the Lord,” to the call for humility, patience, unity, and maturity, this conversation challenges the individualistic version of faith many of us have inherited.We explore:What it means to be a bondservant of ChristWhy the Church is meant to function as one bodyHow maturity happens through shared responsibilityWhy bearing with one another in love is essential for healingWhat Ephesians 4 reveals about unity, truth, and growthThis episode is an invitation — not just to hear Scripture — but to walk it out together. #MidtownPodcast#Ephesians4#BodyOfChrist#ChristianPodcast#ChurchUnity#SpiritualMaturity#WalkWorthy#BiblicalCommunity#PrayerAndFasting#ChristianLiving
In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we invite you into a season of prayer and fasting as we step into 2026 together.We talk honestly about why prayer and fasting matter, how they expose our need for God, and how they move us from transactional faith into daily dependence. This conversation unpacks guilt, control, intimacy, discipline, and the importance of starting prayer the way Jesus taught us — with the Father’s heart.If you’ve ever struggled to pray consistently, felt guilt instead of freedom, or wanted clarity and direction for a new year, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we sit down with special guest Kelly for a raw, hope-filled conversation about prayer, suffering, and learning to live deeply loved by God.Kelly shares her journey of discovering prayer not as a formula, but as intimacy — shaped through loss, grief, and radical surrender to the Holy Spirit. We talk about how tragedy reshapes faith, how to pray when God doesn’t answer the way we expect, and why prayer begins with letting ourselves be loved.As we step into a new year, this episode invites us to slow down, return to rest, and ask a simple but powerful prayer:“Holy Spirit, teach me to pray.”
In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most challenging and freeing teachings of Jesus: denying yourself.We unpack the difference between individuality and true life in Christ, how modern culture fuels self-focus and fear, and why religious performance can actually be rooted in fear rather than love. Drawing from Scripture, Oswald Chambers, and real conversation, this episode explores what it really means to place Jesus back on the throne — not ourselves.If you’ve ever felt stuck striving, anxious about being “enough,” or exhausted trying to fix yourself, this conversation is for you.00:00 – Introduction & setting the conversation02:15 – Why we’re obsessed with fixing ourselves05:40 – Individuality vs personality (Oswald Chambers)09:50 – “Deny yourself” — what Jesus actually meant14:30 – How self-focus leads to fear, not freedom18:45 – Religious performance vs love empowered by the Spirit22:10 – Fear, pride, and the need to be “enough”25:20 – Reconciliation, surrender, and true life in Christ28:10 – Letting Jesus be King again30:00 – Final reflections & encouragement#MidtownPodcast #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFear #DenyYourself #JesusIsKing#ChristianConversation #SpiritualGrowth #FreedomInChrist #FearVsFaith#ChristianMen #Discipleship #BibleTalk #ChristianLiving
Fear has a voice — but it doesn’t belong on the throne.In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, Austin, Jay, and Payton have an honest, raw conversation about anxiety, fear, depression, identity, and what it actually looks like to live with Jesus as King — not just in theory, but in real life.Payton shares his journey from atheism, addiction, and suicidal thoughts to encountering Jesus in a deeply personal way. Together, they unpack how fear grows in isolation, why community is essential for healing, and how placing Jesus back at the center brings peace when your mind feels out of control.This episode is for anyone who feels overwhelmed, anxious, ashamed of their thoughts, or tired of fighting alone.You are not broken. You are not alone. And Jesus is closer than you think.00:00 – Intro & catching up02:00 – Identity, image, and why we wear what we wear05:30 – A hungover church visit that changed everything06:45 – “Holy Spirit, pull them out of their seat”08:30 – From atheism to addiction to desperation10:45 – Suicidal thoughts and hitting the breaking point12:30 – Experiencing Jesus, not just knowing about Him14:40 – You don’t have to clean yourself up first18:30 – Anxiety, fear, and intrusive thoughts21:00 – Why isolation makes fear louder22:45 – Putting Jesus back on the throne25:30 – Community as a weapon against fear28:40 – Perfect love casts out fear31:00 – Redefining greatness in the Kingdom34:40 – Seeking the Kingdom first38:15 – Thankfulness as a spiritual indicator41:00 – Going on offense with the Word45:00 – Identity: who you are vs. what you struggle with48:45 – God singing a new song over you51:30 – Final encouragement: you are not alone
Life doesn’t always make sense — but God is often doing more than we can see.In this powerful episode of the Midtown Podcast, Austin and Jay sit down with Gabe to hear his incredible story of escaping communist Cuba as a child, growing up in foster care, and navigating a life marked by loss, perseverance, and God’s quiet guidance.From soldiers waking his family in the middle of the night, to arriving in the U.S. alone with his younger sister, to becoming a cardiologist and later walking through the loss of his wife and daughter — this conversation is a testimony of endurance, faith, and hope.Gabe shares how God was guiding every step of his life even when he didn’t realize it, how grief and waiting seasons shaped his faith, and why he believes that if you’re following God’s will, there is no such thing as failure — only forward movement.✨ This episode is for anyone walking through loss, waiting on God, or wondering if their story still matters.
In this powerful and emotional episode, Austin and Jay sit down with Tori Davis, who shares her story of trauma, loss, and supernatural redemption.From surviving abuse and addiction to meeting Jesus face to face, Tori’s story will wreck you — in the best way possible. She opens up about forgiving her father, losing him days later, nearly losing her leg, and then finding complete freedom and purpose in Christ.This is a testimony of hope, obedience, and the wild love of God.🎧 Listen now to “From Broken to Brand New: Tori’s Story of Radical Redemption.” redemption, testimony, forgiveness, healing, Jesus, freedom, faith, obedience, trauma recovery, salvation story.
In this powerful and raw episode, Jay sits down with Brian Latimore to unpack what it means to live fully alive in Christ.From mowing lawns and praying for strangers to preaching the gospel around the world, Brian’s story is proof that obedience opens doors you never saw coming.They dive deep into what it means to be “wild for Jesus,” how God redeems your adventurous spirit, and why saying yes to His voice will always take you further than you planned.🎧 Listen now to “Built to Be Wild: Finding Purpose in the Fast Lane of Faith.” purpose, adventure, obedience, calling, discipleship, faith, missions, freedom, redemption, identity in Christ.
In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, Austin and Jay get real about what it means to live boldly after seasons of hurt and disappointment.They open up about confusion, healing, forgiveness, and how Jesus meets us in our pain to build courage and love that looks like His.If you’ve ever been wounded by people, the church, or your past — this episode is for you. You’ll hear stories of grace, practical encouragement for walking in freedom, and a reminder that you can’t be bold until you’ve been healed.🎧 Listen now to “When Hurt Meets Healing: Learning to Live Boldly Again”Keywords: faith, forgiveness, healing, boldness, identity, Jesus, freedom, emotional restoration.
In this powerful new episode, Austin sits down with Haley, Sarah, and Jay to unpack what real community actually looks like — not the surface-level kind, but the kind that changes you.They dive into what it means to see people through the heart of Christ, how to handle conflict in friendship, and what happens when we bring our struggles into the light.If you’ve ever felt unseen, isolated, or disappointed by people, this conversation will remind you that you were never meant to do life alone — and that true friendship is where freedom begins.🎧 Midtown Podcast — Episode: “You Can’t Do Life Alone” Christian community, discipleship, friendship, vulnerability, faith journey, healing, forgiveness.
When life hits hard and the mask comes off, what do you do next?In this powerful conversation, Josh and Bree open up about life after football, identity loss, mental warfare, and the freedom they found in Jesus. From the pressures of college athletics to the struggle of social media and finding peace in God’s presence — this one goes deep.Jay and Austin unpack what it means to live free, fight spiritual battles, and walk daily in God’s presence even when life feels messy.✨ If you’ve ever battled anxiety, identity, or that feeling of “I should be okay by now,” this episode is for you.
Politics today can feel chaotic, divisive, and overwhelming — so how should followers of Jesus respond? In this powerful episode of Midtown Podcast, we sit down with Shawn, with over 20 years of experience in politics, to have a raw conversation about how believers can engage without losing their identity in Christ.We discuss how politics has shifted in recent decades, why younger generations are more involved than ever, and how to stay grounded in the Word instead of idolizing political figures. From the political era to media division, from prayer for leaders to participating as ministers of reconciliation — this episode will challenge and equip you to approach politics from a kingdom perspective.Whether you’re politically passionate or totally disengaged, this conversation will help you reframe how you think about power, influence, and your role as a believer in the public square.🎧 Listen now and learn how to walk faithfully, think biblically, and keep Jesus at the center — even in politics.
This week on the Midtown Podcast, we sit down with our dear friend Debbie, a spiritual mother to many in our community. She shares her powerful story of surrendering to Jesus in her minivan, encountering the Good Shepherd, and learning to walk by faith every single day.Debbie opens up about miraculous moments—like praying for a mother whose baby was diagnosed with no hope, only to see God bring forth healthy twin boys. She also shares how her husband came back to life after 15 minutes without a pulse, revealing the reality of spiritual warfare and God’s power.This conversation is about transformation, motherhood in faith, walking the streets with boldness, and discovering God’s heart for the broken and the lost.👉 Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for years or are just beginning to explore faith, Debbie’s testimony will stir your heart and renew your hope.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Welcome & intro to Debbie1:00 – Debbie’s early faith and the Bible study that changed everything3:20 – Her surrender moment in the minivan: “Okay, You can have it all”5:20 – A floodlight salvation experience & being born again8:00 – Learning to step in faith and walk the streets with God’s voice10:00 – Stories of God’s heart for orphans and widows13:00 – Praying for a mother whose twins were miraculously healed16:00 – Living daily faith without fear18:00 – Debbie’s heart as a mother in the faith22:00 – God as Father, Shepherd, Prophet, and King25:00 – The night Debbie’s husband died and came back to life27:30 – Learning God’s power through resurrection life29:00 – Debbie’s encouragement for anyone seeking faith30:30 – Closing thoughts & next week’s update
In this episode of Midtown Podcast, Austin sits down with worship leader and creative T.C. Chambers for a powerful conversation about freedom, healing, and creativity.T.C. shares his personal journey — from wrestling with anger, depression, and ADHD to experiencing a breakthrough moment where Jesus shattered the “glass box” he felt trapped in. He opens up about the role of mentors, the power of words spoken in seasons of struggle, and how God can use both doctors and youth pastors to bring breakthrough.This conversation also dives into:Healing from anger and depression through JesusThe importance of words that speak lifeHow creativity flows best when rooted in GodPractical rhythms for staying healthy as a leader and creatorWhy delight in God brings true freedom and joyWhether you’re battling discouragement, longing for creativity, or simply needing encouragement, this episode will remind you of the kindness and friendship of Jesus.
In this episode of Midtown Podcast, Austin and Jay dive deep into what revival truly means—not just as a cultural buzzword, but as a biblical reality. They talk about seasons of uncertainty, finding God’s timing “right on time,” and the importance of surrender over striving.Together, they explore:How revival begins personally, not corporatelyWhy revival isn’t just hype, but death to lifeReturning to your first love and keeping the fire on the altar burningGuarding against disappointment when God moves differently than expectedPractical encouragement for living fully awake and on fire for JesusAnd yes… they even end up talking about salted watermelon and how simple things remind us of God’s goodness.This is an episode about revival, remembrance, and renewal that will encourage you to go back to the fire and live out the love of Jesus in your daily life.





