The Hey Eddy! Podcast

Blind Bartimaeus sits begging by the road outside Jericho when he hears that Jesus is passing by. He shouts out "Son of David, have mercy on me!" and when the crowd tries to silence him, he shouts even louder. Jesus stops, calls him over, and asks what he wants. While James and John had recently asked for thrones and power, Bartimaeus simply asks to see. Jesus heals him instantly, telling him his faith has made him well. Bartimaeus immediately throws off his cloak — everything he owned — and follows Jesus down the road toward Jerusalem, going from a beggar beside the road to a follower on it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

While Jesus and his disciples are walking toward Jerusalem, he tells them for the third time that he will be mocked, beaten, and killed — but rise three days later. Immediately after, James and John ask for the best seats in his kingdom, prompting the other disciples to get jealous. Jesus gathers everyone and flips their thinking completely: in God's kingdom, greatness means serving others, not being served. The greatest person is the one who becomes everyone's servant. Jesus points to himself as the ultimate example — the King of everything who came not to be served but to give his life as a ransom for many. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

A rich man runs to Jesus asking how to inherit eternal life, proudly reporting he has kept all the commandments since childhood. Jesus, looking at him with love, tells him he lacks one thing — sell everything, give to the poor, and follow him. The man walks away sad, unable to let go of his wealth. Jesus tells his stunned disciples that it’s harder for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom than for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye — but with God, all things are possible. Anyone who gives up everything for Jesus will receive far more in return, and in God’s kingdom, the last will be first. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In this episode, we walk through Mark 10:1–16, where Jesus faces a trick question from the Pharisees about divorce and then welcomes little children that the disciples tried to turn away. Jesus teaches that marriage is a serious promise God designed from the beginning, and that divorce comes from hard hearts that stop caring. But the heart of the episode is what happens next: when the disciples try to shoo kids away, Jesus gets angry and declares that the kingdom of God belongs to people who come to him with the open, trusting dependence of a child. The big takeaway is that no one is too small or unimportant for Jesus — promises matter, everyone is welcome, and God’s kingdom is received not by earning it but by simply trusting him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 9:30–50, Jesus and his disciples are traveling through Galilee when he tells them for the second time that he will be killed and rise again — but rather than grappling with that, the disciples fall into an argument about which of them is the greatest. Jesus responds by sitting them down and flipping their expectations upside down: true greatness in God's kingdom means being the servant of all, not the boss of all. He illustrates this by placing a child in their midst, pointing out that welcoming the overlooked and powerless is the same as welcoming him. When John reports that the group tried to shut down an outsider casting out demons in Jesus' name, Jesus pushes back — his team is bigger than they think, and gatekeeping has no place in it. He then warns soberly against causing others to stumble in their faith, calls his followers to deal seriously with sin rather than let it fester, and closes with the image of salt: be the kind of person who adds flavor and preserves what's good, and above all, be at peace with one another.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by THE GREATNESS-O-METER! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

This episode tells the story of a desperate father who brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus after the disciples fail to help him. Jesus rebukes the crowd's lack of faith, heals the boy with a single command, and later explains to the disciples that their failure came from neglecting prayer. The emotional heart of the episode is the father's raw, honest cry — "I believe; help my unbelief!" — which Jesus honors despite its uncertainty, teaching kids that struggling, imperfect faith is still real faith, that honesty with God is always welcome, and that nothing can be accomplished without depending on him through prayer.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by ASK FOR HELP ALREADY: Because you’re not a superhero, and that’s ok! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

This episode covers the Transfiguration—the moment when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and gave them a sneak preview of his glory. Right before their eyes, Jesus was transformed: his clothes became dazzling white, brighter than anything on earth, as the real, heavenly, King-of-everything Jesus shone through. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with him, and Peter—not knowing what to say—blurted out that they should build shelters and stay there forever, wanting to skip ahead to the glory and avoid the suffering Jesus had just predicted. But then a cloud covered them and God's voice thundered: "This is my Son, whom I love. LISTEN TO HIM!" When the cloud lifted, Moses and Elijah were gone—only Jesus remained. The main lesson is that the glory IS coming, but not yet; there's hard stuff to go through first, and our job is to listen to Jesus and trust the process, because this isn't the end of the movie—it's just the middle, and the best part is still ahead.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by TRANSFIGURATION DETERGENT: So bright, even your dad will notice! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

This episode explores the pivotal moment when Peter declares Jesus to be “the Messiah”—the promised King God sent to save his people—and how Jesus immediately shocks the disciples by revealing that his path to victory leads through suffering, rejection, and death before resurrection. When Peter tries to stop this plan, Jesus rebukes him sharply (”Get behind me, Satan!”) because Peter was thinking like the world, wanting an easy victory rather than God’s way. Jesus then teaches the crowd what real following looks like: denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following him even when it’s hard—because whoever tries to save their life by grabbing for comfort and popularity will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Jesus will find the life that really matters. The main lesson is that every person must answer for themselves who Jesus is, and if he’s truly your King, you follow him for real—not hiding your faith when it’s awkward, but standing up for him now so he’ll stand up for you later. Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by THE GET BEHIND ME SIGN: Finally, you get to be first! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In this episode, we learn from Mark 8:1-26 about how easy it is to forget what Jesus has already done. First, Jesus feeds four thousand people with just seven loaves and a few fish—and his disciples are confused about where to get food, even though they had JUST seen him feed five thousand people before! Then the Pharisees demand a sign from heaven even though Jesus had been doing miracles everywhere, and Jesus sighs and refuses because they didn’t really want to believe. In the boat, Jesus warns his disciples to watch out for the “yeast” of the Pharisees—bad attitudes like worry, pride, and hard hearts that start small but spread. Finally, Jesus heals a blind man in two steps, showing how even his closest friends were like that man: they could see, but not clearly yet. The main lesson is don’t forget what Jesus has already done, and trust that he’s more than enough for whatever comes next—and if things still seem blurry and confusing, keep following him because he’s patient and will help you see more clearly. Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by THE REMEMBERY: Because your brain could use a little help. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In this episode, we learn two amazing stories from Mark 7:24-37 about Jesus helping people who were "outsiders." First, a brave Greek woman from Syro-Phoenicia came to Jesus begging him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. When Jesus tested her faith by saying the children's bread shouldn't be thrown to dogs, she humbly replied that even dogs get the crumbs under the table—and Jesus loved her answer so much that he healed her daughter instantly, even from a distance. Then Jesus traveled to the Decapolis where he healed a man who couldn't hear or speak by putting his fingers in the man's ears, touching his tongue, and saying "Ephphatha!"—which means "Be opened!"—and immediately the man could hear and talk perfectly. The main lesson is that Jesus welcomes everyone who comes to him in faith, no matter who they are or where they're from, and even a tiny bit of faith is enough because nothing is too hard for him.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by Ephphatha Spray! Be opened! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In this episode, we learn about Jesus confronting the Pharisees over their obsession with hand-washing traditions in Mark 7:1-23. The Pharisees were upset that Jesus' disciples didn't follow their special religious hand-washing rituals before eating, but Jesus called them out as hypocrites—people who followed made-up rules while ignoring what God actually commanded, like honoring their parents. Then Jesus taught the crowd something huge: it's not what goes into you that makes you dirty before God, it's what comes out of your heart. Food just goes through your body, but things like mean thoughts, lying, jealousy, bragging, and selfishness—those come from inside and make your heart dirty. The main lesson is that God cares about your heart more than your habits, and the awesome news is that Jesus can clean your heart with his love and forgiveness when you mess up.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by PHARISEE FOAM: Is it overkill? ABSOLUTELY. Will it make your hands cleaner than your little brother's hands? YOU BET. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In this episode of the Hey Eddy Podcast, we learn about Jesus walking on water from Mark 6:45-56. After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends his disciples across the lake while he goes up on a mountain to pray. The disciples struggle all night rowing against a fierce wind, making no progress—exhausted and stuck in the dark. But Jesus sees them struggling, and he walks right across the water to help them. The terrified disciples think he’s a ghost, but Jesus says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” The moment Jesus climbs into the boat, the wind stops completely. The main lesson is that Jesus sees you when you’re struggling—even in the dark, even when you feel stuck—and he comes to help, so don’t be afraid.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by WALK-ON-WATER SANDALS! They don’t work—but they remind you who DOES. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 6:31-44, Jesus and his exhausted disciples try to escape to a quiet place for rest, but a huge crowd runs around the lake and gets there first. Instead of being annoyed, Jesus feels compassion—he sees them as sheep without a shepherd—and teaches them for hours. When evening comes, the disciples want to send the hungry crowd away, but Jesus says, "YOU give them something to eat." They only find five loaves of bread and two fish—barely enough for one person. Jesus has everyone sit down on the grass, thanks God for the food, breaks the bread, and starts passing it out. The food keeps coming and coming until all five thousand men (plus women and children) are completely stuffed. Then the disciples collect the leftovers: TWELVE baskets full—way more than they started with! The big takeaway? Jesus cares for you like a good shepherd, and when you give him what little you have, he can turn it into more than enough.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by the NEVER EMPTY LUNCHBOX: Because running out of food is so last century! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 6:1-30, three stories come together. First, Jesus returns to His hometown and teaches in the synagogue, but the people refuse to believe in Him—not because He did anything wrong, but because they thought they already knew Him as just "the carpenter." Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. Second, Jesus sends out His twelve disciples two by two on a mission, giving them power to help people and share God's message. He tells them to travel light—no extra food, clothes, or money—because He wants them to trust God to provide. They go out, tell people to turn back to God, and heal the sick, doing the same things Jesus did. Third, we learn about John the Baptist, who bravely told King Herod the truth about his sin and was thrown in jail and killed for it. But even though John died, God's message didn't stop—Jesus kept teaching, the disciples kept helping, and the good news kept spreading. The big takeaway? Sometimes people won't understand you, but keep following Jesus anyway; you're sent out to help others too; be brave and tell the truth; and God's good news never stops.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by DISCIPLE SNACK PACKS: When you’re healing the sick, casting out demons, and your tummy starts growling! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 5:21-43, a synagogue leader named Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet and begs him to come heal his dying twelve-year-old daughter. Jesus agrees, but on the way through a pressing crowd, a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years sneaks up and touches his robe—and is instantly healed after spending everything on doctors who only made her worse. Jesus stops to find her, calls her “Daughter,” and tells her that her faith has made her well. But while he’s stopped, messengers arrive with devastating news: Jairus’s daughter has died. Jesus tells the heartbroken father, “Don’t be afraid—just believe.” At the house, mourners laugh when Jesus says the girl is only sleeping. But he takes her hand, says “Talitha koum!”—and she gets up alive. The big takeaway? Faith means trusting Jesus even when everything looks hopeless—and he’s always worth trusting.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by JAIRUS’S EXPRESS LANE PASS: Because your emergency is definitely more important than everyone else’s! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and meets a man so possessed by demons that no chains could hold him—he lived in a graveyard, screaming and cutting himself day and night. When Jesus asks the demons’ name, they answer “Legion, for we are many”—thousands of evil spirits in one man! Jesus casts them into a herd of two thousand pigs, which stampede into the lake and drown. The townspeople find the wild man now sitting calmly, dressed, and completely sane—but instead of celebrating, they’re scared and beg Jesus to leave. The healed man wants to follow Jesus, but Jesus sends him home with a mission: “Tell everyone what the Lord has done for you.” So he becomes the first missionary to the Gentiles, spreading the news across ten cities. The big takeaway? No one is too far gone for Jesus—evil destroys, but Jesus rescues.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by PIGGY-PADDLE SWIM SCHOOL: Teaching pigs to swim… not jump in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm hits and the boat starts sinking. The disciples panic, but Jesus is asleep on a cushion! They wake Him up shouting, “Don’t you CARE if we drown?!” Jesus stands up, tells the wind and waves “Quiet! Be still!”—and instantly everything goes calm. Then He asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” But now the disciples are even MORE terrified—of JESUS. They ask each other, “Who IS this? Even the wind and waves obey Him!” In the Old Testament, only GOD controls the sea. The disciples are realizing they’re in a boat with someone who has the power of God Himself. The big takeaway: Jesus has power over everything—including whatever storm YOU’RE facing—so when He’s with you, you don’t have to be afraid.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by THE STORM-PROOF SLEEPING PILLOW: It won't help you trust God more, and it definitely won't give you power over the weather. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

In Mark 4:21-34, Jesus teaches His disciples that God’s kingdom may look small and hidden right now, but it’s growing into something HUGE—and nothing can stop it. First, Jesus talks about a lamp: you don’t light it just to hide it under a bucket! Whatever is hidden now will eventually be revealed. Then He tells two parables about seeds. In the first, a farmer plants seeds and goes about his life—sleeping, waking up, eating breakfast—and the whole time the seeds are growing underground without him doing anything. He doesn’t even know HOW they grow! That’s God’s job. In the second parable, Jesus compares the kingdom to a mustard seed—the tiniest seed you can plant—that grows into a giant bush big enough for birds to nest in. The point? Don’t be fooled by small beginnings. God loves to take tiny things and turn them into something amazing. So keep planting seeds by telling others about Jesus, keep shining your light, and trust God to do the growing—because His kingdom is unstoppable.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by TURBO GROW SEED SPRAY! Turns Out, Growth Can’t Be Rushed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

This episode explores Mark 4:1–20, where Jesus teaches his most foundational parable from a boat on the Sea of Galilee: a farmer scatters seed that lands on four different types of ground—the hard path where birds snatch it away, rocky soil where it sprouts quickly but withers without deep roots, thorny ground where weeds choke it out, and good soil where it produces an abundant harvest. Jesus later explains to his disciples that the seed represents God's word and the soils represent how different people respond: some never let the message penetrate at all, some get excited but quit when trouble comes, some get choked by worries and distractions, but those with receptive hearts accept the word deeply and produce fruit—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown. The key encouragement is that unlike actual dirt, people can choose to be good soil by really listening, growing deep roots, and guarding against the things that steal or strangle faith.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by BAD SOIL EMPORIUM! Where seeds go to NOT grow! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com

This episode covers Mark 3:7–35, where Jesus—now drawing massive crowds from all over the region—goes up on a mountain and chooses twelve apostles to be with him, preach, and cast out demons, deliberately bringing together unlikely companions like a tax collector and a zealot into one new community. Meanwhile, Jesus faces rejection from two directions: his own family arrives thinking he’s lost his mind, and religious teachers from Jerusalem accuse him of casting out demons by Satan’s power—a charge Jesus dismantles by pointing out that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, and then warns that calling the Holy Spirit’s work evil is a dangerous path. The episode culminates with Jesus redefining family itself: when told his mother and brothers are waiting outside, he looks at those gathered around him and declares that whoever does God’s will is his true brother, sister, and mother—an invitation for anyone who follows him to belong to this new family.Sponsor: This episode of The Hey Eddy! Podcast is brought to you by SONS OF THUNDER NAME CHANGE SERVICES. Because "Steve from accounting" doesn't strike fear into anyone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit start2finish.substack.com