That Was Stupid

Josh Doyle is a natural-born adventurer. He’s done everything from lead camping trips in the Middle East to spending a week fishing in the remote Alaskan wilderness. But his greatest adventure has been starting a viral YouTube channel that has amassed millions of views and followers. It’s also, you could say, his stupidest decision. Why? Because the point of the YouTube channel—I Found the Truth— is to bring the hope of Jesus to the Muslim world. And that has been nearly as dangerous as it has been successful when you consider the death threats he has received. On the final episode of season two of the That Was Stupid podcast, we talk to Josh about the YouTube channel, what led him to start it, and how he’s navigating the real danger of keeping it going. The conversation also reveals the miraculous experiences of individuals who have had dreams about Jesus, the challenges and backlash they've faced in sharing these stories, and the future plans for the organization.You’ll also hear how you can help continue the mission and partner with Josh and his team on bringing the hope of Jesus to the Muslim world.Learn more about I Found the Truth here or at ifoundthetruth.com.If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at theveritasdaily.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Lara Casey Isaacson is a serial entrepreneur. She’s the mind behind the wildly successful companies Southern Weddings and Cultivate What Matters.That success meant everything was great and she’d never leave, right? Wrong.So how did she go from being the founder and CEO of two successful companies to giving it all up to be a stay-at-home homeschool mom? Well, that’s episode 19 of “That Was Stupid.”In this episode, Lara shares her journey of building her businesses, the challenges she faced, and the importance of faith and obedience in her life. She discusses the viral moment that propelled her into the spotlight, the lessons learned from navigating entrepreneurship without a formal background, and the balance between being a mom and a business owner. She also reflects on the grief of letting go of Southern Weddings and Cultivate What Matters and announces a brand new role as CEO (chief education officer) of Faith Driven Students.Episode highlights:• Knowing When to Move On• The Transformative Power of Storytelling• Her Viral Moment and Its Impact• Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship• Taking Time Away and Hiring Help• Letting Go and Embracing Obedience• The Power of Pruning• Grief as a Catalyst for Growth• Finding Freedom in Obedience• New Role: Empowering Young Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs• And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at theveritasdaily.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Susie Bulloch was writing recipes as a side hustle in-between wrangling kids. But what was a hobby eventually turned into something bigger. Much bigger. Susie is now the founder of Hey Grill Hey, one of the most successful barbecue websites in the country. She’s stared on Food Network, cooked with superstars Bobby Flay and Michael Symon, and runs a successful barbecue school called The Grill Squad.Susie is now one of the most recognizable names and faces in barbecue. But how did she go from mom to mopping brisket? How did she end up on Food Network? And what did it take to make the stupid decision to go all in on her passion? Well, that’s Episode 18 of “That Was Stupid.” In this episode, Susie talks about:• How she got started• What her husband did to support her dream• Behind the scenes of filming a show for Food Network• The COVID barbecue boom• The risks she took to start her business• And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Beth Mund’s idea was as stupid as her voice is smooth: send stories to space, with actual astronauts. Beth worked at NASA for years in public relations and fell in love with the stars as well as educating people on what’s “out there.” Her time at the space agency eventually led to the idea of partnering with space launches to send personal stories beyond the reach of gravity. So she started a non-profit that does just that. How? Why? What does it take to do that? And how can YOU send your actual story on one of the next missions? Well, that’s Episode 17 of “That Was Stupid.” In this episode, Beth talks about:• Aliens (of course)• Her time working at NASA• The craziest thing she ever experienced at the space agency• How she got the idea to send stories to space• What it’s like to start a non-profit• What it takes to send a story to space• The actual scientific research being conducted using her idea• How YOU can send YOUR story to space• And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Carrie Sheffield vividly remembers finding her father’s writings and realizing something was wrong. Up until that point, she and her family were convinced her dad was a prophet in the LDS church. They traveled around the country, living in tents and motorhomes. The abuse she encountered was her “normal.” However, shortly after finding her father’s letters she found the courage to leave the cult her family had created. Not surprisingly, those she loved told her she was “stupid.” But that’s just the beginning: her father quickly “prophesied” that she would be raped for leaving.What happened after? How did she end up becoming a Harvard-educated pundit that now appears on cable new? Well, that’s Episode 16 of “That Was Stupid.” In this episode, Carrie talks about:• What her family cult experience looked like• The abuse she endured• How her family reacted when she left• What motivated her to rise above her circumstances• The decision to forgive her father• Her other “stupid” decision• Her new book about her life, “Motorhome Prophecies”• And more!Be sure to read pick up Carrie’s new book, “Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness.”If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Matzke was your typical, young, married, suburban woman. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, she was just starting out her life with her husband. Except, she had a secret. She was secretly having an affair with her husband’s best friend. That secret was eating away at her, until she eventually came clean. But was it too late for her marriage to be saved? What did she need to realize about herself? And what small compromises years earlier lead to a full-blown affair?In Episode 15 of “That Was Stupid,” Sarah joins to talk about: • The lies she believed• How an eating disorder at a young age set the stage for more compromises later• How she overcame an eating disorder• The moment she confessed to her husband her affair with his best friend• The journey back to restoration• The truth she needed to replace the lies she believed for years• Her new book detailing it all, “Desert Vineyards”• And more!Be sure to read pick up Sarah’s new book, “Desert Vineyards: A Story of Bulimia, Adultery, and Infertility Redeemed by Truth.”If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Brandon Moore had a dream. A dream he was so dedicated to that even when everything was pointing to an unhealthy obsession, he ignored it. Until he couldn’t. From a young age, Brandon wanted to be a professional baseball player. And as a young man, that dreamed seemed like it was going to come true. For a moment, it did. After playing college ball at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers to be a pitcher.But the dream soon turned into an unhealthy obsession. Despite injuries and all signs pointing to moving on, Brandon kept going. Eventually, that revealed what an idol he had made out of sports and how he was finding his identity in all the wrong things. So what did he do? Well, he eventually made a drastic move: he became a pastor. Today, Brandon is the Dean of Spiritual Development and a 10th grade Bible teacher. Talk about a change! And talk about “stupid.” In Episode 14 of “That Was Stupid,” Brandon joins to talk about: Growing up with the dream of playing professional baseballWhat it’s like to be drafted• How something can be both good and end• The way God showed him baseball was an idol• Why he became a “paper boy” as an adult• His skills as a “midwife”• His advice to parents about youth sports• His clinical depression• How he ended up choosing ministry and becoming a pastor• What it looks like to believe lies• And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Bryson Kessler’s life didn’t end up looking exactly like she thought it would.After being in ministry for years, a divorce changed her trajectory. That raised a lot of questions and doubts, not only among others but a little in herself. Still, despite the setback, she found love again. She also found her purpose: a boutique that catered to women.But finding your purpose and living it out are two different things. Building an empire isn’t easy and requires a lot of faith, as well as being willing to pivot.In Episode 13 of “That Was Stupid,” Bryson joins to talk about:• Her origin story, and how she dealt with the doubters after her divorce.• How and why she started her successful boutique, Clover + Bee.• When and how she pivoted in her business…several times.• An unexpected pregnancy.• The conversation that turned her into a podcast host.• And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Brandon Puffer had it all. He had a family, he had a World Series ring, and even though he was back in the minor leagues he was being groomed to become a coach. One night, though, he threw it all away. After having given up alcohol completely for years, he started dabbling again. So when some of the younger players finally convinced him to spend a night out on the town, he went all in. What happened that night is easily the most stupid decision of his life, and it led to over three years in prison, a broken marriage, and a lot of life lessons. Today, though, Brandon is a different man. He now coaches kids, both in baseball and life. He’s written a book about his experience and he’s talking to us about his career, his decision that fateful night, and the climb back to redemption. In Episode 12 of “That Was Stupid,” Brandon joins to talk about: • Winning a World Series• His past experience with alcohol and addiction, including being sober for five years before drinking again• The night his life changed forever• His experience in prison• His book, “From the Bullpen to the State Pen”• How his children dealt with his absence• How he found redemption• And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

No one is immune from making a stupid decision. Not even a pastor from one of the country’s largest churches. Let me introduce you to Lee Coate. Lee is an executive pastor at The Crossing Church in Las Vegas. He’s a sought-after speaker and consults other churches and ministries all across the country. And his advice is based on experience — painful experience at that. At one point in his career, Lee was so burned out he “pulled the ripcord,” as he puts it. That decision led to a lot of pain, but also a lot of growth. That growth has now culminated in a new book called “Being Peter,” where Lee unpacks what it means to be a “Type I” (Intense, Innovative, Instigator, Impulsive) leader, and why God doesn’t demand those who are Type I to “quiet down,” but rather uses their bold personalities for good. In Episode 11 of “That Was Stupid,” Lee joins to talk about: -His truly stupid decision made out of burn-out-How he found healing from his past-Mental health and taking medication-Being adopted-What it means to be a “Type I” leader-His new book, “Being Peter,” and how people who lead loudly and largely don’t have to hide who they are-And more!If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a good chance that we might not have one of the most recognizable names in faith journalism if he would have listened to his detractors.Billy Hallowell is one of the country’s premier reporters, focusing on issues of faith, politics, and culture. He’s interviewed everyone from the president to leading atheists. He’s also the author of four books. But when he was trying to decide what to do with his life and expressed an interest in journalism, more than one person told him, “that was stupid.”Luckily for us, Billy didn’t listen.In Episode 10 of “That Was Stupid,” Billy joins to talk about• His wild journey to the top, including taking a 40% pay cut• How he dealt with the doubters• His favorite story• Listening to God’s voice• How someone you might recognize actually helped turbo his career• The time he “manifested a demon”• And more!You’ve got to hear these stories!And if you’re interested, you can read Billy’s work at Faithwire or on his Substack.If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available to paid supporters here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Did you hear about the Christian musician who became a #1 realtor? “That Was Stupid” is back, and our first guest of the season is a former Christian musician who gave up music to be a… real estate whiz? Yup!Logan Walter spent all his life in music. He recorded albums, he toured, and he made it his life. It’s what he was known for and it’s what he did. It even was the “family business,” so to speak.So when he decided after the pandemic to completely pivot and become a realtor, a lot of people said, “that was stupid.” But interestingly, Logan’s time on stage and connecting with people set him up for success. But not just success, major success. Within a short time of getting into real estate, he became the #1 agent in his company in the nation and even won "rookie of the year" nationally.He joins “That Was Stupid” to talk about his pivot, how he’s found success, his love for the band Steely Dan, and offers advice for others looking to pivot as well.If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available to paid supporters at readdearjon.com. As always like, RATE, and share!Read more about Logan and use him as your agent in the North Texas / DFW area by visiting https://loganwalter.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Season 1 was a blast. We interviewed Miss America about leaving America; we talked to an ESPN star who gave it all up to work for a non-profit; and we even talked to a successful businessman who drank sewage in order to bring the world clean water. We took a break last May to work on some other things; most importantly I took a break to work on myself. You’ll actually be getting that story very, very soon. But now we’re back!For Season 2, we have some great guests lined up, including a worship pastor who left ministry to become one of the top realtors in Texas, the story of the top faith journalist in the country, and more. Join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Just like Ross and Rachel, we're officially on a break! In fact, we've called a wrap on Season 1 of That Was Stupid. We're taking the summer to book more great guests, hire more people, and prepare for an incredible Season 2. Here's an update from our host, Jon Seidl. Get ready! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Sydney Pritchard Benson (Sydney Michelle Benson) is an influencer. That might make some people cringe. After all, an influencer's job is to, well, influence people. And there are plenty of "influencers" who confirm the stereotypes. Sydney, though? She's different. In fact, she did something really stupid when it came to her wedding. She refused to be influenced by the closest people to her. Instead of throwing a massive Texas wedding (where everything is bigger) she eloped. That caused a lot of strife. So how does an influencer get to the point where she throws the smallest wedding possible instead of the biggest? Well, you'll just have to listen... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Megan Alexander has been an NFL reporter as well as a correspondent for Inside Edition. You've seen her face, even if you don't realize it. She also has several "that was stupid" stories. Stories that led her to the pinnacle of the NFL, and those that meant she could lose her job. Every story has a common theme: she stood up for what she knew was right and was honest. Now you get to hear all of them, while also being armed with some pretty incredible advice when it comes to taking your own stand for what's right. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Brett Seidl went to college to study Spanish and marginalized communities. She even lived in the Latin American bush for a time. So how did she end up starting a multi-million dollar interior design firm? It began as a passion, and that passion turned into a big leap of faith after she had her first child. She shares the inspiring story of going from being the strategic director at a non-profit to starting an interior design business with no degree in the industry. Her advice for not only moms but entrepreneurs is invaluable. And her stories? Well, you won't believe those... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Jason Romano was at the pinnacle of his professional career. He was, after all, the digital producer at ESPN on its biggest radio show, "Mike and Mike." but after 17 years at "the worldwide leader," he started getting an itch to do something different. Something bigger. Something of greater consequence. So he took a contract position with zero benefits and a 40% pay cut to help start...a sports podcast. How did it turn out? Well, that's his "that was stupid" story. Jason gives an in-depth look at the decision, how it turned out, and what some of ESPN's biggest stars told him at the time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Christopher Beth never imagined drinking raw sewage. But that's where he found himself after making a radical decision. He left a successful business consulting career after visiting the Amazon in order to pursue the daunting task of brining the world clean water and a message of hope. He details how he ended up finding a small filter that can give a family a lifetime of clean drinking water, why he decided to do it, and what others told him when he made it his life goal. He also explains how he "tests" his filters, and it involves some really nasty water. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe

Kirsten Haglund (now Kirsten Mueller-Daubermann) won the Miss America pageant in 2008 in stunning fashion. But now? She's the only reigning Miss America to not live in the United States. Why? And why did she leave a successful news career to move overseas and teach spin classes? She shares the details and even spills on her time at Fox News and what fellow Miss America Gretchen Carlson told her during their time working together. Does she have regrets? Well, you'll just have to listen... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonseidl.substack.com/subscribe