The Collage Podcast

Summary In this episode of the podcast, Jeff Stegal and volunteers from Baylor Scott and White discuss their experiences serving at Feed My Sheep in Temple, Texas. They explore the mission of the organization, the challenges faced by the homeless community, and the importance of community support and belonging. The conversation delves into mental health issues, substance abuse, and the systemic barriers that hinder individuals from accessing resources. The volunteers share their expectations, reflections on service, and the personal growth they experience through their involvement. In this conversation, the group discusses the importance of addressing not just physical hunger but also emotional and spiritual needs. He highlights the challenges of expanding their services to include mental health support and the necessity of community involvement over government intervention. Jeff also reflects on the significance of purpose in life and how it relates to the individuals they serve, ultimately finding beauty in the struggles faced by the community.  

In this episode of the Collage Podcast, host Jeff Steagal engages in a deep conversation with city leaders from Temple, Texas, exploring the essence of leadership, the importance of community, and the burdens that come with making difficult decisions. The discussion highlights the significance of empathy, sacrifice, and the qualities that define both good and bad leaders. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the guests share their insights on what it means to lead effectively and the responsibilities that come with it. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, the balance between being born a leader and developing leadership skills, and the complexities of what makes a great leader. They discuss personal experiences that shaped their understanding of leadership, the significance of self-criticism, and the impact of one's sphere of influence. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on the inherent imperfections of leaders and the essential belief that every individual matters in the community.  

In this episode of the Collage Podcast, host Jeff Steagall engages in a heartfelt conversation with Slim who shares his life experiences from Mississippi to Texas. The discussion covers Slim's values, his perspective on community respect, the impact of drugs, and the importance of faith. Slim emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and the significance of treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. The conversation also touches on family connections, the role of law enforcement, and reflections on suffering and healing, ultimately highlighting the belief that every life matters.  

Jeff meets with Retta and Kim, volunteers at Feed My Sheep, where their discussion leads them to talk about enduring lifes trials and later finding peace in adversity through Jesus Christ 

Jeff Stegeall sits down with Feed my Sheep volunteers Elder Jaffers and Elder Haws, currently serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and talks to them about the reason why they are setting aside 2 years of their life and serving a mission.

Jeff Stegal sits down with Derick to discuss his progression from teenager to understanding adult through his journey of prison and hardships

Jeff welcomes Tyler, a guest from Alabama who shares his journey of homelessness and the challenges he has faced due to racial dynamics and prejudice. Tyler discusses his experiences growing up, the impact of his skin color on his opportunities, and the realities of being homeless. The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding homelessness, the costs associated with it, and the importance of faith and integrity in navigating life's challenges. Tyler's story is one of resilience, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion in a world often quick to judge. In this conversation, Jeff and Tyler explore themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the importance of relationships. Tyler shares his journey of embracing individuality while navigating the challenges of life, including family dynamics and feelings of loneliness. The discussion emphasizes the significance of being open and vulnerable, recognizing the pain of isolation, and understanding the inherent value of every person. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the idea that everyone matters and has a purpose in this world.

In this episode, Jeff and Anabelle discuss the significance of Lent and introduce a community experiment aimed at engaging individuals in acts of kindness and reflection during the Lent season. They explore the origins of Lent, its practices, and how the community can come together to make a positive impact through daily acts of intentional kindness. 

In this episode of the Collage podcast, Jeff talks with Damon, who shares his incredible journey with mental health, beginning from childhood struggles with bullying and isolation to his experiences with diagnosis and treatment. Damon discusses the impact of his family, the evolution of his mental health treatment, and the challenges he faced in adulthood, including job loss. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in his recovery journey. Damon discusses the challenges of living with hallucinations and the impact of medication on his mental state. He reflects on the importance of self-advocacy in mental health treatment and on his journey from being on disability to actively working in the mental health field. The discussion highlights the universal nature of mental health issues and the significance of individual experiences in understanding and addressing these challenges.

Jeff and Laura delve into the themes of hope and humanity as illustrated in the movie Shawshank Redemption. They discuss the complexities of hope, the necessity of action in achieving it, and how hope can serve as a guiding light in challenging times. The conversation also touches on the difference between hope and mere wishing, emphasizing the importance of recognizing positive aspects in life to foster hope. In this conversation, Jeff and Laura explore the themes of hope and hopelessness, discussing how individuals can find themselves in dark places where hope seems lost. They emphasize the importance of community support, the complexity of hope across different economic backgrounds, and the active choice to maintain hope even in despair. The dialogue reflects on personal experiences and societal issues, ultimately advocating for a mindset that seeks joy and connection despite challenges.

In this episode of the Collage podcast, host Jeff engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tina, a mother of six who has faced the challenges of homelessness and addiction. Tina shares her personal journey, discussing the difficulties of living on the streets, the importance of family and community support, and her hopes for a better future. The conversation highlights the harsh realities of addiction, the impact of mental health, and the need for awareness and compassion in addressing homelessness on an individual basis. Through Tina's story, listeners gain insight into the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in fostering change.

In this episode, Andrea shares her profound journey of overcoming adversity, including her experiences with family dynamics, relationships, and the impact of her time in prison. She reflects on her love for nature and travel, the challenges of navigating toxic relationships, and the lessons she hopes to impart to her children. Andrea's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the quest for identity and acceptance. In this conversation, Jeff and Andrea discuss the profound impact of discovering hidden truths about one's identity, the challenges faced during incarceration, and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. They explore personal growth, setting future goals, and the journey towards self-love and acceptance, ultimately delivering a message of hope and empowerment for those facing similar struggles.

Laura, volunteer and friend of FMS, joins Jeff for a conversation as they discuss their perspectives on how they've learned to face challenges and live life to the fullest. Laura and Jeff end up breaking The Collage podcast recording length record at 2 hours and 16 minutes!  In this engaging conversation, Jeff and Laura discuss the transitions of life, particularly the journey of becoming an empty nester and the importance of embracing new seasons. They explore the significance of perspective in shaping our experiences, the power of choice in responding to life's challenges, and the necessity of community and grace in overcoming struggles. Laura shares her personal story of resilience and the importance of not feeling alone in difficult times, emphasizing the healing power of sharing one's story with others. She discusses the importance of community, understanding mental health, and the power of choice in navigating life's challenges. Jeff emphasizes the significance of seeing God through the actions of others and the need for genuine connection and shares personal stories that highlight the struggles of mental health and the grace required to support those in need. He also reflects on the metaphor of a compass in life, illustrating how it guides us back to the right path, regardless of how lost we may feel. Ultimately, this conversation with Laura and Jeff is a reminder that we have the power to transform our pain into purpose and that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

Yuni, founder of local nonprofit Scootable talks with Jeff about her story and perspective on serving and encouraging people in need.

Volunteers visiting Feed My Sheep during their holiday break from college talk to Jeff about their motivations for serving and their experience.

Rachel talks with Jeff about her love and thankfulness for the people of Temple who have helped her during her time experiencing homelessness.

Wendy joins Jeff and talks about her life, her circumstances that led to homelessness and her experience at Feed My Sheep.

Kirby joins Jeff and Bobby and discusses driving trucks, a debilitating car accident, and the difficulties of living on the street.

Our good friend Meg visits and talks with Jeff about some of her past trauma, struggles, and her recent experience with rehab.

Sabra, Melody, and Emerson, currently students at UMHB, discuss with Bobby their experience and thoughts about volunteering at Feed My Sheep.