Talks with Gallagher

What happens after you hit rock bottom—and what does it take to rebuild your life? Evangelist K.D. Suzanne joins John Gallagher on Talks with Gallagher to share her personal testimony of addiction, surviving abuse, and finding hope through a relationship with Jesus. As the founder of Tha Streetz Ministry, Suzanne has a heart for reaching people who feel broken, overlooked, or forgotten. In this conversation, she shares the encounter she describes as her turning point—and the ongoing process of learning to trust, receive grace, and move forward. “He said yes to me before I said yes to Him.” — K.D. SuzanneBeyond her testimony, we explore the role of mentorship and accountability, navigating wilderness seasons, and the moment she considered leaving ministry. Suzanne reflects on what helped her continue and how her experiences shaped her calling to serve others. In this episode, you’ll hear:Her journey from addiction and brokenness to faith in JesusThe difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personallyWhy transformation involves a process—not just a turning pointHow mentorship, grace, and accountability supported her growthLearning to trust after years in survival modeFinding purpose when you feel ready to quitThe heart behind Tha Streetz Ministry and street evangelismWhether you’re exploring faith, navigating a difficult season, or looking for encouragement to keep going, this episode offers an honest conversation about second chances and finding purpose beyond your past.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00—Introduction: Faith, second chances, and transformation01:28 — K.D. Suzanne’s testimony: Addiction and redemption02:51 — Growing up in church versus knowing Jesus personally03:12 — Surviving abuse and reaching a breaking point06:40 — Returning to church and running to the altar07:39 — “Just your heart”: Her turning-point encounter09:04 — Coming to God without having everything together12:46 — Mentorship, leadership, and grace14:47 — Why you can’t skip the process18:42 — Learning to trust after years in survival mode19:49 — The season she wanted to leave ministry22:00 — “Can you continue to say yes for me?”22:39 — Rediscovering identity and purpose26:55 — Street evangelism and serving people who are hurting28:36 — Closing reflections and looking toward part twoABOUT THE GUESTEvangelist K.D. Suzanne is the founder of Tha Streetz Ministry, a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on sharing the love of Jesus, discipling believers, and serving people who are hurting. She is also working on her first book, From Tha Streetz to Tha Crown.FOLLOW TALKS WITH GALLAGHERFollow Talks with Gallagher on your favorite podcast app for more conversations about faith, purpose, and personal transformation. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who could use hope.Host: John GallagherGuest: Evangelist K.D. SuzanneMinistry: Tha Streetz Ministry Content note: This episode includes personal accounts of domestic abuse, addiction, and suicide attempts. The guest shares her personal experiences and beliefs. This conversation is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast. Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher

Feeling Stuck? Small Decisions, Big Shifts with Chip Scholz What happens when the success you’ve been chasing no longer fits the life you want? On this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John Gallagher welcomes executive coach, storyteller, and author Chip Scholz for an honest conversation about navigating change, starting over, and finding purpose through the decisions we make every day. Drawing on his experiences with job loss, building a business, grief, and stroke recovery, Chip shares how he learned to stay flexible without losing his sense of direction. His message: failing at something doesn’t make you a failure—and meaningful change often starts smaller than you think. We explore his book, Small Decisions, Big Shifts: Navigating Life on Your Terms, and the Five C’s that guide his approach:Context: Understand where you are.Clarity: Know what you want.Conditioning: Develop the mindset to move toward it.Choice: Choose behaviors that support your direction.Character: Follow through with personal accountability.Along the way, Chip explains what woodturning taught him about patience and leadership, why he coaches people from their strengths, and how his purpose statement—“I live to develop people”—has guided him for 25 years. Listen for a practical exercise near the end: If you woke up tomorrow and your situation were different, what’s one small thing you would notice? Whether you’re facing a career transition, rethinking success, or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on moving forward—one small decision at a time. IN THIS EPISODEStaying flexible when life doesn’t follow your plans.Separating failure from your identity.Starting a business and rebuilding after a layoff.The stories that influence how we interpret setbacks.Leadership lessons from the woodturning workshop.Turning the Five C’s into everyday action.Finding purpose through your strengths and responsibilities.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction: When success no longer fits01:35 When life stops following the script04:46 Staying flexible: “Semper Gumby”06:06 Failing doesn’t make you a failure09:58 Turning a layoff into a new beginning12:46 Moving 2,500 miles and starting over15:09 Chip’s experience with stroke recovery16:35 How books and stories shape perspective19:13 The woodcutter’s wisdom: Blessing or curse?23:14 Negative thinking and internal dialogue26:00 Faith, fear, and core beliefs28:32 What woodturning teaches about leadership34:05 The story behind Small Decisions, Big Shifts37:30 Why big changes begin with small decisions40:03 The Five C’s explained42:04 Feeling stuck? Start with this question43:27 Coaching that builds on your strengths46:20 Finding purpose in everyday life49:34 Stay curious and flexibleEXPLORE CHIP’S BOOKSmall Decisions, Big Shifts: Navigating Life on Your Termshttps://scholzandassociates.com/chips-books/CONNECT WITH TALKS WITH GALLAGHERExplore and support the podcast:https://talkswithgallagher.comFollow Talks with Gallagher for more conversations about leadership, purpose, business, and the stories that shape our lives.Know someone navigating a new chapter? Share this episode with them.#PersonalGrowth #Leadership #LifeTransitions #TalksWithGallagherBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast. Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher

What happens when pursuing the truth changes not only how you see the world but also what you decide to build? Investigative journalist Kayla Dones, founder of Protagonist Network, joins John Gallagher on Talks with Gallagher for a conversation about independent journalism, personal conviction, and the experiences that shape who we become. Kayla shares her journey from local reporting to undercover assignments, working with whistleblowers, and building a media organization of her own. She reflects on the political and financial pressures she encountered, the demands of field reporting, and what it takes to stay grounded while pursuing difficult stories. The conversation also explores the founder’s challenge: turning a meaningful mission into a sustainable business. From assembling a network of journalists and production professionals to creating the infrastructure that supports their work, Kayla explains why passion alone isn’t enough.In this episode:How Kayla found her way into investigative journalism.Her approach to reporting beyond left-versus-right narratives.Listening to whistleblowers and recognizing potential stories.Her account of campaign-finance investigations involving ActBlue and WinRed.The physical and emotional demands of undercover reporting.Building Protagonist Network and supporting creative talent.Asking political candidates questions beyond their talking points.Why local journalism needs sustainable business models.Resilience, compassion, and staying true to your values.At its heart, this is a conversation about conviction: how our experiences shape what we believe, how those beliefs guide our decisions, and what we choose to create in response.Chapters00:00 Introduction: The stories that shape us01:52 Introducing Protagonist Network03:40 How Kayla got into journalism06:17 Political bias and her approach to reporting09:48 Preparing the next generation of journalists11:17 Reporting experiences that shaped her14:53 Finding leads and listening to whistleblowers17:36 Her account of ActBlue and WinRed investigations21:44 Moving from problems to solutions23:59 Why she founded Protagonist Network28:27 Building a network for media professionals31:37 Her work on materials concerning Kurt Cobain’s death34:35 The demands of undercover journalism37:44 Mental health, preparation, and recovery39:51 Resilience, compassion, and personal values42:01 Midterms and local accountability44:10 Getting candidates beyond their talking points45:45 Would Kayla consider running for office?47:50 The future of independent and local journalism53:07 Media ownership and newsroom culture54:42 Final reflectionsConnect with Kayla, Learn more about Protagonist Network:https://protagonistnetwork.org/Follow the show for conversations about the stories, decisions, and experiences that shape who we become. If this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with someone who would appreciate the conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast. Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher

What happens when you’re praying for healing but still waking up in pain? Author and Lupus advocate Shennette Sparkes shares how faith, family, and purpose have shaped her life with chronic illness.On this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John Gallagher welcomes Evangelist Shennette Sparkes for an honest conversation about living with Lupus, navigating changes in appearance, and finding confidence beyond a diagnosis.Shennette shares the story behind her book, The Story Behind the Story: Butterfly Warrior, including her experience receiving a Lupus diagnosis as a Division I college basketball player. She reflects on the fear and uncertainty she faced, the role of prayer in her daily life, and why being vulnerable with God and the people around her mattered.The conversation also explores marriage, motherhood, accepting support, and learning to rest without feeling the pressure to do everything. Shennette discusses her beliefs about healing and closes with a prayer for listeners.Topics include:• Living with Lupus and finding hope after diagnosis• The meaning behind “Butterfly Warrior”• Hair loss, appearance, self-esteem, and identity in Christ• Finding purpose without being defined by pain• Honest communication in marriage and family life• Accepting help and building a support system• Faith, prayer, and encouragement during difficult seasonsFor anyone navigating chronic illness—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers a personal testimony of resilience, faith, and the importance of not facing your struggles alone.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 Opening story: Lupus and college basketball01:23 Introduction: faith when life hurts04:24 The meaning of Butterfly Warrior07:48 Her book and becoming a Lupus advocate13:59 Faith, vulnerability, and uncertainty19:28 Appearance and confidence in Christ21:38 Finding purpose beyond pain26:33 Marriage, motherhood, and support28:26 Accepting help and learning to rest32:58 Encouragement for those facing chronic illness37:43 Prayer for healing and strength40:16 Books, ministry, and podcasts42:21 Advice to her younger self43:10 Be who God created you to be45:04 Closing and supporting the showGUEST RESOURCESThe Story Behind the Story: Butterfly Warrior:ABOUT THE SHOWTalks with Gallagher features conversations exploring faith, purpose, personal journeys, and the lessons that shape our lives.Learn more and support the podcast:https://talkswithgallagher.comFollow Talks with Gallagher in your podcast app, share this episode with someone who could use encouragement, and leave a rating or review if the conversation resonated with you.HEALTH NOTEThis episode shares personal experiences and religious beliefs. It is not medical advice or a promise of healing. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and do not stop or change medication without medical guidance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast. Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher

Is artificial intelligence just technology, or is there something older behind it?Author Gary Wayne (The Genesis 6 Conspiracy) joins host John Gallagher to connect AI, transhumanism, and the Days of Noah to ancient history and Bible prophecy. They also discuss his new prophetic thriller, The Opprimo Conspiracy: AI's Covenant with Babylon, co-authored with William Carmichael.Topics:• What "Opprimo" means and how the book came together• AI as "angelic intelligence"• The Days of Noah and the Olivet Discourse• Where end-times Babylon might be found• Transhumanism, demonic influence, and "daemon algorithms"• Teraphim, ancient talking idols, and the Image of the Beast• The real vs. counterfeit "flame" in the novel• Listener Q&A, sequels, and the audiobookChapters:00:00 Welcome and opening question01:35 What "Opprimo" means09:40 Mystery schools and the Days of Noah21:55 AI safety and the demon question24:55 Where is Babylon?40:15 Daemon algorithms46:15 Transhumanism1:07:50 Teraphim and talking idols1:10:15 The Image of the Beast1:22:40 The two flames1:32:45 Listener Q&A1:45:30 Sequels, audiobook, and where to buy the bookLinks:Gary Wayne: https://genesis6conspiracy.com/Talks with Gallagher: https://www.gallagherjohn.com/Guest views are their own interpretation of scripture and current events.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast. Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher