Hello and welcome to The Narrow Path Podcast! In our inaugural episode, our hosts, Nathan and Loretta speak with Bill Weedman. As a lifelong martial artist, eventual follower of Christ, and dedicated pastor, Bill explores how his journey through various disciplines has shaped his life and views on the world around him. We hear his story of rising from a challenging and largely fatherless upbringing, to facing the challenges of navigating manhood, religion, confidence, personal responsibility, and ultimately, how to lead a life of purpose.    Join us as Bill looks back on his bumpy and inspiring road.

 

Episode Highlights:

[0:00 ] We set the stage for our first episode by exploring the nature of light and dark, and the roles they play in our ever-changing lives.

[2:00 ] *Quick disclaimer on the unfiltered language and content used in this show.

[2:46 ] We meet Bill as he gives context to what many call “the Legend of Bill Weedman,” focusing on how growing up with an estranged father shaped his youth.

[8:15 ] “I will never be afraid again.” Bill shares how a deeply fearful moment that he experienced at the age of twelve led to a vow that guided the rest of his life.

[14:05 ] We learn how Bill translated his feelings of inadequacy and confusion over ideas of “what men do” into a healthy dedication to martial arts.

[18:20 ] Bill discusses his early development in martial arts, and how his views on fighting and himself changed throughout the process. 

[23:25 ] “Chet was the first person who truly loved me unconditionally… That was my first encounter with Jesus.” We hear about the man who led Bill out of Satanism and became his father figure through the power of genuine love.

[28:41 ] Bill shares challenging decisions he had to make at 18 when he got his girlfriend pregnant.

[31:30 ] “I always told myself, ‘I will not be like my dad.’” We learn about how Bill met his wife, Peg, at 22, shortly after joining the police department, and how those experiences created deep conflict within his identity and marriage.

[39:16 ] “I preached and spoke to children. I poured my life into it.” Bill explains how he strove to turn his life around by committing himself to his church and faith. 

[45:19 ] Bill wraps up this episode by reflecting on the revelations that he started to let himself see on a life-changing men’s retreat. “I was in a cage and Jesus opened the door.”

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