What does it look like to be a real Christian? That's the question Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough are trying to answer after walking away from their faith and coming back. Gather around the digital water cooler as a manager in Corporate America and a high school history teacher explore the Bible together, and discover what it looks like to live out your faith while balancing life, family, and a full-time job.
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Welcome to Trial by Fire: Untold Stories, where RJ Snider- Director of Operations at Howell Rescue Systems, Inc., and Jared Buckley - Fire Chief Coach bring candid conversations with frontline firefighters for firefighters and all who are connected. From triumphs to challenges, each episode explores the humanity behind the uniform, with personal anecdotes and thought-provoking questions. Join us for inspiration, camaraderie, and a deeper appreciation of those who serve.
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005 Inside the Firehouse: Kevin Sears on Lessons Learned as a Battalion Chief
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Tune in to this episode featuring Kevin Sears, a Battalion Chief in the Chicago metro area with a lifelong dedication to the fire service. Kevin shares valuable leadership insights and lessons learned throughout his career, rising through the ranks to his current role. He discusses his journey, including a harrowing experience where he was trapped …
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004 The Chief's Journey: Ann Light's Insight on Fire Service Leadership
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In this episode of Trial by Fire, we delve into the groundbreaking research of Ann Light, a former curriculum developer at the State Fire School at Bowling Green University in Ohio. Ann has dedicated her career to exploring leadership in the fire service, with her dissertation focusing on metropolitan fire chiefs and their journeys to becoming effe…
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003 Answering the Call: Chief Anthony Fleming on the Volunteer Fire Service and Tough Calls
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Join hosts RJ Snider and Jared Buckley in this compelling episode of "Trial By Fire" as they sit down with Anthony Fleming, Chief of the Fallowfield Township Volunteer Fire Department. Anthony shares his upbringing in the fire service, how it has evolved, and the experiences that have shaped him. He discusses the unique challenges of volunteer serv…
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002: Keys to Effective Fire Service Communication ft. Mike Philibin
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In this episode, RJ and Jared sit down with Mike Philibin, whose journey into emergency services began after a family accident sparked his interest. Starting at 14 with the Boy Scouts' Explorer's Program, Mike combined high school with fire school training, becoming a certified firefighter right after graduation. He dedicated years to his local fir…
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000: Welcome to Trial by Fire: Untold Stories
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Welcome to Trial by Fire: Untold Stories, where we uncover the human side of firefighting. Join RJ Snider, Director of Operations at Howell Rescue Systems, Inc., and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach, as they bring you intimate conversations with frontline men and women. From moments of triumph to navigating adversity, each episode dives into the per…
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001: Building Skills and Lives through Firehouse Culture and Training ft. Kurt Shoenfeld
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55:49
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In this episode, RJ and Jared sit down with Kurt Shoenfeld, a firefighter deeply connected to his community. Kurt spent seven fulfilling years forming unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories at the firehouse, friends' houses, and local bars. After moving to a quieter area with his wife in 1989, Kurt's passion for firefighting drew him back. He…
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It's another listener question episode! Kurt and Brady jump in off the top rope into a discussion on movements like Black Lives Matter and Back the Blue with a look at how Jesus would respond to these current cultural moments. So put on your safety helmets and strap in as we explore what the Bible says about mixing Religion and Politics. References…
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In our first ever socially distanced episode, Kurt and Brady discuss The Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Tune in as we explore a strange story and the lessons it can teach us about God and Money. References: Luke 16:1-13 Proverbs 18:11By Kurt Sears & Brady McCullough
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In this episode we answer a question from one of our listeners! Are we a benefit or a burden to God? Kurt and Brady explore this topic by looking at the story of Job and discussing if a person can fit one of these two categories in relation to God. References: Job 7:20 Job 22:2 Job 42:1-6 Colossians 1:17-20…
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It's our 2nd Anniversary episode! Brady and Kurt sit down and discuss changes to the show and have an honest conversation about where we've been and where we're heading in the future. References: Hebrews 10:19-25 Psalm 16:1-8By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Episode 42: Questioning the Faith - Part 4
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Where can God use you best? This is a question most Christians have wrestled with in their lives. Is it on the job? A full-time ministry? Join us as we explore where our faith and daily lives intersect on this final episode of our Questioning the Faith series! References: Matthew 10:5-8By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Episode 41: Questioning the Faith - Part 3
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What are you most afraid of when considering a life lived for Christ? Kurt and Brady discuss topics like identity, success in ministry, and skateboarding in this third installment of the series. References: Luke 12:4-7 Genesis 18By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Episode 40: Questioning the Faith - Part 2
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Why does God love you? It's a question that has haunted Christians for millennia, and has led to people doing some pretty crazy things as a result. Kurt and Brady tackle this topic head on as we continue our series exploring questions about the Faith. References: Luke 23:32-35 Galatians 5:19-23By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Episode 39: Questioning the Faith - Part 1
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As we kick off Season 3, we take a candid look at questions Kurt and Brady have about the faith. In this episode we discuss discontentment with the American Church, and ways we feel we can improve our own interactions with a community commanded by Christ. References: Revelation 3:14-22By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Episode 37: The Secret Life of Christians
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One of the most common complaints about Christians is we're hypocrites. We say one thing in public but our private lives don't back up our words. Join Kurt and Brady as they explore the secret side of Christianity outlined by Christ, and discover how this should shape our worship, ministry, and even our social media use. References: Matthew 6:1-6 &…
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If God created everything, why did He live in a tent in the Old Testament? Strap on your tool belt and hard hat as Kurt and Brady demo the Tabernacle that Moses built, and remodel it using the blueprint given to us by the person and work of Jesus Christ. References: Exodus 40:1-16 Matthew 27:45-53 Hebrews 8:1-6 Hebrews 9:1-3 & 11-14 Hebrews 10:1-10…
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If you've ever wanted to understand the entire narrative of the Bible from beginning to end in one hour, then this episode is for you! Kurt and Brady take on the topic of "Covenants" to see what promises God makes throughout Scripture to His people, and how these promises shape the very foundation of the entire Christian faith. References: Genesis …
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Just in time for Halloween, we're looking at the scariest emotion of them all, anger. Most people view the God of the Old Testament as an "Angry God," but how do we reconcile this view of God with the person of Jesus? Join Kurt and Brady as they explore the topic of Anger, and discover how Christians should approach this seemingly negative emotion.…
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If you live long enough you'll grieve. Our culture often tries to minimize grief and push it to the margins of our lives, but can this emotion ever be good? Kurt and Brady take a page from Charlie Brown's playbook and explore the idea of "good grief" by examining God's grief. References: John 11:1-37 Psalm 78:35-40 Luke 19:41-44 1 Thessalonians 4:1…
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Anxiety is a very real concern for many Americans, but what does the Bible say about it? Join Kurt and Brady as they focus on an issue that most people have or will face in their life, and learn how adjusting our vision as Christians may help us find perspective when our world is out of control. References: Matthew 6:25-27 Psalm 39:4-6 Psalm 147:7-…
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THE END IS NEAR! At least that's what those angry people with the signs have been telling us since the 80's, but how are Christians supposed to respond to doomsday? Kurt and Brady wrestle with Revelation and try and decipher how God wants us to approach the mysterious final book of the New Testament. References: Revelation 1:1-3 Malachi 3:16 - 4:6 …
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It's our back to school episode as we continue our series looking at the Parables of Jesus! Sharpen your pencils and grab your backpacks as we take a look at the story of the Good Samaritan and the story of the Unmerciful Servant. Kurt and Brady explore what being a straight-A student in the Kingdom of God actually looks like. References: Luke 10:2…
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It's wedding season once again and people are saying their vows and cutting their cakes. To celebrate, Kurt and Brady are continuing their exploration of the parables with two that use wedding festivities to help us better understand what the Kingdom of God of like. References: Luke 14:12-24 Revelation 19:6-9 Matthew 25:1-13 & 31-46 Matthew 7:13-14…
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Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have always told stories. Whether it was Greek myths such as Hercules or modern tales such as Harry Potter, humanity has always been fascinated by the tales we tell. Join Kurt and Brady as they explore the stories of Jesus, called Parables, and discover why they're important and what they mean for us …
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Got a case of the Mondays? Hate the people at work who ask you if you have a case of the Mondays? Then this episode is for you! Kurt and Brady explore the topic of work from a Biblical perspective, and show how Jesus and the Gospel allow us to create a new perspective of our 9 to 5. References: Genesis 1:26-30 Genesis 3:17-19 Revelation 21:22 - 22:…
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In a world full of deadlines and to-do lists, many Christians struggle to figure out what truly serving Christ looks like. Join Kurt and Brady as they explore the topic of Christian Service through the lives of two sisters in the Bible, and discover how there may be more to a life lived for Jesus than just going to church on Sunday. References: Mat…
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There are few topics more divisive in the American Church than the function of the Holy Spirit. Strap in as Kurt and Brady wade into the murky waters of the Holy Ghost to explore why He is important, and how He plays a vital role in our daily Christian lives. References: Genesis 1:1-2 John 1:1-2 Joel 2:28-29 John 1:29-34 John 16:4-15 Acts 2:17 1 Co…
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Water Cooler Christian celebrates one year of existence! Kurt and Brady take some time to reflect on the past year and how the podcast has impacted their Christian lives. Listen in as they discuss practical tips on how they approach studying the Bible for the show, and the importance of Scripture for modern Christians. References: 2 Timothy 3:12-17…
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Episode 23: Sunday School Stories - Samson
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It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's the final episode of our Sunday School Stories series! This one promises to be "super" as we explore a Biblical superhero of sorts in the story of Sampson. Discover how pride, free will, and a whole lot of hair can teach us something important not only about the Old Testament, but about the daily lives of Christi…
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Episode 22: Sunday School Stories - Fiery Furnace
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58:18
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Idols. We see them in movies and read about them in the Bible, but they must be a relic of ancient religion, right? Join us as we explore the story of three guys and a fiery furnace to see how we all may be worshiping idols and not even realize it. References: Daniel 3 - 4:3 Exodus 32:1-8 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-23…
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Episode 21: Sunday School Stories - Zacchaeus
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58:00
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Happy Tax Day! In honor of one of the least favorite American holidays, Kurt and Brady are exploring a member of the ancient Roman IRS, Zacchaeus. You may know him as a wee little man who climbed a tree, but maybe it's time you took a second look at a SHORT story that could have a big impact on how you live your daily life as a Christian. Reference…
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Episode 20: Sunday School Stories - David
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Do you ever feel like you're unqualified to serve God? Maybe you think the only thing you're useful for is holding open a door on Sunday. Join Kurt and Brady as they take a fresh look at the story of David and Goliath to help you understand God's purpose for your life. References: 1 Samuel 17:1-54By Kurt Sears & Brady McCullough
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Episode 19: Sunday School Stories - Daniel
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58:08
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Remember all those weird stories from Sunday School? Have you ever noticed that no one really brings them up as adults? Kurt and Brady embark on a new series exploring Sunday School stories from an adult perspective. Join us as we explore an ancient Lion's Den, and find out whether it's relevant for us today or if it's just a worn out fairy tale fo…
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Do you constantly find yourself struggling with the same sin over and over? In part two of our discuss on temptation, Kurt and Brady explore Christ's model for overcoming these daily tests. References: Matthew 4:1-11 Deuteronomy 8:2-6 Exodus 17:1-7 Deuteronomy 6:14-25 Hebrews 4:14-16 1 Corinthians 10:12-13…
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The new year is a month old and your resolutions are falling apart! Kurt and Brady take a look at temptation and it's impact on our lives. Who is ultimately responsible when we fail? Is it God, Satan, or us? References: Genesis 2:15-17 James 1:13-15 Genesis 3:6-9 Job 1:1-5 Mark 10:17-27 Job 1:6-22 Job 42:12-15…
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It's the first ever Water Cooler Christian Christmas Special! Grab a Christmas cookie and sit down by the fire as Kurt and Brady tell tales of the origins of Christmas. Hear how the wise men brought Jesus essential oils, why Christians banned Christmas, and about a new holiday celebration called Second Christmas! This promises to be the best Christ…
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Is technology trying to kill us? Kurt, Brady, and Michael Scott seem to think so. Join us as we look at the psychology of social media through the lens of social prayer, and discover a new perspective on the importance of praying with others. So bow your heads and put on your headphones as we wrap up the final episode of our series on prayer! Refer…
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Is there something you'd really like God to come through on? Have you prayed but can't seem to get the answer you want? In our second episode on prayer, Kurt and Brady seek to uncover what types of prayer God responds to, and what can we do to incline God to hear us when we pray. References: Mark 2:1-12 1 John 5:13-15 Joshua 6:1-7, 15-16. 7:1-13 Ja…
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Have you ever wished your prayer life was better? This week Brady and Kurt sit down to discuss how toddlers often have a better grasp on prayer than most adults, and how getting to know our Dad in Heaven will change our approach to prayer here on Earth. References: Romans 8:14-17 Mark 14:25-26 Matthew 6:5-15 Matthew 7:9-11…
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Just in time for Halloween! Mad scientists Kurt and Brady are scaring up a monster of an episode! Listen in as the duo stitches together the world of Physics with the truths of the Gospel creating something even Frankenstein would be proud of. References: 1 Corinthians 6:19 Philippians 4:4-9 Philippians 2:1-3 Hebrews 6:1-3 Matthew 4:18-25 Matthew 2…
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The recipe is simple: A cup of Salvation and a healthy dose of church, but what happens when we add water to the mix? Is Baptism really necessary or is it just a nice religious construct to make us feel good? Do you need Baptism to be saved? Can anyone baptize people or do you need a professional? The answers to these questions might not be as simp…
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Kurt and Brady hit double digits with an episode on the topic of Grace. You hear the word it all the time in church world, but what is it really? Find out how grace should be something lived out daily by those who claim to follow Christ. References: John 1:10-18 Matthew 18:21-35 Jonah 1-4 Titus 2:11By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Football season is back! Kurt and Brady are kicking it off by talking about worship. What is worship? How are we as Christians supposed to worship? Am I worshiping the wrong way? Tune in to find out how this one thing can make all the difference in your relationship with God. References: Exodus 20:1-8 Exodus 14:26-15:5 Matthew 6:5-13 Matthew 15:7-9…
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Have you ever heard that God has a wonderful plan for your life? Kurt and Brady wade through the murky waters of the prosperity gospel, and look at how American culture has influenced how we view success as a Christian. Grab some honey-flavored locusts and let's explore what Jesus has in store for those who follow Him. References: Luke 1:5-17 Matth…
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Potholes are the worst. So what in the world would a pothole have to do with being holy? Join Kurt and Brady in exploring the depth of what being sanctified looks like in your day-to-day routine. Part two of a two part series. References: John 15:1-8 Galatians 5:16-25 John 17:13-19 Colossians 3:1-17By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Smoke 'em if you got 'em and let's dive in. Brady and Kurt talk about sanctification, a weird Biblical word that is central to our faith. Find out how understanding this one word can completely change your entire Christian experience. Note: This is part one of a two part series. References: 2 Corinthians 3:18 Luke 10:38-42 2 Corinthians 4:6-12…
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Fear is one of those four letter words we don't like to talk about, but when the Bible says we are supposed to fear God what does that really mean? How can a loving God require that we fear Him? Kurt and Brady work through making sense of this seeming contradiction. References: Deuteronomy 5:23-33 Matthew 10:28-32 Isaiah 11:2-3 Matthew 25:31-46 1 J…
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Have you ever been to church? Do you have PTSD flashbacks thinking about church? Kurt and Brady are back to discuss why church is a thing and whether or not it should be your thing. References: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 2 Corinthians 5:14-15By Kurt Sears and Brady McCullough
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Kurt and Brady explore the topic of sacrifice and what it means within Christianity. See how sacrifice is not just something "Old Testament," but a concept that needs to be processed by the Church in today's culture of self-satisfaction. References: Genesis 4:2-7 - Cain and Abel Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abram Genesis 22:1-14 - Abraham and I…
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