What does it take to truly change a life marked by decades of addiction and incarceration? For Jamie, it was an encounter with Jesus in the most unexpected place – a jail cell where she faced a potential 27-year sentence. In this raw and powerful conversation, Jamie takes us through her journey of repeated imprisonment that began at age 24. After a…

The differences between persecuted and comfortable Christianity create drastically different faith experiences, as Sunny reveals in this compelling continuation of our conversation in episode 99. Having lived and served in three different continents, Sunny offers rare insights into how comfort—while a blessing from God—can silently become our great…

Three husbands break the silence surrounding miscarriage, sharing their unique perspectives on pregnancy loss and the impact it had on their marriages and faith journeys. Chris (Nancy's husband) hosts this special 100th episode featuring brothers-in-law Jeff and Chance as they discuss their experiences supporting their wives through miscarriage whi…

Sunny's journey from the brink of suicide to becoming a missionary in America will leave you breathless. Born into a broken Hindu family in India, he witnessed his mother's crippling depression, his father's alcoholism and financial ruin, and his sister's suicide attempts – all before he turned 18. When his mother finally left as she had long threa…

Faith and finances don't often mix in our conversations, but what happens when financial crisis forces you to completely redefine your relationship with money? Raychel's story will challenge everything you thought you knew about God's role in your financial life. When a casual decision to take Financial Peace University collided with losing 85% of …

Van Harden, former WHO radio host of 35 years, shares his journey of faith and insights from his book "Jesus, the Prequel." He explains how understanding Jesus' existence before Bethlehem transformed his perspective on scripture and deepened his relationship with Christ. • Living faith authentically in secular radio without explicit rules • Discove…

Darcy reveals her journey as "God's problem child" in this deeply vulnerable conversation about finding faith through life's unexpected divine interventions. As a fifth-generation Iowa farmer and storyteller who grew up feeling like an outsider in church settings, Darcy shares three remarkable stories that challenged her skepticism and revealed God…

Julie’s journey is one of astonishing resilience and transformation. From surviving a childhood marred by abuse and trafficking to finding hope and healing, her story is a powerful reminder how God can use pain to bring purpose. In this episode, discover how Julie navigated the complexities of life between an abusive household and the loving home o…

What if revisiting familiar stories could open up a world of new insights and growth? Join us as we sit down with Brad, an inspiring teacher from Walking the Text, to uncover the enduring power of storytelling woven into Biblical narratives. As we explore how Walking the Text has transformed our family's homeschool experience, we promise you'll gai…

Curtis is back and continues his story today. You all loved his story (#84) so much he's on to share more... • Rediscovering life in the aftermath of incarceration • Embracing God's forgiveness and moving forward • Transforming a jail cell into a mission field • Overcoming shame and understanding remorse • Navigating the challenges of re-entering s…

What happens when you mix resilience, faith, and the power of forgiveness? Join us as we welcome Havva, a talented songwriter and singer from England, who shares her inspiring journey from a strict Muslim upbringing to finding her own way. At just 16, Havva ran away from home, facing a harsh reality on the streets filled with struggles like drugs a…

What happens when a simple money-saving idea transforms into a thriving online platform? Meet Crystal, the Money Saving Mom, who joins us to share her incredible journey from a tiny basement apartment to launching a successful financial career. Crystal's story is not just about financial triumphs but about embracing failures and staying true to one…

What can you learn from ordinary people doing extraordinary things? Find out as we celebrate both the Christmas season and the conclusion of Season 6 of Ordinary People Extraordinary Things. As we prepare to ring in 2025, we're thrilled to announce the exciting lineup of guests that will kick off Season 7 on January 5th, featuring thought-provoking…

Ever wondered how to tailor your parenting approach to fit each unique child in your family? Join us for a heart-to-heart with Dawn, a remarkable mother of nine from Iowa, whose journey of intentional parenting is nothing short of inspiring. Dawn opens up about the trials and triumphs of adapting her parenting style to nurture the distinctive heart…

Today, we welcome Lauren to Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, where she shares her gripping story of resilience and faith. At just seven years old, her world changed dramatically when her father kidnapped her to Jordan, sparking a courageous rescue mission that would later inspire a movie. Join us as we recount the tense and emotional operation…

Tom and Kathryn have turned their love for Christmas into a heartwarming ministry that lights up not just their home but the entire community. Over eighteen years, their festive display has grown into a spectacle spanning two acres with half a million lights. Initially a personal venture, it quickly became a beloved community tradition, offering jo…

Join us in celebrating the three-year anniversary of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we welcome back our very first guest, Kay. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience as she shares her evolution from enduring a painful divorce to achieving remarkable personal and professional growth. Kay's journey over the past three years highli…

Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can ripple out to create significant change? Join me for a thoughtful conversation with Mike, the former mayor of Parker, as he shares his transformative journey from an average citizen to a community leader dedicated to empowering others. Mike's stories from his Cub Scout days remind us that leavin…

What happens when a devout faith is tested by the appeal of nightlife and poor choices? Curtis, our guest on this episode of Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, knows the answer all too well. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in ministry, Curtis carried his strong faith through homeschooling to public high school, proudly wearing the label of …

Ever struggled to trust God due to negative experiences with earthly fathers? Join us on this episode of "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things" as we sit down with Neil, our passionate guest and a proud Tar Heel, who shares his transformative journey of faith by forming genuine, transformative relationships. Our conversation delves into the struggl…

After a season of relentless migraines and unsettling numbness, Carrie discovered she had multiple sclerosis (MS). With raw honesty, Carrie talks about her fears and confusion, especially as a single mom with heavy responsibilities, and how she can now say, “I am grateful for the story God has given me.” The critical importance of community support…

What if you felt unworthy of love despite a steadfast belief in faith? Charles takes us on an emotional journey through his early life experiences, revealing how witnessing domestic violence and grappling with gender identity deeply impacted his sense of self and spirituality. His story is one of resilience, finding solace in faith, and ultimately …

Can introverts make an impact in faith outreach? You bet they can! We'll challenge the common misconception that only extroverts can be effective evangelists. Through compelling examples from the Bible, like Moses and Jacob, and personal anecdotes, we reveal how introverts can fulfill God's purpose through behind-the-scenes actions and meaningful o…

Ever noticed how society often equates an easy life with success, while faith teaches us to embrace life's challenges? We shine a light on the paradox of the American dream's promise of comfort versus the gospel's call to embrace our crosses. Reflect with us on Luke 9:23 and John 16:33, as we discuss the transformative power of facing adversity hea…

Do we gossip more than we share the gospel? Join me on a reflective journey as we confront the stark reality of our words. Are we known for uplifting others, or do our conversations often tear down those around us? This episode encourages deep self-examination, challenging us to consider whether our words align with the fruits of the Spirit—love, j…

What if we could identify and dismantle the modern-day "high places" that hold us back from living balanced, meaningful lives? This episode takes a unique turn as we pause our usual guest interviews to reflect on a recurring theme from 2 Kings in the Old Testament. Nancy draws parallels between the ancient Israelites' struggle with idol worship and…

“When the world gives you no hope whatsoever in a situation you have 2 options: you can completely turn away from God. Or you can say, The world gives me no hope, so I’m going to hang on to the one thing that will.” ~Amber Hayes Navigating parenthood is often compared to embarking on an epic journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. In our …

Have you ever wondered how personal narratives shape our connections and build resilient communities? In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Gabriela, a scrappy and empathetic attorney whose journey of faith and determination will leave you inspired. Gabriela opens up about the pivotal role of community and storytelling in her life, sharin…

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of fear and faith, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? Our brave guest, Lincoln, guides us through these very intersections as he shares his stirring tale of early fatherhood, profound loss, and the rediscovery of grace. His voice, laced with raw emotion, paints a vivid picture of the turning poi…

Have you ever sat down for a lunch that altered the trajectory of your life? Our guest Ann would answer with a resounding "yes," as she shares the unfolding of her remarkable journey from a simple meal to dedicating herself to the service of Haiti's most vulnerable. Ann's narrative is a stirring testament to the power of turning ordinary encounters…

This episode is a call to action—a reminder to look beyond ourselves and our immediate circles, to extend kindness to strangers, and to recognize the humanity in everyone we meet. It is a prompt to practice compassion and to understand that, in doing so, we not only transform the lives of others but also ourselves. In our fast-paced world, where ti…

In a profoundly moving episode of the podcast "Ordinary People Extraordinary Things," we meet Laura Husband, whose life was irreversibly changed by the Columbia space shuttle disaster. Laura's narrative provides a candid and intimate examination of grief and the resilience that often goes unseen but is incredibly powerful. Her reflections on naviga…

Nancy's story starts with her parents' tumultuous past, carrying a weight of generational pain, which she has learned to transmute into a source of strength and empathy. Her early years were marred by loss and the struggle to fit in, which led her down a path fraught with poor choices and pain. However, it was through this darkness that Nancy's det…

Dawna Hetzler brings her unique blend of real estate savvy and ministry zeal to our latest heart-to-heart, delving into her inspiring tale and the wisdom nestled in the pages of her book "Free to Receive." Each chapter of our conversation unravels the complexities of human connection, with Dawna’s personal anecdotes offering a beacon of light for n…

-Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads between the familiar faith of your upbringing and the uncharted waters of your personal beliefs? As a pastor's daughter, Cartier grew up in church. Her story is a testament to the courage it takes to step back, question, and seek a faith that is not just inherited but earnestly owned. ❓“My parents gave …

When life throws an insurmountable challenge in your path, how do you respond? Kelly, our extraordinary guest, is a beacon of resilience, sharing her journey through cystic fibrosis and motherhood all while under the ticking clock of a terminal diagnosis. Her account, filled with hope and faith, will not just move you; it will offer a glimpse into …

Navigating the complexities of faith and identity can be a solitary journey, but Lauren's story is a testament to the transformative power of community and personal conviction. As our guest on Ordinary People Extraordinary Things, she opens up about her path from a non-religious upbringing to a profound embrace of Christianity, highlighting the mom…

I have been wanting to do this topic for years & here it is! We tackle some hard, good questions in this episode… ❓Why are people afraid of death? ❓What lessons have you learned from being a hospice chaplain? ❓Why does God allow suffering? Joe is an eloquent speaker & has so much knowledge to share - here’s just a few things you’ll hear: 🗣️“Part of…

Jocelyn is in high school & plays Women’s semi-pro Tackle Football for Mile High Blaze We talk playing semi-pro football: 🏈“I try to use sports to lead other people to faith.” 🏈“I don’t know where you are in your faith. All I know is it’s my job to help you know you have a greater purpose than whatever sport you are in or whatever academic you’re i…

Honestly when I was introduced to Dawn & what she would share on the podcast I thought, YUCK - I don’t want to talk about this! This doesn’t apply to me. Can’t we talk about anything else that’s not so hard & dark? But, I learned from Dawn “Fentanyl is an epidemic that is impacting every area of our community. It is a human problem. Fentanyl is in …

▶️ "Instead of a handout, it’s an empowerment model." ▶️ "We can’t change hearts - knowing what God has called us to and trusting Him in that. We go back over to the scripture that talks about: 'we can plant the seeds, we can water the seeds, but it is only God who gives the growth.' We keep trusting God - if He’s stirring this in our hearts, He’s …

➡️ Jeseray is a fantastic storyteller - you will go through the emotions with her as she takes you on the 40+ year journey to find her brother. ➡️ “My mom was very open that she was not able to give him the life she wanted, so he was put up for adoption. I tried looking for him - I couldn’t find him. I would try, wouldn’t get anywhere, and would gi…

Sammie passed away July 2020, the day after her 15th birthday, after a car accident BUT out of Tragedy came Sammie’s Sunshine: Offering a Raye of Hope https://www.sammiessunshine.org Here’s just a few things you’ll hear from Christy… 💬 “I prayed to God: I wanted His will to be done, which is super hard knowing His will might not be your will.” 💬 “T…

Merry Christmas! 🎄 Thank you for joining me on this special day. 🎶 Enjoy a brand-new Christmas song from Emily Hope "WHAT CHILD IS THIS - O COME O COME EMMANUEL" "I decided to cover these classic Christmas songs in a mashup as a way to enhance the focus on Jesus Christ who is the true reason for the season." ~Emily Hope Credits: Vocals/Lyrical Arra…

Jennifer candidly shares about losing her husband, Ryan, in the line of duty at the age of 36 remarriage & blended family friendship with husband’s ex-wife ❤️ “God’s word is perfect. Then the world steps in and says we’re entitled.” ❤️ “My stepdaughters didn’t have to like me. They didn’t have to love me, because they didn’t choose me.” ❤️ “I didn’…

It’s been a year and a half since Noble was on the podcast & a lot has happened - listen to get an update on how Noble is doing! Our #1 listened to episode…here it is…Noble was 16 when he sustained a spinal cord injury that instantly changed his life from an ordinary, cross country running, teenager to a quadriplegic. 🏃 🏃‍♂️ “This isn’t just about …

No matter where you are & what you’re going through - Becky’s story will impact you & you will walk away with new insights to implement in your life today. ✍️Forgiveness: “I had to forgive him. It wasn’t going to bring my mom back. It wasn’t going to restore everything that was lost. Definitely wasn’t going to restore our relationship - it was goin…

Don’t miss this time to be still & meditate on God’s Word. Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years can bring on a wide-range of emotions. This podcast gives me a much needed break. 🧘‍♀️ Time to remember what is most important in my life & keeping my eyes on Jesus during this holiday season. *For more show information checkout episode #36 You can find …

9-year-old Kallie was diagnosed with cancer, but wait….the Cancer is GONE! Kristie shares Walking through Cancer with her daughter, Lessons learned, & Receiving a Miracle! THE DIAGNOSIS… 💔 “Oh, I don’t want that.” Kallie said when she found out she had cancer. 💔 “Dealing with cancer forced me to slow down.” 💔 “I was never mad at God. At the end of …

Season 4 is out! 🎉 With Veterans Day around the corner Dave talks about supporting & praying for the military. 🇺🇸 As well as what it means to walk with people in their struggle. “It’s not about me. It’s who are You going to put in my path today. One conversation, one email, one card you write. We overthink these big, dramatic things, & I think it’s…