Life Lessons from Tiger Dawson
That Just About Sums it Up
The world feels a little off balance today. In this episode, I reflect on the life and legacy of my friend Tiger Dawson — a man whose presence was larger than life and whose confidence always pointed everyone to Jesus. From leading goofy songs at Young Life clubs to founding an organization that now serves over 12 million students around the world, Tiger lived with a boldness that wasn’t rooted in ego — but in faith. This is a story of friendship, laughter, legacy, and the kind of confidence that can only come from knowing exactly whose you are. This one’s for Tiger. ...
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Pizza, the Apple Store, and Santa
That Just About Sums it Up
In this Christmas edition of That Just About Sums It Up, Brian Summerall takes us back to the glory days of the mall—when food courts were feasts, Spencer’s Gifts was edgy, and Santa lived inside a five-story tree. What starts as a nostalgic trip with his young son becomes a moving parable about guiding the people we love—gently and patiently—toward someone life-changing.
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Don't Miss the Parade
That Just About Sums it Up
When I bought a convertible, I thought it might be fun for weekend drives. What I didn’t expect was how it would steer me—quite literally—back to something deeper: friendship, joy, and a sense of true north. In this episode of That Just About Sums It Up, we return to the Richardson High School Homecoming Parade, this time not as a spectator, but as a participant. With old classmates, cheerleader uniforms from 1982, and a few magnetic car signs, what starts as a nostalgic ride becomes a profound reminder of the things that really matter. Because sometimes, the best way to move...
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I Am Not at War
That Just About Sums it Up
In a world where “culture war” is on everyone’s lips—politicians, pundits, even pastors—Brian Summerall offers a different path: the way of Jesus. In this episode of That Just About Sums It Up, Brian reflects on the powerful spiritual anthem “Down by the Riverside” and the deeper truth it holds: we were never called to pick up swords—we were called to lay them down. Through scripture, soul-stirring lyrics, and honest reflection, Brian challenges the narrative of conflict with a message of radical grace, mercy, and love. What if our calling isn’t to fight the culture, but to...
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4th of July, Convertible Dreams, & Pet Sounds
That Just About Sums it Up
In this heartfelt summer edition of That Just About Sums It Up, host Brian Summerall reflects on the life and legacy of Beach Boys’ frontman Brian Wilson, whose music shaped his youth and continues to echo through his life today. Through nostalgic stories of high school adventures and deep personal connections to Wilson’s lyrics, Brian explores the profound harmony between joy and sorrow in Wilson’s work. More than a tribute, the episode is a meditation on vulnerability, mental health, and the redemptive power of music. It’s a moving reminder that beauty often blooms from...
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Run Faster!!!
That Just About Sums it Up
A first-grade soccer game, a yelling dad, and a six-year-old’s mic-drop moment spark a deeper look at the voices we listen to. Is God urging us to do more, or inviting us to rest in His grace? This episode unpacks the difference.
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I Declared for the NFL Draft
That Just About Sums it Up
For years, I would announce to anyone who would listen that I was declaring myself eligible for the NFL draft. Memories of that came to mind recently as I watched Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide in this year's draft. Upon closer look, I see there is a lesson in humility in his story for all of us
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With This Ring
That Just About Sums it Up
Today, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit Michele and my wedding ceremony. What do a wedding ring and a 1981 Monte Carlo have in common? They are both reminders of God's faithfulness and two moments where time stood still.
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Brian's Song
That Just About Sums it Up
Every year in Junior High, we were led down to the "cafetorium" to watch the movie "Brian's Song." It was the story of two football players, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Memories of that movie came back to me recently when I was asked the question, "What has happened to Christianity?"
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Garden Hose or Fire Department?
That Just About Sums it Up
Why do we need to be involved in a local church? This was a question asked at a Bible Study I lead with guys I've known since they were in high school. As I pondered my response, images of the 60 Minutes episode I had just watched covering the wildfires in California flashed through my mind. In this episode, I talk about the importance of the church and the ways it supports believers through life's fires.
info_outlineWhen I bought a convertible, I thought it might be fun for weekend drives. What I didn’t expect was how it would steer me—quite literally—back to something deeper: friendship, joy, and a sense of true north.
In this episode of That Just About Sums It Up, we return to the Richardson High School Homecoming Parade, this time not as a spectator, but as a participant. With old classmates, cheerleader uniforms from 1982, and a few magnetic car signs, what starts as a nostalgic ride becomes a profound reminder of the things that really matter.
Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is to go back.