We Used To Be Friends

Inspired by trying to live a life according to God’s will, in this current day, being pulled in every direction imaginable: parenting, relationships, career, the media, both political parties, and where to eat out for dinner? There are too many choices sometimes, and others, it seems like too few. We will explore current topics, funny high school stories, all the way to what is happening today in our lives. These best friends will try to help us all gain some clarity on almost any topic out there. This is real life, what it looks like most of the time; at least, according to Josh, BJ, and Tracy.

Paul and the Philippians 11/09/2023

Paul and the Philippians We discuss the Book of Philippians, a letter to a group of people who had endeared themselves to the Apostle Paul. He writes to them from jail, but you wouldn't know it. Paul reminds them to be grateful, to value others above yourself, to serve others, and to do everything without grumbling or arguing. Could Paul write a letter to our teenagers? Maybe not. BJ also says Tracy is more like spaghetti. Listen for that enlightening context! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/28572783

The Real Exorcist 10/16/2023

The Real Exorcist In this special episode, Father Vincent Lampert talks about his training in Rome, the 4 degrees of demonic possession, and the "reality of evil." Father Vince walks us through the signs of possession: speaking and understanding a language foreign to their own, superhuman strength, knowledge of things they shouldn't know, and a negative reaction to anything sacred. He receives over 3,000 exorcism requests, per year! Wow. Just, wow... /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/28311899

Creative Inspiration 10/11/2023

Creative Inspiration We thought Rick Rubin's book: The Creative Act would be one way, but it wasn't. It was too "woo-woo" according to BJ. However, there were several connections that could be made to the Bible's assertations on creativity. The famous music producer may not give credit to God for creative acts, but we do. And we talk about it! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/28289390

Rabbi Jason Sobel and the Miracles of Jesus 09/11/2023

Rabbi Jason Sobel and the Miracles of Jesus Rabbi Jason Sobel was raised in Jewish home, earned two degrees in Jewis and International Studies, and has written Mysteries of the Messiah and The God of the Way with Kathie Lee Gifford. His newest book, Signs and Secrets of the Messiah: A Fresh Look at the Miracles of Jesus is out now! Apparently, by having faith in Jesus we are "royalty!" Good to know! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/28002717

Victory! 07/20/2023

Victory! Victory Boyd is a multi-faceted jazz, folk, and soul singer who is about to go on a fall tour with Lauren Daigle. She wrote with Kanye West on several of the songs on his album Jesus is King and her newest album, Glory Hour, is out now! "When you're in the awe of God, everyone else seems so small." /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/27524181

Ben Smallbone and the Redemption of Johnny Cash 06/09/2023

Ben Smallbone and the Redemption of Johnny Cash Eventually, the "Man in Black" saw the light! Director Ben Smallbone takes a deep dive into Johnny Cash's return to his faith. With never before seen footage of Cash himself, Ben also interviewes several music stars as they discuss the huge influence he had on them. Ben shares some of the things he learned and what impressed him the most! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/27088668

Benefits, and Responsibilities, of Giving 05/03/2023

Benefits, and Responsibilities, of Giving The book The Go Giver inspired our discussion on parenting integrity, being hopeful like Ted Lasso, and the love we should be showing and giving others. The quote, "There is no hate like Christian love" should really cause you to think. And act. And change, how you think, act, speek, and how you feel, about others. BJ shares a great quote, "we shouldn't accept anyone into our buildings that Jesus wouldn't accept." Hmmm... really makes you wonder. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/26684955

The Go-Giver 04/28/2023

The Go-Giver Josh picked out the book, The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann, for us to read. Even though it's more of a book written to inspire business professionals, we all took away some valuable lessons from it. BJ says it again, there is no work-life balance, it should be work-life engagement. Two of the most important points in this book are to touch lives, and be real. We couldn't agree more! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/26684193

The Thorn with John Bolin 03/01/2023

The Thorn with John Bolin The Thorn is a visually dynamic and heart-stirring theatrical portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not your average Passion play, The Thorn combines martial arts, aerial acrobatics and emotionally powerful performances that have been engaging audiences across the US for over 20 years. John Bolin is bringing this live project across the country, and a special filmed performance to theater audiences on two nights only: March 6 and March 7. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/26092761

Brent McCorkle's Jesus Revolution 02/22/2023

Brent McCorkle's Jesus Revolution Director Brent McCorkle talks about his newest movie, Jesus Revolution, starring Kelsey Grammer, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Jonathan Roumie, and others! We talk about the way to a crew's heart (tacos), the importance of making a killer film (and letting God do the rest), and getting paid (in spiritual currency). He hints that yours truly might be good at making movies and we geek out over Star Wars. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/26012943

The Chosen with Amanda Jenkins 02/14/2023

The Chosen with Amanda Jenkins Tracy meets with The Chosen's Amanda Jenkins. The Chosen is now the most successful crowd-funded television event in history. This is a huge deal! The Chosen currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 99%. It's also rated at a 9.6 on IMDB. It's safe to say, The Chosen is a critical hit, and a hit with audiences as well! Amanda writes all of the companion content for this well-reviewed show. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/25929324

Atomic Habits 12/30/2022

Atomic Habits BJ chose Atomic Habits by James Clear to close out Season 3! We found connections in both our professional and personal lives. Choosing systems and how you do things, over goals and end-results, helps you become more successful at everything you do - and it all starts with a small step! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/25467288

Mercy Me's Barry Graul (Thanksgiving) 11/22/2022

Mercy Me's Barry Graul (Thanksgiving) Mercy Me's Barry Graul joins us for their new album: Always Only Jesus! We talk about Thanksgiving, the music that inspires us, the creator, and how Mercy Me creates and inspires others. Barry was a lot of fun! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/25100922

Zooming Out (and Thanksgiving) with Jon Reddick 11/16/2022

Zooming Out (and Thanksgiving) with Jon Reddick Jon Reddick talks about "zooming out" and seeing the big picture. This inspiring singer and songwriter, as well as visual artist, joins us in conversation about Thanksgiving, his craft, new material coming out, and even parenting. This guy has a voice like butter and if the piano moves you, give this guy a listen! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/25007469

Scott Spiezio Comes Home 11/01/2022

Scott Spiezio Comes Home Former Cardinal and Angel, Scott Spiezio quotes Psalms 40, which sums up the highs and lows of his Major League Baseball career and his personal journey with addiction. "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." What a comforting scripture for our 100th episode! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24784218

The Redemption of Scott Spiezio 10/26/2022

The Redemption of Scott Spiezio Two-time World Series champion Scott Spiezio walks us through his battle with addiction. Just like some legendary at-bats with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, he's had to grind through some things to find and remain in sobriety. "I can rewrite a better ending, instead of worrying about the past. I can't right all the wrongs, but I can at least do well from here on out." /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24783093

The Meaning of John 3:16 10/12/2022

The Meaning of John 3:16 Deeper into this Bible verse, you can really begin to digest the meaning behind it. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the son of God is going to Heaven. Pack your bags! Punch your ticket! You're going! Actually, you won't need those bags... /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24607953

The Context of John 3:16 10/05/2022

The Context of John 3:16 We begin our conversation about Max Lucado's book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope and talk about the Bible verse John 3:16. BJ throws down some thought provoking ideas on sin that really sets the stage and contextualizes this verse. BJ said "When we accept Jesus, we die to sin." This verse, that has inspired signs at sporting events all over the world is arguably the most important message in the Bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This led us into a meaningful discussion on sin, and what Jesus' death and resurrection has done for our lives. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24593412

Stepping into the Light with Chris Hodges 09/28/2022

Stepping into the Light with Chris Hodges Elijah, one of the most prominent people from the Bible, suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. God stayed with him and helped bring him out of that and into a life rich with love and value. God hasn't changed. He can do these things for you. We conclude our conversation with Chris Hodges about these negative thoughts and what we can do about them. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24447120

Out of the Cave with Chris Hodges 09/21/2022

Out of the Cave with Chris Hodges Do Christians struggle with negative thoughts and depression? Do Christians ever have suicidal thoughts? Chris Hodges, author of Out of the Cave: Stepping into the Light when Depression Darkens What You See uses Elijah's story to highlight that they most certainly do. However, we can overcome those thoughts. Josh, Tracy, and Chris share their personal stories of darkness and what brought them into the light. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24442053

Matthew West and The God Who Stays 09/06/2022

Matthew West and The God Who Stays We sat with Matthew West to talk about his new book, The God Who Stays. Often times he hears a story from a fan and some of his best songs come from those stories, then, he has more to say. We talk about leather pants and chaffing, the Rev. Billy Graham, and how the message of the Gospel is the message of God pursuing us! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24283014

Back to School 08/17/2022

Back to School We go back to school as teachers, parents, and remembering what school was like when we were younger. This time of year represents fresh hope and a new start so we also talk about what we are doing for our spiritual growth and offer up some suggestions! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/24075243

John Hendrix: Creative Exraordinaire 08/03/2022

John Hendrix: Creative Exraordinaire With books like The Faithful Spy, Shooting at the Stars, John Brown, and Miracle Man, John Hendrix has built a New York Times best selling career and has earned numerous awards. His newest graphic novel, The Holy Ghost humorously depicts conversations between a squirrel, badger, and the Holy Spirit. We also talk about our mutual love of St. Louis and the sovereignty of God. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23735831

World Series Champion Chris Hammond 07/18/2022

World Series Champion Chris Hammond He may have won a World Series in his rookie year, but that didn't stop Chris Hammond from wanting to be better. Not only on the field, but off as well. He warns us against using the Bible for 911 calls and encourages us to ask the Holy Spirit into our daily lives. At some point, Chris grew from being a "Church Goer" to a "Christ Follower," and he wants us to do the same. Want his cell phone number to ask him for guidance? Well, he gives it. Listen! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23605955

Continuing the Conversation with Rev. Kira Austin-Young 07/12/2022

Continuing the Conversation with Rev. Kira Austin-Young We continue talking about abortion, with love, patience, grace, and understanding that we might not always have the right answers and that life is complex, sometimes. We pray that you continue to seek God's wisdom on such matters, always. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23677289

Rev. Kira Austin-Young and the Topic of Abortion 07/06/2022

Rev. Kira Austin-Young and the Topic of Abortion The topic of abortion is a highly volatile one with many complex layers and points of contention. Rev. Kira Austin-Young wrote a book on the matter who believes the decision to carry the pregnancy to term should be made by the woman, medical team, her family, and personal counsel rather than by politicians. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23641307

David T. Hawkins Tears off the Bubble Wrap 06/22/2022

David T. Hawkins Tears off the Bubble Wrap In this conversation with David T. Hawkins, we talk about the myth of Christianity being easy. How many of us have been scarred or burned by the church? Life? God never promises things will be easy, he promises to be with us along the way. David continues to make our brains think and our faces smile. /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23471774

David T. Hawkins: Dips, Disruptions, and Destiny 06/16/2022

David T. Hawkins: Dips, Disruptions, and Destiny We were honored to sit down with Pastor David T. Hawkins and talk about the challenges we go through in life: dips and disruptions. "The dips do not mean you're destined there, it just simply means God is training you for something in the future." /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23453246

Summer with Switchfoot 06/03/2022

Summer with Switchfoot Kick off your summer by listening to our conversation with Jon Foreman from Switchfoot. We talk about writing a song and being a conduit rather than a craftsman, how labels are unBiblical, surfing, and the many important charities that Switchfoot supports. You can catch them on tour this summer, and after seeing them in concert ourselves, you should! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23321528

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Who Do You Think You Are? 05/25/2022

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Who Do You Think You Are? Join us for a fun conversation with comedian and author Anjelah Johnson-Reyes! We talk about hood raccoons, the science of joke writing, and how about some great advice, "grow where you're planted." Her book Who Do I Think I Am? is out now! /episode/index/show/weusedtobefriends/id/23223941

We Used To Be Friends

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