Ordinary People Extraordinary Things

Do you ever wonder if Sunday church attendance is enough to build lasting faith in your children? This question lies at the heart of my conversation with Shawna Goldstein, a passionate Bible teacher and mother of three teenage boys who's on a mission to equip parents for their most important role - discipling the next generation. Shauna shares a startling statistic that changed her perspectiv...

What happens when a skeptical news reporter becomes a passionate advocate for faith? Jennifer Dukes Lee's extraordinary journey from doubt to dedication reveals how persistent questioning can lead to profound belief. Jennifer opens up about her background as a journalist who interrogated presidential candidates with the same rigor she later applied to scripture. With refreshing honesty, she a...

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 divorce left her questioning her identity as both...

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 greatest spiritual danger. "Comfort can be deadly...

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 while processing their own grief. • Jeff shares...

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 threatened, Sunny found himself on...

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 her family income through an unexpe...

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 • Discovering Jesus in Old Testament "C...

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's presence in undeniable...

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 of her aunt, a journey that ultimately led her to s...

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 gain fresh perspectives on even the most we...

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 society  • Finding purpose and relati...

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 and violence. Yet, her story is one of hope, as she...

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's unique calling. Through her experienc...

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 stories and valuable insights. Get ready to...

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 hearts of each of her children. She underscores the imp...

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 led by a team of former military personnel. This...

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 joy when it was needed most, like during the pandem...

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 highlights her pursuit of financial indep...

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 leaving places better than we found them is a lesso...

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 "Jesus freak" despite the teasing. Throu...

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 struggle many face in trusting God due to nega...

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 is underscored, from practical help to emotional...

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 realizing God's unwavering love and protectio...

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 one-on-one interactions. Understand why s...