Road Noise

This episode explores Sheldon's honest struggle with turning down invitations from outside his denomination, the clever advice he received to diplomatically say no, and how his understanding of faith and Christian unity evolved over the years. With plenty of dad jokes and thoughtful reflections, he reminds us that faith can start small, grow beyond old boundaries, and still be full of laughter...

This time, Sheldon recounts a heart-stopping encounter with a flying shovel on a quiet country road, a near-miss that left both the van (and the storyteller) surprisingly unscathed. As father and son reflect on the unexpected adventures that come with logging thousands of miles, they also draw deeper parallels—connecting this wild roadside moment to faith, perseverance, and even a little biblical...

In this episode, Sheldon unpacks the idea that powerful ministry work doesn’t always require a passport, and sometimes life-changing moments happen right in our own communities. So buckle up, and join us as we explore the roads less traveled—and the stories that remind us why the journey matters.

Welcome back to Road Noise! In this episode, host Kedron Rhodes and his dad, Sheldon, take us on a nostalgic ride down memory lane, sharing some of their classic family stories from decades of full-time ministry on the road. This week, they serve up a tale that’s equal parts sweet and surprising—literally—recounting the time their Vacation Bible School team embarked on a strawberry-picking adventu...

Through a mix of suspense, humor, and reflection, Sheldon recounts the night he found a mysterious, staggering figure wrapped in a feed bag trying to get into the office—only to discover the not-so-festive results of one man's wild night out. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode delivers warmth, wit, and the reminder that even the most staggering stories often car...

In this episode, Sheldon shares heartwarming—and sometimes hilarious—stories from his travels, focusing on a unique church in northern Michigan where summer crowds mean ministry under a big circus tent. Sheldon reflects on memorable events, like a magic show mishap involving a brave rabbit named Shampoo, navigating the early days of technology in children’s ministry, and the wisdom learned from ad...

This episode takes you behind the scenes of a rare ministry opportunity in Hawaii, where unexpected challenges and memorable experiences remind us that people matter more than possessions. Along the way, Sheldon reflects on the value of saying "yes" to God’s call, even before all the details are known—a principle that’s guided his journey for over five decades.

In this episode Sheldon, take us behind the scenes of their long-running, travel-filled family ministry to share a memorable story about breakdowns, repairs, and the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep things rolling. After clocking endless miles on their bus during their puppet prospector days, an unusual tire issue leads to the discovery of a much bigger—and more dangerous—problem. Enter Fred Bell...

In this episode, it’s vacation Bible school season—those summer days dedicated to kids coming together for crafts, games, gospel magic, and lessons about faith. Sheldon takes us behind the scenes of a particularly memorable (and chaotic) VBS week, sharing the wild story of a misbehaving kid, a near lawsuit, and the challenges—and rewards—of ministering to children in small churches. Along the way,...

In this episode, we dive into a harrowing—and surprisingly humorous—adventure from the road in rural Wisconsin. What started as a technical hiccup with a stubborn bus starter quickly escalated into a wild ride involving stalled traffic, a runaway pickup truck, a shattered windshield courtesy of a flying extension ladder, and a desperate hunt for bus parts in a tiny town. As Sheldon recounts the ch...

The heart of today's conversation is a powerful reflection on generosity. Sheldon shares an unexpectedly eye-opening encounter at a roadside buffet, where the actions of a group of pastors left a lasting impression—not just on him but potentially on the waitress who served them. The story unfolds into a gentle but compelling challenge to consider how our everyday actions—whether leaving a tip...

In this episode, Sheldon recounts a pair of encounters at the gas pump and out on the highway—stories that spark a thoughtful discussion about how the messages we send can affect how others perceive our faith. Through the tale of “God’s car”—the most dilapidated vehicle in the lot—and a leaning, dirty “Jesus Tours” bus, Sheldon explores the idea of offering our best as a reflection of God’s abunda...

In this episode, Sheldon shares a memorable road story from the days of the Puppet Prospectors—a journey that finds him maneuvering a bus full of summer missionaries into a not-so-bus-friendly McDonald’s parking lot. From the challenge of finding a spot for a big rig to the inevitability of rolling straight through a flower bed just to get back on the road, Sheldon unpacks how sometimes the only w...

Welcome back to Road Noise! In this heartfelt episode, Sheldon takes us on a journey to a small Michigan church, sharing a powerful story that reminds us of the beauty found in unexpected places. He recounts a Sunday morning where, preparing to perform his signature magic-and-juggling program, he was struck by the passionate, off-key singing of a man in a wheelchair—a voice that initially seemed d...

Welcome back to Road Noise ! In today’s episode, Kedron and his dad Sheldon Rhodes take us from the winter chill of Michigan to the sunny parks of Florida. Sheldon shares a lighthearted, behind-the-scenes story from his years of traveling ministry—specifically, a memorable afternoon spent in a Florida state park with his trusty magic show partner, a rabbit named Shampoo. As always, the father-son...

Welcome back to another episode of Road Noise ! This week, Kedron and his dad, Sheldon, buckle up for a short drive to Hastings—a journey that sparks a deeper conversation about life, faith, and God’s faithfulness through every season. As they swap stories from Michigan’s icy winters and reflect on unexpected roadside encounters, Sheldon shares a memorable experience involving a stranded driver, l...

This week, Sheldon lets us in on the one (and only) time he was offered the church baptistry as a family bathtub—and the internal debate that followed. Alongside witty dad jokes and reminders that not everything in ministry is glamorous, this episode is a warm invitation to experience the faith, creativity, and humor that have fueled the Rhodes family's journey across North America. Buckle up...

In this episode, Sheldon Rhodes shares about ministry on the road, focusing on a particularly cold Michigan night when he ended up sleeping inside the puppet stage. With humor and heart, he discusses trust, contentment, and God’s provision—even when it’s not what you’d expect. Plus, enjoy some classic dad jokes along the way!

Welcome back to Road Noise! In this episode, Kedron Rhodes is joined by his dad, Sheldon Rhodes, for another heartfelt conversation reflecting on over 50 years of full-time ministry. Centered around a memorable late-night encounter with a lost young driver—long before GPS made life easier—Sheldon uses a simple story from the road as a powerful metaphor for life and faith. Together, father and son...

This week, we're heading to Detroit, where a seemingly ordinary church event turns into a lesson in both unexpected challenges and divine provision. When a broken key threatens to lock the family out of their bus-home, a surprise hero appears—reminding us how God's timing often shows up in the most practical ways. As always, Sheldon’s storytelling is full of warmth and wit, and the convers...

Listen as Sheldon recounts how the vision planted by one inspirational visitor, and later nurtured by the generosity and expertise of Mike and Jay Workman, revolutionized their puppet ministry with a three-projector multimedia setup—putting them at the forefront of ministry innovation in the pre-digital era. Together, father and son explore the importance of being open to new tools, the power of c...

In this episode, Sheldon shares vivid memories of painstakingly assembling newsletters by typewriter, complete with clip art—back when adding a simple image meant physically cutting, waxing, and arranging artwork by hand. The conversation takes a humorous turn as Sheldon recalls a pastor who admitted to clipping art straight out of their newsletter—a lighthearted story that sparks reflections on c...

In this episode, Sheldon recounts the unique challenges of setting up a puppet show for kids facing uncertain futures, Sheldon reflects on the deeper calling to love and serve those who feel unloved and unseen. Through stories, laughter, and even a few Easter-themed jokes, Kedron and Sheldon explore what it truly means to offer sacrificial love, drawing inspiration from Sheldon's decades of cr...

In this episode, we explore the recent events leading up to Easter, including the launch of the Life of Christ display at the Rhodes' property, and a touching story from the days of puppet ministry in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Through their conversation, they remind us of the profound impact that sharing God's love can have, even in the lives of those facing the most challenging circumstance...

Welcome back to another engaging episode of Road Noise! In this episode, join Kedron and Sheldon Rhodes as they dive into an adventurous journey across Michigan. With Kedron's insightful questions and Sheldon's storytelling, they take us on a trip north of Lansing before heading west on the unique stretch of Interstate 69. Brace yourself for a wild tale involving a roadside game with kids...