Origin To Impact

What does it look like to share the gospel with Muslims in today’s world? How do you have conversations about Jesus with people from different religious backgrounds? And is being a “good person” enough to be right with God? In this episode of Origin to Impact, Brad Kelly sits down with David Byle, a missionary with Operation Mobilization (OM), who has spent decades sharing the gospel with in Turkm...

What happens when a child grows up in the middle of a 25 year civil war, becomes a refugee, and then returns home to help rebuild his nation? In this powerful episode of Origin to Impact, Brad Kelly sits down with Chol Amum Alan, a South Sudanese missionary, entrepreneur, and founder of the Need of South Sudan Ministry and the Christian Business Union. Chol shares his remarkable journey of survivi...

Misty Flowers sits down with Brad Kelly to trace her path from apolitical musician to full-time conservative organizer. She talks about the COVID lockdowns that reshaped her worldview, questions she's raised about ballot-handling practices in Whatcom County, her family's firsthand experience with addiction and a local housing facility, and why she believes rebuilding trust and local engagement is...

In this episode of Origin to Impact, Brad sits down with Ron Henry, founder of Blackrapid Camera Sling — the product that revolutionized how photographers carry their cameras. Ron shares how a frustrating day shooting a wedding led him to a simple idea that no one else had tried, and how a chance late-night conversation with a patent designer set the invention in motion. Ron opens up about growing...

What happens when an economics professor who never planned on politics ends up serving four years in the Washington State House and four more in the Senate? In this episode, host Brad Kelly sits down with outgoing State Senator Sharon Shewmake (42nd Legislative District) for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that crosses party lines without losing its warmth. Sharon opens up about her unlikely p...

What does it take to completely change the direction of a life? In this episode of Origin Impact , Brad Kelly talks with Pastor David Garcia about his extraordinary journey from childhood trauma, gang culture, and drug trafficking to becoming a pastor and founder of the nonprofit A Better Way Out . David shares the painful experiences that shaped his early years, the choices that led him into crim...

In this episode of Origin Impact, host Brad Kelly sits down with Bill Elfo — the longest-serving sheriff in Whatcom County history — for a rare, unfiltered conversation about a career spanning nearly five decades in law enforcement. Bill traces his path from a small-town kid who moved to high-crime South Florida at age 12, to serving as a municipal officer, to ultimately leading the Whatcom County...

What happens when an immigrant from the Philippines — raised with values of hard work, faith, and freedom — sits down at a school board table and starts asking questions nobody else will? In this episode of Origin to Impact , Brad Kelly sits down with Khush, a school board member in Lynden, Washington, to talk about what's really happening inside the public education system — and what one determin...

What do years of combined military and federal law enforcement service actually look like from the inside? In this eye-opening episode, host Brad Kelly sits down with Thomas Behm — retired US Army First Sergeant and 20-year HSI Special Agent — for an unfiltered look at America's border. Tom breaks down the real difference between deportation and voluntary return, explains how the cartel operates m...

What does censorship in China have in common with the American art world? More than you'd expect. In this episode, host Brad Kelly welcomes Dr. Sophia Kid — gallery owner, publisher, academic, and cultural entrepreneur — for a wide-ranging conversation on art, culture, and the invisible forces that shape both. Sophia spent 15 years immersed in China's art scene, earned advanced degrees in classica...

In this powerful episode of Origin to Impact , Brad Kelly sits down with Joshua Parriera — pastor, abolitionist, and founder of International Saints and Abolitionists (ISA). Joshua shares his raw, personal journey from sexual brokenness to redemption, and how a life-changing trip to Cambodia ignited his calling to fight human trafficking through prevention and education. They cover the staggering...

What’s really happening to family farms in Washington—and why does it matter to you? In this episode of Origin to Impact , host Brad Kelly talks with Dillon Honcoop, Communications Director for Save Family Farming, to explore the growing challenges facing today’s farmers. From shifting public narratives and media influence to tightening regulations, legal battles, and tough economic realities, Dil...

Brad Kelly sits down with Randy Small — pastor, photographer, and the man behind Whatcom County Weather, a platform with over 66K followers. From childhood snowstorm curiosity to building one of the region's most trusted local weather sources, Randy shares the journey behind the platform — and the unexpected path that led him to photography. In this episode: Why weather is so hard to predict in th...

n 2020, a student-led March for Black Lives in Lynden, Washington sparked controversy and deep conversations about race, faith, and community. In this episode of Origin To Impact Brad Kelly speaks with Jeremy Dorrough, Executive Director of Racial Unity Now, about the events that led to the founding of the organization and the work they are doing to build relationships across racial and cultural l...

What does a life of curiosity, service, and lasting impact truly look like? In this episode of Origin Impact Podcast , host Brad Kelly sits down with legendary teacher and Yellowstone National Park ranger Harlan Kredit. At 86 years old, Harlan is still actively teaching, mentoring students, and preparing for his 54th summer in Yellowstone—living proof that purpose doesn’t retire. Harlan shares unf...

In this episode of Origin to Impact , Brad Kelly sits down with realtor Mary Kay Robinson to discuss the growing housing affordability crisis. Over the past decade, the median home price in Whatcom County has jumped from about $275,000 to nearly $600,000, while incomes have increased only modestly. Mary Kay explains the key factors driving these changes, including land use policies, supply constra...

From a party-driven life in Scotland to leading a regional prayer movement in the Pacific Northwest, Bill Richardson’s journey is a story of encounter, transformation, and calling. In this episode of Origin Impact, Bill shares how a simple prayer in his bedroom at age 19 led to a powerful encounter with Jesus that removed his fear of death and set him on a completely new path. After years in sales...

In the first episode of Origin to Impact, host Brad Kelly sits down with Nick Sawka—retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief, educator, father, and school board member—to unpack the experiences that shaped his leadership and drive to serve. Nick reflects on his 20-year military career, lessons in mentorship and discipline, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life before finding purpose in educat...