Rooted and Real : Raw Discussions

In this episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions , AJ explores a story that isn't just about a son who wandered away. It's about a Father whose love never stopped pursuing him, a brother whose heart was farther from home than he realized, and a grace that changes everything. Whether you're carrying regret, struggling to forgive yourself, or wondering if you've gone too far, this...

🪑 Pull Up a Chair: A Seat for the Outcast Everybody knows Zacchaeus as the guy who climbed a tree. But what if his story is really about something we all long for—to be seen? In this episode, AJ explores the story of Zacchaeus and the moment Jesus stopped for the person everyone else ignored. Together we'll talk about labels, belonging, grace, and what happens when Jesus sees more in us than our...

What happens when faith fails? In the final episode of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as we explore the life of Peter—a man who left everything to follow Jesus, boldly stepped out in faith, publicly failed when it mattered most, and ultimately became one of the most influential leaders of the early church. From the shores of Galilee to the courtyard of denial and finally to the sho...

In this special bonus episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, AJ Riley sits down with Bret Martin — Involvement and First Impressions Pastor at Shelby Christian Church in Shelbyville, KY, father of three, Muay Thai professional, and founder/instructor of Crucible Muay Thai. Together they dive into what it really looks like to balance faith, family, leadership, discipline, and purpose in every...

Strength alone doesn’t make someone unbreakable. In Episode 4 of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as we take a real and honest look at the life of Samson—a man gifted with incredible strength, yet constantly battling temptation, pride, anger, and self-destruction. Because Samson’s greatest battle was never just against enemies… it was against himself. This episode dives into: uncheck...

Everybody wants purpose… until purpose comes with pressure. In Episode 3 of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as he takes a real look at the life of Moses—not just the miracles and the Red Sea, but the pressure, exhaustion, insecurity, and responsibility that came with leading people through impossible situations. Because leadership isn’t always about being strong. Sometimes it’s abou...

We all know Elijah as the bold prophet who called fire down from heaven… but what happens when the strong man hits a wall? Join host AJ Riley as he takes a real and honest look at burnout, exhaustion, fear, and what it means to keep going when you feel completely drained. Because even Elijah—after one of the greatest victories of his life—found himself alone, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. Thi...

We all know the moment David faced the giant… but nobody really talks about what came after. The pressure. The expectations. The weight of becoming something more. In Episode 1 of our Built Different series, we take a real look at the life of David—not just the victory over Goliath, but the journey that followed. From being overlooked in the fields… to stepping into the spotlight… to carrying the...

Life doesn’t slow down so you can focus on your faith. Between work, family, responsibilities, and everything in between… it’s easy to feel like your relationship with God becomes just another thing you’re trying to keep up with. In this episode, we get real about what it actually looks like to live out your faith in the middle of everyday life—not when things are perfect, but when they’re busy, m...

Let’s be honest… There are seasons where God just feels quiet. You pray… and it feels like nothing. You read… and it doesn’t hit the same. You show up… but something feels missing. And you start asking the question a lot of people don’t say out loud: “Where is God right now?” In this episode, we talk about those silent seasons—the moments where faith feels distant, emotions feel numb, and you’re n...

Let’s be honest…Following Jesus doesn’t mean you suddenly get everything right. Sometimes it looks like trying your best…and still falling back into the same struggles. In this episode, we’re getting real about that tension—the frustration, the guilt, and the question so many of us ask: “Why do I keep messing up?” We break down what Scripture actually says about the battle between who we are and w...

The Weight of the Cross – Part 5 The journey doesn’t end at the cross. In the final episode of our series “The Weight of the Cross,” we step into the moment that changes everything—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After the suffering, the sacrifice, and the silence of the tomb… comes victory. This episode walks through the final stations of the journey: Jesus is taken down from the cross, laid in...

Most men don’t plan to live ordinary lives… they just slowly drift into them. In this episode of Rooted & Real: Raw Discussions , we sit down with Pastor Dave Hamlin of Shelby Christian Church to have an honest, challenging conversation: 👉 What does it really mean to be UNCOMMON? We talk about the struggles men face today—feeling stuck, disconnected, and unsure of how to lead in their homes a...

🎧 Episode 4 Description: The Ultimate Sacrifice In Episode 4 of The Weight of the Cross , we step into the most intense and defining moments of Jesus’ journey to Calvary. This episode walks through Stations 10–12: Jesus is stripped of His garments, nailed to the cross, and ultimately gives His life. These aren’t just moments to read past—this is the heart of the Gospel. We take a deeper look at w...

Episode 3: Falling Under the Weight The Weight of the Cross – Part 3 The journey to the cross continues. In Episode 3 of our series “The Weight of the Cross,” we reflect on some of the most difficult moments along Jesus’ road to Calvary — moments where the burden became almost too much to bear. This episode focuses on three powerful stations from the journey: • Jesus falls under the weight of the...

The journey to the cross continues. In Episode 2 of our Weight of the Cross series, we reflect on powerful moments along Jesus’ road to Calvary where compassion, love, and shared burden appear in the midst of suffering. This episode focuses on three stations from the journey: • Jesus meets His mother • Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross • Veronica wipes the face of Jesus Through Scripture, refl...

e often focus on the cross itself — but before the cross, there was a journey. In Episode One of our Weight of the Cross series, we begin walking step by step through the Stations of the Cross and reflecting on the road Jesus took on the way to Calvary. This series isn’t about denomination or tradition — it’s about slowing down and remembering the sacrifice Jesus made and what it means for us toda...

In this meaningful and honest episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions , we explore the powerful question behind the smudged cross: What’s on Your Forehead? Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Christian faith. In this episode, we unpack the significance of the ashes—where the tradition comes from, what Scripture says about it, and wh...

Being real isn’t always celebrated. Sometimes it costs comfort. Sometimes it costs relationships. Sometimes it costs the version of yourself you had to outgrow. In this episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions , we talk honestly about what it means to choose truth, faith, and growth in a world that often rewards appearances over authenticity. This is a conversation for anyone who has felt isola...

What happens to faith when we step outside the church doors? In this episode of Rooted and Real , we get honest about what faith looks like beyond Sunday services—in real life, real struggles, and real questions. We talk about unfiltered faith, lived belief, doubt, deconstruction, and how spirituality shows up in everyday moments when no one’s watching. This is a raw conversation about staying roo...

In this episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions , we take a thoughtful look at why context matters when reading the Bible. Together, we explore how understanding historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds can bring greater clarity to Scripture. Rather than focusing on quick interpretations, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, ask questions, and engage the Bible with intention...

Why are there so many Bible translations—and does it really matter which one you read? In this episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, we take an honest, pressure-free look at Bible translations. We talk about where translations come from, why differences exist, and how those differences don’t have to create fear, confusion, or division. Instead of arguing over “the right version,” we focus o...

In Part 3 of our Grief Unfiltered series, Rebuilding Without Rushing , we talk honestly about what it means to move forward after loss—without pressure, timelines, or expectations. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck between surviving and starting again. We unpack the tension between wanting to feel “better” and honoring where you actually are, the guilt that can come with moments of joy, a...

Grief Unfiltered — Episode 2: When the World Moves On In Episode 2 of Grief Unfiltered , we sit with the quiet, aching reality of grief after the initial support fades—when life keeps moving, but you’re still standing in the same place. This conversation explores what it feels like when check-ins slow down, expectations return, and the world seems to forget what you’re still carrying. We talk hone...

In this raw and honest first episode of Grief Unfiltered , we dive deep into the complexities of grief—breaking away from the typical “5 stages” narrative to explore grief in its true, unfiltered form. Our hosts share their personal experiences with loss, opening up about the unexpected emotions, the weight of unspoken thoughts, and the vulnerability that comes with navigating grief. We also talk...