Birds Words Podcast -- Grit + Faith with John Birdwell

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of the Birds Words Podcast and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our guest Leo Martin who turned 99 TODAY. He wrapped up WW2 and ventured into police work in Detroit Michigan. He climbed the ranks from patrol, to detective, Sergeant, lieutenant and resigned as Inspector. He worked for the CIB on the Jimmy Hoffa case and witnessed history as one of the toughest riots in American histo...

Welcome our guest Leo Martin: Christian, married 78 years and counting, family man, member of the greatest generation, felt the effects of the Great Depression, World War II Veteran -- 8th Amphibious, former Detroit Police Inspector, skilled artist and more.

This is our final episode in this series with our guest David Williams. "Coach" shares some experiences through his teaching career, life and explains the meaning of "N1HMK" regarding his prior secret plan of displacing an armed threat against innocent children. Enjoy.

David Williams (Guest) Episode 6 Part 2 Title: Thanksgiving in Jail This week’s guest? We continue with The Lauderdale County Legend himself – David Williams 🎯 With 50 years of teaching , an unorthodox style , countless life lessons , and even a talent for squirrel hunting (he fears neither claw nor paw ) … this episode ends with some healthy laughter. Whether it be learning some solid life lesso...

This week’s guest? None other than The Lauderdale County Legend himself – David Williams 🦫🎯 With 50 years of teaching , an unorthodox style , countless life lessons, and even a talent for squirrel hunting (he fears neither claw nor paw 🐾) … this episode will get us ready for what’s ahead.  👉 Don’t miss this introduction as we set the stage for what’s next: “Thanksgiving in Jail” 🦃🚔 🎧 Hit pl...

In today’s fast-paced world, many families feel disconnected, overworked, and uncertain about how to prioritize what truly matters. In this powerful episode of  Birds Words Podcast , South African ministry leader, marriage and family counselor  Dereck Beukes shares faith-driven, practical insights for building stronger homes and deeper relationships. Together, we dive into: How to strengthen the f...

From hardship to healing, Dereck shares how his faith, family and God’s presence have carried him through seasons of struggle and triumph. We talk about the power of Christianity in the face of adversity, the role of ministry in shaping lives, The Holy Spirit, and how personal connectedness with God helps lead to transformation amidst  real-world challenges. Whether you’re in counseling, ministry,...

Roll with us on our final discussion in Episode 4 (Part 4) as we wrap up our dialogue on a relentless pursuit of GOD amidst brokenness. We covered topics such as career transition, depression, suicidal ideation, divorce, domestic violence, stigma, a weaponized narrative that negatively impacts returning veterans, parental alienation and more. Although these topics seem dark, we end with the hope w...

Jump in with us as we discuss a relentless pursuit of GOD amidst brokenness. We covered topics such as career transition, depression, suicidal ideation, divorce, domestic violence, stigma, a weaponized narrative that negatively impacts returning veterans, parental alienation and more. Although these topics seem dark, we end with the hope we experience through our Light, LORD and Savior JESUS. Rob...

Welcome to Birds Words Podcast, where Grit and Faith meet. I am John Birdwell, your host. We continue our journey into Episode 4 Part 2: "The War Years" with our guest, Rob Gray. Join Rob, Plato (Service Dog) and me as we dive into discussion of some of the internal and external war and years surrounding this unique time in life. Proud Father of 4 Sons, 23 years in the U.S. Army, Special Forces Gr...

Welcome to Birds Words Podcast, where Grit and Faith meet. I am John Birdwell, your host. We welcome our guest, Rob Gray. Join Rob, Plato (Service Dog) and me as we dive into Part 1: Prelude. Proud Father of 4 Sons, 23 years in the U.S. Army, Special Forces Green Beret, Army Ranger, ~40 months total deployed to combat zones, 100% disabled veteran, retired Lieutenant Colonel, Masters degree in Theo...

We navigate a few people in discussion who tremendously impacted the world and the Barrier Family Mission Team. Whether its a gun in the face, navigating anti-conversion laws, surviving a near execution, simply picking up a child or standing in front of a General in order to get Bible Schools signed back in operation, you'll find it here...where Grit and Faith meet on the Birds Words Podcast with...

From early impressions tagging along and watching his Father conduct Bible studies, Joey was impacted by the Gospel. He is later introduced to a world of Missions. While trying to keep a low profile in China during a baptism, he observes three baptisms by a man in a Speedo and learns of the danger of a picture. The Mission Mindset is discussed and how we can failingly compartmentalize our faith at...

Fighting back from a multiple day ambush with a "Puff the Magic Dragon" Gunship providing some relief, Jerry was tested in many ways. He recounts his time in Vietnam, reading his Bible on uneven ammo cans, later getting thrown off his APC by a bomb, being awarded his Purple Heart and re-integrating into society as a civilian.

Jerry was raised in the church and went to Vietnam as a 11 Delta 40 with the Blackhorse Regiment. Whether he's teaching about Bird Dogs, holding fast to his Bible or fighting off ambushes, Jerry shares some critical lessons on his journey through the years.

What's it like living as a missionary in Asia, sharing the Gospel and partnering with Law Enforcement to fight human trafficking? Adam shares some insight as he's running surveillance involving a young girl who is a victim of sex trafficking and realizes some serious challenges he was facing; he speaks on how he's helping to change the culture and make the world a better place through his organiza...

We hear about the complexities of a walk with Christ and embarking on a relational and transformative journey with Jesus. Whether cruising the streets as a Metro Nashville Police Sergeant, attending house church or embarking to Asia to combat human trafficking and build a nonprofit, we learn about the incredibleness of God and the pursuit of Jesus and Justice.