Church @ 434 Podcast

What happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the bright lights of WrestleMania go dark? Former WWE & WCW Champion Marc Mero (aka Johnny B. Badd) returns to The Clash to share the raw, unfiltered story behind his rise to fame and the crushing fall that followed. In this powerful interview, Marc opens up about his new book, "Badd to Good," detailing his groundbreaking career, the...

We're often told to be strong, but what if we've been focusing on the wrong thing? This talk uses a simple, inflatable shark to illustrate one of the most important spiritual principles: you will always bounce back, not because you are strong, but because your foundation is. Learn how having Jesus as your foundation means that no matter how hard life hits you—or how many times you get knoc...

We often hear about the resurrection of Jesus, but what makes it fundamentally different from every other person in history who was raised from the dead? Drawing from Philippians 3:20, we examine the promise of our "citizenship in heaven." While others returned to a mortal life, Jesus rose with an imperishable, glorified body—becoming the "resurrection and the life." Learn how...

For many people – they live life on a quest for happiness… You can move through this life upbeat and not beat up…if you want to…and you already know, because you have found it to be true….you are inspired by upbeat people and you don’t want to connect with beat up people. So how about it? Ready to start living upbeat? In this series we are on a quest for true happiness – as the Bible defines it an...

"I'll be there at nine." "I'll check on that for you." Are these casual remarks or are they promises? This reflection explores how the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 22—"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches"—applies directly to our modern lives. Through a moving personal story and a heartfelt prayer, we uncover how seemingly small acts of keeping o...

In a world of changing slang, one old expression deserves a comeback: "That dog will hunt." It used to be a high compliment for something that was just plain right. This message unpacks that idea, transforming it into a beautiful metaphor for a life well-lived. What if a simple act of kindness, a tip for the garbage collector, or an encouraging word to a clerk was described with that sam...

We spend our lives searching for ways to make an impact. But what if the most powerful gift you can offer isn't money, advice, or even your time? It's hope. Using powerful lessons from the classic movie The Music Man and the profound wisdom of Psalm 62, this message reveals why hope is the ultimate medicine, incentive, and tonic for the human spirit. Learn how you can stop crushing spirits...

Many Christians believe Halloween is the "devil's day," a celebration of darkness to be avoided at all costs. We couldn't disagree more. On The Clash, we argue that surrendering any day to evil is a defeat. Instead, we're taking it back. Join hosts Chris Whaley and Jeff Dixon as they break down the Christian case for celebrating—and redeeming—Halloween. Learn how we're tu...

In a world filled with noise and distraction, how do we recognize the one voice that truly matters? Drawing from John 10:14, this message explores the profound, personal relationship God invites us into. Using a powerful analogy of a trainer and his loyal dogs, we learn what it means to be so attuned to the Shepherd's voice that we can distinguish it from any other. Discover the peace and secu...

It makes copies, right? But the story of the Xerox machine is one of the most powerful illustrations of the Christian journey you'll ever hear. It began with an inventor, Chester Carlson, whose deep pain sparked a revolutionary idea that everyone told him was worthless. In this episode of "Seriously," we trace Carlson's incredible path from a painful, dead-end job to becoming a m...

Today we conclude the Thought Tamer series as you now have the tools you need to step into the arena and face lions. Once you start putting into practice the things we have covered in this series you will see that you can face any fear that is rattling around and running wild in the brain cage. You are roar ready – believe it or not!

Before David faced Goliath, he was a shepherd who fought lions and bears. His confidence wasn't in his own strength, but in his role as a protector—a role that God had prepared him for. In this message from The Carpenter Shop, Jeff Dixon connects David's courage to Jesus's powerful declaration in John 10: "I am the good shepherd." Discover why the one who was willing to lay d...

What if John McClane was played not by Bruce Willis, but by a 73-year-old Frank Sinatra? It almost happened. In this video, we uncover the forgotten Hollywood contract that gave Ol' Blue Eyes the first shot at the role, thanks to a prequel film most have never heard of. But Sinatra's "no" paved the way for an iconic hero and revealed something much deeper. Beyond the explosions a...

In a world that feels uncertain, where do you find your safe place? The answer might be hidden in a single, profound verse: John 10:9. Jesus doesn't just promise to lead you to safety; He promises to BE your safety. Welcome back to the Carpenter Shop, a space where we can explore the heart of God. In this session, we'll unpack the incredible truth that Jesus is both our Shepherd and "...

Can a wrestling ring be a pulpit? On this special episode of The Clash, we take our Christian worldview on the road to "Wrestle Rama," a unique community outreach event where the spectacle of pro wrestling becomes a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Join host Jeff Dixon and the commentary team as they call the chaotic, high-flying action and explore the timeless story of heroe...

Do you let criticism, insults, and negativity stick to you? In this premiere episode of "Seriously," we dive into the fascinating history of Teflon—a substance created entirely by mistake—to reveal a life-changing spiritual principle. Discover how the properties of the world's most slippery substance can teach you how to be unoffendable, letting hurtful words slide right off while al...

What is the difference between a simple choice and a true test of faith? In this episode of The Carpenter Shop, host Jeff Dixon explores the story of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the resurrected Jesus. Using her immediate response as a powerful example, Jeff challenges our tendency to postpone what God asks of us. Join us as we examine the nature of genuine obedience—the kind that requires...

You can have a life made better by thinking better thoughts. It sounds easy, until it isn’t. Our series has been all about how do you tame your thoughts? It is an important and tricky question to navigate. Over the past 2 weeks we have given you 2 different tools to use that help tame your thoughts. In this session we give you the third essential tool in managing your brain cage and helping you di...

From jokes about GoFundMe and nosy neighbors to a serious discussion on the "absence of truth" in our world, this gathering was anything but predictable. We asked our community tough questions and got refreshingly honest answers. But the most powerful moment came from a man named John, who has spent years battling an "incurable" illness. Using the analogy of restoring an old ca...

It's easy to overestimate the importance of one defining moment and underestimate the power of making small improvements every single day. Getting just 1% better daily can make you over 37 times better in a year, while getting 1% worse can almost wipe you out. This message is about harnessing that power. We explore how to forget your goals and focus on your systems, engage your "Goldilock...

What if the secret to becoming a great leader isn't about climbing the ladder, but about understanding what it means to be a follower? In this powerful Lead Talk, Jeff Dixon challenges the conventional wisdom that leadership is about titles and being in charge. He argues that true influence comes not from a position, but from becoming someone worth following. Discover why leaders with impressi...

The Clash hits the road for its most unique episode yet: WrestleRama! For one night only, co-host and former pro-wrestler Chris Whaley dusts off the legendary mask to step out of retirement as The Masked Saint. Teaming up with former World Champion Jimmy "The Golden Boy" McDowell, he faces the villainous duo of Insane John Strange and Prince Anaka in an unforgettable main event. Join hos...

Do you ever have "fear days"—when circumstances feel crushing and anxiety takes over? For followers of Christ, this feeling is more than just a bad day; it's a battlefront in a spiritual war. So what do you do when you're afraid to fight? Join host Jeff Dixon as he provides a practical and powerful answer. This isn't about ignoring fear, but confronting it with the ultimate w...

Ever look back and think, "My timing was completely off"? Whether in finances, relationships, or career choices, a moment of bad timing can have lasting consequences. But what if that mistake wasn't the end of the story? In the Carpenter's Shop, we're learning that even our biggest blunders happen under the watchful eye of a sovereign God whose timing is perfect. Your misstep...

Project Blue Book was the U.S. Air Force’s official program to investigate UFO sightings. Now you might be wondering what in the world does that have to do with learning to tame my thoughts? The answer – everything. Have you ever seen a UFO? Before you answer too quickly, you need to know that we all have been impacted by UFOs – and the UFO that impacts us is one that has everything to do with tam...