JUNTO

March 21, 1998, was a big day in my life…A young 20 year old on the brink of manhood.  Certainly, I still looked like a boy, and probably still felt like one too.  This was the day that I would meet my wife…Yeah, I knew her, and we had, up to this point, had previous encounters, but we were both too young before.   On Episode 43 Heather and I share briefly about this encounter that changed both of...

📢 On Episode 42 I had the opportunity to chat with CrossFit Coach and owner of @crossfit870garage, Dickie Logan. This is not your typical workout inspired conversation where the focus is on physical attributes only, but an honest conversation about the benefits of staying active, pushing yourself beyond what you thought you could do, and the importance of being in community. If you’re anything li...

 On the latest episode of the @junto.podcast I had the opportunity to sit down with friend and author of “Keepsake Letters To My Child”, Lupita Wiles. During our conversation Lupita shares her inspiration for writing the book and highlights the importance of building a legacy for family.  The book is an interactive read in that Lupita shares her letters, but gives the reader a section to write the...

If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to our channel! Part 2 of our Community Spotlight features a conversation with Marion, AR City Council hopeful, Brad Moore.  In Episode 40 Brad talks about his role with the fire department and lessons of leadership he has learned throughout the years. Brad also emphasizes the need for mental health reform, a subject near to my own heart, for our...

Greg Shea, Candidate for the Crittenden County Coroner’s Office discusses his experience working as a Deputy Coroner for the last 10 years and with the Shelby County Medical Examiners office for the last thirteen. Greg shares much about the Coroners office that most common people wouldn’t know and details the types of loss and tragedies that he has encountered throughout the years.  This interview...

Science, Prayer, and Gratitude seem like an unlikely combination but believe it or not, there are times when all three of these overlap to aid us in the everyday need for dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety. In recognizing October 10th as “World Mental Health Day” we felt the need to continue the conversation about mental health by looking at some statistics on mental health, approached f...

⁉️ Where did our Halloween traditions come from and how much have these traditions evolved over time? As we get further removed from our past the history of tradition can get lost in the midst of current culture but there is still plenty of information available to give us a great snapshot of how our ancestors celebrated, or not celebrated, the halloween season.  In Episode 37 we discuss some of t...

How can we prioritize all the important things in our lives and keep first things, first?  Sometimes we can’t seem to say no and we get overwhelmed with our “busyness”.   Each home has its own culture and rhythm, so finding what makes yours successful is key to managing relationships with family, friends, church, work, etc. On Episode 36 I am joined by the Junto Podcast Queen, my bride and adminis...

On Episode 35 I highlight some differences in perspective between students and/or leaders who have mastered the art of having a successful mindset, versus those who operate out of a victim or struggling mindset. While we may all have bad days, there are certain traits that we must master in order to see positive changes in our lives on a permanent basis.  Having a successful mindset is not equated...

According to U.S. News and World Report (Jan, 2022) 1 in 5 college students is raising a child while pursuing a degree of higher education. Even further, 53% of that demographic is raising a child 6 years of age or younger. On Episode 34 I’m joined by Jamie Woodson, Director of Career Pathways Initiative at Arkansas State University Mid-South. As the cost of education continues to rise, Career Pat...

Today, August 26, 2022, marks the one year anniversary of our nephew being KIA, along with 12 other servicemen and women in Kabul Afghanistan.  In this episode we briefly discuss the moment we found out Taylor was KIA but mostly, we discuss Taylor and the fond memories we have of him.   This episode is intended to for you to get to know Taylor the way we know him.  He is brave, courageous, and lov...

Countless books, podcasts, and other resource as are available when it comes to the topic of leadership but on Episode 32, I offer 6 quick principles on using our influence to become an effective leader.  The reality is that each and everyone one of us has the capacity to influence others, be it for good or bad, and when it comes to leadership, there are some concepts that are universal when put i...

On Episode 31 I’m joined by Photographer and military advocate, Kara Hackney who has dedicated her instagram page to bringing awareness and remembrance to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and who are actively serving. After the events in Kabul Afghanistan in August 2021, Kara, like most of us, was disheartened at the unnecessary loss of life and the circumstances surrounding the...

After nearly 18 years of fatherhood… 4 sets of “First Steps”, countless birthdays, lots of wins and many mistakes, I share 9 quick things that I’ve learned from fatherhood.  Most dads will be able to relate but this is a Gem for those expectant fathers.  Comment your thoughts below and let me know what you have learned from being a father! 1). Never Say Never 2). “They Get It From  Me” is not alwa...

In episode 29 I am joined by former college quarterback, Breck Ruddick.  Breck, short for Breckinridge, has been immersed in sports for most of his life and he had, what most would consider to be an impressive collegiate football career as Quarterback. Breck gives us an inside view into what game day is like and provides us with insightful perspective that translates easily into tackling the chall...

On Episode 28 I am joined by Gold Star mom, Kelly Barnett, who also happens to be my sister in law.  Our lives were forever changed on August 26, 2021 in what will easily be a day etched in the minds and hearts of those that hold this country near and dear to their hearts.  This is the day that we lost not only an American Hero, but a Marine that had always been a hero to us.  On this day, SSGT Da...

Currently, the county where I reside in Arkansas has the 3rd highest number of abortions in the state and Arkansas, in general, has higher abortion rates than many other states.  In Episode 27 I am joined by Teresa Kundert and Nita Stone of “Hope of the Delta”, a non-profit organization that not only provides ultrasounds, parenting classes, and supplies to those expecting parents, but also provide...

On this Episode I was asked to participate in a zoom panel discussion on mental health in the church.  Annie Ester was the host and I was joined by Pastor Marquis Cooper, Sr, M.Ed, who is senior pastor of Otter Creek Community Church.  I was also joined by Valisha Wilson, owner of Divinity 350, and Pastor Bobby Luckett, Jr. This panel discussion focused on the stigma surrounding the topic of menta...

On Episode 25 I had the pleasure of sitting down with long time friend (framily member) Amber Rae Dunn (@amberraedunn) to discuss what is going on in her world as a budding music artist and creative.  Amber has gained a following singing her “old style” country music but she is definitely not a one trick pony as she relays that we can expect some different styles on her follow up Album to “Arkansa...

In Episode 24 I am joined by pastors Michael Smith (Lead Pastor) and Haley Bryant (Women’s Pastor) of Victory Church of the Mid-South for a dialogue on Holy Week.  Holy Week is significant in the life of a believer as scripture details the final week of the earthly life of Christ. From the triumphal entry on Sunday, to the crucifixion on Friday, there were significant events that took place during...

Darin McCollum of the Boys and Girls club of Crittenden County joins us for episode 23 on Hometown Leadership.  Darin has been on staff with the Boys and Girls Club for over 28 years and shares why he chose to stay and serve this community for an extended period of time working with the children and youth of Crittenden County.   Darin also recounts an experience of 5 brothers whose mother was murd...

In Episode 22 I am joined by Colby Crisler and Scott Grafton.  Colby and Scott both lead worship for Victory Church of the Mid-South in Marion, Ar and offer a unique perspective on the distinction between worship and praise.   We also discuss differences in worship styles of between various denominational persuasions.  One thing we know, is that regardless of style, God can do much with a heart th...

In Episode 21 Shelby Jo Moore, Assistant VP of Fidelity Bank and small business owner, stops by to discuss Community Leadership and leading through the lens of stewardship and faith.   Shelby is a young leader who transitioned into the workforce from a collegiate career in softball and is now hitting home runs as a successful young woman of faith.  Shelby shares excellent nuggets for leaders of an...

One of the hardest struggles we face as parents during Christmas is feeling the need to overspend on our children.  How can we build character without breaking the bank and how can we, as parents help our children learn the value of relationship. Join the conversation!

Don’t miss Episode 19 of the Junto podcast with guest Steve Soto.  Steve Is a Psychology Major, Pastor, Bible Counselor, and an In-Home Health IC for the mentally handicapped.  In this condensed episode we look at certain areas of overlap between faith and psychology. While faith and science may not always agree, there are areas of overlap when It comes to the human mind and psyche.  How can havin...