Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives

"I don't belong here." For years, those words echoed in Dr. Tai-Danae Bradley's heart. Growing up in a broken Christian home, walking through her parents' divorce, battling comparison, and questioning whether she was smart enough, Tai often felt like she didn't measure up. Yet God faithfully used every season of weakness to deepen her love for Christ and shape the woman He was calling her to becom...

Can you grow up in church, know the Bible, and still not truly be saved? In this episode, Pastor David Mataya shares how his life went from outward “Christian” to a train wreck of sin, anger, and a broken marriage—and how God used it all to bring him to true repentance and faith in Christ. You’ll hear about head knowledge vs. heart change, false assurance, and the life-changing power of the gospel...

After growing up in a broken home and chasing the empty promises of sin, Terrell Medina encountered the gospel at a winter camp that changed everything. In this episode, he shares how God saved him, shaped his calling through discipleship and missions, and ultimately led him to serve as Student Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church. 📍 About Redeemer Bible Church Redeemer Bible Church is located in Gilb...

Welcome back to Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives! In this deeply moving episode, host Arlenys Buckelew sits down with Emily Curtis—wife, mother, author, and founder of Hope in the Mourning. Emily vulnerably shares her personal journey through loss, grief, and suffering, and how God transformed her pain into a ministry that now comforts and serves others. From spiritual struggles in childho...

Join host Arlenys Buckelew and special guest Jenna Ellis for a heartfelt Thanksgiving special of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives .  In this episode, they explore the true meaning of gratitude through a biblical lens — how faith, scripture, and thankfulness intersect in every season of life. Learn about the origins of Thanksgiving , practical ways to cultivate a grateful heart , and how to...

In this episode, host Arlenys Buckelew sits down with Saki , founder of the Saki to Nihongo online ministry. Saki shares her remarkable journey — from growing up in rural Japan with no exposure to Christianity, to finding faith in Christ after moving to the United States.  Discover how her experiences shaped her heart for ministry, her unique approach to teaching Japanese with Christian content, a...

In this special episode, host Arlenys Buckelew is joined by her friend Jenna Ellis for an honest and heartfelt conversation in the aftermath of the murder of Charlie Kirk . Together, they wrestle with the critical and timely question: “How do we respond biblically as the days grow evil?” Drawing from Scripture, personal testimonies, and the legacy of Charlie Kirk, Arlenys and Jenna explore the Chr...

In this moving episode, Pastor Curtis Field shares his story of redemption—growing up in a broken home, battling addiction, and being swept into the Pentecostal movement before truly coming to know Christ. Curtis opens up about his dramatic conversion, his marriage and family, and the miraculous journey of his daughter Tiana’s ongoing health struggles. Through it all, God’s grace, prayer, and the...

Justin Harvey's journey from criminal to Christ will BLOW YOUR MIND! 🔥 Listen to how one man went from tracking criminals to becoming a servant of Christ. This is NOT just another story - this is a RADICAL transformation that proves NO ONE is beyond God's grace! KEY MOMENTS: Tracked criminals for law enforcement Faced 10 years in prison Miraculous encounter on train tracks Complete life t...

In this episode, we hear the incredible testimony of Chuck Holmes - a former convicted felon who found redemption through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.  After a life of crime, drug addiction, and incarceration, Chuck experienced a dramatic transformation that led him to dedicate his life to prison ministry.  Hear how God's grace reached into the darkest corners of Chuck's life and change...

Join host Arlenys Buckelew as she sits down with author Brooke Bartz to discuss her Christian teen fiction series, Godly Ever After ! 📖✨ In this episode, Brooke shares the heart behind her books—a faith-filled, relatable series for teenage girls navigating friendship, school, and trusting God through life’s challenges. Inspired by her own experiences, Brooke created a story that helps young wome...

Join our host, Arlenys Buckelew, on this inspiring episode of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives as she sits down with Pastor Todd Burgett, one of the dedicated pastors at Redeemer Bible Church. Discover how Todd's lifelong faith and experiences have shaped his path from a youth pastor in San Jose to a transformative leader in Arizona. In This Episode, You'll Learn About: * Early Faith &...

In this inspiring episode of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives , host Arlenys Buckelew sits down with Roman Flores, the new junior high and high school ministry pastor at Redeemer Bible Church. Roman shares his incredible journey of faith, starting with his upbringing in Bakersfield, California, where he was saved at just six years old. From pursuing wrestling in college to shifting his foc...

In this powerful episode of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives, host Arlenys Buckelew sits down with Pastor David Jordan, the Family and Marriage Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church, to explore his remarkable transformation journey. Raised in a conservative Southern Baptist home, David thought he was saved but later realized he lacked a genuine relationship with Christ. From evangelizing in high...

In this episode of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives, we sit down with Pastor Kevin Hay as he shares his faith journey. Kevin grew up in an unbelieving home in Columbus, Ohio, but was greatly influenced by his Christian grandmother. His life changed at age 20 when he came to faith in Jesus Christ, which led him into ministry and a passion for theological education. He recounts his experienc...

In this episode, host Arlenys Buckelew delves into the sin of perfectionism, inspired by a thought-provoking discussion from Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker on the  Just Thinking Podcast . Arlenys shares how perfectionism has subtly crept into her own life—through social media comparisons, job interviews, and personal relationships—resulting in self-focus, anxiety, and a neglected spiritual wal...

In this episode, host Arlenys Buckelew is joined by Pastor Kyle Swanson, who shares his incredible personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and his journey through ministry. Join us as Kyle recounts his experiences growing up in a strong, believing family and his pivotal moments of conversion and spiritual growth. He highlights the significant role of mentorship from pastors and fellow believer...

“You need Christ because you are dead in your sins.” Pastor Dale Thackrah. Welcome back to another captivating episode of "Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives"! This week, we are honored to have Pastor Dale Thackrah, the Executive Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona, as our special guest. Episode Highlights: * Early Life and Family Influence: Pastor Dale shares his i...

In this episode, we are joined by the incredible Jason Stinson, former vocalist of the Christian metal and hardcore band Overcome (1993-2000) and guitarist for the Christian technical death metal band Indwelling. Jason is now the worship pastor at  @RedeemerBibleChurchGilbert  @RedeemingTruthMusic In this powerful episode, Jason shares: - His compelling testimony of coming to faith in Jesus. - The...

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Dave Jenkins, a truly remarkable guest. Dave Jenkins is the executive director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the executive editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the host and producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.  Episode Highlights: Family and Upbringing : Dave shares touching stor...

In this profoundly moving episode of "Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives," we sit down with Patty and Marty Wolf, a couple whose story of faith, loss, and redemption spans over 40 incredible years together. Their testimonies serve as a beacon of hope and an affirmation of the power of God's word to transform lives. Patty shares her upbringing in a charismatic Christian home, he...

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 37 of Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives. In today's episode, we sit down with Ed Kost to hear his testimony of faith and the story behind his profound project—The Redeemed Podcast. Ed opens up about his faith and the passion that led him to create The Redeemed Podcast, a unique platform delivering dramatized stories deeply rooted in biblical events. Ed is de...

Welcome back, listeners!  Join host Arlenys C. Buckelew as she walks us through a whirlwind of life updates. It's been a season of change - from moving out of the familiar Californian landscapes to establishing roots in an unfamiliar place, change of jobs, and being embraced by a new church family.  Arlenys opens up about the excitement and challenges that come with settling into a new home....

In today’s episode we have Jason Whitaker joining us from the “Dear Woke Christian” podcast and YouTube Channel. Jason started his podcast and channel in 2020 as a response to the turmoil of 2020. He saw the error in thinking within the Christian community and he wanted to provoke us to think Biblically about those issues. To Follow Jason go to: https://dearwokechristian.com Instagram: https://www...

In today's episode we have Jon Root joining us. He is a Faith, Sports & Culture Commentator. He was called to join Turning Point USA as a contributor - hosting multiple shows including: Breakaway (non-woke sports talk and conversation) and TPUSA LIVE (political news & entertainment show live every weekday). Ever since he was in grade school, Jon has been a part of highly competitive, e...