The Midtown Podcast

"Stop the van, get out, and give her a hug." Austin continues the Stopping for the One series with Jay Haley — where Ep. 1 with Jake laid the foundation, this episode answers the next question: I've been marked by Jesus… now what do I actually do about it? In this episode: The mindset shift: "I don't stop with intentions to share the gospel. I stop to meet them where they ar...

What if the interruption is the assignment? Austin launches a brand-new series — Stopping for the One — built around Luke 15 and the radical idea that Jesus left the 99 to find the one. In this opening episode, Austin sits down with his brother Jake for a conversation about what it actually looks like to live a life where you see people the way Jesus sees them. Jake takes us through three stories...

What does it take to actually hear God for the first time? Austin sits down with one of his oldest friends, Luis Ortiz, for a testimony that doesn't sound like anyone else's. Luis grew up in Puerto Rico without faith — but with a spiritual sensitivity that pulled him into Santeria, demonology, and conversations with spirits he could literally see. By 18 he'd attempted suicide, come out...

What if everything we've been treating as a clinical problem is actually a spiritual one? Austin sits down with Matt — founder and leader of The Way Recovery in Crossville, TN — for a collab episode that goes deep on addiction, recovery, the love of the Father, and one of the most arresting personal testimonies we've ever had on the show. In this episode: What The Way actually is: five rec...

What does it actually look like to hear God's voice in the most important decisions of your life? Austin sits down with Josh and Baylee Meeks for the follow-up to Josh's testimony episode — this time, the love story. And it's not the polished version. In this episode: Bailey's childhood faith and the day Jesus literally helped her button her jeans The hidden pressure of being a pas...

What does it actually mean to be forgiven — not in theory, but in the way you wake up every single morning? Austin sits down with his brother Josh Meeks for an honest conversation about what it took to stop trying to earn grace and start living like a new creation. In this episode: Growing up the youngest of five in a missionary family Complications at birth — and the doctor who walked out and pra...

In this episode, we dive into a real and honest conversation about what it actually looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life. Through personal stories and recent experiences, we talk about the tension between our own plans, ambitions, and comfort—and the moments where God calls us into something unexpected, inconvenient, and deeply impactful. From spontaneous encounters to missed opportunities,...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew to talk about a group of people that are often overlooked, yet carry an incredible weight every single day—teachers and school staff. Through the work of the Educator Resource Center, Andrew shares how educators across our city and country are facing real struggles—emotionally, financially, and spiritually—while continuing to pour into the next generation....

In this episode, we sit down with Jack, a 20-year-old from England with a powerful and honest story about identity, purpose, and following God. After pursuing a life filled with adventure, including anti-poaching work in Africa, Jack found himself wrestling with deeper questions about identity and purpose. What happens when the very thing you thought God called you to begins to fall apart? This co...

In this episode of  Midtown Podcast , we talk about something many people are feeling right now — uncertainty. With constant headlines, global conflict, and overwhelming information, it’s easy to feel anxious, numb, or unsure about what is actually true. So how should we respond? In this conversation we discuss: • How news and information overload affects our thinking • Why so many people feel anx...

In this episode of  Midtown Podcast , we sit down with  Mary Grace  to talk about what faith actually looks like when it’s put to the test. From trekking through remote mountains on mission trips, to witnessing miraculous provision, to walking through painful seasons of obedience — this conversation dives deep into the  real journey of following Jesus . We talk about: • Radical faith and trusting...

How do you know if you’re really hearing God’s voice? In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we open John 10 and talk about what it means to live as sheep led by the Good Shepherd. We explore the difference between hearing God’s voice and understanding His voice, how to discern what’s from God, and why surrender and community are key to spiritual clarity. We talk about: • Hearing and discerning...

What does real rest actually look like — and why is it so hard to slow down? In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we sit down with missionary Andrew Attia to talk about Sabbath, rhythms of rest, dependency on God, and what it means to live at a slower pace in a world obsessed with productivity. Andrew shares stories from ministry in Europe, reflections on learning rest during seasons of burno...

What happens when you slow down, fast, and actually listen to God? In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we reflect on one year of conversations and what God revealed during 21 days of prayer and fasting. We talk about distractions, hearing God’s voice, spiritual maturity, discernment, unity in the church, and learning to live surrendered instead of in control. This is an honest conversation a...

What happens when God speaks — and you actually obey? In this powerful episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we sit down with  Josh , a missionary from  Kenya , who shares his journey of faith, obedience, and hearing God’s voice — a journey that led him from Africa to the United States. Josh opens up about growing up as a  pastor’s kid , watching his father pray through the night, wrestling with faith...

In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we continue our journey through  Ephesians 4  and talk honestly about identity, healing, community, and what it really means to  walk in love as beloved children of God . We unpack:What it means to imitate God as a beloved childWhy culture quietly reshapes our identityHow corrupting words create “rust” in the soulThe progression from bitterness to wrath, a...

Today marks the beginning of our  21 days of prayer and fasting , and we’re opening the Word together in  Ephesians 4 . In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we talk about what it truly means to  walk in a manner worthy of the calling we’ve received . From Paul’s identity as a “prisoner of the Lord,” to the call for humility, patience, unity, and maturity, this conversation challenges the indi...

In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we invite you into a season of prayer and fasting as we step into 2026 together. We talk honestly about why prayer and fasting matter, how they expose our need for God, and how they move us from transactional faith into daily dependence. This conversation unpacks guilt, control, intimacy, discipline, and the importance of starting prayer the way Jesus taug...

In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , we sit down with special guest  Kelly  for a raw, hope-filled conversation about prayer, suffering, and learning to live deeply loved by God. Kelly shares her journey of discovering prayer not as a formula, but as intimacy — shaped through loss, grief, and radical surrender to the Holy Spirit. We talk about how tragedy reshapes faith, how to pray when God...

In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most challenging and freeing teachings of Jesus: denying yourself. We unpack the difference between individuality and true life in Christ, how modern culture fuels self-focus and fear, and why religious performance can actually be rooted in fear rather than love. Drawing from Scripture, Oswald Chambers, and real conversation, thi...

Fear has a voice — but it doesn’t belong on the throne. In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , Austin, Jay, and Payton have an honest, raw conversation about anxiety, fear, depression, identity, and what it actually looks like to live with Jesus as King — not just in theory, but in real life. Payton shares his journey from atheism, addiction, and suicidal thoughts to encountering Jesus in a dee...

Life doesn’t always make sense — but God is often doing more than we can see. In this powerful episode of the  Midtown Podcast , Austin and Jay sit down with Gabe to hear his incredible story of escaping communist Cuba as a child, growing up in foster care, and navigating a life marked by loss, perseverance, and God’s quiet guidance. From soldiers waking his family in the middle of the night, to a...

In this powerful and emotional episode, Austin and Jay sit down with  Tori Davis , who shares her story of trauma, loss, and supernatural redemption. From surviving abuse and addiction to meeting Jesus face to face, Tori’s story will wreck you — in the best way possible. She opens up about forgiving her father, losing him days later, nearly losing her leg, and then finding complete freedom and pur...

In this powerful and raw episode, Jay sits down with  Brian Latimore  to unpack what it means to live  fully alive  in Christ. From mowing lawns and praying for strangers to preaching the gospel around the world, Brian’s story is proof that obedience opens doors you never saw coming. They dive deep into what it means to be “wild for Jesus,” how God redeems your adventurous spirit, and why saying ...

In this episode of the  Midtown Podcast , Austin and Jay get real about what it means to live boldly after seasons of hurt and disappointment. They open up about confusion, healing, forgiveness, and how Jesus meets us in our pain to build courage and love that looks like His. If you’ve ever been wounded by people, the church, or your past — this episode is for you. You’ll hear stories of grace, pr...