THE ROOTED TCK

On this episode, we welcome back Ben Stubbs, a TCK to South Africa. You’ll hear him share about ministry on college campuses, including a really powerful testimony of one of his friends perseverance to encounter God. Ben always shares from the heart and with so much depth. You’ll be challenged and encouraged to trust God even when it’s hard and it doesn’t come on the timeline you expect of Him. Th...

On this episode, we talk with Gabriella Taylor, a TCK to Portugal. You’ll hear her share how God led her to step out in faith even though it was uncomfortable - plus the lessons she learned along the way! Gabriella is young yet wise beyond her years. She also shares with us about what God is teaching her as she navigates a major life transition. We even get a glimpse into some reverse culture shoc...

On this episode, we talk with Heather Santymire, a TCK to Zimbabwe. You’ll hear her share about her life as a TCK, a parent to TCKs, and serving parents of TCKs. Heather has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things TCK! She talks about growing through hardship and clinging to the Lord in good times and bad times. She also talks about some of the joys and wins she’s had in h...

On this episode, we talk with Cristi Alexander, a TCK to South Africa. You’ll hear her share about what she’s learning about God and herself in seasons of change and disappointment. Cristi talks vulnerably and beautifully about living in the tension of knowing who God is while her circumstances might try to tell her otherwise. We always love talking with Cristi and we know you’ll love being part o...

On this episode, we talk with Michael Southerland, a TCK to The Netherlands and Wales. You’ll hear him share thoughts to TCKs and parents alike on shifting your perspective to gratitude, managing anxiety, and finding purpose in your life’s season. Michael is wise beyond his years so you’ll definitely want to soak up as much as you can from this episode. What questions do you have about this episod...

On this episode, you’ll hear some exciting announcements you won’t want to miss. The team then shares some encouragement for TCKs about success, perseverance, and anxiety. You’ll hear reminders about God’s all-sufficient grace and sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. What questions do you have about this episode? How can we help support you or your TCK? We’d love to hear from you! Connect w...

On this episode, John Michael and Nicole Caldwell share some of their Christmas traditions and memories growing up in Uruguay and the United States. They also share some encouraging thoughts for us as we head into the Christmas season. This episode also includes excerpts from Season 1 Episode 5 (“Christmas Traditions and Expectations” with Colton Shrader). This episode also includes excerpts from...

On this episode, we talk with TCK to Honduras, Malachi Smith. Join our conversation as we talk about the unique perspective gained growing up as a TCK, the importance of the types of friendships you pursue, and growing in personal faith and Godly wisdom. You’ll hear Malachi share from his own experiences of what the Lord taught him through his years growing up on the mission field. Make sure to li...

On this episode, we talk with TCK to Indonesia, Leah Musacchio. Join our conversation as we talk about friendships, finding purpose and belonging in temporary seasons, and making your home in Jesus regardless of where you are living. You’ll hear Leah share her own stories and experiences of navigating her way through life away from her home country and how God met her in her culture shock and sadn...

On this episode, we talk with TCK to Guatemala, Abigail Marsiglio. Join our conversation as we talk about God’s faithfulness even in difficult seasons and times where He feels silent or like we’re being stretched. You’ll hear Abigail share transparently about what she’s learned about God through anxiety, parenthood, and the guilt of not being able to juggle everything as she’d like. This episode i...

On this episode, we talk with Hudson Speer, TCK to Mexico. Join our conversation as we talk about identity, attachments, relationships and belonging, and how the goodness and kindness of God binds it all together. You’ll hear Hudson’s honestly and transparently share the highs and lows of his experience growing up as a TCK. Hudson has a unique ability to eloquently express the human and TCK experi...

On this episode, we talk with Micah Wells, LAC Missionary Associate and TCK teacher in Costa Rica. Join our conversation as we talk about what it looks like to serve new TCKs as they begin their first major transition to “life on the field.” You’ll hear Micah share her story of getting started in missions and the need for TCKs and their families to feel supported throughout their missions journey....

On this episode, we talk with Brianne Smythia, TCK to Uruguay. Join our conversation as we talk about growth that comes from different types of challenges: transition, loneliness, identity, spiritual warfare, and emotional scars. You’ll hear Bri share from her own personal experiences and some encouraging words to TCKs and parents alike. You might even hear a story or two about our very own, John...

On this episode, we talk with TCK, friend, and co-founder of the podcast, Colton Shrader (TCK to Peru). Join our conversation as we talk about leading with your God-given strengths and how we can find hope and joy knowing that God is good and has purposes beyond what we can understand in a singular moment. You’ll hear Colton share about what God is teaching him through his Master’s in Organization...

On part two of this episode, we finish our conversation with Shawn Deal, TCK from Equatorial Guinea. Join our conversation as we talk about the friendships (both likely and unlikely) that God brings to our lives as a source of encouragement and inspiration. You’ll hear Shawn’s foundational advice and prayer for every TCK around the world. It’s wisdom that will apply to every season of your life. W...

On part one of this episode, we start our conversation with Shawn Deal, TCK from Equatorial Guinea. Join our conversation as we talk about how God has a plan for our lives and truly is in the business of working all things for out for the good of those who love Him. You’ll hear personal and funny stories, as well as Shawn’s testimony - it’s truly impactful and you won’t want to miss it! What quest...

On this introduction to season 4, Michelle shares some exciting news about some upcoming changes. You’ll want to stick around to hear some encouraging words as we continue to make our way into 2025. What questions do you have about this episode? How can we help support you or your TCK? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us HERE . HOST: Michelle Ellis SONG: Sunscreen by Vic Davi FOLLOW US: In...

On part two of this episode, we finish our conversation with Bella Wellborn, TCK from Argentina. Join our conversation as we talk about vulnerability in friendships, God redeeming our weaknesses, and the joy in trusting and following Jesus. Bella shares from her own experiences of learning to trust God even when it feels hard, and how every time He proves to be worthy of our trust. You’ll hear per...

On part one of this two-part episode, we talk with Bella Wellborn, TCK from Argentina. Join our conversation as we talk about saying “yes” to God’s plans for our lives - how surrendering our plans and trusting God’s will lead us on a great adventure, and how God can do beyond what we can imagine when we listen and follow His voice. Bella shares her own story of how she learned she could trust God...

On this episode, we talk with Ethan Pruitt, TCK from Ecuador. Join our conversation as we talk about different ways our experiences shape us - from transitions to gaining new perspectives to immersing yourself and embracing the season you’re in. Ethan shares from his own experiences of how growing up as a TCK helped equip him for the life he lives now. You’ll hear personal stories and helpful insi...

On part two of this episode, we finish our conversation with Abigail (Ramos) Marsiglio, TCK from Guatemala. Join our conversation as we talk about the hope of suffering and surrender. Abigail shares from her own experiences of loss, sorrow and grief, and how she consistently saw the goodness of God each time. You’ll hear personal stories and amazing perspective on clinging to hope and the faithful...

On part one of this episode, we talk with Abigail (Ramos) Marsiglio, TCK from Guatemala. Join our conversation as we talk about the hope of suffering and surrender. Abigail shares from her own experiences of loss, sorrow and grief, and how she consistently saw the goodness of God each time. You’ll hear personal stories and amazing perspective on clinging to hope and the faithfulness of God. What q...

On this two-part episode, we talk with John Michael Caldwell, TCK from Uruguay. John Michael and his wife, Nicole, have served in ministry for many years. Join part 2 of our conversation as we talk about the practice of surrender - how it starts with identity, deals with control, and ends with encountering more of the presence and person of Jesus. John Michael shares from his own experiences of ha...

On this two-part episode, we talk with John Michael Caldwell, TCK from Uruguay. John Michael and his wife, Nicole, have served in ministry for many years. Join part 1 of our conversation as we talk about the practice of surrender - how it starts with identity, deals with control, and ends with encountering more of the presence and person of Jesus. John Michael shares from his own experiences of ha...

On part three of this episode, we finish our conversation with Ben Stubbs, TCK from South Africa and current campus missionary with Chi Alpha. Join part three of our conversation as we discuss why the ways of Jesus are so much better than living by the standards of the world. Ben shares about what God is teaching him about finding fulfillment in living the life He intends and about the fruit that...