The Unexpected Podcast

When you were a child, did you dream of growing up to be a doctor, a writer, a firefighter, or perhaps a rock star? What did you dream of doing or becoming? And what do our childhood desires say about who we are today?

If you stick around church life long enough, you will be disappointed. In extreme cases, spiritual and other kinds of abuse may take place - because humans are fallible. But this need not lead us to withdraw from God's presence but rather to draw even closer.   “We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of th...

In a surprising turn of events, Lee took the helm and presented this week’s topic based on 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, which states, “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to...

Fear comes in many forms, and as a result, many people are riddled with unhealthy fears that prevent them from fulfilling their divine purpose. God desires that his children live a life free from paralyzing and tormenting worry and anxiety.   "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18

In an unexpected turn of events, Lee surprised Amy with a topic she had no prior knowledge of. They explore the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future, especially in the context of God and everyday life, giving AI a voice in the conversation.

Patsy Alston is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss leadership principles, life in Texas, music, and more. You can learn more about Patsy at: https://speaker.alstonent.com https://KLA.alstonent.com https://youtube.com/@keyleadera

We made it to Episode 50! Fifty is symbolic of many things - golden anniversaries, deliverance and freedom, and the biblical concept of Jubilee. Jubilee denotes a time of renewal and reset. God, in his goodness, gives us second chances.

We all dream when we sleep, but some of us remember our dreams more than others. How does the dream world differ from the natural world, and what do those differences suggest?  

Our culture bestows congratulations on the most mundane of activities. How should we respond, and what are the long-term effects?

Setting boundaries is a-okay. It is something all wise people do. But that’s not to say others won’t try to take advantage of you and make you their doormat. But, we give you permission to put down your proverbial foot.   This is the last episode of the year. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!

As humans, we often struggle to be honest with ourselves. It is easy to accept inaccurate labels placed upon us. Likewise, we may have been presented with false information, calling for the need to “unlearn” firmly held beliefs. Quotes from the episode: “The main thing is that you stop telling lies to yourself. The one who lies to himself and believes his own lies comes to a point where he can dis...

Social scientists claim there is evidence of escalating narcissism in our culture. Even the casual observer can attest to an increase in narcissistic tendencies. These observations, however, usually manifest in the form of pointing fingers. But should we also turn attention to our own self-serving tendencies?  

Luke Mercer was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. He has overcome a significant amount of adversity, enduring multiple reconstructive surgeries. From a young age, he showed a natural inclination towards musical rhythm. Now, he uses his musical talent to create original music. Here are links to his platforms:   https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MnFSwJMNb64d8sIcStYDX?si=Y1C-RSyESSGdcG2cD4VN...

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, Lee and Amy sat down to talk about the nature of gratitude.   Quotes from this episode:   “In most of mankind gratitude is merely a secret hope for greater favors.” François de La Rochefoucauld   “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting, a...

In this episode, Amy acknowledges the world's ability to bring weariness to our souls. Thankfully, God restores our souls when we turn to him. We hope you will be encouraged by this straightforward message.

Melanie Lewis is a great encourager and serves the body of Christ in a multitude of ways. She joined the podcast to talk about identity, an important topic in our time, as so many people struggle to know who they were created to be. We know you will be both challenged and encouraged by this episode.

Our son, Joseph, joined the podcast to talk about art, film, photography, and lots of other subjects. Joseph is a talented artist, actor, musician, and more. You can access his art page or connect to his music using the links below.   https://www.instagram.com/joseph_mercer_art/profilecard/?igsh=MnVoNXE2amh4Y3lo https://open.spotify.com/artist/3KZpB7Vsp4Oeu0YCNBnhg1?si=qy6vUat0SE-Shbmmcv-sFw  

Amy focuses on three mini-topics: ironic attitudes observed in society, the downside of wasted time, and the need to rekindle the flame of God in our lives.

John-Marc Grob is a talented artist who has worked in animation, graphic design, photography, and other mediums. He has collaborated with or been employed by the likes of Marvel, Warner Brothers, Disney, and others. He has a desire to use his creativity to reach children with the truth of God's word. He also leads online classes, helping others to develop their artistic skills. Learn more about Jo...

Well, that was unexpected! Jayce, Luke, and Joseph took over the studio to discuss the nature of art, hope for the future, and much more, interweaving plenty of youthful banter at every turn. 😂 Enjoy!

Luke and Amy discuss the future of the internet, the inundation of excessive and irrelevant information, staying true to one's creative mission, and more.

In this episode, Amy discusses experiencing God in the most unexpected places, including a hotel room and a courthouse. "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Psalm 85:6 "Passion wears out when it relies solely on self-motivation." Lance Wallnau

The world doesn’t need more copycats. The world needs you. In this episode, we discuss the creative process as well as what some psychologists refer to as ‘the ten-year rule.’   “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” Linus Pauling

In this episode, Amy shares details from a recent dream. Just as stories paint a picture of real life using symbols, characters, and conflict, so do our dreams. Lee also took this podcast as an opportunity to rant about a few topics, but unlike previous episodes, he didn't threaten to throat-punch anyone. "I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seas...

Zachary Gordon is a Los Angeles-based actor and singer/songwriter with over 70 film and television credits, most notably for his lead role in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series. He has also appeared in well-known movies and television shows such as National Treasure, The Brothers Bloom, and How I Met Your Mother. We were blessed to sit down with him for a fantastic conversation. Zach is both hum...