The Built Different Podcast with Dr. Zach Clinton

Have you ever just heard a story in which someone reacted with such grace, compassion, and empathy that it completely blew you away? Well today’s Built Different Guest, former professional baseball player and now world renowned inspirational speaker, Chris Singleton, joins us on the podcast to share his personal testimony that will do just that. Chris’s impactful story tragically involves the loss of his mother due to the horrific 2015 Charleston Church Massacre. In the midst of unfathomable pain, Chris was left with a choice of either hardening his heart or living out one of the lessons we’ve all heard being, “In this life we won’t always be able to control our circumstances, but we can always control how we respond to them.” In the midst of one of the most heinous acts imagineable, Chris clung to the truth and promises found in God’s Word and chose to respond with LOVE. He lived out the very thing he was always taught growing up found in Mark 12:30-31 which reminds us that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and secondly we are to love our neighbor as ourself. Chris’s testimony is one that truly echoes and personifies the grace and forgiveness found in Christ. His goal and mission now rests in reminding every individual to choose love no matter someone’s skin color, ethnic background, or circumstance. It’s time to be the change we have all been looking for! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s Built Different Guest is not only a survivor, but also an incredible storyteller. On April 21, 2008, at the age of 26, Katherine Wolf, experienced the unimaginable nearly dying from a massive brain-stem stroke. Following her life-saving surgery, Katherine still had to endure several significant challenges which included having to be on life support for an entire month, and then 2 additional years in rehabilitation to regain her motor skills. Her survival and recovery have been identified as nothing short of a miracle. However, although Katherine’s physical body would never heal completely beign reliant on a wheelchair to get around and having half of her face paralyzed due to the stroke, her spirit has mended. Most would hear Katherine’s testimony and say she has every reason to be bitter and frustrated with life, however, by clinging to the truth of God’s Word and His Promises, she has one of the most inspirational and joyous outlooks on life. In and throughout today’s episode you will be encouraged and equipped on how to properly handle adversity by embracing the process, cultivating a positive perspective, and choosing hope and joy through the act of gratitude. Remember, if you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Growing up as a kid, something I was always reminded of was as you continue to grow and develop in whatever occupational field you may be pursuing, the tighter the skill gap gets. In simpler terms, as you continue to progress and rise to the top, when you look around everyone is going to look similar. They’ll be talented. They’ll have the abilities to get the job done, but there are only a select group of individuals who have what it takes to stand out in the midst of that elite group. What is it you may ask? THE INTANGIBLES… Our Built Different Guest today, Michael Strachan, knows a thing or two about what it takes to get to the next level and how to stand out when an opportunity arises. Ever since Mike was a kid growing up in the Bahamas, one dream has been on his mind - playing in the NFL. But to achieve this goal, he would have to endure several obstacles and make plenty of sacrifices to get there. From dropping everything to move to Virginia to play competitive high school football, to signing with and grinding at a smaller NCAA Division 2 University, to getting drafted in the 7th round by the Indianapolis Colts, to then standing out and having an unbelievable preseason last year, there was always something different about Mike and his mission. Yes, he was talented, but there’s always been something lying underneath the surface of all that talent. Today, Mike not only shares his testimony and journey with us, but he also discusses the intangibles that have helped him achieve his goal of getting to the NFL and have now propelled his goals higher to becoming an impact player in the NFL. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At some point in life, we have to be real with ourselves about the gap between the life we want to live and the life our daily habits are leading us toward. As John Maxwell always says, “So many of us have uphill dreams but downhill habits.” But let me remind you my friends, we are what we continually do. It’s easy to make a commitment, but it can be really hard to stay committed or consistent to that initial commitment when our feelings or busyness or distractions get in the way. How many times have you made that New Year’s resolution to do some form of physical activity every day or read through the Bible chronologically or finish a 365 page devotional just to see your goal fall short by Februrary because “life happened?” We’ve all been there, but in today’s episode we dive deep into how we can begin developing strong habits that will honor the Lord in our daily lives. The most important habit that we touch on today is that of SURRENDER! Sometimes, it’s okay to admit that you don’t have the motivation or strength to get the job done, but thankfully by asking and surrendering to the Holy Spirit, He can and will equip and encourage us in our weakest moments. Today’s Built Different Guest is a man who is passionate about this topic and helping others live a life of IMPACT in all that they do. Our guest today is Lead Pastor of Impact Church in Forest, VA, Pastor Brad Bell. In and throughout this episode, Pastor Brad shares of the faithfulness of God and how he has seen the Lord’s hand and fingerprints all throughout his life even during the painful or waiting seasons. Our prayer is that after listening to today’s epsiode you would be reminded of the Lord’s love for you and be encouraged to continually fight the good fight and stand on the truth of His Word. No matter how difficult it may be, keep pushing, and make sure your habits are steering you toward the life God has always intended for you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you feeling overlooked, under appreciated, and just about ready to throw in the towel? Maybe you have sought to continually do what is right, yet do not feel like the Lord sees you or is pleased by your efforts. Today’s guest Alex Bachman, standout wide receiver at Wake Forrest and current NFL NY Giants player, has experienced all these feelings and more in his journey to the heights of the sporting world. By sharing his testimony, Alex encourages us to keep “fighting the good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12) and to “not grow weary in doing the next right thing” (Galatians 6:9) because even in our darkest moments God will provide the harvest if we “do not give up”. Get a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a professional athlete and be encouraged to lean into your adversity through today’s podcast. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the fast paced, go get it mentality, and hustle oriented society and culture that we found ourselves in, how would you define success? Is it about the fame, the fortune, or the followership? This world does a really good job of constantly preaching discontentment, but what our Built Different Guest today offers us is a message of hope to remind you of what it takes to just be still and know that we serve the One, True, and Living God. Our guest today is Michael Perron. Michael serves as the Minister of Life Recovery at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He describes this position as one that exists to help individuals recover the life that God has always intended for them. In this episode, Michael shares his incredibly moving testimony which reminds us of Mark 8:36 which says, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit His soul?” At a point in time in his life, Michael had everything - the looks, the money, the ladies, and more - but he was the emptiest he’s ever been! Ironically, the Lord used the height of his fitness modeling career as his rock bottom moment where he ran cliniging to Christ where he finally found the joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment he’s always desired. He leaves us with this thought - Are you living a life of success or are you living a life of significance? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you feel like you are caught between two masters: trying to serve yourself and serve God at the same time? Or taking it further, Have you ever felt like you are too far gone for the Lord to use your life in mighty ways? You are too sinful, too broken, or a waste? Today’s guest speaks life and truth into all of these challenges and fears. With a powerful testimony that for the first time in podcast history brings Brooke and Zach to tears, the pastor from Coastal Christian Ocean City in New Jersey and founder of http://TruthOverTrend.com, Matthew Maher, explains that “nothing is wasteful to a God who is faithful”. Matthew shares his journey from a christian household, to professional soccer player, to a career ending ACL and meniscus tear, to the devastating night of March 7th, through five years in prison, and into the freedom and open arms of Jesus. Pastor Matthew’s testimony is one that you will not want to miss: listen and be encouraged to press into the voice of your Savior instead of the voice of your failure. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Did you know that the word “passion” has its roots in the Latin word pati, which means 'to suffer or endure.' Therefore, at the root of passion is suffering. One of the best movies ever made is Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of The Christ”. What most people believe this movie is all about is what most people believe the word Passion is all about - love, adoration, and affection for something. The truth is, yes, that is partially true, however, this movie is actually more about the suffering that Christ endured while on the cross. Jesus had and still has such a passion for His people and therefore He endured great suffering to demonstrate His love for us. Unfortunately, Satan loves to use anything he can to make us feel alone, isolated, overlooked, and even forgotten. Often times, he uses negative experiences, tragic events, toxic relationships, wounds, mistakes, and even bad decisions from our pasts to let the trauma affect the truth we believe about ourselves, others, and even the Lord. Thankfully today’s Built Different Guest, Stu Epperson Jr., is committed and passionate about spreading the light and truth of the gospel of Christ. Stu is the Founder and President of the Truth Network as well as host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Truth Talk Live”. In this episode, Stu joins us to share his personal testimony and how he is continually able to find joy and cling to the truth of God’s Word to help him navigate the challenges and adversity life has thrown his way! Don’t miss this powerful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It is all too easy to get caught up in comparison culture: Do I have enough money? Am I respected enough by my peers? Am I beautiful? Am I worthy? It makes sense that we feel so downcast while looking through the comparison lens because “comparison is the thief of joy”. If you feel caught up in this cycle, our guest today is ready to reaffirm your worth and help you to put a halt to the comparison game through her specific life experience and prowess in the medical arena. Today’s Built Different Guest is Dermatologist Megan Allison talks about why our worth and our beauty is not merely “skin deep”. Megan begins by giving medical advice on how to be good stewards of our body by taking care of our skin, shares her personal battle against acne and how she overcame the physical and mental challenges that came with it, and lastly applied scriptural wisdom to the topic of beauty and comparison. Megan’s unique perspective as a physician assistant gives us deep encouragement to reorient our hearts towards God’s perspective of worth and beauty as she challenges our community to “remember our worth”, that it is “okay to ask for help”, and to “stop the comparison game”. Imagine how you could live differently if you knew the source of your true worth! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if I told you today, the life you’re looking for is WITHIN YOUR REACH? Would you live any differently? Would you work a little harder? Would you love a little deeper? If you’re answer is yes, then what are you waiting for? Today’s podcast episode is all about how you can begin creating the life you want to live through the power of GOOD DECISION MAKING. 1 Kings Chapter 3, Solomon was given one request from the Lord. He could have asked for anything in the world, but he chose to ask for WISDOM. What wisdom can also be viewed as is the ability or skillset in making more effective and beneficial decisions. I’ve heard it said that Decisions determine direction and direction determines destiny. Today’s Built Different Guest understands the weight and affects decision making can have on our lives. Our guest today is Dr. Karl Benzio who is a leading Christian Psychiatrist and serves as the medical director for the American Association of Christian Counselors and is the cofounder and medical director at Honey Lake Clinic as well. Dr. Karl shares his powerful testimony, and he also discusses his SPEARS decision making model with us so we can begin implementing these simple steps into our daily lives and decisions as well. As Dr. Karl mentions in this episode, we have the ability to slow our minds down. There are these steps or space that happens between a stimulus or a situation and our decision or response to it. Viktor Frankl says, “In that space is our power to choose, and in that choice is our freedom and our growth.” What if you were just one or a couple of good decisions away from living a completely different life?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.