2 Pastors and a Mic

What if reading the Bible wasn’t about getting it right - but about letting it transform your life?In this episode of Two Pastors in a Mic, Cory and Channock unpack Cory’s eBook How to Read the Bible. Together they explore what it really means to approach Scripture with curiosity, not certainty - and how understanding covenants, context, and the lens of Jesus changes everything.You’ll hear:🔑 Why “The Bible clearly says…” can sometimes block deeper understanding📜 How to read Scripture through the covenants and the progressive revelation of God🪞 Why Jesus - not literalism - is the clearest lens for interpretation📚 The 5 keys to reading the Bible with wisdom, context, and love❤️ How your reading of Scripture shapes the kind of life - and love - you liveThis episode will challenge how you think about Scripture and inspire you to read with freedom, not fear.👉 Check out Cory's website → saintsnotsinners.com📚 Explore all free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com🌐 Connect with us → hillcity.tv00:00 – Welcome & Listener Shout-Outs01:05 – Prayers for Jamaica & Hurricane Update01:34 – Recap of the “How To” Series and Cory’s 12-eBook Goal03:05 – Encouragement for Creators: Create Even if Only One Listens03:29 – Introducing How to Read the Bible05:04 – Why “The Bible Clearly Says” Can Be Misleading06:25 – Dogmatic Reading vs. Open-Minded Faith07:04 – KJV-Onlyism & the Unicorn Example08:09 – Literalism vs. Contextual Reading09:14 – How the eBook Came From Teaching in the Netherlands10:16 – Understanding Covenants & How They Shape Scripture11:01 – Why So Many People Find the Bible Confusing11:57 – Tips for Starting and Understanding Scripture12:09 – Past Hill City Series That Explored New Covenant Truths13:02 – “Anchored” Series and Being Rooted in Jesus Not Just Scripture14:04 – How You Read the Bible Shapes Your Life and View of God15:10 – Introducing the Five Keys to Reading the Bible Well15:33 – Balancing Love for Scripture and Openness to Growth16:12 – Confirmation Bias and Seeking Reassurance vs. Truth17:06 – Approach Scripture with Curiosity Not Certainty17:24 – Hermeneutics, Exegesis, and Eisgesis Explained18:01 – Key 1: Understand the Covenants18:46 – Key 2: God Reveals Himself Progressively21:06 – Why Contradictions in Scripture Don’t Scare Us22:29 – Key 3: Jesus Is the Lens of Scripture23:07 – How Paul Misused Scripture Before Meeting Jesus23:38 – Mini Debate: Was Saul Really a Murderer?25:06 – Key 4: The Bible Uses Many Literary Forms26:39 – Key 5: Scripture Interprets Scripture (It All Connects)27:51 – Learning Hebrew Idioms and Hidden Meanings28:26 – Why This eBook Is a Simple 25-Minute Guide29:31 – Reflection Questions for Personal Study31:04 – Final Encouragement and Closing Blessing

What if great marriages aren’t found - they’re built?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock unpack Cory’s free eBook “How to Have the Marriage You’ve Always Dreamed Of.” Together they explore what it really means to build a healthy, thriving relationship rooted in communication, patience, and kindness - rather than comparison or perfection.You’ll hear:💍 Why marriage takes work - but doesn’t have to feel hard❤️ The real meaning of being “equally yoked” (it’s more than faith labels)💬 Why unspoken expectations are the silent killer of relationships😂 A hilarious “love language” story you won’t forget🔥 How to keep fun, adventure, and connection alive after years together🧠 10 practical ways to strengthen your marriage and reignite intimacyWhether you’re single, engaged, or married for decades, this episode will help you see marriage as a living, growing partnership built on grace, communication, and intentionality.👉 Download How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder (Free eBook) → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/marriage📚 Explore all free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com🌐 Connect with us → hillcity.tv00:00 - Intro & Welcome01:01 - Listener Feedback & Quiet Room Reflections02:26 - The Reframe Sermon Series Update03:20 - Transition to Marriage Topic04:08 - Introducing “How to Have the Marriage You’ve Always Dreamed Of”05:00 - Why Marriage Takes Work05:45 - Past Marriage Sermon Series Highlights07:01 - The Four Knowings of Love (1 Corinthians 13)07:49 - The Love Languages Story (and a Funny Misunderstanding)08:43 - The Power of Communication: Timing, Tone, and Turf09:45 - Communication Is Lubrication10:30 - Marriage Requires Work & Growth11:00 - The Most Important Decision You’ll Ever Make12:02 - Redefining “Unequally Yoked”13:00 - Three Marriage Phrases That Need Reframing14:40 - Communication, Expectations, and the Silent Killer of Marriage16:00 - Root Issues Beneath Finances and Sex17:02 - The Danger of Comparison18:42 - Finding Your Normal in Marriage19:13 - What You Give Determines What You Get19:45 - Be Fun & Keep Creating Experiences21:37 - Schedule Margin for Marriage22:50 - Great Marriages Are Built, Not Found23:40 - Reflection Questions for Singles & Married Couples25:00 - Closing Encouragement: Love from a Place of Being Loved25:17 - You Are Loved (Sign-off)

What if success was never about climbing the ladder - but learning to redefine it altogether?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock kick off a brand-new 12-week series walking through Cory’s free eBooks, starting with “How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder.” Together they challenge the cultural obsession with achievement, status, and performance, offering a refreshing perspective rooted in identity, peace, and purpose.You’ll hear:🪜 Why success isn’t about climbing higher - it’s about going deeper💭 How to define success for yourself (and why you must write it down)💬 The power of positive self-talk and believing what God believes about you👥 Why relationships matter more than recognition🔥 The story of Bundini Brown and how to find “corner people” who believe in you⚖️ Ten practical ways to live successfully without hurry, pressure, or comparisonIf you’ve ever felt like you’re striving but never arriving, this episode will help you reimagine success through grace, joy, and wholeness.👉 Download How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder (Free eBook) → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/howtohavesuccess📚 Explore all free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com🌐 Connect with us → hillcity.tv00:00 - Intro & Welcome01:00 - Listener Questions & New Series Setup02:26 - 12 Free eBooks Overview03:56 - Why “How to Have Success Without Climbing the Ladder”05:09 - The Pressure to Perform & Redefining Success05:29 - How Do You Define Success?06:31 - Success in Different Life Roles07:27 - Defining Success as Husband & Father08:42 - Success as a Pastor09:29 - Personal Success: Peace & Purpose10:06 - Step 1: Define Success for Yourself11:01 - The Five Words That Define Success11:41 - Most People Link Success to Money12:49 - Step 2: Know Who You Are (Identity)13:11 - Step 3: Practice Positive Self-Talk14:21 - Step 4: Create What You Love15:23 - Why Everyone Is Creative16:00 - Do What You Love — And Love What You Do16:02 - Step 5: Find and Keep the Right Relationships17:01 - The Story of Bundini Brown & Muhammad Ali18:07 - Step 6: Stay Curious and Talk Less18:29 - Step 7: Celebrate Small Victories18:36 - Step 8: Practice Gratitude and Contentment19:45 - Step 9: Criticize Less, Affirm More20:44 - Step 10: Eliminate Hurry from Your Life21:20 - Success, Margin, and the Bourbon Metaphor22:22 - Success Is the Journey, Not the Destination23:37 - Reflection Questions for the Listener25:00 - You Are Already Enough (Final Encouragement)

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock close out their series on Enough Already with Chapters 14 & 15 - “Rethinking Church” and “Letting Go of the Mic.” They unpack what it means to be the church beyond Sunday services and how freedom comes when you release the need for performance and control.You’ll hear:🏠 How ReLife was born from a dream to serve the community beyond the building❤️ Why loving without strings attached is the most radical form of church🕊 The long, messy, and beautiful process of shifting from frustration to fruit🌎 What it looks like when passion meets purpose in real-world impact🎤 Why “letting go of the mic” isn’t quitting - it’s trusting God enough to share the stageThis episode will inspire you to see church differently, lead with love, and rest in the freedom of who you already are.👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already...📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Intro & Welcome 01:03 - First Lions Game Recap 02:45 - Book Finale Setup (Ch. 14–15) 03:39 - Banter & Pastor Appreciation 04:12 - Rethinking Church (Ch. 14) 05:24 - Birth of ReLife: Church Beyond Sundays 08:44 - Providence Moment: The Stove Story 10:33 - From 2018 to Now: The Long Process 13:36 - Both/And Church: Serving as “Church” 15:03 - Letting Go of the Mic (Ch. 15) 18:07 - Finale Reading: “Enough Already” 19:30 - Events & Invites 20:23 - You Are Loved (Sign-off)

What if success in ministry isn’t measured by numbers - but by love?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 12 & 13 of Enough Already - Mind the Fields and Lead with Love, Not Metrics. Together they unpack how healed identity reshapes the way we see people and how redefining success changes the way we lead.You’ll hear:🌱 Why every person carries love and divinity - even if they don’t know it👀 How to see others through the lens of Christ-in-you🧮 The “whiteboard moment” when metrics were erased for good❤️ Why stories of care matter more than Sunday numbers💡 Practical ways to measure success by love, not outcomesThis episode will encourage you to rethink how you see people and how you define success - in ministry, leadership, and life.👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already...📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Welcome Back & Listener Shout-Outs01:21 - Worship Live Recording Announcement (Nov 18)03:00 - Why We’re Doing This Series04:34 - Ch. 12: “Mind the Fields” — Seeing People Differently06:00 - The Three Fields: People, Provision & Perseverance08:22 - Christ in Everyone (Acts 17: “God’s Offspring”)09:20 - Reveal Jesus in People, Not to People11:53 - Ch. 13: Lead with Love, Not Metrics15:00 - The Whiteboard Moment: Erasing the Numbers15:34 - Sunday Is a Part, Not the Pinnacle16:20 - Measure Stories & Care, Not Attendance18:00 - Redefining Success Across Ministries19:47 - Youth Ministry Stories & Lessons20:52 - Free eBooks & New Release Schedule21:11 - Closing Challenge: Find Love & Divinity in Everyone22:01 - “Call No One Unclean” (Acts 10:28)23:05 - Outro

What if the greatest act of faith isn’t calming the storm - but resting in it?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 10 & 11 of Enough Already - Margin Saved My Life and Make Your Bed in the Boat. Together they explore the importance of building margin, fighting burnout, and learning to embrace rest as holy, not lazy.You’ll hear:🌱 How margin became a lifeline during sabbatical and beyond📅 Practical tools for scheduling relational, resource, and reflection time⚡ Why living without margin leads to hurry, burnout, and heaviness🌊 The Gospel story that redefines faith - not in calming storms, but in joining Jesus at rest💡 Why rest changes your perspective, your leadership, and your relationshipsThis episode will encourage you to rethink margin and discover peace in the midst of chaos.👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Intro & Audience Feedback00:28 - Book Promotion & Gratitude01:00 - Processing While Podcasting01:28 - Wild Week Recap & Julia’s Sermon02:00 - Women’s Retreat & Shoutout to Pastor Linda02:27 - Forgiving Yourself & Practical “4 Rs”02:34 - Transition to Chapters 10 & 1103:15 - Chapter 10: Margin Saved My Life03:42 - Looking Back to Episode 2: “Get You Some”04:36 - Developing Margin During Sabbatical05:55 - Leadership Weight During COVID Season06:42 - Matthew 11:28 and the Call to Rest07:11 - Tears in the Parking Lot & Ministry Pressure07:31 - Learning to Create Intentional Margin08:45 - Fighting the Feeling of Laziness09:36 - Burnout, Bandwidth & Boundaries10:07 - Burnout: Who You Do It With Matters10:46 - How to Schedule Margin Practically11:46 - The Three Non-Negotiables: Relational, Resource, Reflection Time12:28 - Importance of Date Nights & Relational Time13:00 - Resource & Reflection Practices for Renewal13:58 - Scheduling Margin as Non-Negotiable14:45 - Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry15:22 - Slow Living & Easy and Light Living15:49 - Chapter 11: Make Your Bed in the Boat16:17 - The Gospel Story of Jesus Sleeping in the Storm17:19 - The True Act of Faith: Resting with Jesus18:46 - Learning to Trust the Journey19:19 - Rest as Holy, Not Lazy20:41 - Episode 84 Throwback: Boat & Mattress Sermon21:33 - Rest vs. Laziness & The Importance of Peace22:11 - Tattoo Story & Rest as a Life Motto22:34 - Chapter 11 as a Book Turning Point23:06 - The Shift Toward Peace and Perspective23:38 - Dance in the Fountain Story from Sabbatical24:25 - Closing Reflections: Live Light, Live Free25:34 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

What drains the soul and what restores it?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock unpack Chapters 8 & 9 of Enough Already - What Brings A Soul Back To Life? and I Can’t Do This Alone. Together, they dive into the impact of social media, division, and image management on the soul, and why honesty, grace, and connection are the real nutrients we all need.You’ll hear:💭 Honest reflections on division, leadership, and social media pressure🤝 How relationships and reconciliation reflect the way of Jesus⚡ Why grace and truth are not opposites but inseparable in Christ🌱 The 22 relational nutrients that transform marriages, friendships, and leadership🙌 Practical ways to ask for what you need and build deeper connectionsThis episode will help you breathe again - reminding you that your soul thrives in safe, grace-filled relationships.👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Intro & Welcome00:20 - Reviews, Reverse Psychology & Book Plug00:55 - Free eBooks & Resources Mention01:01 - Processing a Heavy Week01:16 - Sunday Sermon Recap: Polar Opposites at the Table01:42 - Leadership Stress & Wanting to Quit02:16 - Online Division & Social Media Turmoil02:49 - Friend’s Post: Focus on Family & Faithfulness03:38 - Processing an Assassination & Public Division04:33 - Christianity & Empire Warning05:00 - Private Conversations vs. Online Reactions05:19 - Minority Voices & Algorithmic Division05:55 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Insight: “I Only Know in Part”06:42 - Segue to Chapters 8 & 9: Relationships Matter07:15 - Jesus Calling Simon the Zealot & Matthew the Tax Collector08:08 - Doing Life Together Despite Differences08:40 - Relationships & Unity Over Division09:08 - Chapter 8: What Kills a Soul, What Restores a Soul09:43 - Honesty, Grace & Connection as Soul Restorers10:26 - Kingdom Message: Reconciliation & Identity10:28 - Grace and Truth Are Not Opposites11:32 - Jesus as Grace and Truth in One12:11 - Calling Out Without Relationship13:00 - Image Management & Soul Exhaustion13:42 - The Soul Thrives on Grace, Connection & Honesty14:09 - Do We Need to Share Opinions Online?14:22 - Value of Relationships & Dialogue with Grace15:06 - Chapter 9: I Can’t Do This Alone15:20 - Relational Needs & John Townsend’s 22 Nutrients16:04 - The Challenge of Asking for What You Need17:00 - Examples: Celebration, Affirmation, Containment18:33 - Group Therapy & The Power of Asking Directly20:05 - How Relational Nutrients Changed Marriage & Counseling21:00 - Removing “I Don’t Know” & Naming Needs21:32 - Using This Framework in Marriage & Leadership22:23 - Most People Don’t Need Advice, They Need Presence23:56 - Clarifying Needs for Better Care & Resources25:23 - Why This Approach Is a Cheat Code for Connection26:19 - Closing Thoughts: Put It Into Practice26:44 - Resources, Books & Local Cohort Invite27:17 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

What does it really mean to accept your weaknesses and still move forward with strength?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 6 & 7 of Enough Already - The Power of Integration and You’ve Worn These Shoes Well. Together, they explore what it looks like to accept negative realities, share vulnerably, and ultimately make choices from freedom instead of pressure.You’ll hear:💭 Honest struggles with selfishness, criticism, and body image⚡ Why integration is about acceptance and growth🙌 How vulnerability creates stronger connections and bonds👟 The pivotal moment of choosing ministry by choice, not obligation🎬 Lessons from Ted Lasso on being real and building trustThis conversation is raw, encouraging, and practical - helping you see that your weaknesses don’t disqualify you; they make you human.👉 Grab Enough Already on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068📚 Free eBooks & resources → https://coryrice.gumroad.com/🌐 Connect with us → https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Intro & Audience Welcome00:45 - Reviews, Support & Superman Feedback01:00 - Question of the Week & Football Talk01:43 - Cory’s Ninth eBook Release02:47 - Upcoming Cohort & Open Spots03:08 - Preface to Chapters 6 & 703:34 - Chapter 6: The Power of Integration04:18 - Accepting Negative Realities05:55 - Knowledge vs. Communication Struggles08:22 - Admitting Selfishness & Personal Weaknesses09:42 - Excellence vs. Good Enough10:53 - Body Image & Self-Acceptance12:12 - Criticism, Leadership & Growth13:45 - Hyper-Critical Lens & Finding Contentment15:13 - Inappropriateness & Excuses15:59 - Vulnerability & Group Therapy Insights17:22 - Honoring the Journey & Messy Parts18:42 - Ted Lasso Example of Vulnerability20:32 - Chapter 7: You’ve Worn These Shoes Well21:20 - Pastoral Pressure & Considering Other Paths23:00 - Exploring Career Alternatives24:19 - Choosing Ministry by Choice, Not Obligation25:46 - Book Impact & Recommendations26:39 - Closing Challenge: Find Safe People27:30 - Local Event Announcement28:03 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

Why do we keep thinking happiness is always in the next season?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 4 & 5 of Enough Already - Destination Addiction and Imposter Syndrome. These two struggles often keep us from living fully in the present and embracing who we already are.You’ll hear:⏳ What “destination addiction” really is and how it robs us of joy💭 The 5 types of imposter syndrome (and which ones we struggle with most)🙌 Practical ways to celebrate small wins and be where your feet are👀 Honest behind-the-scenes stories of leadership, family life, and faith⚡ Why awareness is powerful but celebration is essentialThis episode will encourage you to slow down, embrace the season you’re in, and release the pressure of “should” so you can live free and fully present.📚 Get Channock’s book Enough Already: [https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068]📚 Download Cory’s free ebook: [https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/emotionallywhole]🌐 Learn more about ReLife or get involved: https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Welcome & Audience Shoutouts00:38 - Football Season & Family Life01:00 - Podcast Support & Gratitude01:55 - Shoutout to Lissa in the Netherlands02:50 - Ministry Blueprints & Invitation03:15 - Chapters 4 & 5: Destination Addiction & Imposter Syndrome03:31 - Previous Sermons & Podcast Episodes04:23 - Processing These Topics Over Years05:00 - Discovering the Language of Imposter Syndrome06:16 - Destination Addiction Explained07:30 - If/Then Thinking & Lack of Contentment08:58 - Personal Struggles with Destination Addiction10:00 - Celebrating One vs. Chasing More12:16 - Parenting, Seasons of Life & Contentment13:02 - Emotional Growth as Climbing the Mountain13:48 - Celebrating Milestones vs. Always Wanting More14:50 - Applying Celebration to Everyday Life15:20 - Imposter Syndrome Overview (5 Types)15:53 - Superman Struggles & Perfectionism16:43 - Cory’s Expert Imposter17:27 - Growth, Flexibility & Ongoing Struggles18:35 - Leadership, Capacity & Saying No20:23 - Balancing Roles & Communication Challenges21:23 - Process, Shame & Pool Stories22:03 - Celebration Practices & Counseling Insights23:39 - Be Where Your Feet Are24:50 - Closing Thoughts & Next Week’s Preview25:27 - Final Encouragement: You Are Loved

What happens when the voice of should runs your life?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock unpack Chapters 2 and 3 of Enough Already - The Shame of Should and I Got Robbed. Together they explore how shame-driven expectations steal our joy, how people-pleasing and performance pressure shape our decisions, and how to reclaim freedom in the present moment.You’ll hear:😔 The hidden weight of “should” and how it shapes identity🙋 Stories of people-pleasing, performance, and insecurity😂 Karaoke, dancing, and other ways shame robs us of joy💡 Why awareness is 50% of the battle in overcoming shame🙌 How to find joy in the season you once prayed forThis episode will challenge you to ask: What areas of my life are being robbed by shame? And it will encourage you to reclaim joy, presence, and freedom right where you are.📚 Get Channock’s book Enough Already: [https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Already-Private-Performance-Freedom/dp/1966818068]📚 Download Cory’s free ebook: [https://coryrice.gumroad.com/l/emotionallywhole]🌐 Learn more about ReLife or get involved: https://thepowerofre.com00:00 - Intro & Shoutouts01:01 - Soccer Season & Senior Year Reflections01:41 - Sharing the Podcast & New Listeners02:27 - Rethinking God with Tacos Connection02:50 - Diving into Enough Already (Ch. 2 & 3)03:05 - The Shame of Should04:01 - Gathering Stories of Shame05:51 - People-Pleasing & Early Influences07:22 - Pressure to Always Have the Answer08:59 - Overcompensating in Other Areas09:59 - Impromptu vs. Over-Prepared Speaking11:10 - Cory’s “Should” of Always Doing More12:58 - Ministry Pressure & Workload Shame14:18 - Fear of Not Knowing or Communicating Enough15:55 - Awareness & Work in Progress16:31 - Transition to Chapter 3: I Got Robbed17:22 - Karaoke, Dancing & Shame Stealing Joy18:41 - Competitiveness & Losing Joy in Winning20:24 - What’s Robbing Joy in This Season?22:04 - Changing Perspective & Reclaiming Joy22:48 - Closing Reflection: Mindset & Freedom23:35 - Book Invitation & Final Thoughts24:37 - You’re Loved & Nothing Can Change That