Strong By Design Podcast

Send us a textEver meet someone and after just 5 minutes they feel like an old friend?Our guest today on the Strong By Design podcast, Adam Kovar, is a Marine Corp Veteran, Patriot, husband, father and hardworking entrepreneur. He is a guy that you instantly feel connection with if you love our country, what it stands for and why it's worth fighting for. And there is nothing better at bringing people together for hours than a warm fire on a cool night. At Rise Up Con in the beautiful mountains of southeast Tennessee, hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley had the good pleasure of seeing Adam's MYFIRESIDE booth. An amazing display of handcrafted, made in the USA firepits. The kind of firepits that make you want to sit down with people you know (or don't know) and engage in hours of conversation beside a roaring fire. But his firepits are like nothing you've ever seen before...His story of meeting actor, tv host and true patriot, Kirk Cameron, by the roadside a few years back is absolutely amazing. Sometimes in life it's just about hard work, passion and grit... and of course meeting a guy with 3.5 million followers on Facebook!  If you want the BEST FIREPIT EVER, you have to visit Adam's website and take a peek at the incredible firepits he makes himself and sells from his garage. We can't wait to get our own customized pits. You will never have a boring fire again! Please enjoy our final conversation of the event with our new friend Adam."Small business patriotic entrepreneurs are the solution to turn the tide back!" -Adam KovarTime Stamps0:50 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast01:10 - Get to know today's special guest, Adam Kovar02:30 - What is Adam's purpose behind his Firepit creations?6:00 - God intervenes and brings a passionate Firepit Enthusiast, Kirk Cameron, to Adam8:00 - What is the American Campfire Revival?09:24 - Success doesn't happen overnight11:00 - Different ways to minister and spread God's word13:00 - Overcoming Fear, Fighting the Good Fight, and Finding Hope14:00 - How You Can Support Adam's BusinessResources:MYFIRESIDE.comConnect with Adam:InstagramFacebookSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textOur past does not define our character or determine our future.While this sentiment is simply said, it is terribly difficult to believe and follow through with. Unfortunately, some of us can never seem to overcome our past.Today's guest on the Strong By Design podcast is a living testament to the power of turning your life over to God. After years of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, Rob believed his life was a complete failure and beyond repair. He even went as far as attempting suicide but miraculously he was saved.Now he's an award-winning author, speaker, producer, actor and TV host. In his book, Cruising Toward Heaven, Rob talks about redemption and devoting your life to God in service of others. This conversation will make you cry, give you goose bumps and get you Fired Up! Get ready for the one and only Rob Ekno."Lord, please give me the words to write in this book to glorify you."  -Rob EknoTime Stamps0:22 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast0:45 - Get to know today's special guest, Rob Ekno, award-winning author, screenwriter, broadcaster and speaker2:30 - Rob shares his story from drug addict and alcoholic to award-winning author6:00 - Rob thanks the cop who changed everything9:15 - Beneath the surface: Unseen ways we make a difference14:05 - Answering God's call: Rob's journey from a D in English to Author24:04 - Discover Rob's mission beyond book sales30:11 - The importance of spiritual protection for teenagers34:24 - The power of teaching people to be followers of the Spirit38:58 - Host Jared shares powerful stories from his pastoral experiences43:01 - 'Cruising Toward Heaven': Rob's testimony of God's glory49:00 - Why you should prepare for the eternal rather than the temporary52:26 - The power of trusting God's provisionResources:RobEkno.comGet your copy of Cruising Toward HeavenConnect with Rob:FacebookInstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textStorytelling is an art form that has stood the test of time.From sitting around a campfire listening to spooky stories and tales of legendary heroism, to a family gathered around a giant radio in the 1930s listening to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes or Abbott and Costello, the audio experience invites imagination and evokes excitement.Live from Rise Up Con, hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson had the opportunity to speak with Darby Kern and Micah Touchet, audio producers for the Jake Muller Adventures, an action packed audio drama series and Callie Sioux, creator of the 1232 audio epic, which is a time-travel medieval fantasy audio adventure for all ages.Get to know these amazing people, how passionate they are about their work and what it takes to produce a top notch audio drama. "There's a lack of family-friendly content available in media."  -Callie SiouxTime Stamps00:35 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast00:58 - Get to know today's special guests, Darby Kern & Micah Touchet02:20 - Darby and Micah introduce 'The Jake Muller Adventures' and how the audio drama came to life05:21 - The art of casting: Journey to finding the perfect actors for audio drama09:55 - Who 'The Jake Muller Adventures' is for?11:30 -  Connect with Us! Follow 'The Jake Muller Adventures' on Social Media13:53 - Welcome our next guest, Callie Sioux of '1232: An Audio Epic'15:28 - Callie shares what makes '1232' special 20:34 - Discover how spirituality is woven into the show25:50 - The joy and nostalgia of listening to old-time radio shows26:50 - 1232: Ongoing saga or completed story? 29:00 - Where you can go to connect with Callie Sioux and get FREE contentResources:JakeMullerAdventures.com1232 Audio EpicConnect with Darby & Micah:InstagramFacebookConnect with Callie Sioux:InstagramFacebookSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textSitting down with humble, sincere and genuine people never gets old.Today on the Strong By Design podcast hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson are blessed to speak with animator and story teller Davy Liu and award winning actor Ben Davies.Live from Rise Up Con in Sevierville, TN., these two men are using their amazing talents to spread God's truth through storytelling. Davy Liu, an outstanding animator who worked for Disney for several years on projects like Mulan, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast decided it was time to do things his way.  Now he uses Jesus as the example in his storytelling on screen and in his children's books. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." His character 'Kendu' comes from this powerful scripture.Ben Davies, an award-winning actor from films Courageous, Fearless Faith, I'm Not Ashamed, Vindication and many more might be one of the kindest, most humble people you ever meet. Interestingly Ben was also a top-level athlete, at one time he was ranked the No. 1 high school decathlete in the country and went on to collegiate track and field at the University of Florida. Ben has landed the lead role in twenty feature films while earning awards and nominations for 'Best Male Actor" in five film festivals.Hope you enjoy our conversations with these extraordinary men!"Our God is almighty. He creates everything with excellence."  -Davy LiuTime Stamps00:47 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast1:10 - Get to know today's special guests, Actor Ben Davies & Animator Davy Liu1:35 - Actor Ben Davies shares his faith through film03:36 - The hard work behind movie magic11:14 - Ben's next big thing: Future roles and upcoming projects16:31 - Ben on boosting your child's growth with sports22:41 - Creating magic beyond Disney: How Davy Liu transitioned from Disney to Kendu Films24:28 - Why Davy left Disney to serve a higher purpose 26:05 - Exciting internship opportunity at Kendu Films!27:25 - Davy's children's books: Classic stories of Faith, told from the animal's perspectiveResources:RiseUpCon.comConnect with Davy:InstagramKenduFilmsConnect with Ben:InstagramFacebookSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textWelcome to the First Ever RISE UP CON, Where Fandom Becomes Faith.Ever heard of ComicCon... where all of the Star Wars, Star Trek and comic book super fans pour into San Diego's convention center by the thousands for days on end every year?  Well, actor, director, and author Kevin Sorbo (Hercules '95-'99) thought having a similar atmosphere for Christian actors, writers, producers, musicians, creators, and entrepreneurs was needed. After having Kevin on the Strong By Design podcast in 2023, our team decided it was a great opportunity to attend the first ever event and surround ourselves with men and women influencing American culture in a positive way while also standing firm in their Christian faith.This special compilation episode highlights some of the many interactions, interviews, conversations and events that took place at the Strong By Design booth in Sevierville Convention Center, just outside of Knoxville, TN. Hosts Jared Haley and Chris Wilson were honored to participate and meet people from all over the country spreading the Gospel and the love of Christ.If you would like to learn more about the recent event from May 30-June 1st, here is the link, RiseUpCon.com"God is a Creator. We're created in His image. We are designed to create." -Jared HaleyTime Stamps00:16 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast01:18 - What is RiseUP Con?2:55 - Former Disney animator Davy Liu on using our talents to glorify and serve the King of Kings4:56 - The 'Jake Muller Adventures' with Darby and Micah: What to expect in this adrenaline fueled audio drama5:58 - Faith on Film with actor Ben Davies9:45 -  PROVERBS 22:6 - Jared Moon speaks about breaking the cycle of generational incarceration 12:39 - Meet Lucas of 'WWE Bros' - future superstar ;)14:25 - Inside the jungle life of the 'Wild Brothers'16:41 - Choice42.com: Where women and babies matter with Laura Klassen18:40 - Listen to 1232: an audio epic podcast by Callie Sioux22:25 - Why MYFIRESIDE pits are real men essential with Adam KovarResources:RiseUpCon.comSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textThe journey of creating ‘The Lion Within Us’ has been fueled by Chris Grainger’s desire to help others and glorify God.  He is blessed to be in several leadership positions in a professional and spiritual capacity. First and foremost, He is a devoted husband to a loving wife. Together, they lead a family of three beautiful girls and one amazing son. There was a point in time where Chris's life was spiraling out of control and he felt helpless. By the Grace of God, he was able to take inventory of his life, analyze and improve habits, and become the man that God had called him to be. Though he has faced difficult storms involving love and loss, he has been blessed beyond measure and God has never left his side. He wants to use his testimony to encourage others and let them know that they too can find joy and fulfillment in the midst of the most difficult storm.On this episode of the Strong by Design Podcast, Chris and host Jared Haley discuss the importance of father's being the spiritual leader in the home, as opposed to outsourcing it to the local schools or church. What does this look like practically? Listen and learn how you can be intentional in these areas, and allowing God to reveal his design for the family."Let's view our calendar through the lens of priorities, and put the big rocks in first." — Chris GraingerTime Stamps  00:41 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast02:24 - Get to know today's special guest, Chris Grainger, founder of 'The Lion Within Us'07:37 - Leading with Faith: Chris on the father's role in a family 10:40 - What does spiritual leadership look like in the home?15:27 - Chris on viewing your calendar through a Christian lens19:50 - What is the number one thing holding dads back from jumping in and being intentional? 21:22 - Why we need to disconnect to reconnect27:08 - Digital safety 101: How to protect kids from sexual immorality32:00 - Preventing porn exposure: Why sex education matters37:51 - Chosen to lead: Dads and their spiritual responsibility 49:15 - Why it's important to pray with (and for) your spouse52:23 - Ready to UNLEASH the LION within? Connect with Chris GraingerResources:·       TheLionWithin.UsConnect w/ Chris: ·       YouTube·       Instagram·       FacebookSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textTyrannosaurus Rex, Brontosaurus, Velociraptor, Triceratops… all fake?!? No way?! It can’t be?! What about all of the fossils they’ve found over the past 150+ years? Why would the Smithsonian and other institutions ever promote an extinct animal species that never really existed? What did they have to gain? We all grew up learning about the amazing, wonderful and terrifying world of the dinosaur. Giant reptiles that roamed the earth 25-65 million years ago and have been extinct for as long. Geez! How did their bones survive such a long period of time and stay fully intact? Why do we never find an entire dinosaur but instead just a few bones here and there… but we’ve filled in the gaps with such detail? Why do museums all over the world never show the actual bones but replicas of the ‘real thing’ and the real bones are tucked away somewhere else? Why is there nothing recorded about dinosaurs before 1842?And what about ‘Giants’? Supersized people that may have existed in many different cultures all over the globe in various time periods that ranged from 7 to over 10 feet tall? Is everyone just telling fairy tales and stories or did extra-large people or human-like creatures once walk the planet?These are all great questions that the Tin Foil Hat Club will investigate in the 2nd Conspiracy Theory episode here on the Strong By Design podcast show! And we just scratched the surface with our third topic of debate… to be continued!"Once you accept the premise, your mind is then trying to create truth from that premise." — Stephen OhocinskiTime Stamps  00:37 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast 01:01 - Get to know today's special guests, the Tin Foil Hat Club 04:07 - Last time with the Tin Foil Hat Club: Popular conspiracy recap!  06:30 - How stories change the world 08:15 - Conspiracy theory #1: Dinosaurs never existed? 12:01 - How what you believe shapes what you conspire 13:41 - Meet the man who invented the dinosaur 24:41 - Cui Bono? Exploring the motives behind dinosaur fakery 35:19 - 'Is Genesis History?': How science connects to the Bible 36:00 - The Tin Foil Hat Club's take on reimagining a dinosaur-free world  39:53 - Conspiracy theory #2: Were giant humans real? 48:44 - How the society benefits from hoaxing giant people 56:10 - Understanding the 'Slow Drip' theory 57:47 - Conspiracy theory #3: The unsolved mystery of JonBenét Ramsey… to be continued  Resources:Got Questions or other good topics? Email us at strongbydesignpodcast@gmail.com Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textPastor Daryl Black delivered a message several months ago titled 'Biblical Sexuality - You Asked For It' This message at Grace Family Church in Florida is based on feedback from the congregation... what did they want the church to talk about. His words are truthful, kind and powerful. Our host Jared Haley attends GFC and found the message to be one of the best he's ever heard on the topic. Today he and host Chris Wilson dig deeper on what biblical sexuality is and what it means to us now in a time of confusion.Pastor Daryl believes the only controversial subjects are the ones we aren't willing to talk about with both grace and truth. We are truly honored to have him on the show!Side Note - Pastor Daryl was an X Factor contestant several years ago and we open the show discussing this amazing adventure. As you will discover in the video link below, his voice is phenomenal.Biblical Sexuality | You Asked For It Wk# 3| Daryl BlackFrom the GFC Florida page on YouTube...No matter who you are, you are an image bearer of God! He created you with glory, dignity, purpose, and diversity. You are fearfully and wonderfully made."We don't let them choose what food to eat. We don't let them choose whether or not they're going to go to school. But we're going to let them pick their gender for the rest of their life." — Pastor Daryl BlackTime Stamps00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast01:45 - Get to know today's special guest, Pastor Daryl Black06:38 - Pastor Daryl shares his 'X Factor' audition story18:25 - The power of worship: Pastor Daryl on connecting with God through music21:56 - From California to Florida: Pastor Daryl's calling to Grace Family Church27:40 - The 'WHY' behind his unique service sign-offs31:33 - The TV effect: How transgender representation shapes society35:13 - Transgenderism's impact: Why it's stronger on the younger generation40:50 - Pastor Daryl's challenge to believers: Standing firm in God's truth47:44 - Understanding the push for transgenderism55:05 - Will you follow God or follow yourself?59:58 - Pastor Daryl on discerning God's truth vs. worldly truth1:06:11 - Why listening is an act of Faith1:13:23 - Why you shouldn't let your fear keep you from God's truthConnect with Pastor Daryl:FacebookInstagramYouTubeSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textToday’s guest on the Strong By Design podcast can help you create space in your mind. Scott Paglia is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine in Bellingham, WA. Scott got into acupuncture and herbs after almost dying in South Korea while pursuing the practice of meditation. Over the decades since his early pursuits, Scott has met many great teachers and applied their teaching to his practice. He has focused most of his studies on neuroplasticity and the effect meditation has on the nervous system. Find out in today’s episode how to simply begin the practice of meditation.FUN FACT: Scott has actually been into meditation since he was in middle school until the present moment."As thoughts lessen, as that peace increases, part of that comes back with you."— Scott PagliaTime Stamps  00:45 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast 03:24 - Get to know today's special guest, Scott Paglia 05:13 - Scott shares his early love for meditation and his journey into Chinese medicine 10:10 - How to hear your inner voice through meditation 13:01 - Discover how consistent meditation changed his mind and body over time 16:00 - Scott discusses common reasons for acupuncture visit, top conditions treated, and the treatment plans they offer 22:01 - Acupuncture 101: Here's what you can expect during a treatment 29:14 - The cons of Western medicine 36:09 - The difference between traditional Eastern and modern Western healthcare practices 42:18 - Healing from the root: Why choose Acupuncture Health Center? 44:04 - The healing power of meditation 51:30 - One minute to spare? Learn how to meditate with these tips! 1:04:51 - How are you managing your resources? 1:11:32 - Where you can go to connect with Scott Paglia  Resources:·       Acupuncture Health Center Connect w/ Scott:·       Instagram·       Facebook Support the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Send us a textWe all have moments of doubt in our lives. Times when we feel God has abandoned us or that we are separated from God. So, is it okay to have these feelings, is it normal to have these thoughts?Have you ever asked the question:Why me Lord? How can God be good if He let this happen to me? Why would a good God let that happen to someone else? Has God forsaken me? Am I under attack right now? Why am I struggling to believe in God right now?In this episode on the Strong By Design podcast, hosts Chris Wilson and Jared Haley talk about doubting our faith in God, what it looks like to experience feelings of unbelief, questioning God’s plan for our life and feeling like we are under attack."It's okay to question. It's okay to wrestle.... It's okay to have emotions with God that isn't just all lovey-dovey." — Jared HaleyThe Great Commission even mentions doubt…Matthew 28: 16-2016 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”2 Timothy 4:3-4  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. Time Stamps  00:40 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' Podcast 03:40 - Hosts Jared and Chris' perspective on the act of questioning God 05:42 - Jared reveals how he came to accept questioning and wrestling with God 17:19 - How wrestling with God helps you grow spiritually 18:40 - The importance of feeling safe to question 20:58 - Chris and Jared discuss the connection between science and faith  23:43 - Is it possible for a Christian to doubt God and still have Faith? 40:24 - Bible verses about Faith and Doubt 50:03 - What does Jesus mean by 'Whatever You Ask in My Name' in John 14:13-14? 54:00 - Who is the greatest man in history? 57:21 - Struggling with doubt? The power of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance Resources:·         The Bible App  Connect w/ Chris & Jared:·         Instagram - Chris·         Instagram - Jared·         Facebook - Chris·         Facebook - JaredSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com