Christian and Ben Gaukrodger have a lot in common: they both have construction in their background and they're both married to well-known women who are on-stage a lot. Ben is married to singer-songwriter and worship leader, Taya, and yet many people don't know what he looks like, but this could also be that he's not on social media and never has been — and he's fine with it! Ben admits he didn't know who Taya was when he first met her — but he pursued her, waited three years to start dating her and that taught him so much about trusting God, not just for what's in front of you, but trusting Him for what He said! Ben talks about how to love your neighbor in a time where it doesn't seem like people don't care about others and that he feels one thing people miss is ACTION and how going that extra mile speaks louder than words in evangelism. Christian wants to hear about Ben and Taya's move from Australia to California, and Ben shares what some of the biggest adjustments have been to living in a new country, including getting used to all the words and phrases we use!  --

Christian has a particular beef with his guest today: Michael Byron works for Delta, lives in Atlanta, yet has never visited Monroe, a 1-hr flight away? Michael defends why he hasn't been to visit yet, but says working for Delta and working and vacationing with his colleagues has grown his faith and encouraged him to not be hypocritical or too judgmental. Michael talks about his jiu-jitsu training and marvels at how much it continues to teach him humility and to NEVER judge anyone by their outward appearance. Plus, how did Michael get to a point where he desires time in God's Word every day, so much that if he hasn't read his Bible for two consecutive days, he feels noticeably worse. And as a single man, he shares what revelations came to him while on a recent trip to Barcelona — some great encouragement for anyone who feels like they're in a "waiting" time.  --

Brothers be brothers! Christian is pumped to talk to his brother, Chance, about being drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2022, playing as a relief pitcher in the Minor Leagues, and about Chance's first six months of marriage. Chance admits some parts of marriage have been easier than others to get accustomed to, but encourages anyone that being selfless in marriage is always a top goal. And what was it like for Chance to throw his first 100mph fastball? Plus, Christian asks Chance about his new blog, "N0t By Chance" where various authors are sharing their lessons learned from their time in the Word. Chance is excited about his latest study on the heart of God and what he's been gleaning from his first read of the book of Numbers. Plus, these two are brothers at the end of the day and you'll definitely see that side come out a few times ... brothers be brothers!  https://www.n0tbychance.com/ -— Read Chance's blog here -

Christian chats with his college friend — and first single friend he's had on the podcast — Chad Barfield about the times in life that have felt like a wilderness but can actually be the most spiritually redeeming and fruitful. Chad was a Plainsman at Auburn, and he says he always knew what his "next" was until COVID. He finished college without a graduation, and all the "sure things" he thought he had lined up didn't pan out that way. Chad found himself living in his car and going to job interviews, and he couldn't shake the thought that this wasn't how his life was supposed to be. Now, he's a seminary student working in a church with middle schoolers, but he says the call to ministry on his life was made very apparent in a particularly tough moment in his family's life. Chad encourages us that God knows us the BEST out of anybody, so when we find ourselves in a "wilderness" time, we need to be confident in who we are and who we belong to!  

Christian and his good friend, Bradley Northcutt — the guy who's "had more fitness journeys than anyone Christian's ever met" — first bonded over shared boxes of leftover Krispy Kreme donuts that were about to be thrown out. Bradley admits he's been convicted recently of his inconsistency in his time with the Lord, so he and Sage (previous episode's guest) decided to move their workout time to 4:30am to give more time for a daily one-on-one with Jesus. Bradley and Christian both confess their pride can often be a big hurdle in their relationship with their wives and how awful it is to be a "sore loser" in pickleball or poker games. Plus, there is a BIG difference between being content and being comfortable. Bradley says being comfortable is dangerous for the Christian. And both guys encourage us to be generous with everything God has given us. It's not ours, it never was, so why be stingy with blessing others?  -

Sage Ledbetter joins Christian to discuss some "dumb stuff" they experienced throughout college years, including large bets to defeat a porn addiction, Fortnite habits, and efforts to stop vaping. Christian says Sage is a servant-hearted person, a quality he greatly admires in him, but how did that change when Sage married his wife? Sage confesses it wasn't until he figured out how to BEST serve his wife that she could fully receive the love and care he was showing her. Sage also shares the story from his time playing for Auburn and his legendary punishment for being 5 minutes late ... twice! And a challenge to consider sacrificing time and sleep to be with God.  -

Jackson Speaks joins Christian to talk about finding success in business at a young age, anticipating the birth of his first child, married life, but also what legacy we can leave behind — and why that doesn't matter unless Jesus is at the center! — plus the daily battle against pride, whether it's outwardly or inner pride, and what's the difference? Jackson also encourages anyone who is extremely busy that day-to-day life with the Lord IS possible! Christian and Jackson talk about the sanctifying work of marriage, how it's the best gift to anyone. Plus, why the Lord doesn't NEED our money — because first of all, it's not ours, is it? And a reminder that with every social post, business venture, conversation or interaction, the most important factor is where your heart is. -

Christian is excited to speak with Reeves Walker, the lead singer of LO Worship, a songwriter, a newlywed, and someone who is "amazed at what God drops" on his heart. Reeves spent a lot of time running from being alone and just with his thoughts. His need to be liked and accepted overwhelmed every area of his life, leading to substance abuse and addiction. But one night changed everything for him as he studied for a midterm. Reeves and Christian discuss what their "breaking points" were and why it wasn't necessarily their lowest points that required change. Plus, Reeves says he hates eating, and could Christian eat 15,000 calories in a 24-hour period? Reeves shares how he first discovered he could sing — and that he could even write songs — but says the Bible is ALWAYS his biggest inspiration. Reeves also talks about his intentional pursuit of his now-wife, Lydia, and while he thought he was ready to begin dating her at one point, God knew better (as He always does!) And Reeves says there was a reason he was in the friend zone for as long as he was, but he's grateful now for his new wife and the start of their married life together. https://athleticgreens.com/huff — Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D & 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase!-

"We're just two dudes trying to figure it out" is a great way to describe the conversation Christian has with his new friend, Luke Albritton. Their wives introduced them, and they've gotten to know each other best through regular meetups at the gym, working out together, sharing prayer requests, and using the time to talk though wins and losses. Luke gets honest about how difficult it was to become a husband, learning how to serve his wife well, and how the transition to being a new dad has been a blessing, but a difficult blessing. Luke says he's always been active, from working as a boy on his family's farm to lifting weights in high school. He confesses that his "I can outwork anyone in the room" mentality that he was brought up with became a selfish, prideful desire about his own abilities and comparing himself to others and how he still strives to overcome that. Both Christian and Luke lament their sinful desires to sometimes just NOT be kind and loving, but they're doubly grateful for someone they can share these things with, and that's why your accountability person is SO important! -

Christian is excited to welcome one of his all-time best friends, Buck Commander's Parker Amos, to the podcast to talk being newly married, how friendships can evolve, staying disciplined in different seasons, and how wearing tank tops says SO MUCH about where you're at (and that's not good!). Parker met Christian at Auburn and while they had an incredible group of friends at college, how do you make new friends and community best when you get married and move away? Plus, what you desire MOST says so much about where you are both spiritually and mentally. When is the last time you did a self-check to see how content you are in your life? And some encouragement for anyone who's moved to a new city and you're missing good friends who live close by, or missing being in close proximity to your family. -