Morning Conversation: MyBridge Radio

Epizode

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  167 - Matt Bell: More Than Money 11.08.2026 31min

  Money is one of the most common sources of stress in marriage—but it can also become one of the greatest opportunities to grow closer to one another and to God. In this conversation, author and financial teacher Matt Bell shares practical, biblical wisdom from his book Starting Strong: Discovering the Good That Money Can Do in Your Marriage. While the book is written with engaged and newly married couples in mind, the principles we discuss are just as valuable for couples who have been walking through life together for decades. We talk about financial transparency, paying off debt, budgeting, generosity, and how shared values can strengthen a marriage far beyond the balance sheet.More than a conversation about dollars and cents, this episode is about building a marriage on a foundation of faith. Matt shares personal stories, practical tools, and biblical encouragement that can help couples move from financial stress to financial purpose. Whether you're just beginning your journey together or simply want to honor God more faithfully with the resources He's entrusted to you, you'll find thoughtful guidance and hope-filled encouragement in this conversation.More about Matt’s book
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  145 - Heather Thompson Day: When Faith Calls You Off the Safe Path 06.08.2026 25min

  What does it really look like to experience God—not just in the big, dramatic moments, but in the quiet faithfulness of everyday life? In this conversation, we sit down with author and professor Heather Thompson Day to explore how obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense, opens the door to seeing God at work. Heather shares personal stories of surrender, waiting, disappointment, and unexpected confirmation—moments where God met her not on the mountaintop, but in ordinary faithfulness.Together, they talk about living in God’s upside-down kingdom, learning to trust Him when it’s “not your turn,” and why faithfulness matters more than visibility or applause. Heather also unpacks what it means to lead with lived experience, to walk closely with God day by day, and to stay obedient even when fruit isn’t immediately visible. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone longing to recognize God’s presence in the here and now—and to trust that He is faithfully at work, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
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  165 - Dr. Richard Blackaby: God Is Speaking More Than We Are Hearing 04.08.2026 34min

  Have you ever wondered if you're missing what God is doing right in front of you? In this conversation, author and pastor Dr. Richard Blackaby shares insights from his new study, Experiencing God in Everyday Life: A Journey Toward Spiritual Maturity. Building on the timeless message of Experiencing God, Richard explains why spiritual maturity isn't reserved for mountaintop moments, mission trips, or church retreats. Instead, it's cultivated as we learn to recognize God's presence and activity in the ordinary moments that fill our days.Along the way, Richard shares personal stories about his father, Dr. Henry Blackaby, practical habits that help us hear God's voice, and encouraging reminders that God is often speaking more than we realize. Whether you're longing to grow deeper in your faith, hoping to become more spiritually attentive, or simply wondering what the next step looks like in your walk with Christ, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement to help you experience God—not just occasionally, but every day.
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  166 - Danny Gokey: The Revealer of What You Believe 04.08.2026 22min

  Christian music fans know Danny Gokey for songs like Tell Your Heart to Beat Again, Love God Love People, and Haven't Seen It Yet, but there's much more to his story than chart-topping music. In this conversation, Danny shares how God shaped his life long before American Idol, what he learned while driving a semi-truck and leading worship, and how seasons of disappointment, loss, and unexpected turns deepened his faith and prepared him for the ministry he has today.Along the way, Danny offers thoughtful insights on listening for God's voice, raising a family that reflects the character of Christ, living a life of authentic worship, and writing songs that faithfully communicate what God is saying. Whether you're familiar with Danny's music or simply looking for encouragement in your own walk with Jesus, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, personal stories, and reminders that God is always at work—even when you can't yet see the bigger picture.
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  164 - Mike Novotny: Day Two and Following 21.07.2026 32min

  Whether you've been married for six months or sixty years, every relationship faces moments where expectations collide, communication gets complicated, and love requires more grace than we expected. In this conversation, pastor and author Mike Novotny shares practical, biblical wisdom from his book Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One. While the book is written with newly married couples in mind, the principles we discuss apply to every season of marriage—from learning how our families have shaped us to navigating conflict, communication, finances, intimacy, and the everyday decisions that strengthen a relationship over time.Along the way, Mike offers honest stories from his own marriage, memorable illustrations, and practical tools that couples can begin using right away—including simple ways to improve communication, pray together, and grow closer to one another by growing closer to Christ. Whether you're preparing for marriage, newly married, or you've been walking through life together for decades, this conversation is filled with biblical encouragement and practical insights that can help any marriage become stronger, healthier, and more centered on Jesus.
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  163 - Seph Schlueter: Living for What Lasts 14.07.2026 29min

  Christian artist Seph Schlueter has written songs that have encouraged countless people to trust God, worship through every season, and remember His faithfulness. But behind those songs is a deeply personal story. In this conversation, Seph shares how his faith became his own, what inspired songs like Counting My Blessings and Valley of Worship, and why he believes worship is far more than music—it's a way of living that gives every part of our lives back to God.Along the way, we talk about becoming a father, navigating the heartbreaking loss of his first daughter, learning to trust God's heart when life doesn't make sense, and discovering that God's presence is enough even when answers don't come. Whether you've been encouraged by Seph's music or are simply looking for hope in your own journey, you'll find a conversation filled with honesty, biblical wisdom, and a beautiful reminder that God is worthy of our worship in every season of life.
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  162 - Connor Essegian: Chasing Jesus Instead 07.07.2026 21min

  Nebraska basketball fans know Connor Essegian for what he does on the court. But in this conversation, Connor shares the much deeper story of what God has done in his life off the court. With remarkable honesty, he talks about chasing success, losing his identity in basketball, battling unhealthy habits, and how a series of unexpected moments—including a conversation on a golf course and a late-night stop outside a church—became turning points in his journey of faith. It's a powerful reminder that even when our plans unravel, God is still at work drawing us to Himself.Connor also shares what he's learning about living boldly for Christ in the spotlight of Division I athletics, why he sees his platform as an opportunity to point others to Jesus, and how God used injury and disappointment to deepen his faith and redefine his purpose. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a coach, or simply someone searching for lasting identity and peace, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to live for something greater than yourself.
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  161- Dr. Matthew Spalding: We Still Hold These Truths 30.06.2026 30min

  As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's a good time to ask a simple question: Why does a document written nearly two and a half centuries ago still matter today? In this conversation, Dr. Matthew Spalding of Hillsdale College helps us look beyond the familiar phrases and historical events to uncover the ideas that have shaped the American experiment from the beginning. Together, we explore the enduring truths found in the Declaration, why generations of leaders have returned to it in moments of national challenge, and what it can still teach us about freedom, equality, self-government, and human dignity.We also discuss the often-overlooked role of faith and providence in America's founding, why the founders believed these principles were rooted in something bigger than politics, and what the upcoming America 250 celebration can mean for our nation today. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of civics, or simply someone who wants to better understand the ideas that have influenced the United States for 250 years, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into America's past, present, and future—and why those truths are still worth revisiting.
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  160 - Dr. Bob Paul: Different by Design 23.06.2026 33min

  Why do the differences that first attracted us to someone often become the very things that frustrate us later? In this conversation, Dr. Bob Paul of Focus on the Family's Marriage Institute explores one of the most common challenges couples face: learning how to navigate their differences. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, Bob explains why "irreconcilable differences" are rarely the real problem and how healthy marriages learn to value, rather than fight against, the unique ways God has created each spouse.Along the way, we talk about communication, prayer, conflict, emotional connection, and what it means to build a marriage that both people genuinely love. Bob shares practical wisdom on everything from knowing when your spouse wants empathy instead of solutions to discovering how God can use differences to create greater unity. Whether your marriage is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and practical tools for building stronger relationships and growing closer together.
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  158 - Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave: The Truest Thing About You 10.06.2026 35min

  For years, Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave sang songs about God's faithfulness, hope, and goodness. Then life brought a season he never expected. After losing his father, mother, and brother within just a few years, Mike found himself walking through some of the deepest grief of his life. In this honest and deeply personal conversation, he shares what it looks like to hold on to God's goodness when your heart is broken, why suffering has reshaped his understanding of worship, and how Jesus has met him in the middle of pain in ways he never could have imagined.Along the way, Mike opens up about the lasting impact of his brother Jay's life and faith, the hope of heaven, the lies we often believe about ourselves, and what it means to truly care for people who are hurting. This conversation is filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and Gospel hope for anyone walking through loss, carrying disappointment, or simply wondering where God is in the middle of difficult seasons. If you've ever needed a reminder that God's presence is real even when life hurts, this conversation is for you.
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  156 - Ron Brown: A Mission Bigger Than the Game 28.05.2026 32min

  For more than 30 years, Ron Brown has used the platform of college football to point people toward Jesus. Known by many as a “missionary to the state of Nebraska,” Coach Brown joins us for a conversation that goes far beyond football as he reflects on faith, discipleship, spiritual battles, and the calling God placed on his life decades ago to stay rooted in Nebraska. Along the way, he opens up about mentoring young athletes in today’s changing culture, what he’s seeing spiritually in this generation, and why he still believes the Gospel is the greatest message he can carry into locker rooms, churches, camps, and communities across the state.This conversation also takes an honest and challenging look at the culture surrounding youth sports and the pressure many families feel to chase scholarships, exposure, and success at all costs. Ron shares wisdom for parents trying to keep faith and family at the center, reminds us why worldly definitions of success often fall short, and encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective in a world full of distractions.
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  155 - Dr. Kathy Koch: Loving Your Adult Children Well 26.05.2026 35min

  For many parents, the transition into adulthood can bring unexpected grief, tension, distance, and questions they never anticipated facing. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Dr. Kathy Koch talks about relationships with adult children — from boundaries and communication to parenting regrets, family conflict, faith struggles, and learning how to love well in a new season of life. Drawing from her book, Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations that Work, Dr. Kathy offers practical wisdom and deep encouragement for parents who want healthier relationships without controlling outcomes.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Kathy shares why it’s important to move from “parenting” to guiding and supporting, how humility and listening can rebuild trust, and why hope ultimately has to be rooted in God rather than our children’s choices. Whether your relationship with your adult child is thriving, strained, or somewhere in between, this episode is full of grace, perspective, and reminders that God is still present in the middle of complicated family dynamics.For more information on Kathy Koch’s latest book: https://www.amazon.com/Resolve-Conflict-Peace-Adult-Children/dp/0802440754
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  154 - Tasha Layton: Trusting God In The Waiting 05.05.2026 38min

  This conversation with Tasha Layton goes far beyond music. Tasha shares her journey of growing up in church, walking through deep hurt, and ultimately discovering that even in her searching, God was pursuing her. It’s an honest look at faith that isn’t always neat—where questions, pain, and healing all have a place.She steps into deeply personal territory as Tasha opens up about her journey through infertility, the waiting that stretched her faith, and the unexpected ways God showed up. Along the way, she reflects on motherhood, grief, and what it looks like to trust God when life doesn’t unfold the way you hoped. This conversation is full of perspective, hope, and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, God is good—and we’re invited to trust Him, even when we don’t fully understand.
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  153 - Jon Acuff - The Growing Is in the Going 29.04.2026 31min

  Heath sits down with Jon Acuff to talk about something nearly all of us wrestle with— procrastination— and what it reveals about our fears, our calling, and the way we see ourselves. Along the way, the author of Procrastination Proof unpacks how procrastination often shows up as a “solution” to avoid fear, failure, or disappointment…even when it keeps us from stepping into what God has placed in us.Explore what it looks like to move forward with courage, even when you don’t have the full map—trusting that “the growing is in the going.” You’ll hear practical, doable ideas like “auditioning” goals, making tomorrow easier today, and learning to protect your time and attention in a world full of distractions. This conversation points back to a deeper truth: it’s not too late, your gifts matter, and God is still at work in your story—right where you are today.Link to Jon’s book: https://jonacuff.com/procrastination-proof
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  152 - ENCORE - - Annie F. Downs 21.04.2026 29min

  Annie F. Downs brings her signature blend of joy and depth to this conversation—because when Annie talks about faith, it’s never dull. She shares stories of how God meets us in both the laughter and the loneliness, the beauty and the breaking. From her “That Sounds Fun” perspective, Annie reminds us that life with God isn’t just about surviving—it’s about noticing His goodness in every season, even the hard ones.She opens up about singleness, creating safe spaces for honesty, and learning to give and rest with open hands. Whether she’s talking about her Single Purpose League community, her latest children’s book Where Did TJ Go?, or the ways God keeps surprising her, Annie invites us into a deeper trust — one that reminds us that every story, even the hard ones, can reveal His goodness.
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  151 - Darren Mulligan (We Are Messengers): An Honest Faith in a Broken World 14.04.2026 35min

  What does it look like to follow Jesus honestly… even when your story is messy? In this episode, Heath sits down with Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers for a conversation about faith that doesn’t pretend, struggles that don’t disqualify you, and the grace of God that meets you right where you are. Darren shares openly from his own journey—how God met him in broken places and continues to shape his life, his family, and his music.This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to clean yourself up before coming to God—you just have to come. Darren talks about surrender, identity, and what it means to live with authenticity in your relationship with Jesus. If you’ve ever felt like your past, your doubts, or your struggles make you “less than,” this conversation will encourage you with the truth that God is still at work—and He’s not finished with your story.
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  150 - Lisa Anderson: Trusting God With What Comes Next 26.03.2026 35min

  What does it look like to trust God when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected? In this episode, Heath talks with Lisa Anderson about faith, singleness, relationships, and learning to take the next step when the future feels uncertain. Drawing from years of walking alongside young adults, Lisa shares honest insights about pursuing marriage with intention, embracing the purpose of singleness, and building meaningful friendships that help shape our faith.Lisa also reflects on what she’s seeing in today’s generation of young adults—many of whom are navigating big decisions about career, calling, and relationships while learning to trust God’s goodness in the process. Along the way, she offers encouragement for anyone feeling stuck between where they are and where they hope life will go. If you’ve ever wondered how to faithfully follow God one step at a time, this conversation will remind you that the safest place to be is exactly where He is leading.
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  149 - Amber Albee Swenson: The Messy Beauty of Real Friendship 17.03.2026 23min

  Friendship is something most of us long for—but if we’re honest, it can also feel complicated, messy, and sometimes even painful. In this episode, Heath connects with author Amber Albee Swenson to talk about her new book When Friendship Feels Hard: God’s Design for Deep Relationships. They explore why real friendships take time and effort in a culture that prizes convenience, and why social media connections can never replace the kind of relationships where people truly know and support one another.Amber shares honestly about seasons of loneliness, the power of vulnerability, and the role Christian community plays in helping us navigate life’s hardest moments. From learning how to have difficult conversations to choosing grace when friendships hurt, this conversation is full of practical encouragement for anyone longing for deeper relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why friendship can feel so hard—or why it’s still worth pursuing—this conversation will remind you why we were never meant to walk through life alone.
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  148 - Noah Herrin: Welcome to Manhood 03.03.2026 28min

  What does it really mean to become a man in today’s world? In this honest and energizing conversation, Noah Herrin shares his journey from running from God as a pastor’s kid to leading a thriving church filled with young adults hungry for truth. After recommitting his life to Jesus through a YouTube sermon in college, what started as a simple Bible study unexpectedly grew into a powerful ministry. Now, through his book Welcome to Manhood, Noah is calling men to step into their God-given purpose—challenging them to overcome what Billy Graham once described as the “three Gs” of temptation: gold, glory, and girls.Together, we talk about finishing well in a culture obsessed with starting, overcoming hidden struggles through repentance and intimacy with Christ, and why men need challenge, brotherhood, and accountability to thrive spiritually. Noah reminds us that godly manhood isn’t about hobbies or job titles—it’s about character, private integrity, and falling deeply in love with Jesus. If you’ve ever wrestled with calling, consistency, or what it means to steward your life well, this conversation will encourage you to lift your eyes from the short stretch of this life and live with eternity in view.
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  147 - Dr. Lee Warren: Self-Brain Surgery and the Science of Hope 24.02.2026 32min

  What if you’re not stuck with the brain you have? In this powerful conversation, neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren explains how God designed your brain to change—literally. Through a process called neuroplasticity, what you repeatedly think about reshapes your brain’s structure and influences how you experience anxiety, grief, resilience, and even hope. Drawing from both cutting-edge neuroscience and Scripture, the author of The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery shows how science is finally catching up to what the Bible has said all along: renewing your mind can transform your life.After walking through unimaginable personal loss, Dr. Warren shares how faith, gratitude, and intentional thought patterns became tools for healing—not just spiritually, but neurologically. From the role of quiet time and prayer to the generational impact of trauma and healing, this conversation is filled with practical insight and deep encouragement. For more information on Dr. Warren’s new book: https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/the-life-changing-art-of-self-brain-surgery/