The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown

Episodes

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  295: Halloween and the Christian Conscience with Fredo Ramos 23.10.2026 54m

  On this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown is joined by special guest Pastor Fredo Ramos to tackle your questions about Halloween, faith, and how Christians can discern what honors God. From costumes and church activities to horror movies and haunted houses, we’re exploring where to draw the line, how to approach these traditions as followers of Jesus, and what Scripture has to say about engaging with the culture around us. Show Notes:In this episode, Pastor Fredo references The Stories We Tell by Mike Cosper: 
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  294: Understanding the Holy Spirit 15.10.2026 41m

  On this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, we’re exploring some of the questions that come up when trying to understand the nature of God and the Holy Spirit. Pastor Matt unpacks what it means for God to be three persons and yet one, especially when our understanding is shaped by the physical world around us. We also take a closer look at what it means to walk by the Spirit and how that understanding shapes our faith. The conversation examines the meaning behind the biblical term “helper” and what it reveals about the Holy Spirit. 
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  293: Receiving the Holy Spirit 08.10.2026 27m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown answers questions about the Holy Spirit, baptism, and what it means to live a life that honors God. We explore how Christians can think about spiritual gifts, whether a childhood baptism is sufficient, and the deeper fears that can come with wanting to faithfully follow God. From understanding the work of the Holy Spirit to wrestling with anxiety, mercy, and the desire to hear “well done, good and faithful servant,” these questions invite us to take a closer look at our faith and how we live it out. 
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  292: Reflecting the Holy Spirit with Jonathan Millen 25.09.2026 54m

  On this episode of The Debrief, Matthew Stephen Brown sits down with Jonathon Millen, Campus Operations Pastor at Sandals Church to tackle some hard-hitting questions about the Holy Spirit. Jonathon brings a unique perspective shaped by his Pentecostal beliefs as they discuss surrendering control to the Spirit, our relationship with the Holy Spirit, and whether speaking in tongues is evidence of Spirit baptism or a spiritual gift not every believer is expected to have. 
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  Should Marriage Come Before Kids? | A Debrief Mini-Sode 18.09.2026 16m
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  The Do's and Don'ts of Dating | A Debrief Mini-Sode 10.09.2026 13m

  In this minisode of The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, Matt Brown and Vivi Bezansky discuss the fundamental do's and don'ts of Christian dating. Together, they explore how young adults can approach relationships with spiritual maturity by prioritizing biblical values over temporary attractions and cultivating the same self-control in dating that is required for a lasting marriage.The conversation highlights key practical principles for navigating modern relationships, starting with the importance of inviting community and wise counsel into your dating life early on. Matt and Vivi break down the subtle dangers of lacking emotional boundaries in friendships, what evidence to look for in a partner who has a vibrant relationship with Jesus, and how embracing a spouse's differences and flaws ultimately fosters personal growth and marriage longevity.
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  291: Living on Mission with Erik Salley 30.07.2026 32m

  What does it mean to live on mission? In this conversation, Pastor Mathew Stephen Brown sits down with Pastor Erik Salley from Sandals Church Hunter Park Campus to discuss how we can honor God through the way we care for our bodies, and what role does physical health play in living out our faith. Together, we explore what it looks like to support missionaries, live on mission wherever God has placed us, and use our gifts and resources to advance the Gospel.
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  290: Breaking the Cycle of Father Wounds with Dr. Joshua Knabb 23.07.2026 53m

  What impact do father wounds have on our relationships, our faith, and the way we see God? In this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Mathew Stephen Brown, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Knabb for a meaningful conversation about fatherlessness, attachment, forgiveness, and healing through Christ. Together, we explore how an absent or unhealthy father relationship can affect our emotional and spiritual lives, and why healthy attachment is so important for growth and connection. Dr. Knabb also shares insights from his research on human relationships, church community, and our attachment to God. Whether you're carrying pain from the past or seeking deeper healing, this episode provides wisdom, biblical insight, and hope for the future ahead.
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  289: God's Calling & Finding Direction in Life With Chris Stewart 16.07.2026 53m

  What is God's purpose for your life? How do you know if you're following His calling? And what should you do when you feel lost, stuck, or unsure of your next step? In this episode of The Debrief Podcast with Mathew Stephen Brown, we sit down with Chris Stewart to hear his testimony and have a real conversation about discovering God's purpose, understanding His calling, and finding direction in your faith. Together, let’s explore how to share our testimony and reflect how God is moving in our lives.
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  288: The Questions Every Young Adult Is Asking With Vivi Bezansky 09.07.2026 42m

  This week on The Debrief Podcast with Matthew Stephen Brown, we welcome special guest Vivi Bezansky, the Next Gen Director at Sandals Church. Over the summer at Sandals Church we invest in the next generation by opening up residency positions to equip young adults with ministry skills. In this episode, we tackle our residents' most difficult questions on how to navigate this particularly hard season of life. Tune in to hear the wisdom Pastor Matt and Vivi have for them, and for YOU! 
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  287: Did God Already Decide Your Fate? 04.06.2026 37m

  Why does the Catholic Bible have seven extra books, and is your entire life already scripted by God? Pastor Matt answers some of your toughest questions about predestination, church history, and how to interact with other religions without losing your mind.
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  286: Waiting, Dating, and Marriage 28.05.2026 37m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew and Tammy Brown dive into conversations surrounding dating, marriage, spiritual maturity, and trusting God through different seasons of relationships. Together, they explore what it looks like to pursue relationships with wisdom, intentionality, and a desire to honor God in today’s world. Whether you’re single, dating, or preparing for marriage, this episode offers thoughtful encouragement and practical insight for navigating love and commitment through a biblical lens.
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  285: How Christians Heal with Dr. Joshua Knabb 21.05.2026 1h 8m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown is joined by Dr. Joshua Knabb for a conversation about trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional healing through a Christian perspective. Together, they explore why people get stuck in cycles of fear and rumination, how trauma affects the mind and body, and what hope and healing can practically look like for Christians navigating mental health struggles.
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  284: The Tension of Belief 07.05.2026 40m

  This week on The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown responds to questions from listeners wrestling with some of the hardest tensions in Christianity. From struggling to feel gratitude for salvation, questioning why God created humanity at all, to navigating the debate between science, creation, and the age of the earth — this conversation explores what it looks like to bring honest doubts to God instead of hiding them. 
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  283: Theology and Fredo Ramos 30.04.2026 1h 25m

  This week on The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown sits down with Pastor Fredo Ramos for an honest, thoughtful conversation about theology.Drawing from years of pastoral experience, Pastor Fredo shares insight into the kinds of struggles, doubts, and tensions many people wrestle with—especially when it comes to end times, or the afterlife. Together, they explore how to navigate uncertainty, challenge long-held assumptions on entertainment, and how to pursue a faith that is both grounded and genuine.
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  E282 | What We Want vs What God Wants 16.04.2026 33m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, we explore the challenges of faith, identity, and personal struggle. From navigating feelings of judgment and unfair treatment in the church, to wrestling with questions of sexuality and salvation, to confronting personal temptations and preparing for healthy relationships, we discuss how God’s grace, guidance, and truth meet us in the messiness of life.💬 Have a question for a future episode? Submit it at sandalschurch.com/thedebrief  🙏 Support us: sandalschurch.com/support 📱 Follow us on IG: @thedebrief_podcast    🎵  and TikTok:@debriefpodcast 
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  281 | Understanding Ourselves and the World Beyond 09.04.2026 38m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, we explore some of the biggest questions that challenge our faith and understanding of the world. From the mysteries of life beyond our planet, to meditation practices for calming an overactive mind, to what truly matters about our gender identity in the spiritual realm, we dive into how to navigate these deep topics while staying grounded in faith. 
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  280 | Growing an Authentic Faith 02.04.2026 29m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, we’re diving into the tension so many believers feel but rarely talk about.What happens when your pursuit of God starts to feel like pressure instead of peace? When spiritual disciplines turn into performance? When you’re trying to be faithful in your work, but you’re not sure if it’s costing you your soul—or fulfilling your calling?We talk through what it looks like to move from a works-based mindset into a genuine relationship with God, how to discern whether you’re walking in purpose or drifting into burnout, and why so many people struggle to stay engaged with Scripture—and what to do about it.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your faith, stuck in routine, or unsure if you’re actually growing, this conversation is for you.
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  279 | The Mystery of Heaven, The Holy Spirit, and Manifestation 26.03.2026 31m

  In this episode of the The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown and Tammy Brown answer questions about manifestation, the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a non-believer, and what emotions we feel if we make it to heaven. This conversation explores whether we can find the answers to these thought-provoking questions in the Bible.  💬 Have a question for a future episode? Submit it at sandalschurch.com/thedebrief🙏 Support us: sandalschurch.com/support📱 Follow us on IG: @thedebrief_podcast🎵 and TikTok: @debriefpodcast
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  E278 | Church Planting with Luke Bryant 12.03.2026 1h 4m

  In this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Matthew Stephen Brown sits down with Luke Bryant to talk about church planting, leadership, and the unexpected path that led Luke from law enforcement into ministry.They discuss the story behind Liverpool One Church, the challenges of planting a church in Europe, and the personal realities leaders face along the way.💬 Have a question for a future episode? Submit it at sandalschurch.com/thedebrief  🙏 Support us: sandalschurch.com/support 📱 Follow us on IG: @thedebrief_podcast    🎵  and TikTok:@debriefpodcast