Episodes

Sitting In Podcast | Ep. 029 - Dr. Matthew Wilson | Dr. Matthew Wilson is a published Political Scientist and a professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he directs the Center for Faith and Learning. In today's episode, you can expect to learn: - Whether political beliefs are actually rational - What "motivated reasoning" is and its impact on society - The modern interaction between religion and politics - The way our founding fathers said we should relate to government and mu...

Sitting In Podcast | Ep. 028 - Dr. Thuy-vy Nguyen | Dr. Thuy-vy Nguyen has a PhD in Social Psychology, extensive research regarding Solitude and Isolation, and coined the term "Deactivation Effect" in cognitive psychology. In today's episode, you can expect to learn: - Why solitude is a space for regulation and refreshment - The differences between the US and the UK when it comes to solitude - What a "third space" is and why they're so important - How to encourage your friends into and out ...

Sitting In podcast | Ep. 27 - Dr. Tracy Brower | Dr. Tracy Brower has a PhD in Sociology and extensive writing and professional experience in workplace insights, building meaningful relationships, and the nuances of friendship and connection. In today's episode, you can expect to learn: - Why friendship is such a broad term - and what it really means - How young men have such a different pattern of friendship than women - The 7 Pillars of Friendship (and the two most important ones) - How t...

Sitting In Podcast | Ep. 026 - Luke Detraz | Luke Detraz is a pastor at Oasis Community Church in Arizona, a husband, a father, and an author. His book, The War for Men, details personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement to slow down and resolve the war inside. In today's episode, you can expect to learn: - Why the restaurant industry and ministry are more similar than you'd expect - Luke's take on why young men are struggling so badly today and a few ways to start fixing ...

Why do intelligent people often stay stuck despite having enormous potential? How hard is it to own a busy gym and a family at the same time? Is "family dinner" actually that important? David Nichols explains why patience isn't passive waiting, but active preparation, why a life well-lived is like a roundabout, and the importance of a "service" mindset. We explore reaping what you sow, why 10 x 1 doesn't equal 1 x 10, and an analogy for why a well-oiled business is like a bus.

Saurabh Aggarwal is the founder of FractalKX and XPLeague, two of his many ventures in the Esports industry. He's revolutionizing this emerging industry by focusing on player development instead of just sponsorships, and integrating AI into those funnels. In this episode, expect to learn: - Why the industry of Esports shouldn't be ignored for business lessons - Just how important the people within a system are (not just the system itself) - Why AI is like your kitchen pantry - ...

Mark Sommer is the founder of Sommer Energy Technologies and co-founder of Allegheny Control Products. In this episode, expect to learn: - Why founding two business can sometimes be the right move - How delivering newspapers is an entrepreneur training ground - The importance of learning in starting a company on your own - Why Christ opens doors you'd never expectand much, much more! Please double check that you're subscribed, have liked this video, and shared it with someone! ...

Cindy and Stewart Jones are the owners of DFW-based business Texas Specialties and Installation. In this episode, expect to learn: - Why relationships are fundamental to business success - Stories about the struggles of starting a business - What to do when growth is bigger than you expected - Whether or not it was worth it and much, much more! Please double check that you're subscribed, have liked this video, and shared it with someone! Also, leave a comment with your thoug...

Doug Ferguson is the owner of Ferguson Electric, a North Texas-based electrical contractor. In this episode, expect to learn: - How being in business has changed Doug's perspective on purpose - Why reframing what you do can change everything - Terrifying moments in growing a business - How the "perfect" customer has changed over time and much more! If you're in North Texas and need electrical work, check out Ferguson Electric here! : https://www.fergusonelectrictx.com/ Please double che...

020 - Reflecting on recent thoughts about how to have a less strict view of "success", what scarcity actually means, and how to change the default direction of my thinking. Please double check that you're subscribed, have liked this video, and shared it with someone! Also, leave a comment with your thoughts down below. Those are the best ways to help this show grow. Thank you!

019 - D. Cole Gray Cole Gray is a resident pastor, a husband, and a writer. Check out his Substack, "Road Work Ahead" here! https://dcolegray.substack.com/ In this episode, you can expect to learn: - The bigger meaning people are missing behind the Artemis II moon flyby - What it looks like to search with wisdom and wonder - Why big families are awesome - The 4 W's of struggle (and where prayer actually falls into that) and much, much more! Please double check that you're subscribed, hav...

#018 - Fred Williams Fred Williams is a Christian, a wealth advisor, and has served on the boards of multiple charities. He is passionate about helping people create financial freedom (God's way), and guiding young people through life's challenges. In this episode, you can expect to learn: - What most people get wrong about financial "success" - What life can teach you that even the University of Texas can't - The importance of a "servant leader" mindset - What responsibility looks like fo...

017 - Janis Yadiny Janis Yadiny worked at the WHO, the Royal Society, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and much more. She specialized in Leadership Development and Change Management in the later part of her career, emphasizing how to develop both individuals and teams in the fast paced medical field. In this episode, you can expect to learn: - What working at storied institutions like the Royal Society and WHO is like - The importance of ownership in personal growth - How a "big vision" can actua...

This episode stands on its own. You do not need to listen to the previous episode to follow this conversation! 016 - Brandon Kelly Check out our first conversation here: https://youtu.be/W72c3BBGSMc or here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/41JvgoMX4NTSidl39ZlgvV?si=VADv_eR-RWSa4qQL36Egug Brandon Kelly is a professional orchestral percussionist, educator, and lifelong learner. He performs regularly with professional ensembles across Texas, teaches percussion to high school students througho...

015 - Brandon Kelly | Part 1 What happens when a life shaped by extreme precision repeatedly chooses openness, wandering, and attention to the unfamiliar? And what does that tension reveal about excellence, freedom, and what it takes to stay human inside demanding systems? Brandon Kelly is a professional orchestral percussionist, educator, and lifelong learner. He performs regularly with professional ensembles across Texas, teaches percussion to high school students throughout the DFW metrople...

014 - Eric Welke What happens when we stop fighting the land and start paying attention to it, especially in the places we actually live? Perhaps more importantly, what can this struggle teach us about how to live our lives with deeper meaning? Eric Welke is passionate about the importance of native plants (the flora that is indigenous to a particular region, as opposed to invasive species), specifically in the North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth) area. In today’s episode, you can expect to learn:...

#013 - Will Vasquez Will Vasquez has a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Florida State University, marched drum corps with the Santa Clara Vanguard, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Music Performance from Rice University. In today’s episode, you can expect to learn: - How marching in drum corps can change your perspective on music and life - How to turn art into work without losing the joy behind it - Insights into the common struggle of "inertia"and much more! Plea...

Jared is a longtime friend of mine and one of my favorite people to have meaningful (and, meaningless) discussions with about any topic. In today’s episode, you can expect to learn: - Our various experiences through college, preparing for the beginning of our careers - The best mindset to approach an internship (and why you should do internships!) - Both of our thoughts and experiences regarding mentorshipand much more! Please double check that you're subscribed, have liked this video, and ...

011 - Jeff Brown (part 3) Thanks for being here into the double digits of this podcast! I appreciate you! Jeff is a Christian, a VP of Sales in the energy industry, and one of my personal mentors. In today’s episode, you can expect to learn: - Why the small habits in your life shape your entire day - How life is a lot like a rock polishing kit - Why rearview mirrors are smaller than windshields and much more! Please double check that you're subscribed, have liked this video, and shared i...

010 - Kayla Evans When a first-year medical student is pushed to their breaking point by factors beyond their control, how do they make the decision they’ve been fighting against? Kayla Evans is a second-year medical student in Houston, Texas with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Baylor University. She is passionate about women’s health, and is working towards specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology. In this episode, expect to learn...- What a pre-medical undergraduate program looks like- What Kay...

009 - Jeremy Thomas Jeremy is a Biomedical Engineering PHD Candidate at Duke University, specifically in Tatiana Segura’s Lab. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University, and is passionate about ways to heal the brain after traumatic physical events. He’s also been a friend of mine for many years. In today’s episode, expect to learn…How Duke University researchers are pushing the leading edge of brain healing, the history of stroke treatment methods, why a c...

008 - Austin Gentry (audio only) Austin has been on Staff at Second Baptist Church for the past seven years as the leader of the “Young Adults” ministry and recently started overseeing Discipleship while also writing churchwide Bible Study Curriculum. He has a passion for reaching out to Young Adults, operating in a unique niche within church leadership. In today’s episode, expect to learn…Austin’s process to prepare for a period of creativity, how to start turning your big ideas into presenta...

#007 - Jeff Brown Jeff is a Christian, a VP of Sales in the energy sector, and one of my personal mentors. In today’s episode, you can expect to learn: why true “independence” may not be everything you think it is, how to shift your perspective on perfection versus excellence, the nuance between striving towards achievement and taking your foot off the gas, the truth behind entitlement, and much more! Please double check that you're subscribed, have liked this video, and shared it with someon...

006 - Nate Long Nate is a husband and a father of three, and is one of the Missions Pastors at Second Baptist Church after being involved in Student Ministry for many years. He’s a thoughtful and elaborate speaker, and like you and me is trying to find the ways to grow through life’s changes and challenges. Expect to learn: the nuanced differences and overlap between discipline, habit, and devotion, how scripture can guide you through any difficulty you’re struggling with by showing you exampl...