Midtown Podcast
Midtown Podcast
Jay Smith and Austin Bradford
Real, raw, and relevant conversations to help you grow in your faith, mindset, and everyday life. Hosted by Austin and Jay, this podcast dives deep into personal growth, faith, and practical wisdom—all with a laid-back, unfiltered approach. Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges, seeking a stronger relationship with Jesus, or just need some real talk, this is the place for you. New episodes dropping weekly. Subscribe and join the conversation!
BE STILL AND KNOW
What if the peace you're craving isn’t found in solving your problems, but in sitting still with God?In this episode, Austin and J share real stories—from runaway goats to moments of deep spiritual clarity—as they reflect on Psalm 131 and what it means to “calm and quiet your soul.”This is a vulnerable, hope-filled convo about trusting God, silencing the noise, and learning to hear His voice again.✨ Scriptures: Psalm 131, Psalm 4, Acts 16🎧 Listen now and let this episode walk with you into deeper soul rest.#MidtownPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BeStill #Psalm131 #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #QuietTime #GodIsNear #PeaceWithGod
May 22, 2025
25 min
WHEN CREATIVITY MEETS THE GREAT COMMISSION | CHUCK AND EMILY HOOTEN
Chuck and Emily Hooten join Austin fresh off a powerful trip to the Dominican Republic with a team of creatives. From wild worship moments and Holy Spirit-led songwriting to redefining leadership and purpose, this episode is a deep dive into what happens when artists stop striving for platform and start living on mission. Whether you're a creative, a dreamer, or just burnt out—this one will hit home.
May 15, 2025
50 min
WE'RE SEEING GOD MOVE | NICK BARNES
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nick—a missionary turned mobilizer—who spent 13 years in the Middle East and is now on the frontlines of a gospel movement on the University of Tennessee campus. We talk about the hunger rising in this generation, the fall of religious gatekeeping, the rise of humility, and why it’s time to stop waiting and go for it. If you’ve ever felt the tension between tradition and truth, or sensed God stirring something new, this one’s for you.Topics include:Gen Z’s spiritual hungerCampus revival and prayer movementsWhy bold obedience matters more than perfect plansWhat it means to truly “practice the presence”Dismantling church culture to build God’s Kingdom#Faith #Revival #GenZ #CampusMinistry #JesusMovement #ChristianPodcast #MidtownPodcast
May 9, 2025
41 min
BUSYNESS | LIVE AN INTERRUPTIBLE LIFE
What if real strength looked like being interruptible? In this episode, we explore the way Jesus moved—never rushed, always present, fully available. From pausing for children to noticing the overlooked, Jesus showed us that slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Tune in for a deep dive on how to live with margin, walk in purpose, and reflect God’s pace in a world that never stops.
Apr 25, 2025
33 min
ANDREW OSAKUE | YOU CANT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS
What happens when a man running from God gets stopped by a knock on the door… and a storm that takes everything?In this raw and powerful episode, Andrew shares his incredible story—from chasing women and alcohol in New Orleans to leading one of the most impactful grassroots ministries in Knoxville. Hear how a hurricane, a knock from a neighbor, and a confrontation with God radically transformed his life. He opens up about father wounds, the tension of living a double life, and the resurrection power of forgiveness. This one will challenge your heart and stir your faith.🔑 Topics covered:​Walking by faith when you don’t know what’s next​Why you can’t have it both ways​Living water in dry seasons​Healing the father wound​Ministry in hard places​From drug dealers to entrepreneurs​The power of forgiveness—📍Learn more or support Andrew’s work: ercKnox.org
Apr 19, 2025
48 min
HEAVINESS, BURNOUT, CONFESSION, AND THE WAY BACK TO JOY
Why do things feel heavy even when everything seems “fine”? In this vulnerable and deeply honest conversation, Austin and Jay unpack the hidden weight that comes from leadership, expectations, isolation, and performance. From ministry burnout and emotional numbness to the healing power of confession, brotherhood, and rediscovering intimacy with God — this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt crushed and didn’t know why.We’re not made to carry it alone. Let’s talk about what it means to shift the weight.
Apr 10, 2025
33 min
HOW DO I MAKE DECISIONS WITH GOD?
Big decisions can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to follow God through them. In this episode, Austin, Jay and Jay dive into a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it looks like to make decisions with God, not just for Him. From fears of making the wrong choice to the beauty of surrender and obedience, they unpack real-life stories, scripture (Psalm 37, Proverbs 3), and powerful insights that help break down the pressure to be perfect and replace it with a deeper trust in God's goodness and guidance.Whether you’re stuck between two jobs, thinking of moving, or just trying to figure out what’s next — this one’s for you. 💭🙏🏽
Apr 5, 2025
26 min
Revival on Campus: Hunger for Jesus, Real Community, and the Power of Yes
In this powerful episode of the Midtown Podcast, Jay and I sit down with Ella and Natalie—two students from the University of Tennessee—who are witnessing and living in the middle of a revival sweeping across college campuses. From 7 a.m. prayer gatherings with 400+ students to spontaneous worship runs through the streets of Knoxville, God is clearly moving in a generation hungry for truth, purpose, and authentic community.We talk about what it means to go from religion to relationship, from performance to presence, and how saying "yes" to Jesus changes everything. Whether you've walked with Jesus your whole life or are just curious about what’s happening on campuses today, this episode will stir your spirit and remind you that He is still moving—and He’s eager to meet you too.
Mar 28, 2025
43 min
FROM PRISON TO PURPOSE | JAY HALEY
What happens when you have everything the world says you need—money, success, and status—but still feel empty? In this powerful episode, Jay shares his incredible journey from a troubled past to a life completely transformed by faith.From losing his mother at a young age, navigating the streets of Lynchburg, and pursuing dreams of the NFL to facing federal prison time—Jay’s story is one of heartbreak, redemption, and the undeniable power of God’s grace.Join us as we talk about:🔥 The moment Jay surrendered everything to God🔥 How prayer and faith carried him through the toughest seasons🔥 The power of community and showing up for each other🔥 Finding real purpose beyond successThis is a conversation about transformation, perseverance, and discovering what truly matters in life. Don’t miss it!📢 Follow & Subscribe for more real conversations on faith and life. Let us know your thoughts in the comments or reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
Mar 20, 2025
45 min
LESSONS IN WORK, WEALTH, AND WHAT REALLY MATTERS
In this inspiring episode of the Midtown Podcast, we sit down with Don, a man whose life story is nothing short of remarkable. From growing up in a small town in West Virginia with little to his name to working his way into the corporate world at IBM, Don shares the lessons he’s learned along the way. We talk about hard work, risk-taking, chasing success, and the importance of balance. Don’s journey also takes unexpected turns—including an undercover encounter with the FBI! But through it all, he’s discovered what truly matters in life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone looking for wisdom on work, faith, and family, this episode is for you
Mar 11, 2025
52 min
Load more