Veteran podcaster Paul Hastings, creator of the Compelled podcast, joins us for this episode of the Be Unbound podcast for an intriguing conversation about storytelling and faith. We chat with Paul about his inspiring journey from a career in politics to creating a platform that shares incredible stories of redemption and transformation in people's lives. He shares how an intense series of personal realizations led Paul to pivot from his role as a political lobbyist to immerse himself in producing a podcast that brings Christian testimonies to the forefront. Paul discusses the genesis of the Compelled podcast, inspired by the profound testimonies he and his wife realized they were uniquely connected to. His method involves blending immersive sound design with narrative, transporting listeners deep into the stories' emotions and events. Throughout the conversation, Paul shares standout lessons from his interviews, including a powerful tale of a KKK bomber whose life took a 180-degree turn through faith. Stories like this are a testament to the radical transformation that can occur through belief and grace, no matter how boring you think your testimony may be. Paul also shares about the newly launched Proclaim Podcast Network, a collective effort to spotlight high-quality, theologically sound Christian stories in an ever-growing digital media landscape. Whether you're a long-time fan of Paul's work or just discovering the magic of his storytelling, this episode of the Be Unbound podcast offers inspiration and encouragement in the pursuit of compelling Christian artistry.01:59 Paul Hastings' Background and Podcast Journey04:59 Paul's Early Career and Transition to Podcasting08:27 The Birth of Compelled Podcast08:46 Finding Stories and Building the Podcast14:05 Challenges and Surprising Moments19:38 Intense Money Conversations20:37 A Miraculous Provision22:18 Faith and Uncertainty24:12 The Power of Testimonies31:26 Immersive Storytelling34:47 Launching the Proclaim Podcast NetworkLearn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

In this episode, we welcome Kari Elliott, who shares her extraordinary journey of Christian service. Starting as photographers, Kari and her husband Dan transitioned into unexpected missionaries in Haiti, founding Bibles for Haiti. Kari recounts how God opened doors and led them on a path they never imagined.The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Kari’s story, from managing a successful photography business to feeling a divine call for overseas missions. We talk with Kari about how her family initially went to Haiti for a photography assignment but soon felt compelled to stay and serve the local community by distributing Bibles. Despite their lack of formal theological training, they made a significant impact.Kari shares the struggles and joys of transitioning from a stable corporate life to a mission-driven existence in Haiti. She speaks about the importance of community and how everyday activities can create opportunities to share the gospel. The conversation also delves into their return to the U.S. and how they continued their mission-based mindset in their newest mission field: their hometown of Brandon, South Dakota.Kari's story is an inspiring example of unwavering faith and the importance of continually giving control over to God.03:57 The Call to Haiti: An Unexpected Mission07:33 Life in Haiti: Challenges and Triumphs18:31 Returning Home: New Beginnings in South Dakota29:06 Reflections and Lessons Learned34:45 Closing Thoughts and Opportunities with UnboundLearn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

Welcome back to the Be Unbound podcast! We're delighted to be joined in this episode by Abe Chen, former cohost of this podcast turned Senior Videographer for a marketing agency. Abe shares insights from his journey in videography, including a unique concept he calls 'undistracting excellence.' We talk about the nuances of storytelling through video, the importance of excellence in art, and how Christians can integrate their faith into their craft. Whether you're a budding videographer or just curious about storytelling and art, this episode is packed with wisdom and reflections you won't want to miss.02:54 Abe's Current Ventures04:16 Launching Resilient Art Productions04:57 The New Video Production Track from Unbound05:20 The Importance of Mentorship07:43 Learning by Doing14:12 Undistracting Excellence in Videography17:53 The Power of Storytelling in VideoLearn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

In this episode of the Be Unbound Podcast, we sit down with the extraordinary Julia Gottfried, one of our own Unbound alumni, who has chosen an unconventional path of faith, education, and mentorship. From her roots in a farming community, to a real estate career at 18, to a transformative mission year traveling across the U.S. and Jamaica, and now to coaching students, Julia shares her unique perspective on youth, identity, and hope. If you're looking for somebody who has a unique viewpoint and perspective on the country and it's people right now, you'd be hard pressed to find somebody more qualified to talk about that than Julia.01:46 Julia's Journey with Unbound04:03 Julia's Background and Homeschooling07:15 Choosing Real Estate at 1815:10 Mission Work and Traveling21:24 Insights on Youth and Mentorship28:47 Reflections on the State of the CountryLearn more about Unbound: beunbound.usHosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

In this episode of the Be Unbound podcast, we welcome Nadine Lauffer, a recent homeschool graduate and college-bound student, to discuss her transformative homeschooling journey. Nadine shares her initial struggles comparing her home school experience to those in public school. An experience she had at a homeschool convention shifted her perspective, and she discovered a drive to help other homeschoolers realize their full potential. We dive into the unique benefits and challenges of homeschooling through high school, the importance of community, and Nadine’s passion for encouraging students to explore diverse educational alternatives. 02:40 Nadine's Homeschooling Insights and Podcast Journey06:33 The Power of Homeschooling Community16:14 Challenges of Homeschooling in High School19:49 Overcoming Academic and Social Hurdles25:56 Nadine’s College Transition and Reflections28:37 Encouragement for HomeschoolersCheck out Nadine's podcast here: https://hshighschoolpodcast.buzzsprout.com/Find Nadine on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/howto_homeschool_inhighschool/Learn more about the programs we have for high school students: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

Trent Schrock joins us on the Be Unbound podcast for a practical conversation on how to set young people up for financial success. Trent shares his background and journey, detailing his shift from social work to landscape design and his creation of the Freedom Program. We talk about the complex relationship between Christians and money, and the temptation we all have of letting it dominate our lives instead of using money as a tool. Trent shares about the Freedom Program, a program he started that focuses on financial, intellectual, vocational, emotional, and spiritual freedoms. His program teaches young people the importance of saving early, playing great defense, and setting themselves up for a successful financial future. Trent has some really profound insights on the vital role of hard work, vision, and discipline in achieving impactful success that you'll definitely learn a lot from.01:06 Trent's Journey from Landscape Design to Financial Mentorship05:35 The Freedom Program07:56 Financial Freedom for Young People: The FIVES Framework10:41 The Power of Early Financial Planning12:25 Real-Life Success Stories from the Freedom Program23:27 The Work Path to a Meaningful CareerCheck out the Freedom Program: https://www.thefreepro.com/Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

What makes Christian art cringy vs. compelling? Briley Crisafi joins us on this episode for a conversation on making art from a Christian worldview. No matter what kind of art she's making, Briley centers herself on storytelling - from songwriting, to choreography, to acting, to production. Briley is an Unbound alum, and has gone onto use her talents in a professional capacity in musical theater and creative writing. We unpack some compelling ideas about how Christians should portray sin and darkness in their arts, how wordless art forms like choreography can communicate the gospel, and storytelling's effect on us beyond our emotions.01:57 The Role of Christians in Arts and Entertainment05:10 The Power of Storytelling in Culture Change06:24 Christian Art vs. Art Inspired by Christian Belief13:01 Choreographing with a Christian Worldview20:19 Creating Impactful Art: The Sherlock Holmes Project28:52 Future Aspirations34:19 The Power of Community and StorytellingLearn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

Kevin and Becky Laramee are long time friends, volunteers, and figurative adoptive parents of Unbound. They share a delightful mix of heartfelt marriage wisdom, thrilling stories of exploration, and insights into the lifelong partnership of marriage. Kevin and Becky share their experiences from 36 years of marriage and how they've grown together through every joy and sorrow. They also recount their ambitious goal to visit every national park in the United States, embracing the excitement and challenges that come with their adventures. Whether you're looking for relationship advice or adventurous inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways and a lot of fun. 00:55 Meet Kevin and Becky Laramee02:37 Becky's Journey with Unbound03:56 Kevin's Involvement with Unbound 06:10 Favorite National Parks09:43 Exciting and Scary Moments in Adventuring16:21 Marriage Insights and Attitudes18:30 The Dynamics of Marriage18:57 Embracing Change Together20:15 Attitudes Towards Life and Marriage22:11 Facing Challenges as a Team23:44 Advice for the David as he looks forward to his own wedding26:31 The Importance of Constant Communication 27:04 Marriage as a Journey of Growth38:04 Upcoming Unbound Events and Opportunities Register for a free upcoming webinar: beunbound.us/webinar-series/Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/ Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer Producer: Kyle Hill

We're very excited to welcome back Unbound alum and former host of the Be Unbound Podcast Ben Billups to share his unique insights on learning, growth, and resilience. From the self-driven faith instilled by his parents, he reflects on his career journey from freelancing and filmmaking to founding Noble, his current company. Ben discusses intentionally seeking out discomfort and the importance of setting goals that align with becoming the type of person capable of achieving them. We also pick Ben's brain about building an "antifragile" mindset and grounding his hope in more than blind optimism.  03:20 Ben's Journey and Career Evolution 08:29 The Mindset of Continuous Learning15:46 Setting Goals and Embracing Challenges22:30 Building a Sustainable Business28:31 Hope, Resilience, and Perspective37:01 Join Us at Apex Join us at our next Apex event: beunbound.us/apex Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David RethemeyerProducer: Kyle Hill

Kian Bisschop joins us for an episode we recorded just a few days before his wedding to talk about masculinity - where do we get it right, and where have we lost our way? As our culture has conversations about exposing toxic masculinity, men are left to wonder how to replace some of the cultural stereotypes and poor examples we've grown up with. Kian helps us explore the essence of biblical masculinity, responsibility, and community through a few engaging stories. We talk about why it's important for men to embrace hard work, take on first responsibilities, and cultivate strong friendships.    00:00 Introduction to the Be Unbound Podcast 01:43 Meet Kian Bisschop 02:09 Kian's Journey with Unbound 06:29 Kian's Professional Life in the Trades 08:21 The Flat Tire Story 14:26 The Importance of Masculinity and Responsibility 22:13 Fixing What's Broken 22:46 Toxic Masculinity in Trades  24:18 Accepting Responsibility 27:04 Cultural and Biblical Influences 30:03 The Importance of Community 31:59 A Wedding Story 37:34 Community Over Prepping 43:40 Unbound Community and Final Thoughts   Learn more about Unbound: beunbound.us   Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer  Producer: Kyle Hill