In this powerful episode of the Rooted In Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Julian Rodriguez for one of the most raw and transformative testimonies shared on the platform.

Born into gang culture in Chicago and raised between violence, drugs, poverty, and trauma, Julian opens up about witnessing his father’s addiction, family division, suicidal thoughts at a young age, and the weight of growing up far too soon. From living in an attic to hustling in the streets, his story reflects the harsh realities many inner-city families face.

But this episode isn’t about statistics — it’s about redemption.

Julian shares the moment he cried out to God as a child after being told he couldn’t go to church… and how that prayer was answered almost immediately. He walks through the slow, real process of salvation — the wrestling ...