Courageous Conversations

di Jason Ellis

Stagione 2

"Be Still, and Know that I am God." - Special Guest David Nugent

“Be still, and know that I am God.” David Nugent - a Briarcrest dad, Super Bowl champion, and business owner, joined the Courageous Conversations podcast to share a story of identity, burnout, and learning how (and when) to be still in God’s spirit. David went from rooming with Tom Brady to collapsing in a weight room, finding God in the stillness of that defining, life-altering moment. A self-described "all-in" personality, David kept saying yes until his body forced him to stop. Hear his courageous story about being diagnosed with a potentially fatal condition, his recovery, and his rejuvenation and restoration in Christ. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube today! #ChristianPodcast

S2 · E9

6 mag 2026

29:50

From Corporate Burnout to Kingdom Purpose - Special Guest Chad Gilbert

What does it look like to chase success, attain the things you desired, and still feel completely empty? How does God restore us in those moments? In this episode Jason Ellis sits down with Briarcrest's Director of Marketing, Chad Gilbert, who shares about his journey finding real peace and purpose after 20 years in Corporate America. Chad opens up about battling anxiety and depression at the height of his career, a turning point moment on an airplane, and what happened when he finally surrendered control to God. They also dig into practical wisdom for parents navigating youth sports, intentional family time, and how to raise kids whose identity is rooted first in Christ, not their academic or athletic performance. More from this episode: · Why success without purpose always leaves you empty · How to recognize when God is opening (or closing) a door · Using "windshield time" to disciple your kids · The power of gratitude in your darkest moments · Advice for young adults just starting out in the "real world" 🎧 Listen and Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube!

S2 · E8

1 apr 2026

33:41

"It's OK to not be OK. It's just not OK to stay that way." - Special Guest Gerardo Gonzales

In this powerful episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Coach Gonzalez shares his journey from his upbringing growing up near the California-Mexico border to finding Christ at 15. After losing his mother at 17, he faced a choice: run from God or draw closer to Him. His message to students: "It's okay not to be okay. It's just not okay to stay that way." Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch the full episode on YouTube to hear how his surrender transformed tragedy into a testimony of God's faithfulness.

S2 · E7

17 feb 2026

29:35

Seeds Planted in Seasons of Struggle - A Sit-Down with Dr. Edd Lawrence

"Arise, go forth, and conquer." That's the daily exhortation Dr. Edd Lawrence offers his students when they leave his classroom. But what does it really look like to “go forth and conquer” in today’s world? Check out the latest episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast where Dr. Lawrence shares practical advice formed from decades of experience in parenting, teaching, and serving in the ministry. Here are a few of the insights Dr. Lawrence shared, as only he can! On Boundaries: Kids secretly want them—they provide safety and show love. They don’t know how much they need them…until they know how much they really need them. On Consistency: Parenting is all about intentionality. Training up a child in they way they should go means you're creating appetites for good things: faith, integrity, hard work. On the Gospel: At the end of the day, we're all sinners in need of a Savior - parents and kids alike. Good parenting begins with intentionality but is grounded in humility. From curfews to character, “seeds planted in seasons of struggle”, this conversation is full of truth, encouragement, and lived wisdom. If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone investing in the next generation, you don't want to miss this. Listen now on the Courageous Conversations Podcast!

S2 · E6

10 dic 2025

37:03

Finding the One Thing that Satisfies - Special Guest Trey Lawrence

What is the one thing that truly satisfies? On the latest episode of Courageous Conversations, Jason is joined by special guest Trey Lawrence to discuss the freedom of surrendering to God’s grace and the truth that transformation comes not from what we do, but from what Christ has already done. 🎧 Tune in as we talk about finding faith, purpose, and what it means to glorify God in every season.

S2 · E5

4 nov 2025

37:32

Confessions from a Former College Athlete: Finding Identity in Christ Alone - Special Guest Sydney Ham

If you could step back in time and talk to your 17-year-old self, what would you say? In this episode of Courageous Conversations, BCS Strength and Conditioning Coach Sydney Ham reflects on her journey as a D1 soccer player and how her identity shifted from performance to purpose. She opens up about the struggles of idolizing success, the highs and lows that came with tying her worth to her sport, and the freedom she found in seeing soccer as a way to glorify God rather than herself. Sydney’s message is one every athlete—and anyone chasing achievement—needs to hear: “Your sport is temporary. Your faith is eternal.”

S2 · E4

16 ott 2025

33:31

Finding Gospel-Centered Balance During Stressful Times - Special Guest Lauren Cocke

Why does God allow suffering? How do we balance grief and hope at the same time? In this episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Jason Ellis is joined by guest Lauren Cocke as they consider some of life’s hardest questions—why tragedy and struggles happen, why burdens feel so heavy, and how to discover the unique hope Christ offers during hard times. Even when prayers feel unanswered, we live with confidence that the victory is already won! ✝️✨

S2 · E3

1 ott 2025

33:16

Mission Ecuador: Finding True Contentment in the Jungle

Join host Jason Ellis and a panel of Briarcrest students and faculty members as they share their experiences from a summer mission trip to Ecuador! Hear their stories about how they found true peace and contentment by serving - and being served - on a summer mission trip.

S2 · E2

10 set 2025

45:12

Mission Ethiopia: Student Stories from an Unforgettable Journey

Join host Jason Ellis as we kick off Season Two of the Courageous Conversations podcast. In this episode, a panel of students and faculty members share their experiences from a summer mission trip to Ethiopia! Hear their first-hand accounts about what surprised them most about the journey, as well as unexpected and unplanned ways God blessed their ministry experience.

S2 · E1

20 ago 2025

50:34

Stagione 1

You Have the Gifts Needed to Serve in the Mission Field!

Briarcrest’s third international mission cohort of the summer is currently serving with Jungle Kids for Christ in Ecuador! Hear from Jason Ellis and Tyler Salyer, Briarcrest High School Principal, about their experience serving in Ecuador last year in this week’s podcast. It was Mr. Salyer’s first week on the job at BCS, and within minutes of arriving the group experienced an earthquake. God has empowered you with a specific gift to serve in the mission field!

S1 · E17

2 lug 2025

21:07

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