Shows
Bending Over BackwardsEp. 7 - From Hidden Illness To Timeless Grace: Emanuelle Adkins On Reclaiming Health And Living With PurposeWhat happens when a seemingly small decision transforms into a life-altering health battle? In this powerful episode of Bending Over Backwards, Dr. James Adkins welcomes his wife, Emanuelle Adkins, for a raw and intimate conversation. Emanuelle shares her journey of navigating years of unexplained illness, uncovering the truth about breast implant illness, and reclaiming her health through courage and faith. From the pivotal moment of discovery to the life-changing decision of explant surgery, Emanuelle’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of listening to your body.But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Emanuelle brin...2025-01-1429 min
A Force To Be Reckoned With213. United We Stand, Divided We FallIs the growing polarization of today’s political climate a reflection of a deeper spiritual struggle?In this episode, we dig into how faith and politics intersect, especially during election season. We share our journey of moving from loyalty to political parties toward a focus on biblical principles, urging listeners to keep Christ at the center. As Christians, we’re called to engage thoughtfully in politics, ensuring no party or leader becomes an idol.We discuss the importance of voting in line with biblical values, recognizing that while no politician is perfect, some alig...2024-11-0545 minA Force To Be Reckoned With212. Jaliyah's Story Pt 2: This Is Just the BeginningHave you ever considered the impact that foster parents can make not only on the children in their care, but also in the bio parents?Through the raw and emotional recounting of her experiences, Jaliyah emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element often overlooked in these life-altering situations that lead to foster care. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics between CPS, foster parents, and biological parents, navigating the challenges foster parents face in preserving a child's identity while fostering mutual respect and trust with biological families.We also confront the stigmas surrounding...2024-09-1056 minA Force To Be Reckoned With212. Jaliyah's Story Pt 2: This Is Just the BeginningHave you ever considered the impact that foster parents can make not only on the children in their care, but also in the bio parents?Through the raw and emotional recounting of her experiences, Jaliyah emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element often overlooked in these life-altering situations that lead to foster care. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics between CPS, foster parents, and biological parents, navigating the challenges foster parents face in preserving a child's identity while fostering mutual respect and trust with biological families.We also confront the stigmas surrounding...2024-09-101h 03A Force To Be Reckoned With211. A Peek Behind the Curtain: Jaliyah’s Story - Part 1Have you ever wondered what our foster kiddo's bio mom's story might be?Jaliyah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she recounts her challenging childhood, marked by separation from her siblings and parents due to addiction and imprisonment. Her grandfather's unwavering support and teachings provided a beacon of strength amidst the turmoil, instilling values of hard work and resilience. Jaliyah's story offers a fresh perspective on the backgrounds of biological parents involved in foster care, breaking down stigmas and shedding light on the complexities of her upbringing.Jaliyah's strength and perseverance...2024-09-051h 01A Force To Be Reckoned With210. This is Only The Beginning (and we need your help): Our Foster Care Journey Part 3Did you know that the goal of foster care is reunification?Join us as we share our deeply personal journey through the foster care system. We'll capture the pivotal moments of hope when the kids' mother entered rehab, sparking hope of reunification. We'll recount the unexpected bonds formed and many impactful moments in between.If you've ever wondered about the true impact of community involvement in foster care, our experiences will shed light on the pivotal role it plays. When our family grew from four members to eight nearly overnight, we set our minds to...2024-09-0340 minA Force To Be Reckoned With209. The Gut Wrenching Reality: Our Foster Care Journey - Part 2Can you imagine leaving a child you've grown to love in an unfamiliar place, not knowing if you'll ever see them again?This episode takes you through the gut-wrenching experience we faced on July 28th, 2023. We also share how prayer became our lifeline during these heart-shattering moments and how community support played a crucial role. Listen as we recount welcoming a new placement, a four-year-old boy, and the profound sense of urgency within the foster care system.We open up about our own struggles and heartbreak, highlighting the feelings of helplessness and grief when children...2024-08-2937 minA Force To Be Reckoned With208. Thank You For Your Support: Behind the Scenes of Our Foster Care Journey - Part 1This week on the podcast we are sharing about our foster care journey. So many of you have been deeply invested through prayer, lending a helping hand, and checking in. We know that so much of our story has been fragmented due to the rollercoaster of it all and also privacy.With that, we are finally ready to share a 3 episode series covering our podcast journey from the call to start all the way to where we are two years later.Thank you to those of you who have invested in us. We are so...2024-08-2759 minA Force To Be Reckoned With207. Struggling to Read Your Bible? Listen to ThisDo you ever struggle to find time to read the Bible? Have you ever felt intimidated by it or like you don't know where to start?Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kristin Nave, a powerful voice on social media dedicated to studying God's Word. Kristin shares her journey from a childhood enriched by her mother's persistent teachings to a slightly distant relationship with Christianity in her early adulthood. A life-changing moment at a conference revealed to her that a Christian life is about experiencing an abundant life, sparking her profound and fulfilling relationship with God.2024-08-1338 minA Force To Be Reckoned With206. Life Update: We Think We Might Like Each OtherHave you ever felt God nudge you to do something challenging?We're back with another life update. From high stakes to minor conflicts, we dig deep into the real battles that test our resilience every day. Despite the chaos, we find strength in our unity and ability to laugh even sometimes when we probably shouldn't.As you may remember, we recently found mold in our home, leading to an exhaustive (and expensive!) remediation process. We open up about the significant toll it took but also celebrate the invaluable lessons learned—like the importance of accepting he...2024-08-0634 min
ReStoried41. Part Two - Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot and How it Emboldens Us Locally with Corey AdkinsIn part two of our mini-series debriefing the movie The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, I sit down with Corey Adkins, a current foster parent and board member at Hope Bridge, to gain his perspective on what Possum Trot means for us locally.Corey shares his feelings about the church's complacency in America, questioning whether we're truly living out our faith beyond checking off boxes. We discuss the challenges and rewards of foster care, emphasizing that despite its difficulties, it is a calling we must embrace. Join us for an insightful and h...2024-07-2247 minA Force To Be Reckoned With205. When God Says ‘Go!’ with Wendi CrossAre you willing to step into the unknown with God at the reigns? Meet Wendi Cross, our remarkable guest whose story of adopting her son from Ethiopia is a beacon of hope and resilience. Wendi sheds light on the trials and victories her family faced. Her powerful journey, detailed in her book "Not Forgotten," is a moving testament to the strength and determination required to finish strong as parents despite the odds.Have you ever felt a calling that others couldn't understand? Wendi shares about the profound importance of following God's will, even when it...2024-07-0247 minA Force To Be Reckoned With204. Mold, Wi-Fi, and EMFs, Oh My!Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, battling brain fog, or dealing with chronic sinus infections without knowing what's causing it? Join us in our enlightening discussion with Traci Zizza as we explore common culprits that could be silently wreaking havoc on your health. Traci unpacks the effects of these invisible threats, particularly focusing on how they can disrupt your sleep and overall energy. She offers practical tips on mitigating these impacts, such as spending more time outdoors, unplugging devices, and minimizing indoor exposure.Our conversation takes a deeply personal turn as we recount our...2024-06-2523 minA Force To Be Reckoned With203. Practical Things You Can Do TODAY To Move Toward a Healthier LifeEver wonder why focusing on just one aspect of health doesn’t seem to cut it? Traci Zizza sheds light on her seven essential health pillars—rest, nutrition, body connection, detoxing, stress management, movement, and life peace—and reveals how achieving balance across these areas is the key to overall well-being.Struggling to maintain a healthy diet amid the plethora of choices and information? Traci breaks down the importance of personalized nutrition plans that cater to individual preferences and lifestyles, whether you're following keto, paleo, or another diet. We also delve into the role of detoxification in boosti...2024-06-1833 minA Force To Be Reckoned With202. Is Convenience Killing Us?What happens when our fast-paced, convenience-driven lifestyles begin to take a toll on our health? Join us for a compelling conversation with Traci Zizza, a functional and holistic nutrition practitioner who reveals the hidden battles we face every day. Traci shares her own journey to health, shedding light on the challenges posed by modern living, from exposure to toxins to the pressures of hectic schedules. Together, we uncover the misconceptions in the wellness space and emphasize the importance of finding real balance for our families and ourselves.Imagine a life where relentless stress and poor...2024-06-1152 minA Force To Be Reckoned With201. Don’t Let This One Slip Through the CracksWhat if the true battles we face aren't the ones staring right at us but the invisible forces that shape our daily lives? Join us on a reflective journey as we explore how to make the most of summer. We'll share our excitement for the official start of the season and some of our plans for creating unforgettable experiences for our families. Through personal stories and societal observations, we'll emphasize the importance of mindfulness and intentionality in our daily lives.How often do we find ourselves physically there but mentally checked out, caught in the...2024-06-0444 minA Force To Be Reckoned With200. EPISODE 200! Peaks and ValleysEver wondered how we've managed to keep the podcast fire burning for 200 episodes? Let's take you on a nostalgic journey from our humble beginnings as the Adkins Highlight Reel to becoming a steadfast voice in the podcasting realm. In this milestone episode, we reflect on our mission of bringing real-life stories that resonate deeply with our audience, celebrate with a special $200 giveaway, and share an intimate family update about juggling life with three kids once again.Mental toughness isn't just a buzzword; it's a lifeline in the chaos of family life. We unpack our experiences...2024-05-2844 minA Force To Be Reckoned With199. What Was It All For?Remember the raw, unfiltered conversations we used to have in the early days of our podcast?That's where Corey and I begin this heart-to-heart episode, reflecting on how our discussions have matured alongside our audience's growth. As we've welcomed more listeners into our fold, the balance between honesty and discretion has become a dance we constantly refine. We're peeling back the layers on the evolution of the podcast, sharing the delicate art of preserving candidness while respecting the privacy of those stories intertwined with our own.We then stroll down memory lane, examining...2024-05-2145 minA Force To Be Reckoned With198. What Happens When the Dust Settles?Have you ever pulled off a prank that left everyone better off than before? Join us as we recount our weekend filled with 'kindness pranks', a unique way of spreading joy and laughter to our friends. This episode is full of parenting, friendship, and a whole lot of love rolled into a series of heartwarming stories that affirm the beauty of giving back, even if it means the occasional tumble down a hill.Life can throw curveballs, especially when it involves opening your home and heart to foster children. We get real about the emotional r...2024-04-2340 minA Force To Be Reckoned With197. Habits of the HouseholdEver found yourself in an argument with your spouse over something trivial and wondered how it escalated so quickly? We, the Adkins, open up about those little marital tiffs that can teach us a lot about the bigger battles within ourselves. Our latest episode peels back the curtain on navigating disagreements with humor and grace, and we're letting you in on the secrets to turning conflicts into opportunities for growth. We also dive into the importance of communication and the art of the apology, sharing a personal story that proves even the most mundane days can lead...2024-04-1737 minA Force To Be Reckoned With196. The Parable of the KitesHave you ever flown a kite?Let's take a moment to appreciate the simple joy of watching a kite dance in the sky. There's something magical about it, right? It's like a metaphor for life itself – a delicate balance between control and letting go.We'll share personal stories like our son's leap into independence, his challenges grasping the strings without guidance, and the triumph of his eventual success. It's a narrative that mirrors our own struggles as we explore the lessons hidden in the simple moments.We'll chat ab...2024-04-0919 minA Force To Be Reckoned With195. Let’s Catch Up: Is Anyone Else Feeling This Way?How do you process your emotions?Amid the predictability of daily chores, we find a treasure trove of life lessons and laughter. We chat about transitioning back to a family of five, invoking both humor and heart in the routine of life. This episode is a reminder to cherish the moments with loved ones and a nod to the swift passage of time we all face.Striking a balance takes work, especially in the throes of family commitments and emotional well-being. We explore the idea of slowing down, saying no, and the diverse ways in...2024-04-0339 minA Force To Be Reckoned With194. Our Kids' Thoughts On Our Foster Care JourneyHow has foster care affected our kids and our family as a whole?Join us as we sit down with our kids, Carter and Liberty, as they open up about the rollercoaster of emotions and the surprising ways in which fostering has reshaped our lives. This isn't just about the love we share; it's a raw and authentic look into the real-life effects of opening our hearts and our home to children in need.Our journey through fostering is one that interweaves laughter with tears, teaching us about strength, empathy, and the profound impact we...2024-03-2644 minA Force To Be Reckoned With193. Overconnected World, Disconnected FamiliesHave you spent quality time with your loved ones this week?This week, we're unraveling the importance of being intentional with our family time, especially during transitions and the regular evolution of our home dynamics. We explore the power of everyday moments, like dinner around the table and car rides without the radio, to foster deeper bonds and create a lasting sense of belonging.Through laughter and deep recollections, we discuss the strategies that help us turn the mundane into the memorable. And it's not just about us; we're also unpacking the broader implications of...2024-03-1246 min
100 Lunches8: Kurtis Adkins *Music, Movies and Cars to Audio Video Career*In this conversation, Kurtis Adkins of AV Connect shares his passion for AV and home automation. He discusses his background and how his childhood interest in music and tinkering led him to pursue a career in the industry. Kurtis explains the importance of staying current in the field and educating clients about the latest technologies. He also shares his favorite table memories and offers advice for those starting out in the industry. In this conversation, Kurtis Adkins shares advice on taking initiative and finding passions. He emphasizes the importance of being self-motivated and having a bigger picture m...2024-03-0837 minA Force To Be Reckoned With192. Life Update: Has Our Foster Care Journey Ended?Ever accidentally shatter a full glass bottle of kombucha in Marshall's? We have! In today's episode, we take you through life's everyday laughter and trials, swapping tales from bathroom disasters to the quirks of marriage. As we navigate the tender complexities of fostering, parenting, and the relentless passage of time, we invite you to join our conversation and embrace the journey of life with us. This is not just an update—it's a chapter of our lives, shared candidly with hopes to spark inspiration and sprinkle a bit of joy in your day.Delving into the...2024-03-0556 minA Force To Be Reckoned With191. PGE: Parents Google EverythingWhat are your thoughts on bell-bottoms and landline phones?Get ready to laugh and nod along as we unveil our "Parents Google Everything" segment, where we dive headfirst into the quirkiest corners of the internet. It's a weird world we live in.. with Gen Z dialing up on landlines and sporting mullets and people smuggling snakes across the border in their pants—yep, we're scratching our heads too. Join our light-hearted debate over the allure of 90s fashion's comeback and why nostalgia seems to have a grip on the new generation, all packed wi...2024-02-2735 minA Force To Be Reckoned With190. Christians, Kids, and Sports - Can They Coexist?What role do sports play in your family?In this episode, we lace up our cleats for an in-depth exploration of youth sports, family life, and living out Christian values in modern society. We're not just talking about juggling schedules; we're diving deep into how these elements weave together, shaping lives and strengthening families. From coaching as a mission to prioritizing faith in the whirlwind of athletic pursuits, we're tackling tough questions and sharing personal insights to support and inspire those navigating the same playing field. Everyone has their own view on the place sports...2024-02-2047 min