Shows
Five-Minute Debate50. Bible - The Relationship Between Israel and the ChurchIs the Church the fulfillment of Israel—or does Israel still have a distinct role in God’s redemptive plan? In this episode of Five-Minute Debate, host Robert Smith moderates a lively exchange between Dr. David Smith, a lecturer in biblical theology who argues that the Church continues Israel’s mission in Christ, and Dr. Rebecca Jones, a teacher of New Testament studies who maintains that Israel and the Church remain distinct in Scripture and prophecy. Drawing on insights from N.T. Wright, Michael Vlach, and Walter Kaiser, the discussion wrestles with Paul’s imagery, covenant theology, and the promises...
2025-12-0805 min
Reasoning Through the BibleS47 || Gog’s Defeat and Israel’s Future || Ezekiel 39:1-29 || Session 47A single chapter can reset how you read prophecy, and Ezekiel 39 does exactly that. We trace the defeat of Gog, the shocking aftermath in Israel, and the unmistakable claim that God will end the profaning of His name and make Himself known among the nations. The language is concrete, the timeline is pointed, and the implications touch how we understand Israel’s future, the church age, and the character of God.We start with the text itself—God’s stacked “I will” statements, the scale of the coalition, and the seven-year and seven-month cleanup that follows. From there we e...
2025-10-2937 min
Reasoning Through the BibleS41 || When nations mock Israel, are they mocking God? || Ezekiel 35:1-15 || Session 41What if the most dangerous thing about a nation isn’t its armies, but its envy? In Ezekiel chapter 35, the spotlight falls on Edom—Mount Seir—and a hard truth emerges: God confronts “everlasting enmity,” the kind of hatred that celebrates another people’s pain and seizes land under the cover of their loss. We walk through the text line by line and place it in the larger arc of Ezekiel—early judgment on Judah, mid‑book oracles to the nations, and a turn toward restoration—showing how Edom becomes a cautionary tale for every era.We trace Edom’s story...
2025-10-1528 min
Indigenous Faith25.41 The King is Coming - Getting the Context Right - Israel (Part 3)In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue to unpackage the importance of understanding the two historical covenants God made, the first with Israel and the second with the Church. The Church has not replaced Israel, and now, since the day Jesus died on the Cross, Israel must join the other Gentile nations in obedience to the second covenant, which was established when Jesus shed His blood for the sins of the world. We all must now come to faith in Christ alone if we are to be eternally saved. This episode also uncovers the important reality that even though the...
2025-10-1129 min
And Another Thing with Dave#446 Unpacking U.S.- Israel RelationsAnd Another Thing With Dave, by Dave SmithIn this episode, Dave Smith engages in a lively and controversial conversation with guests Porkchop and Hellitutor. They delve into various topics centering around U.S.-Israel relations, political dynamics, and historical events. The discussion revolves around:Trump and Netanyahu's Relationship: They analyze Trump’s demeanor towards Netanyahu, portraying him as overly submissive and questioning the implications of such interactions on U.S. foreign policy.Financial Support to Israel: The trio discusses the substantial financial aid the U.S...
2025-10-0933 min
Reasoning Through the BibleS17 || God's Graphic Rebuke of Israel || Ezekiel 16:35-63 || Session 17Prepare for a raw and unflinching look at divine disappointment as we explore one of Scripture's most graphic passages in Ezekiel 16:35-63. Using the powerful metaphor of marriage betrayed, God confronts Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness with language that still startles readers today.The discussion opens by examining God's portrayal of Israel as a beautiful bride who degenerates into a shameless prostitute—but one who remarkably pays her lovers rather than receiving payment. This shocking imagery represents Israel's eager adoption of pagan worship practices, including the horrific sacrifice of their children to foreign gods like Molech. As Glenn and St...
2025-08-2031 min
The Journalism of Everything PodcastThe End Times Nobody Wants to Admit: Israel and the War in GazaEvery time violence erupts in Israel, prophecy headlines follow: This is it. The end is here! (Repent Now!) But what if prophecy was never about fear — and instead about what we do now?
In this episode of The Journalism of Everything Podcast, journalist Darisse Smith continues her conversation with Bishop William Gregg, diving into the end-times beliefs of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism — and the surprising similarities that unite them. From Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones to the modern-day war in Gaza, we explore how prophecy gets weaponized, why “God’s chosen people” isn’t a free pass, and what...
2025-08-1355 min
The Journalism of Everything PodcastWhy Israel? Is It A Land, A People, or a Prophecy?Welcome to "The Journalism of Everything Podcast," where curiosity knows no bounds. In today's thought-provoking episode, your host, journalist Darisse Smith, delves into one of the most complex and contentious regions on the planet: Israel. Brought up in both progressive Southern Baptist and Episcopal traditions, Darisse shares her personal journey of the contrasting biblical teachings she encountered as a Southern Baptist and Episcopalian. She then tackles a rapid-fire, condensed history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from the Balfour Declaration to the ongoing 2025 strife, offering a panoramic view of this century-long territorial and cultural battle.
The highlight of the...
2025-07-0945 min
The Bible Prophecy ShowS2 Ep29 | Why Iran's Theology Demands Israel's DestructionSend us a textWhat is the underlying ideology of Israel's enemies? Why does Iran seem so unwavering in their mission to wipe Israel off the earth? Well, there's a reason for it, and it's a reason you may not be familiar with. Join Brian Gaugler and Bryan Smith as they discuss the prominent motivating factors for the unrest and constant war between Israel, Iran, and much of the Islamic world.Visit us at BibleProphecyShow.com for your comments, suggestions, or to leave us a testimonial of how this Podcast has blessed you or...
2025-07-0741 min
Considering CatholicismEvangelicals and Israel, the Alamo and End Times (#352)[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Why do American evangelicals passionately support modern Israel, especially in conflicts like Israel-Iran? In the final part of our Seeking Roots, Finding the Church series, Greg Smith shares why Americans, including evangelicals, admire Israel’s pioneer spirit and military prowess, akin to Davy Crockett at the Alamo. Buy notes that dispensationalist theology, tied to their chase for Jewish roots (Episode 1) and reliance on the Masoretic Text (Episode 2), also fuels their political commitment, contrasting with the Catholic view of the Church as the New Israel. Responding to claims like Senator Ted Cruz’s, Greg shows why the Chur...
2025-07-0422 minThe Bible Prophecy ShowS2 Ep27 | Israel Under Fire, America Responds, Coincidence or Prophetic?Send us a textJoin Brian Gaugler and Bryan Smith as they discuss the latest news concerning the Israel-Iran Conflict, and analyze whether or not America's Involvement in the war, and protection of Israel, is mere coincidence or prophetic (and found in scripture).This is a Special Edition of The Bible Prophecy Show, and we certainly hope it brings insight and blesses your life.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and also for all the innocent people in Iran, Israel, and the United States, as this conflict progresses. Hopefully, the war is settling...
2025-06-2538 min
Mokena's Front Porch PodcastAaron Janik - Candidate for Lincolnway 210 School BoardSend us a textAaron Janik is the current President of the Lincolnway 210 School Board. He lives in Mokena with his wife Molly and their three kids. He is running unopposed this election but still sat with me to talk about the school district and himself. Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Aaron Janik!IsraelThis is a production of Mokena's Front Porch. More on our website at www.mokenasfrontporch.com#illinoispolitics #willcounty #localelections #2025MunicipalElections #localpodcast #MokenaElections2025 #MokenaVotes #MokenaPolitics #LocalElections #IllinoisElections #MokenaIllinois #SuburbanPolitics #Election2025 #YourVoteMatters #VoteMokena #MokenaCandidates #MeetTheCandidates #CandidateInterviews #LocalCandidates#E...
2025-02-1239 min
Mokena's Front Porch PodcastA Day on The Farm With Eddie YunkerSend us a textThis is the most in depth video recorded conversation with Eddie Yunker, the last owner of the historic McGovney-Yunker Farm, that is know of. Before Mr. Yunker passed away, he sold his farm to the Mokena Park District, ensuring this property will be controlled and appreciated by the public. Brian Yunker, the grandson of Eddie Yunker, gave this video to Matt and asked that we share it with the community. If you never knew Mr. Yunker, you will feel like you know him after watching this video. If you knew him, you...
2024-11-152h 01Mokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Imagination Station - Mokena’s Wooden PlayscapeSend us a textThe Imagination Station was more than a playground, it was a community effort that brought our entire Village together. For 27 years this wooden playscape was a staple for every Mokena kid. After years of weather as well as a lack of sufficient maintenance, the playscape was taken down this summer. In the video, we have included a bunch of pictures, provided by Dr. Mark Cohen and the 159 School District. Israel was at the time capsule opening, to see what was included by the children from the class of 1997 and we hear fr...
2024-11-151h 32Mokena's Front Porch PodcastMayor Frank and Laurie FleischerSend us a textSince moving to Mokena in 1977, the Fleischer's have been an active part of the Mokena community. Mayor Fleischer and Mrs. Fleischer sat down with Israel and talked about their lives before Mokena, how they came to Mokena and they impact they have both made since. We discuss Mayor Fleischer's political future and what changes he would like to see for Mokena. Enjoy Israel's conversation with Mayor Frank and Laurie Fleischer. The full video is available on our YouTube channel and on our website!Support the showB...
2024-09-041h 26The Bible Prophecy ShowProphecy Update 06 - Iran Determined to Strike Israel SoonSend us a textIn the News - Iran says it will strike against Israel soon, and straight from Iran. Israel and America prepare for war against Iran, sending several warship and fighter jets near Israel to protect our dearest friend and ally (Israel).Any day now, we could wake up to find ourselves in the prophesied 6th Trumpet War (of Rev. 9:13-16), likely to be Nuclear World War 3. Scripture prophesies that 1/3 of humanity will die in this war (that's 2.6+ Billion people), and according to prophecy, it will begin along the Euphrates River (where the Nu...
2024-08-1221 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Mokena Women's ClubSend us a textIsrael sits down with Joann Jeffers and Lana Graser of the Mokena Women's Club to learn more about this group and how they have been serving the people of Mokena since 1960! I hope you enjoy our conversation and please reach out to them if you would like to join what they are doing in Mokena!Support the showBe sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.comFollow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front PorchCheck Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos
2024-08-0523 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Fall of the Erickson Barn and The History of Front and Mokena St.Send us a textMatt and Israel talk about the recent storm that came through town and did significant damage down Front Street as well as the collapse of a beloved historic barn, built by the Erickson family in the early 1900's. We also discuss the building that sits on the south east corner of First and Mokena Street. Today the home of Audiologic and the newest addition to Front Street, Hustle & Heart, this site holds a long history as a center of town for generations. Matt shares some great stories of this site that has...
2024-08-0123 min
Polite ConversationsUNLOCKED: Global Far Right 4 - Israel & The Jewish Far Right (FULL)Researcher (from Political Research Associates) & coauthor of Safety through Solidarity, Ben Lorber (@BenLorber8) joins me for a convo about the far right in both Israel & more broadly, the Jewish far right. We discuss far-right Israeli ministers Ben Gvir/Smotrich, rhetoric we are seeing coming from so many Israeli officials, extremist anti-miscegenation groups like Lehava, & American-Israeli extremist rabbi Meir Kahane. We also discuss the ADL and the demonization of solidarity protests/encampments, as well as the concerning new pipelines for liberals to make common cause w the right on the topic of Israel. Christian Zionists, tokenization, & more.
2024-06-181h 18
Polite ConversationsPREMIUM (SAMPLE) Global Far Right 4 - Israel & The Jewish Far Right[This is a SAMPLE of my new Premium Miniseries, pls subscribe to the premium tiers via patreon.com/nicemangos to access the full episode] Researcher (from Political Research Associates) & co-author of Safety through Solidarity, Ben Lorber (@BenLorber8 on Twitter) Joins me for a conversation about the far right in both Israel and more broadly, the Jewish far right. We discuss far right Israeli ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich, the rhetoric we are seeing coming from so many Israeli officials, extremist anti-miscegenation groups like Lehava, and American-Israeli extremist rabbi Meir Kahane. We also discuss the ADL and...
2024-05-3122 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastA Walk Down Front Street, Talking History, With Matt & Israel; Wolf to Mokena St., Pt.1Send us a textOn a beautiful April evening, Matt and I (Israel) took a walk down Mokena's Front Street, talking history. This is the audio only version so you have to imagine standing at the South East corner of Wolf Road and Front Street and walk along with us!Matt is a wealth of information when it comes to Mokena and this was a lot of fun! We plan to do more of these throughout the summer. I think this was a fun conversation and we hope you enjoy it too! Be s...
2024-04-1249 minIndigenous Faith24.09 Hoshea, The Wicked King of Israel (Part 1)Welcome to another episode of Indigenous Faith. In today's podcast, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue down the road of their studies in the life and times of some of the Old Testament Kings of Israel and Judah. Today, they switch kingdoms and present one of the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. Hoshea comes on the scene in the 12th year of King Ahaz, who ruled wickedly over the southern Kingdom of Judah. Hoshea followed the path of wickedness of Ahaz, leading Israel into more compromise, debauchery, and pagan worship. Craig and LaDonna can only introduce Hoshea today, and wi...
2024-03-0230 min
For Our DayLesson 10: Latter-day Moses – Freeing Enslaved Israel in Modern Egypt | 2 Nephi 20-25Isaiah's prophecies in 2 Nephi this week utilize a common theme in Biblical prophecy: the coming of a Latter-day Moses to rescue Israel. According to 3 Nephi, Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies. However, did you know Joseph Smith was given specific priesthood and patriarchal blessings commissioning him to act as a Latter-day Moses in our day? How can this be?Learn more about Jesus Christ's mission to save Israel and fascinating forgotten records from our Church history in this week's podcast! For additional resources, lesson activity ideas, and more, see the lesson plan...
2024-02-2837 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastCurtain Call Theater: A Shining Star on Front StreetSend us a textIsrael got to sit down with Suzanne Helwich, the Executive Director of the Curtain Call Theatre, as well as Ken Czechanski, who is a theatre board member as well as one of the stars of their upcoming March 2024 production, The Runner Stumbles. The setting for our conversation was at the foot of the stage as they were preparing for the production. It was two hours before the first practice when the cast is expected to know their lines without their script. With that pressure, Ken was still nice enough to share s...
2024-02-231h 11
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E2 - Taiwan (the ROC) and Israel - Surprising Shared HistoriesDid you know:
In 1920, ROC founder Sun Yat-sen wrote a letter in support of Israel’s nationhood aspirations? And, the ROC govt in Nanjing was the first Asian state to recognize the State of Israel in 1948?
Israel was the first non-communist nation to recognize the People's Republic of China?
However: Israel and the PRC only set up official relations in 1992, and a year later opened a trade office/de facto embassy in Taiwan.
Taiwan sought Israel’s help with atomic-related matters.
This episode isn’t a commentary on current events. Instead, it’s a conversation with 91-year-old professor Meron Medzi...
2024-02-1530 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastAn Evening With President Lincoln and His Thanksgiving ProclamationSend us a textMatt and I (Israel) attended an event at The Mokena Library by Abraham Lincoln impersonator and educator, Kevin Wood. He shared the story of Sarah Hale, who spent 35 years writing letters to Presidents and promoting the idea of a unified day of Thanksgiving across all states. Hearing Mr. Wood speak was like being in the presence of the 16th President. Matt and I talk interesting Lincoln facts, including his visit to Mokena…almost, a Mokena resident who sang at President Lincoln’s funeral, and so much more! Enjoy this journey into the p...
2023-11-0837 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastHalloween Hauntings and Stories - Halloween SpecialSend us a textGet ready for a nostalgic trip back to the Halloween days of yore as we, recall our favorite Halloween memories from Mokena. But Halloween is not just about the candy and costumes. It's also a time for ghost stories and eerie encounters. We've got a spine-chilling tale about an outhouse, with consequences that will make you scream! Then, Matt shares the story of a local Mokenian, and his haunting experiences at a now-closed Mokena bar, including phantom footsteps, spooked dogs, and possessed lamps. As with any town that has old buildings w...
2023-10-2731 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastA Look Back on Our First Year on The Porch - 1 Year of MFPSend us a textOctober 12, 2022 we published the first episode of Mokena's Front Porch. Now we look back at our first year of sharing Mokena's history. Today there are over 4 million podcasts available but we are the ONLY Mokena podcast! The majority of new podcasts post 10 episodes or less but we are proud to have published 28 episodes, talking to numerous local friends, addressed the Village board, recorded live on location at Zap Taco, Little Al's and Laura Thiel's Front Street salon! Thanks to everyone who is listening and thanks to those that have shared our s...
2023-10-1412 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Mokena Riot of 1864 - Part 2Send us a textStep back in time to a fateful summer night, as we conclude our tale of chaos and violence in 1864 Downtown Mokena. As the smoke settled, a grim assessment of the days casualties began, revealing that the majority of the injured were Chicagoans.Newspaper accounts paint a vivid picture of the mayhem that unfolded. Yet, amidst the confusion and conflicting reports, one thing remained certain: no sympathy was felt for those involved. Media outlets, such as the Chicago Tribune, made it clear that the assailants had received their due punishment. However, the t...
2023-06-0926 min
Reasoning Through the BibleS19 || Reparations for Israel's Slavery (Exodus 11:1-10) - Session 19God gives Moses the final instructions for Pharoah. The firstborn will be killed before Pharoah will relent and let Israel go. God judges Egypt and fulfills a prophecy He made over 500 years earlier, namely that Israel would come out of Egypt with great wealth. God repays Israel for years of slavery when Egypt gives Israel great wealth then wishing them to go. This session also gives us a chance to deal with the problem of evil and the question of whether God's actions were moral. Pharoah's refusal to submit to the God of Israel has destroyed his lan...
2023-05-1727 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Last McGovney - In Memoriam to Carol J. NortonSend us a textCarol Norton was the last of the McGovney family to live in Mokena. Though she was not a life long Mokenian and not even born in Mokena, she chose to move to Mokena and had a deep love and appreciation for the Village as well as the contributions that her family has made over the years. She was not only a McGovney, she was also a Hatch, from episode 13 where we discuss what is now Zap Taco, and her relation to WW1 Veteran, John Hatch of The Hatch Hall! She is also a...
2023-05-0511 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastMokena-The Story of Our NameSend us a textThis episode covers one of Mokena's most controversial topics, the meaning and story behind our name! We discuss a few of the stories that have been going around for many years and try to debunk the ones we can. It is a fun episode that highlights again how unique our Village is. We are the only Mokena IN THE WORLD! Enjoy and please share with your family and friends! We would love if you could leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and anywhere you find podcasts! Thank y...
2023-05-0122 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithHow To Rest Like A Champ – S5EP008Today's world is all about that hustle. Go! Move! Faster! More Productive! Bigger! Better!
Ugh. It makes me feel ill. Fuuuuuuck thaaaaaaat.
I'm all about that REST. Giving ourselves little moments (or big ones) of rest, nourishment, relaxation, that help nurture and recharge our inner batteries and ignite our creativity and innovation.
So today I delve into why rest is so important, some different ways it can look (hint: not just sleep/naps), and HOW to Rest Like A Champ.
Get this episode in your earholes, stat.
With love...
2023-04-0620 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithAre You A Future Thief? – S5EP007I was driving home from the beach earlier this week, and something I saw made me think about the choices we make each and every day, and how they impact our future selves.
We make choices to STEAL from our future selves. All. The. Time.
But WHY? What motivates us to make those choices? What are the consequences of those choices? How can we stop this harmful practice and make better choices that support our future selves instead?
Take a listen. It's all in here.
With love and gratitude, Israel...
2023-03-2834 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithWhy You Need To Have Your Own Back – S5 EP006As I was saying a few episodes ago, change is constant, and is going to happen to us ALL the time. We have no freaking idea what life is going to throw at us from one moment to the next, and we swim in a pool of almost complete uncertainty almost all of the time.
So how to we manage that? How do we consistently show up for ourselves and the people we care about in life? How do we learn to be better at our emotions, moods, energy, and handle the varied and challenging circumstances we...
2023-03-2129 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithLet Your Curiosity Lead You – S5EP005Our ability to be curious is correlated with our ability to LIVE, not simply exist.
Curiosity has the power to improve our relationship with ourselves, our sense of fun/play, our connection with our loved ones, our motivation, and our ability to enjoy life.
Are you curious to listen to this episode? I hope so!
Get started now, and let me know what you think.
With love and gratitude,
Israel. xo
For all the links, shownotes, and a full transcript, visit the episode page on...
2023-03-1425 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Murder of Deputy Walter FisherSend us a textThe morning of April 14, 1926, the Inland Steel payroll delivery was hijacked in Indiana Harbor. Later that afternoon, Will County deputy sheriff and Mokena resident and Front Street business owner, Walter Fisher died in a hail of gunfire at the corner of todays 143rd and La Grange Road in Orland Park. That night, the bullet-riddled body of Santo Calabrese turned up on a Broadview road. The exact sequence of events remains uncertain, but a jury was able to trace enough of the day's violent trajectory to send Daniel Hesly on the path to Alcatraz.
2023-03-0358 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithAll Work & No Play Makes You Unhappy AF – S5EP002All Work & No Play Makes You Unhappy AF – S5 EP002
If you spend all your time working, providing for your family, doing everything for everyone else, and never taking any time for yourself… I guarantee you will reach a point where you burnout, start hating life, or possibly even wipeout with depression. (Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.)
Life is meant to involve play and fun. We are meant to ENJOY life as well as work. Work to live, not live to work, yeah? Nearly every client of mine started off with NO joy, play...
2023-02-2022 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithHow To Design A Great Life – S5 EP001It's been a minute, eh? I've been kicking my brain all over the place, surfing loads, crying a bit, working through some shame and other stuff (details in future episodes).
But this year more than anything I want you to know that I am here to help you live a better life.
So here's an episode to give you a bit of an overview of how to design a great life. Feel like life needs a tune-up? Take a listen. Even if you love your life, but if you're curious about how it might be...
2023-02-1627 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastThe Pillars of Front StreetSend us a textOne of Mokena’s oldest buildings and a true gem of Front Street; 11008 Front Street has been host to numerous businesses and families over its 160+ years long life. The property still stands today in all its glory, having been restored by local beautician and salon/home owner Laura Thiel! We discuss the rich history of this building and the blog post that Matt wrote about the and then Israel sits down with Laura to discuss her home, what it was like when she bought it over 20 years ago, and the years-long pro...
2023-02-0346 minMokena's Front Porch PodcastA 1925 Christmas on Front StreetSend us a textThis is a special Christmas episode with a few presents thrown in! A special guest introduces the episode and we end with a VERY special song by the Mokena Intermediate School's 4th & 5th Grade Beginning Band! Matt shares his story, Yule of Yore: Christmas 1925 in Mokena which was originally posted on his blog on December 17, 2021. You can find that HERE! The story tells of a wintery night after word spread that Mokena would have a VERY special visitor! Imagine Front Street, 97 years ago, and the roar those kids of all ages mus...
2022-12-2213 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithYou Don't Have To Do It All Alone with Josh KlineWelcome to the last episode of Season 3 - the Dad's Guide To Thrive Season - of the Illuminating Lives podcast. I'm thrilled and proud of the interviews and conversations I've had across these 12 episodes, and I'm sure they're a valuable resource for men and dads just looking to learn more about what we're doing in life!
It's perfect that we're finishing up with Josh Kline, and his message that you don't have to do it all alone. We cover a LOT of ground here, including his work with corporates about giving and receiving feedback, building culture, and...
2022-08-2248 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithInvest In Yourself And Just BE... with Mac SloneMac Slone is such a delight to chat with – with his thick Northern English accent, his family-oriented world view, and his wicked sense of humour, I truly smiled the entire way through our conversation.
In this episode Mac talks about how many jobs he's had, all from the perspective of working hard and providing for his family ... and how that worked for him, until it didn't. We talk about his experience with Jim Fortin's TCP program (where we first met), the power of moving your attention, and the benefits ultimately of investing in yourself.
Enjoy the c...
2022-08-2251 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithCreating A Better Life Starts With Your Identity with Jason McCleeryI met Jason McCleery almost a year ago and appeared on his podcast, talking about depression and anxiety. This time it's me interviewing him and chatting about getting fit, building a better marriage and a better life.. and starting with our Identity.
Jason talks about his Identity notebook, where he brainstormed each part of his life and how he wanted to show up for himself, his wife, his kids, his work, and his community.
It's taken me so long to edit and publish this episode (Sorry Jason!) that his "Epic Dad Podcast" has now evolved in...
2022-08-2251 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithChanging Careers, Health Challenges and Having Fun with Charlie McCarronIt's been a while, hey listeners?! I've had a bunch of wild adventures happening in my personal and work worlds, which I will unpack separately in a solo episode once I wrap up publishing this series of interviews (only a couple more to go!)
For now, I am super excited to share this chat with Charlie McCarron, where we talk about his most recent career change, having a child with a chronic health condition, managing anger, and the typical male responses we have both dropped into unconsciously at different points in our lives.
It's a be...
2022-07-2959 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithLetting Go & Finding Purpose with Jon AlconThis episode is truly a conversation, rather than an interview. While I was asking Jon questions, I was doing just as much learning, integrating, and discussing with him to help my understanding. I apologise in advance for my poor audio quality - my microphone was misbehaving!
Jon and I cover a LOT of ground in this chat. We talk about his journey, starting at being 50 pounds overweight, and losing it all to be his fittest and healthiest self. His journey from being a fitness coach to becoming a lifestyle coach for men, and the work he now...
2022-06-0945 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithA Peaceful Divorce & A Major Career Change with Jeffrey MortJeffrey Mort has radically up-ended his life in recent years; peacefully and amicably divorcing his wife of 17 years, finishing up his long-term trade of electrical contracting, and now starting a new career as a Certified Integrative Health Practitioner.
Through this conversation we go in-depth into his journey, and Jeffrey graciously shares many lessons about how his Tai Chi and Qi Gong practices have been vital to his sense of resilience and balance.
Jeffrey loves to empower Soul-aligned Entrepreneurs with the tools and support to rebalance their energy & wellness in as little as 21 days so that...
2022-05-3158 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithChoice, Practice & Hot Cocoa Breath with Jeff WenbergJeff Wenberg has taken quite the journey from musician, to marketer, in Minneapolis USA. (Mmm.) He joined the interview sporting a fresh cut on his forehead thanks to his son rolling part of a table across the room! We get deeply into how important it is to choose how we respond - especially in moments like that - how parenting is a series of practices, and the value of the Hot Cocoa Breath.
Jeff's Official Bio:
Jeff has been a digital marketer for over 10 years. In that time he has helped companies scale to multiple 7 figures…and...
2022-05-0344 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithTailgating & How Kids Change The Game with Todd GiannattasioTodd Giannattasio is a massive sports fan, and in this Dad's Guide To Thrive episode we talk about how his relationship with sports changed as he became a parent. I learn what "tailgating" is when it comes to American sports, and I accidentally start the episode making Todd feel OLD for his vast experience in the digital marketing space.
Todd Giannattasio is a veteran marketing expert who has been featured by Entrepreneur, Forbes, and Huffington Post for his proven systems to grow brands online and build engaged audiences in our constantly evolving, digital world. His combination of fu...
2022-05-0351 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithBig Challenges & Asking For Help with Scott RaylorIn this Dad's Guide To Thrive episode Scott Raylor and I talk about his own journey as a new Dad, his wife's challenges she faced after their daughter was born, and the different relationships we have with our parents and how they "help" us.
Scott is a husband to Charlotte and father to 2.5yo daughter Violet, works as a videographer in Brisbane for Queensland University of Technology, supporting students by producing, engineering and helping create audio and visual media productions that engage their audience and exceed the clients' expectations. Scott is also a visual artist who loves t...
2022-05-0353 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithBecoming A Dad Later In Life with Thomas Sanders-CorridanWelcome back to Dad's Guide To Thrive! In this episode I'm talking with Thomas Sanders-Corridan all about becoming a Dad late in life, separating from his child's mother, and the remarkable power of love to cure all ills.
Thomas is a business consultant and Entrepreneur's Circle Certified Coach based in the UK. He has run and managed businesses in 8 different countries, and uses his diverse life and experience to accelerate the businesses of his clients around the world. A single dad to one young son, Thomas's most heartfelt desire is to connect with people he can help. H...
2022-05-0348 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithParenthood and Lifestyle Habits with Michael RicchioWelcome to Dad's Guide To Thrive – an interview series where I'll be having deep, open, vulnerable chats with Dads in business, leadership, entrepreneurship - all about what fathers are struggling with and how they're managing themselves, energy, emotions, relationships, etc.
My intention is to normalise conversations about the kinds of challenges Dads are facing, help more Dads feel heard and seen, and encourage Dads to get the support they need to Thrive and operate as their best selves.
This week I'm chatting with Michael Ricchio, a business owner, coach, father, and husband who runs a fit...
2022-05-0343 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithDad's Guide To Thrive - An Interview Series with Real DadsDear Listener,
After spending the first chunk of 2022 publishing all new episodes on my Thrive Methodology (Season 2) I've realised I want to collect all my Dad's Guide To Thrive Interviews and publish them as Season 3, starting with this quick intro episode.
I've already published a small number of these episodes (including this one), but I have plenty more waiting in the wings that I'm editing right now and will be releasing soon. Please take a listen or a re-listen, share them around, and get excited for this upcoming season!
With love and gratitude,
2022-05-0314 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithThrive Extras – Part 2: Commitments & BoundariesIt's the final episode in my Thrive Series! Woot woot!
This episode we go deep into some Long Game strategies... taking a look at Commitments, and Boundaries. I mention a few things in the show that I promised to link / include here:
My previous episodes on Commitment are here:
S1EP007 Commitment. (And being cut off by floods.)
S1EP015 Are You Overcommitted?
Boundaries Questions:
What are you willing to accept in life/work/relationships?
What are you no longer willing to accept?
What are you tolerating in yourself?
What are you t...
2022-03-2928 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithThrive Extras – Part 1: Certainty Anchors & Mood BoostersLet's be real: no matter how good we are at setting up our life all "just so"... curveballs and unexpected circumstances can come out of nowhere and knock us sideways. This is where these two "Extras" come in super handy - like a set of cheat sheets for what to do when we feel uncertain, flapping around in the breeze, or perhaps flat, down, negative and struggling – even after we've done all the Thrive Steps for the day.
Digging into Certainty Anchors and Mood Boosters – powerful tools to help us feel better IN THE MOMENT – and re-centre us back o...
2022-03-2922 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithThrive Step 7 – Brave ConversationsIt's our last step in the 7-Step Thrive Methodology, but it's NOT the last episode in this series. This time around we're talking about Brave Conversations, and how they have the power to change our lives... FOREVER. Truly.
Here's the thing: Brave means having/showing the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear and difficulty. Brave Conversations are the chats we have which feel scary, dangerous or hard. In this episode I go into how and where these chats start, how this Thrive Step builds on all the others, and why this is a MUST-HAVE part o...
2022-03-2131 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithThrive Step 6 – ConnectionWe're up to Number 6 Thrive Step in the Thrive Methodology series, and it's all about CONNECTION, what it looks like, why we need it to truly THRIVE, and what the biggest barrier is when it comes to creating more connection in our lives.
Make sure you go here to signup and grab your Thrive List template: https://israelsmith.com/thrive
Calm Dad Kickstart Sessions – Available Now for a Limited Time Only. https://israelsmith.com/calmdad
Tell me what you got out of this episode. I'd love to continue the conversation!
With love...
2022-03-1535 min
Illuminating Lives with Israel SmithThrive Step 5 – MovementMovement. The act or process of moving. Do you move your body? Or do you, like so many of us, simply transition from one seated position to another? (Breakfast table -> Car -> Office chair -> Lounge -> Dinner table...)
Thrive Step 5 (hey, that rhymes!) is focussed on Movement. But here's the kicker... it's not just about exercise! Oh no no no, it's about SOOO much more than that! In this episode, I go into detail about WHAT ELSE I mean by the word "Movement" and how it relates to our ability to Thrive. Take a listen. G...
2022-03-0832 min