Shows
Armchair AuthenticE78 | Silencing the Mind MonstersWhat happens when we prematurely shelve the very gifts that once connected us deeply to God and others? Rhett and Justin take us on a deeply moving journey through their recent experience leading worship at their first home church, Parkway Christian Fellowship—the very place where their musical ministries began over three decades ago.This episode captures the powerful moment when they returned to those roots, this time with their sons playing alongside them. Against the backdrop of stained glass windows and without modern production elements, they rediscovered something profound about the gifts God places within us.2025-07-281h 12Armchair AuthenticE77 | Learning to Sit in the Suck (Without Getting Stuck): The Power of Inner Work – Part 2Ever feel like you've built a perfect Christian persona but secretly struggle beneath the surface? You're not alone. When did we learn to hide our authentic selves in church settings? As kids, we were vulnerable and real, but somewhere along the way, many believers adopt an unspoken rule that transformation means perfection. The result? Communities where people are afraid to admit they're still works in progress.The most powerful leaders aren't those who pretend to have it all together. Rather, they're the ones who occasionally pull back the curtain on their own journeys, acknowledging that t...2025-07-211h 05Armchair AuthenticE76 | You’re Not Broken, You’re Becoming: The Power of Inner Work – Part 1After 75 episodes of honest conversation, Rhett and Justin go even deeper—exploring the subtle ways we hide, the pressures that keep us there, and the slow, courageous journey toward becoming whole.Fueled by four shots of espresso and a good dose of laughter, the episode opens with stories of jittery hands, HOA headaches, and the oddly satisfying joys of pressure washing. But soon, the conversation shifts to something more profound.They reflect on what it means to lead worship alongside their teenage sons at the same church where their own faith journeys began. That full-circle mo...2025-07-1456 minArmchair AuthenticE75 | The Road Less Recognized: Jon Ross Aldridge on Purpose, Depression, and LeadershipWhat happens when the path you thought was yours turns out not to be where you truly belong?As a skilled guitarist who has played shoulder-to-shoulder with renowned artists and worship leaders, Jon Ross Aldridge seemed destined for a dream career in music. But when family responsibilities required a shift, he stepped away from the stage—and into an unexpected season of depression so deep he couldn’t even listen to music for three years.It was in that valley he made a surprising discovery: his true wiring wasn’t that of a stereo...2025-07-071h 14Armchair AuthenticE74 | Roots, Wings, and Reruns: How We’re Wired, Why We Wander, and Where We BelongWhat if your spiritual journey doesn’t need to look like someone else’s to be deeply faithful? In this episode, Justin and Rhett dive into how two people can follow the same God and yet experience growth in radically different ways.From risk-taking adventurers to careful planners, our natural tendencies shape how we approach faith, relationships, and growth. The magic? These differences aren’t flaws—they’re part of God’s intentional design, with each of us being stretched and shaped in the ways we need most.Justin shares a surprising psychological insight: rew...2025-06-3045 minArmchair AuthenticE73 | Faith, Fatherhood, and Friendship: A Conversation with Ryan JenningsWhat starts as a teenage quest for cute girls at church becomes a decades-long spiritual journey marked by transformation, friendship, and faith. Ryan Jennings joins longtime friends Rhett and Justin to reflect on their shared history—one that began on Birmingham soccer fields and stretched through courthouse prayer meetings, spontaneous worship nights, musical dreams, and unexpected life challenges.Their conversation revisits the raw, unfiltered moments that drew crowds of young people together—without a stage, plan, or program—until church leaders stepped in to bring “accountability.” Ryan shares how attending church for the wrong reasons led to the right...2025-06-231h 09Armchair AuthenticE72 | The Weight No One Sees: A Father’s Fight for Authenticity – A Conversation with David BarryWhat happens when men—especially fathers—keep bottling up their pain?In this deeply moving conversation, David Barry opens up about his decades-long struggle with authenticity following the premature birth of his son, who faced severe medical challenges. What began as a private battle eventually led David to create a lifeline for other dads navigating similar storms: a support group for fathers of children with disabilities.From his early days as a youth pastor in the 1990s to directing Broadway productions, David’s journey is anything but ordinary. Yet the common thread throughout is his...2025-06-161h 32Armchair AuthenticE71 | Doing the Work: When Processing Your Pain Prepares You For PurposeWhat happens when we confuse what we do with who we are?In this soul-stirring episode, Rhett and Justin reflect on their formative years as teenage worship leaders—years when early affirmation of their musical gifts almost became the foundation of their identities.From lighthearted stories in Justin’s living room to raw reflections on performance-based worth, they explore how easy it is to build our value on our gifts, roles, or achievements. But what if those things are meant to be tools, not the core of who we are?“One of the greate...2025-06-091h 00Armchair AuthenticE70 | Can That Still Happen? Rediscovering Wonder in a Distracted WorldHave you ever found yourself watching a breathtaking sunset—through your phone screen?In this episode, we unpack the subtle yet profound tension between capturing life and actually experiencing it. It all begins with a lightning strike that hit Rhett’s house, frying everything from garage door openers to podcast gear. That unexpected disruption sparks a deeper conversation about technology’s double-edged sword—how it both enhances and erodes our connection to the moment.From worship gatherings to concerts to family dinners, we reflect on how often we reach for our phones instead of fully engaging...2025-06-021h 05Armchair AuthenticE69 | Rigor and Rest: Building Spiritual Strength in a Restless WorldEver feel like you're constantly striving but never arriving? In this soul-stirring conversation, Rhett and Justin break down the short but profound Psalm 131 to reveal the counter-cultural path to genuine contentment. As they unpack David's journey from pride to humility, they share personal vulnerabilities about their own struggles with performance, over-analysis, and the pressure to "change the world." What emerges is a refreshing perspective on spiritual maturity that has nothing to do with platforms or accomplishments and everything to do with quieting your soul.The guys explore how establishing daily rhythms of prayer, scripture, self-care, w...2025-05-261h 17Armchair AuthenticE68 | Unmasking EmotionsIn this episode, we dive into the complex world of emotional intelligence and the importance of confronting our feelings rather than suppressing them. Our conversation explores how ignoring emotions can lead to unexpected outbursts and unhealthy patterns of behavior.This episode isn't just about identifying emotions—it's about embracing your full humanity. As we discover, even traditionally "negative" emotions like anger and sadness have righteous expressions and important purposes. The goal isn't to live exclusively in happiness but to process all emotions in healthy ways that honor our humanity and draw us closer to authenticity.Wh...2025-05-191h 07Armchair AuthenticE67 | Identity, Purpose, Assignment: A Kingdom Framework for Every SeasonWhat defines you? In a world obsessed with achievements and titles, we're constantly tempted to find our worth in what we do rather than whose we are. This soul-stirring conversation explores the freedom found in living "palms up"—a posture of surrender that acknowledges everything belongs to God.Against the backdrop of Justin's recent family adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona—from kayaking Antelope Canyon to witnessing the celestial majesty of desert night skies—we dive into the profound difference between identity, purpose, and assignment. Rhett shares a powerful framework from a recent conversation with a renown...2025-05-121h 07Armchair AuthenticE66 | VowFulfiller: Jillian Chambers’ Journey Through WidowhoodWhen Jillian Chambers woke one September morning in 2020 to discover her husband Danny had unexpectedly passed away, her entire life script was shattered. This devastating moment would mark the beginning of a profound spiritual journey that transformed a beloved worship leader and pastor's wife into a powerful advocate for widows worldwide.In this vulnerable, raw conversation, Jillian shares the emotional tsunami of becoming a widow at 50 – from the practical struggles of finding breaker boxes and managing finances to the deeper spiritual questions that emerged in her grief. With disarming honesty and unexpected humor, she reveals the moments sh...2025-05-051h 36Armchair AuthenticE65 | Love Without An Exit StrategyWhat does unconditional commitment in marriage really look like?In this heartfelt episode, Rhett and Justin dive deep into that question, reflecting on their shared wedding anniversary date—April 29th—with Justin celebrating 25 years of marriage and Rhett marking 19 with their respective wives.The conversation opens with a powerful declaration: “There’s nothing you can do that will make me leave you.”It’s a striking contrast to the casual jokes and easy exit strategies so common in today’s culture. Through honest stories of early financial struggles, hard-earned growth, and the daily decisions that...2025-04-281h 28Armchair AuthenticE64 | The Peacemaker’s Dilemma: When Conflict Avoidance Masquerades as MaturityWhat if the tension you’ve been avoiding is actually the doorway to deeper connection and lasting peace?In this honest and often hilarious conversation, Justin and Rhett reflect on the roots of conflict avoidance—starting with a backyard football rivalry that once led to a dramatic “resignation letter” and a short-lived fallout in their decades-long friendship.That lighthearted story opens the door to a deeper truth: many of us confuse avoiding conflict with spiritual or emotional maturity. But more often, it’s fear in disguise. Rhett shares, “I didn’t know how to have peace...2025-04-211h 13Armchair AuthenticE63 | Peace in the Tension: Yancy on Church Hurt, Healing, and Family-Centered WorshipWhat does it look like to find peace in the midst of tension?In this intimate conversation, singer-songwriter and worship leader Yancy invites us into her remarkable journey—one marked by music, ministry, and the quiet strength forged through seasons of transition.From her early days as a pastor’s kid singing in church to becoming a multiple Dove Award-winning artist, Yancy’s path hasn’t always followed the expected route. With refreshing honesty, she shares how a painful church transition—one that felt like exile—ultimately became the gateway to her promised...2025-04-141h 36Armchair AuthenticE62 | When the Platform Fades: Identity, Ego, and Eternal ImpactThis episode takes listeners through recent leadership transitions in their spiritual communities, including Pastor Randy Williams passing the baton after 32+ years of pastoring Parkway Christian Fellowship and Chris Hodges' transitioning of roles to founding pastor after 24 years leading Church of the Highlands. These transitions spark reflections on the humility required to successfully hand off leadership, the ego that can sabotage succession, and why so many leaders struggle with identity when stepping away from the platform. Rhett and Justin also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Pastor Mark Correll who recently transitioned from this life into...2025-04-071h 09Armchair AuthenticE61 | Kombucha, Beauty Shops, and Reggae VibesRemember when your fashion choices seemed brilliant but that brilliance was perhaps only seen in the eyes of the ones donning the threads? Rhett and Justin take you on a nostalgia-fueled journey through their teenage adventures in 90s fashion and cultural exploration that will have you simultaneously cringing and laughing out loud.Their quest for personal style led to some spectacularly questionable decisions - from Justin's earnest desire for dreadlocks (despite having no idea what maintaining them actually entailed) to their matching outfit of bibs (short overalls) paired with rainbow-soled Dikembe Mutombo shoes. The highlight? Their unforgettable...2025-03-3138 minArmchair AuthenticE60 | Protesting Starbucks for One Day, Texting Pet Peeves, and Second ChancesIn this week’s episode of Armchair Authentic, Rhett and Justin dive into the quirks of daily life with their signature blend of humor and insight. The episode kicks off with Justin’s humorous “one-day protest” against Starbucks after a new refill policy introduces mandatory porcelain cups for in-store customers. What begins as a playful grievance opens the door to a broader discussion on how small disruptions can unexpectedly affect our routines.The duo then ventures into a lively debate about global coffee culture. They contrast the American penchant for large, sweet beverages with the more restrained European...2025-03-241h 01Armchair AuthenticE59 | Awkward Birthday Moments, Politically Correct Words, Power Outages, and Competitive PeopleWhat happens when the power goes out, silencing the constant hum of electronics? What conversations, connections, and realizations emerge in the stillness?In this episode, Rhett and Justin dive into the surprisingly profound moments that shape our relationships and memories—through laughter, reflection, and a few unexpected detours. From the awkward hilarity of birthday celebrations (where a simple “five, six, seven, eight” count-off turns into a family tradition) to the hidden psychology behind competitive game nights, they explore how simple interactions create lasting bonds.Justin shares how his family’s commitment to five dinners a week—inc...2025-03-171h 11Armchair AuthenticE58 | Tough-Skinned and Tender-Hearted: A Conversation with Next Gen Ministry Legend Jim WidemanWhat does 50 years of faithful ministry look like? Jim Widman's journey from innovative children's pastor to executive leadership reveals powerful insights about longevity, creativity, and authentic leadership that stands the test of time.As Rhett and Justin's childhood pastor, Jim profoundly influenced their spiritual formation with his cutting-edge approach to children's ministry. Using puppets, full-body costumes, and engaging storytelling techniques at a time when children's ministry was often an afterthought, Jim pioneered methods that are now standard practice in churches worldwide.The conversation unfolds Jim's remarkable journey from Birmingham to Montgomery to Tulsa, where he...2025-03-101h 19Armchair AuthenticE57 | Mario Kart Leadership, Building Pillars, and Elevating OthersWhat if leadership isn’t about standing in the spotlight, but about lifting others up?In this episode of Armchair Authentic, Rhett and Justin take a fresh look at leadership—using Mario Kart as an unexpected yet fitting metaphor. Through gaming analogies and real-life mentorship moments, they explore how true influence isn’t about chasing personal accolades but about building pillars of support for those around us.Leadership is often framed as a pursuit of success, but what if its greatest impact happens in the small, unseen moments? This episode challenges the idea of sel...2025-03-031h 00Armchair AuthenticE56 | Dog Tales, BBQ Trails, and a Cosmic RewindWhat if the simple things—like dogs, barbecue, and roller coasters—held the key to some of life’s greatest joys? In this episode, we celebrate life’s everyday moments—whether it’s the loyalty of our canine companions, the irresistible pull of a legendary barbecue joint, or the adrenaline rush of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.Join us as we swap stories of dog ownership while tackling the quirks of pet grooming, the never-ending battle against pet odors, and the emotional journey of saying goodbye. We also take a trip down memory lane to a season...2025-02-241h 01Armchair AuthenticE55 | Late-Night Coffee, a Craigslist Couch, and the Stories Our Scars TellWhat story do your scars tell?In this heartfelt episode, we invited our friend Mark Clement to join us for a conversation about the profound beauty and symbolism hidden within our physical and emotional scars. Through personal stories and raw conversation, we talk about how vulnerability and storytelling create deeper connections. Mark’s perspective on friendship and community takes a fun twist as we reminisce about how a simple couch purchase introduced us to his world of music and creativity.Ever miss the golden days of late-night coffee shop meet-ups and bookstore hangouts? We...2025-02-171h 02Armchair AuthenticE54 | The Hidden Power of Words: Qualifiers and the Motives Behind ThemCan a single phrase change the entire tone of a conversation? Absolutely. In this episode, Justin and Rhett dive into the power of word choice and its profound impact on relationships, leadership, and community. Through personal stories and insights, we explore how intentional language can protect, resonate, and cultivate meaningful dialogue. And for a bit of fun, we kick things off with a lighthearted rendition of Isn’t She Lovely—setting the stage for a deeper discussion on the layers of meaning in everyday conversations.We uncover the subtle ways language shapes connection, examining how phrases like “please...2025-02-1052 min