Shows
Armchair 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 minArmchair AuthenticE53 | Nostalgia Unwrapped with a Hint of Mint: The Second Chapter BeginsWho knew a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream could set off such a journey? As we mark a year of podcasting, we’re diving into attic adventures, childhood memories, and the sentimental treasures that have shaped our stories—like the legendary Bear Bryant Coca-Cola glasses and a long-lost school song.Ever wondered if those dusty Coca-Cola bottles in your attic could be worth a fortune? Our conversation takes a playful turn into vintage branding, Alabama football glory, and even a few lighthearted conspiracy theories. We also reflect on personal shifts—like kicking the soda habit (well…...2025-02-0355 minArmchair AuthenticE52 | A Father’s Transformation and a Son’s Resurrection: The Awakening of a Shepherd - A Conversation with Pastor Clay RamirezHow does the power of prayer lead to miraculous outcomes? In this compelling conversation with Pastor Clay Ramirez from Twin Falls, Idaho, we uncover his extraordinary journey of faith and resilience. Pastor Clay shares the heart-stopping moment when his nine-day-old son was pronounced dead and how an unwavering belief in prayer led to his son’s miraculous recovery. This episode is not just about overcoming personal adversity; it’s a testament to the power of authentic connections and the support of a close-knit community.Together, we explore the profound impact of spiritual leadership and friendship in ministry. Past...2025-01-271h 49Armchair AuthenticE51 | Balancing Ambition and Contentment: Finding Joy in the EverydayHave you ever felt the tension between striving for more and savoring what you already have? Join Rhett and Justin in this heartfelt episode of Armchair Authentic as they explore the dance between ambition and contentment. Broadcasting from their vibrant new studio—featuring a racing simulator and a LEGO Millennium Falcon—they share stories of creativity, nostalgia, and rediscovering value in the discarded.The conversation deepens with reflections on 21 days of prayer and fasting, highlighting the transformative shift from obligation to privilege in seeking God. They discuss minimizing distractions, engaging with His word, and the surprising joy in l...2025-01-2056 minArmchair AuthenticE50 | Grounded and Propelled: Unlocking the Power of Corner Four RelationshipsCan life’s seemingly mundane moments unlock extraordinary connections?Celebrate our 50th episode as we dive into the transformative power of genuine relationships, inspired by Henry Cloud’s profound perspective on relational “corners.” We reflect on the journey that’s brought us here—how organic bonds and the unwavering support of our listeners have fueled our growth. Through personal stories, we uncover how consistent connections not only ground us but also propel us through life’s highs and lows.Join us as we embrace the magic in the mundane, from our adventurous foray into rucking—a...2025-01-1357 minArmchair AuthenticE49 | Why vs Whim: Choosing Purpose Over ImpulseWhat if the quiet moments in your life held the keys to transformation?In this episode, we explore how faith whispers guidance through solitude and self-reflection, becoming your greatest allies for lasting change. Drawing from Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, we uncover the power of unwavering dedication—moving beyond fleeting resolutions to embrace a life of purpose and perseverance.Discover how intentionality in your energy, time, and goals can unlock profound growth. Through personal stories, we reveal the impact of setting meaningful intentions, building strong family bonds, and staying connected to y...2025-01-0657 minArmchair AuthenticE48 | The Road to 48: Celebrating Growth, Humor, and New Year’s TraditionsReflecting back on those early podcasting days, we recall our nervous excitement during the creation of the first trailer for Armchair Authentic. Fast forward to today, and here we are, celebrating 48 episodes of weekly releases! Join us as we explore the evolution of our podcasting journey and how taking that first leap into the unknown has led to rewarding growth and unexpected successes. We chat about the iconic New Year's celebrations like the ball drop in New York City and the whimsical moon pie drop in Mobile, Alabama, while pondering the impact of cultural icons like Ryan Seacrest and...2024-12-3045 minArmchair AuthenticE47 | Balancing Loss and Hope: Grieving with GraceHave you ever considered grief as a journey rather than a destination? Join us as we explore the multifaceted process of grieving, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to embrace emotions without rushing through them. We’ll share our reflections on our nearly year-long podcast journey, celebrating the milestone of almost 48 episodes. With gratitude, we acknowledge the discipline and dedication required to produce quality content each week, as well as the overwhelming support from our listeners.Our conversation takes a reflective turn as we discuss the art of nurturing meaningful friendships, likening them to banks and farming, wh...2024-12-231h 01Armchair AuthenticE46 | Purpose in the Midst of Tragedy w/ Micah Solomon: Part 2What happens when faith, family, and personal tragedy intertwine to shape one's spiritual journey? Our dear friend, Micah Solomon, joins us to reflect on the profound influence his parents' ministry had on his life. This episode reveals how Micah navigated the heartbreak of losing his parents in a tragic car accident and found resilience and purpose amidst the grief. We explore the authenticity required to live out one's faith both publicly and privately, drawing inspiration from Micah's experiences with a supportive faith community that shaped his approach to life's challenges.Micah takes us through his journey of...2024-12-1652 minArmchair AuthenticE45 | Reminiscing and Rekindling w/ Micah Solomon: Part 1What happens when three lifelong friends reunite to reflect on more than 30 years of shared music, ministry, and meaningful memories? In this episode, we sit down with our dear friend Micah Solomon—a talented musician and worship leader—to revisit the moments and melodies that shaped our spiritual journeys and solidified our bond.From youthful high school escapades (featuring a legendary 1982 Honda Accord) to the formation of our band "24Seven," we reveal how laughter, faith, and a passion for music carried us from small church gatherings to Youth Conference stages. Alongside the funny anecdotes, we delve into the...2024-12-0959 minArmchair AuthenticE44 | Colonel Cookie, Christmas Elves, and The Three AmigosHave you ever imagined the holidays without Will Ferrell donning the iconic green tights in "Elf"? On today's episode of "Armchair Authentic," we reveal the fascinating near-misses behind the scenes, including how Wanda Sykes almost graced the screen alongside him. As the season's spirit takes hold, we welcome you into our world of friendship, sharing relatable tales of remote recording mishaps that had us sounding more like a garage band dialed in over a landline. The weather's cooler in Alabama, and so are we, as we laugh over local lingo like "toboggans," setting a comfy stage for our festive...2024-12-0248 minArmchair AuthenticE43 | The One About ThanksgivingThanksgiving is more than just turkey and cranberry sauce; it's about family, football, and unforgettable traditions. Ever wondered why some folks are fiercely passionate about sweet potatoes while others can't stand them? Join us as we navigate through the culinary quirks and family dynamics that make Thanksgiving both a challenge and a joy. From the Alabama-Auburn rivalry adding spice to our holiday gathering to recounting the charm of watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we find gratitude in these annual rituals that bring us closer to our roots.Football fanatics, brace yourselves for a tale of gridiron...2024-11-2547 min