Best Michael Cantrell Podcasts (2025)

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From Foster Care to Founders: Leadership Lessons with Heart – Featuring Kenny Lange 28:22

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1h ago28:22

28:22

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I sat down with Kenny, a leadership and scaling coach whose life story is as inspiring as his professional insights. What started as a personal journey rooted in his adoption experience—and sparked by his 7-year-old son's curiosity—has grown into a mission of love and impact. Kenny and his wife have …

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Season 6, Episode 33: Jason Brauner, Co-Founder & Master Blender - Buzzard's Roost Sippin' Whiskeys 1:13:06

4h ago1:13:06

1:13:06

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Jason Brauner, Co-Founder & Master Blender, of Buzzard’s Roost Sippin’ Whiskeys. They talk with Jason about his background in the restaurant world and how that led him into the world of Bourbon, how the Buzzard’s Roost brand was created and their unique doub…

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From Brazil to $100M: Vivian Weyll's Journey of Sales, Influence, and Resilience 28:31

13h ago28:31

28:31

Vivian’s Sales Success Journey From Brazil to Miami, Vivian’s story is nothing short of transformational. After facing the collapse of a business investment and a divorce, she pivoted into sales—and within six months, she was earning $150,000. In less than a year, her team was generating over $1 million a month. Today, she leads multiple organizati…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 37 - Chris Crowe, President, & Peter Thompson, Head Distiller - Burnt Church Distillery 1:04:29

14m ago1:04:29

1:04:29

This week, Big Chief heads to the Lowcountry to sit down with Burnt Church Distillery President Chris Crowe and Head Distiller Peter Thompson in Bluffton, South Carolina. Together, they dive into the traditions of Carolina grains and the bold vision behind one of the Southeast’s most exciting craft distilleries. The tasting kicks off with Johny Fev…

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112: Security, Innovation, and Leadership in American Prisons - Interview w/Pete Bludworth 1:19:56

7d ago1:19:56

1:19:56

What does it take to navigate the most dangerous prisons in America while maintaining both safety and humanity? Pete Bloodworth's extraordinary 35-year journey through corrections offers profound insights into this question. From his early days as a Marine Corps sniper to becoming one of corrections' most influential tactical innovators, Bloodworth…

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From Failure to Legacy: Philip Cantrell on Business Growth, Nashville’s Future, and Lessons for Entrepreneurs 24:26

2h ago24:26

24:26

Philip’s Business Journey and Nashville Insights In this episode, I sit down with Philip, an entrepreneur with an impressive track record of founding or leading 10 businesses across commercial printing and real estate. With a 4-4-2 record of wins, losses, and draws, Philip embodies the resilience every leader needs. Today, he’s the semi-retired CEO…

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Season 6, Episode 32: Ruth Osterman, Chef/Owner & Jessica Faulhaber, Chef - La Bonne Vie 1:20:10

4h ago1:20:10

1:20:10

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Owner/Chef Ruth Osterman and Chef Jessica Faulhaber from La Bonne Vie in Lexington, KY. Chef Ruth was formerly a guest on Episode 231. They talk with Ruth and Jessica about their backgrounds and how they each ended up in the culinary world, how they go about…

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Deep Dive: Culture First Leadership 11:04

1h ago11:04

11:04

We discuss Michael's book Workplace Culture, and discuss contemporary organizations are facing a "culture shortage," not merely a "labor shortage." The source emphasizes that talent retention and attraction hinge on cultivating a positive workplace environment rather than solely relying on financial incentives. It outlines five essential strategies…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 36 - Talking Texas Whiskey with Texas Whiskey Geek 1:00:28

8h ago1:00:28

1:00:28

This week on The Whiskey Trip Podcast, Big Chief welcomes Caleb, the TX Whiskey Geek, for a conversation that celebrates the bold and innovative world of Texas Whiskey. In the first half of the show, Big Chief pours a glass of Still Austin Red Corn Bottled in Bond (100 proof) while Caleb enjoys Milam & Greene Provisions—born in Kentucky, finished u…

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Unlocking Leadership Through Engaging Questions with Gary Cohen 33:12

1d ago33:12

33:12

Leadership Through Engaging Questions Gary B. Cohen shared his career journey, starting with growing ACI Telecentrics from two people and $4,000 to 2,200 employees and taking it public, achieving 50% compounded annual growth for the first 10 years. He then transitioned to writing a book on leadership and coaching, emphasizing the importance of aski…

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Season 6, Episode 31: Michael Nanula, CEO , & Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker - Three Chord Bourbon 1:29:57

4d ago1:29:57

1:29:57

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Matt and Mark spend some time hanging out with Michael Nanula, CEO, and Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker, from Three Chord Bourbon. They talk with Michael and Ari about their respective backgrounds and how they each got into the Bourbon world, the rebranding that Three Chord has gone through recently and how t…

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Deep Dive: Is Burnout A Choice? 5:48

4d ago5:48

5:48

In this deep dive conversation, we discuss highlights from Michael's pinnacle book, Burnout Proof. Learn more at https://BreakfastLeadership.comBy Michael D. Levitt

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Breaking News: The Global Mental Health Crisis – A Call for Urgent Action 14:25

6d ago14:25

14:25

The Global Mental Health Crisis – A Call for Urgent Action Episode Summary In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, we dive into the staggering findings from the World Health Organization’s latest report revealing that over one billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions. The data paints a sobering picture of the econ…

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Deep Dive: Budgeting With The Three Bucket Money Plan 25:04

6d ago25:04

25:04

This Deep Dive episode presents a "Three-Bucket Money Plan" designed to reduce financial stress and increase control through simplicity. The core idea involves assigning every dollar a specific purpose, dividing income into three categories: Save, Spend, and Grow. The "Save" bucket acts as a safety net for emergencies and short-term goals, "Spend" …

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 35 - Julian Giraldo, Master Distiller & Mike Cosby, Brand Manager - Giant Texas Distillers 1:01:51

7d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

On this week’s episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief heads back to Houston to sit down with Master Distiller Julian Giraldo and Brand Manager Mike Cosby of Giant Texas Distillers. Julian isn’t just any guest—he was the very first to appear on the show—so it was only fitting to bring him back to share another round of stories and pours. We start wi…

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Episode 111: Knowledge, Willingness, Courage: What Officers Need From Leaders 34:07

21d ago34:07

34:07

What makes a truly effective correctional leader? In this thought-provoking episode, Michael Cantrell draws from decades of experience to unpack the three essential qualities officers desperately want from their supervisors: knowledge, willingness, and courage. Correctional officers seek leaders who possess deep knowledge about policies, case law, …

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Real Estate Resilience – From Sales Floor to Financial Freedom with Robert Howard 28:24

8d ago28:24

28:24

In this empowering episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Robert Howard, a resilient entrepreneur whose story is a testament to grit, growth, and intentional transformation. From growing up in housing projects to becoming a successful real estate investor, Robert’s journey is one of turning setbacks into stepping…

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Season 6, Episode 30: The Bourbon Life Crew - Unscripted & Unfiltered 1:15:46

11d ago1:15:46

1:15:46

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, The Bourbon Life Crew (minus Chad) spend some time hanging out together in The Bourbon Life Studios, sharing some great conversation and great pours. The Crew talk about the recent litigation involving Uncle Nearest and what that might mean for the brand and the owners moving forward, some of the newer B…

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From Fear to Fuel: Developing Confident Leaders with John Little 31:43

12d ago31:43

31:43

🔥 Episode Overview: In this high-impact episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with John Little, Founder and CEO of Winner’s Edge Coaching, to explore the messy middle of leadership transitions—and how confidence, culture, and courage can make or break your leadership team. With over 25 years of executive coaching experience, John unp…

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Leadership & Learning in Uncertain Times with Damon Lembi 26:16

14d ago26:16

26:16

Adapting to Challenging Times In this insightful episode, Damon and Michael dive into how leaders and professionals can stay grounded and proactive during uncertain times. Damon previews an upcoming solo episode focused on managing adversity without falling into panic. Together, they analyze current trends in the job market, especially how compensa…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 34 - Jonathan Maisano, Founder & Owner - K.LUKE Whiskey Co. 1:03:32

15d ago1:03:32

1:03:32

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with the founder and owner of K.LUKE Whiskey Company, Jonathan Maisano. A master blender of epic proportions, Jonathan has carved out a reputation for crafting whiskeys that bring together bold innovation with timeless tradition. From his start in the wine and spirits world to building K.LUKE into …

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From Key West Dreams to Global Leadership with Donzel Legett 29:01

28d ago29:01

29:01

In this episode, I sit down with Donzel, whose journey takes us from the sun-soaked streets of Key West, Florida, to the locker rooms of Purdue University, and on through a 30-year corporate career leading international teams. We explore why he traded palm trees for the Midwest — a decision shaped by family ties, academic ambition, and the guiding …

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Season 6, Episode 29: Randy Prasse, President and COO - Kentucky Bourbon Festival 1:05:16

18d ago1:05:16

1:05:16

In this Episode of The Bourbon Life Podcast, Mark is flying solo in the Bourbon Life Studios spending some time hanging out with his good friend, the President and COO of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Randy Prasse. This is Randy’s 4th appearance on the Podcast making him one of only 4 guests to ever appear on The Bourbon Life Podcast 4 times. Mark…

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Personal Branding Strategies to Overcome Fear, Build Authority, and Accelerate Success with Serah D'Laine 32:38

19d ago32:38

32:38

Building a Brand That Opens Doors In this episode, I sit down with Serah, a former child actor turned personal branding expert and AI business strategist, to explore why personal branding isn’t a “nice-to-have” anymore — it’s the engine that drives your career and business forward. We swap real-world examples from heavy-hitters like Sara Blakely, K…

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How a Legendary Advocate Saves Hispanic Accident Victims from Exploitation with Tito Alvarez 27:45

1M ago27:45

27:45

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this powerful episode, I sit down with Tito Alvarez, a name synonymous with advocacy and integrity in California’s Hispanic communities. Known as California’s most trusted Hispanic advocate during the 1980s and 90s, Tito built one of the state’s most recognized accident support brands—and now, he’s come out of retirement wit…

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A Biblical Perspective on Suffering, Part 3 31:13

20d ago31:13

31:13

In today's episode, Mike looks at what Peter, Paul, James, the writer of Hebrews and the Lord Himself say about suffering. He also uses the phrase, "you go girl!" You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 33 - The Whiskey Downfall with the Bourbon Baroness - April Weller Cantrell 1:23:31

22d ago1:23:31

1:23:31

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief sits down with his great friend, the Bourbon Baroness – April Weller Cantrell. Together, they tackle one of the toughest conversations in whiskey today: the wave of distillery shutdowns, bankruptcies, and industry turmoil that has rattled the whiskey world over the past two years. From promising craft upstar…

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110: The Silent Service: Finding Purpose in a Life of Sacrifice - Interview w/LTC Dave Grossman 1:07:12

1M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman brings decades of expertise to this powerful conversation about the psychology of violence, trauma response, and the vital role corrections professionals play in society. Drawing from his groundbreaking research that shaped books like "On Combat" and "On Killing," Grossman frames correctional officers as society's e…

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Scaling Success in Business and Nonprofits with Dr. Jairo Borja 22:39

1M ago22:39

22:39

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Jairo Borja, President and CEO of Borja Consulting Group, to explore how he's helping both entrepreneurs and nonprofits scale their impact. Dr. Borja shared details about his 90-Day Mastery Program—designed specifically for coaches and consultants ready to level up—and his curriculum development work with nonpro…

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Disruptive Thinking: Fresh Perspectives on Business Turnarounds with Ted Santos 38:00

1M ago38:00

38:00

In this dynamic episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Ted Santos—founder of Turnaround Investment Partners—for a powerful conversation on leadership, disruption, and transforming companies from the inside out. With over two decades of experience turning around distressed businesses and scaling organizations growing faster than t…

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Double Your Profits in a Year: Cary Prejean's Proven Strategies for Business Growth 24:03

1M ago24:03

24:03

Cary works with small to medium-sized business owners to help them break through growth barriers. It's incredible how Cary helps businesses double their profits in under a year while ensuring all operations run like a well-oiled machine. And who wouldn't want their business to run smoothly? That's the reality Cary creates for her clients. Cary sets…

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Case Report: Altered mental status with Dr. Divij Sharma 43:34

28d ago43:34

43:34

Send us a text Dr. Divij Sharma presents a challenging case of altered mental status. Dr. Karlos Acurio-Ortiz tackles this mysterious presentation. Check out our website at www.theneurotransmitters.com to sign up for emails, classes, and quizzes! Would you like to be a guest or suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] Follow ou…

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A Biblical Perspective on Suffering, Part 2 23:13

1M ago23:13

23:13

Continuing the last episode, Mike looks at the place of perseverance and rest as we walk through times of suffering. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come a…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 32 - Talking Whiskey Marketing with Kevin & Ken Hemmingway 1:08:38

29d ago1:08:38

1:08:38

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief saddles up and rides into the Hemingway Hideout for a straight-shooting, cork-popping conversation with Kevin and Ken Hemingway — two brothers with a taste for bold pours and even bolder opinions. They are not marketing executives with polished taglines — they are full-blooded whiskey enthusiasts who live fo…

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Tech-Driven Leadership: Coaching for Growth in a Changing World, with Mohamed Hamza 20:43

1M ago20:43

20:43

Evolving Leadership in a Tech-Driven Region In this episode, Michael chats with Mohamed—an Egyptian leader based in Saudi Arabia with a wealth of experience across the Middle East and Europe. The conversation explores the region’s tech-fueled transformation and how it’s reshaping business and leadership. With a young, dynamic population and a high-…

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Aligning Culture and Capability: Smarter Systems for Sustainable Leadership with Matthew Person 25:49

1M ago25:49

25:49

In this insightful episode, Michael D. Levitt explores the Square Management System Alignment Model, a framework by Matthew Person designed to foster organizational alignment without the need for micromanagement. Developed by Matthew from Town Square Advisors, this model is grounded in real-world executive and M&A experience. It focuses on aligning…

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Deep Dive: The Engagement Illusion: Rethinking Workforce Trends with a Human-First Lens 11:54

1M ago11:54

11:54

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, the hosts explore the key themes from the recent article, “Redefining Workplace Culture: A Human-Centered Approach to Engagement and Wellbeing.” Serving as a pointed response to the 2025 Gallagher Workforce Trends Report, this conversation challenges surface-level interpretations of…

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Episode 900 of the Breakfast Leadership Show 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

900 Episodes of Transformative Leadership In this special 900th episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude. Hosting nearly a thousand conversations with thought leaders, change-makers, and everyday champions has been a true honor. Each episode is rooted in one mission: Helping you lead a better life by …

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A Biblical Perspective on Suffering, Part 1 46:57

2M ago46:57

46:57

Why does God allow suffering? How are we to live through the hardships we experience? In this episode, Mike looks at what the Bible says about the place of suffering and God's purposes. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us ru…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 31 - Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist and Master Distiller - Barrell Craft Spirits 1:00:44

1M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

On this week’s pour-heavy adventure, Big Chief sits down with Tripp Stimson, Chief Whiskey Scientist and Master Distiller at Barrell Craft Spirits — a trailblazer in blending, aging, and proofing some of the boldest expressions on the market. They kick things off with Foundation, a single barrel bourbon that clocks in at 104.08 proof. It’s a flavor…

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109: Rethinking Correctional Training: Objective-Based Training with Myles Cook 1:07:52

2M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

What if everything we thought we knew about training correctional officers was based on flawed assumptions? In this eye-opening conversation with Myles Cook, we explore how questioning basic training objectives can transform outcomes across corrections. Miles brings 15 years of diverse experience spanning corrections, patrol, narcotics, investigati…

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Elevating Women in Trading and Leadership — with Candace Pendleton 39:41

2M ago39:41

39:41

Episode Summary In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Candace Pendleton, a dynamic force in commodities trading and a passionate advocate for financial empowerment—especially for women. We tackled the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and financial markets, particularly the trading sector. Candace shared her deepl…

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Scaling Your Business with Smart Outsourcing: 25 Years of BPO Success Secrets with CCO Adam O'Connor 23:29

2M ago23:29

23:29

Global BPO Services and Flexibility Adam O'Connor from Gear Inc., a BPO company operating in 25 countries and covering 75 languages, discussed their services in customer service, trust and safety, and back-office operations. Michael highlighted the value of Gear's diverse organization for managing economic challenges across markets and supporting b…

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How Cambridge Grad Pushkar Anand's Journey Led to Manifesting Infinite Riches 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

Unleashing Purpose and Prosperity with Pushkar Anand In this compelling episode, I sit down with Pushkar Anand, a transformational leader whose 15-year journey from high-achieving banker to purpose-driven author is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a quest for personal success evolved into a mission to uplift humanity and empower others…

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A Life Worthy 22:29

2M ago22:29

22:29

How can a Christian live a life worthy of God's calling? What is God's call? Mike addresses those questions, and he tells a story of how the Lord manifests His Spirit through Words of Knowledge. "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkn…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 30 - Thomas Ingham, CEO & President, & Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller - Trinity River Distillery 1:13:40

2M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

In this episode of The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief rolls into Fort Worth, Texas, and steps inside a whiskey wonderland — the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of whiskey — known officially as Trinity River Distillery, home of Silver Star Spirits. Joining him are Thomas Ingham, CEO and President, and Brett Luchesi, Master Distiller. Together, they discuss h…

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Untying Remote Work: Adaptive Leadership & Better Communication with Dianna Anderson 24:45

2M ago24:45

24:45

Untying the Knot of Remote Work Communication In today’s evolving workplace, communication breakdowns are more than just frustrating—they’re costly. Dianna Anderson joins me to unpack her innovative "Untying the Knot" approach, rooted in large-scale change management and coaching. We dive deep into how organizations often rush remote work decisions…

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The Whiskey Trip - Season 3, Episode 29 - Rob & Amy Jones - The Rackhouse 55:26

2M ago55:26

55:26

Saddle up, whiskey lovers—this episode of The Whiskey Trip takes us deep into bourbon country with a Texas twist. Big Chief rolls into The Rackhouse in The Colony, Texas, where the sunsets paint the sky in firelight, the steaks hit the grill with a sizzle that sings, and the whiskey flows like a backcountry river after spring rain. Here, we meet th…

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What About: Tithing | Part 2 52:22

2M ago52:22

52:22

Let's look at what the New Testament says about Tithing. Does Jesus command His disciples to tithe? Do the apostles tell us to obey the law of tithing? The topic of tithing can be divisive in the church; it is important to look at what the Lord says, and to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “But woe to you…

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Intentional Matchmaking: Finding Love with Purpose: Ann Parnes and Maria Murray with AfterHello.com 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

Redefining Connection: The Power of Professional Matchmaking in a Modern World In this insightful episode, I sit down with Maria and Ann, the dynamic duo behind a leading professional dating service AfterHello.com, to unpack the strategy and psychology behind intentional matchmaking. They walk us through their thoughtful, human-first process—starti…