Episodes

  • Episode 74: The Tragedy of Suicide; Finding Meaning and Hope

    Episode 74: The Tragedy of Suicide; Finding Meaning and Hope
    Nov 13 2025

    In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the difficult topic of suicide. Those speaking of suicide should be taken seriously. They need hope and support. Part 1of this podcast speaks directly to the person struggling with suicidal ideology. Suicide is a liar saying that life is better without you. Life is not better without you, and those left are devastated, not better off. You are loved by God and others, so please do not believe the lies. The answer is not trying harder but surrendering your life to Jesus.

    Part 2 of the podcast helps listeners know how to help. We discuss how to talk about suicide and the importance of active listening. Mark and John discuss suicide intervention, biblical anchors of hope, and key important truths to know and communicate.

    To conclude, Mark discusses the difference between identity, purpose, and assignment. These are all different and should never be combined. Our identity is given to us by God. Our purpose is what we do, and is also given to us by God. Our assignment is what we do in this world. Our assignments change, but our identity and purpose remain!

    Links

    55k Year-End Giving: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

    U-Turn Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgxtbeW4DaY

    John Stevens' book on Suicide: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/collections/other-authors?page=2
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    47 mins
  • Episode 73: Interview with Rob and Dorie Blake

    Episode 73: Interview with Rob and Dorie Blake
    Oct 30 2025

    In this episode, Dr. John interviews Rob and Dorie Blake. They share about how they met at GFI and their ministry in North Carolina.

    Links

    Rob's Testimony: https://gfiworld.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-testimony-of-robert-blake/

    7 Steps to Freedom: https://www.ficm.org/
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    50 mins
  • Episode 72: Meeting Needs in Marriage

    Episode 72: Meeting Needs in Marriage
    Oct 16 2025
    In this marriage podcast, part two, Mark and John distinguish ultimate needs, met vertically through our personal relationship with God, from relational needs, met horizontally through the marriage relationship. The Exchanged Life profoundly transforms marriage because it redefines the source, purpose, and power of love within the relationship. Instead of two people trying to meet each other's needs in their own strength, it becomes Christ in you and Christ in your spouse-two lives united under His life. When Christ as Life is the foundation of marriage, this means you no longer depend on your spouse for identity, validation, or security. You already have that in Christ. This removes pressure and fear, allowing both partners to love from fullness rather than emptiness. Dr. John identifies ultimate needs as love, acceptance, significance, security, belonging, and worth. The relational needs of the wife are affection, conversation, honesty, openness, financial support, and family commitment. For men, relational needs include sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, an attractive spouse, domestic support, and admiration. A husband will be happier if his wife shows her love in these ways. And the wife would be happier if the husband loves her in these ways. LinksShow Notes: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/needs-in-marriage-jbw.pdfGFI Donations: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/GFI 1/2 Day Seminar INFO: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/introduction-to-exchanged-life-counseling-2/GFI Exchanged Life Workshop Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/exchanged-life-counseling-workshop-10/Books and CurriculumHis Needs Her Needs by Dr. Harley: https://www.amazon.com/His-Needs-Her-Making-Romantic/dp/0800740998/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18YILTUU2LXL6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yX3z_M_l8-F_QJJSfCm16Q31n4mCjNjUWk9zZH3T4mhvTVSS90k2AaeSuITHxfxVAZU2wuhTUAL35kcUXDM2nxRDUJ8zUZhlL5bdIUJBgdOxN4TVTIfrIY7lVUulLv95SwuO7093MOx--OEtY8eZ4Lu4GvJWTzPNsynvumgeotRAt0v1RTSn9GzKV0GkBI6d9A9D5IFWdARtPvcyeuisASdTVSbg-azDNceVgG_3iXM.F0FnndyQf4Vivq1eFMPnzmRyOiAxmtW_6EbBqdjOA-c&dib_tag=se&keywords=his+needs+her+needs+book&qid=1760559144&sprefix=his+nee%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Builder-Creating-Oneness-Transform/dp/0310336872/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ATLOIKDLYJ9B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dCxvCEOWnjgTducQxNQ4urYkHKjqAuDYl57-tpqZEe4PmGvIkU3tW5PiJ7xFaPYa9W9Yh0FHKYezX4yaQ9ss0MJZ_Cvo-yB94qKsMF7q0ZQaJJEvjG-Zw9UgLJjwoJxh.g73oE8JYLeetQlV8tGwKtnnv1Qaiw8EF0Zy9IKmZ4NM&dib_tag=se&keywords=marriage+builder+larry+crabb&qid=1760559186&sprefix=marriage+builder%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1Men are like Waffles and Women are like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel: https://www.amazon.com/Men-Like-Waffles-Women-Spaghetti-Understanding/dp/0736968881/ref=sr_1_1?crid=B8KQON0YO57T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cgibAoVg2eyeupSebyewix8QNTR1aZ-bn-C5zY46X9bJfJXL0jpC7UwVgk4gce6uCTZuq0jPVTxp7xxxfoTuCIYfIiSFYzwvZG3EOcbzsed1wArLUTLSYAQB8QVtL8Tx5rOtzah_IuVlKPne3zDPkpwP0TCGC3y0BynlFonMSL6uDFaZaDo7AUljKa7kXTGTKBepK6sl0a2MuYWCy0Bcp5BAXd7R8_COBhoSHAVDfd4.cz3oO_2s-mFBkK4hcLMc9mneF7vPhGVcuy43XgCqKeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=men+are+like+waffles+women+are+like+spaghetti&qid=1760559241&sprefix=men+are+%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1Build Your House on the Rock by Dave Simmons: https://www.gracestudyhall.org/courses/build-your-house-on-the-rockThe Life Seminar by Bill and Anabell Gillham: www.lifetime.org/video
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    52 mins
  • Episode 71: How Can The Exchanged Life Help My Marriage?

    Episode 71: How Can The Exchanged Life Help My Marriage?
    Oct 2 2025
    In this episode, Mark and John discuss how the Exchanged Life can help in marriage. The guys take Ephesians 5 and work backwards. Mark discusses submission and how men and women are equal with different roles within the marriage covenant. We accomplish Ephesians 5 only through the power of the Holy Spirit. John teaches how marriage, which is God's plan, is the expression of God's love for us. The roles of the husband and wife are discussed. The are no "if" clauses within marriage, and Eph. 5 is not a list of rules to attempt to change your spouse. Obstacles include unforgiveness and focusing on others' faults instead of our own. Finally, this podcast discusses the importance of leaving and cleaving and how GFI goes about doing marriage counseling. LINKS:GFI Scholarship Donation: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/Mark and Carrie's Cultivating a New Marriage: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/cultivating-a-new-marriageWorthy Walk by Dr. John Woodward: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/the-worthy-walkResource: Bury Your Marriage: https://abidinglife.com/products/bury-your-marriage-mp3?_pos=1&_sid=5e359aa26&_ss=rSacred Marriage by Gary Thomas: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Marriage-What-Designed-Happy/dp/0310337372/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21GQ00UKIDZMC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.saVCt6VwDGwC-_jYoW-raJO7vZmXLusT0d_qCqIxaN_Rq-Kk77u7h6-4V1DgJFTn1qL41xhp3uyyTsK9L_gcZfwbTdN50jt4yP_ByZMXa0v6rAc02Sf5ugDU9auyCwJhxPCp4ZyseqjN3KpxE_hp_x7VMb1UDCmUkwq-VNBv3bntlvD1FFMIYYZUeu5eUU-MpVyrhKZrCq2KjTx_mR9eaUjqX8lhuEBADGVAtdMhsmI.p9Ac-FEgAcoFs0HBIOzzTUJayDM_TNL9DubCs5z4TNk&dib_tag=se&keywords=gary+thomas&qid=1759265489&sprefix=gary+thomas%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1Love and Respect Book: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Respect-Desires-Desperately-Needs/dp/1591451876/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3D5NYPIQJV4U7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jvhP_oCWUOStH5LkQ6wQ7yjmbGPYGOi2e9qRP0wF5DHuUmvCBoK-N1w_NJiOlLKJOVvQVPMGbnIuAoxGW7bFE6VA5wbIvPvo5f3nebOTkIf5JNrDmoMECedcB-nvsk0SYwA10MVTulilSLKcNdM_GqvWExx-lff3Xlvc2PHBNlSwihUKO8_Rw4ZfboriJOAjOzhCDBFq8ueDitQdGr3YbmyVZU_3Z4o_4c_1FUJRbN4.RDlVUEFjGwCD0QhXCypAurP5NlT327MZBl22SEj28GY&dib_tag=se&keywords=love+and+respect&qid=1759265550&sprefix=love+and+respect%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1Cary Lantz book on Marriage: https://www.amazon.com/Shifting-Sands-Foundation-Stones-Paperback/dp/B00ZLWC5NC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SFSGX0M2SNYF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7QEGPvan4I8cw6qJaNjgWwflQ-HIbUiP6_VZwApRmAU.rTwhS-Tk8zpNJ4gyyIFduEx7yO2QaniJf3bufevP1UI&dib_tag=se&keywords=cary+lantz&qid=1759265652&sprefix=cary+lantz%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1
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    52 mins
  • Episode 70: How To Move Forward By Faith In The Midst of Traumatic Times.

    Episode 70: How To Move Forward By Faith In The Midst of Traumatic Times.
    Sep 18 2025

    In the midst of assassinations, school shootings, and individual turmoil, how do we respond and live by faith? In this episode, Mark and John discuss the fact that we have not been left alone to face the storms of life in our own strength. John shares that by faith God reveals truth, you and I choose to agree with Him, we confess with our mouth what we believe, and then we walk according to the truth. Daily, we need to run to God! Jesus is the victor, and we are victorious in Him. Individually, we need to process trauma with God. John declares, "Jesus can turn our question marks into exclamation points!" Mark dives into Carrie's comment on how God hasn't forgotten the recipe for manna. He is faithful! Mark and John share some practical principles, which include abiding in Christ, affirming identity, choosing gratitude, encouraging others, and how to rest in victory. Finally, John quotes John Hunter, "For this _____, we have Jesus!"


    Links:

    GFI Scholarship Fund: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

    Jp Polukda's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Story-Has-Villain-Spiritual/dp/1400341175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ASRQZQL63WL3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eBberbB4a3UAjHywtvKjJSs20dBVNBbK-dvUvH1N3YfkW2qHb0POt3RObN9RWBJT8-_QKKw5KIBveu_nPabEgVgm5oiTjvl6mVYMlnbqhMZtLGP8_LLzPaPb5LxPuNt959MAR_9UscN-GmT1aLKLQ.3DVEs0XHldEi03YtZhSOLUpMG_ORdKm9CYwoE8qgeUg&dib_tag=se&keywords=jp+pokluda+your+story+has+a+villain&qid=1758212197&sprefix=jp+po%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

    Victory in Christ by Charles Trumble: https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Christ-Messages-Victorious-Life/dp/B000FKI1BA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=11136HYD5P5UX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IY6Tz3GCA2hfPCcMA3FUT4a3B1KWiei2OOpsxQyEvuIeAMLjO4LqRCncZppy94pe.az9sldpAbbB4MEhhcf_WA2vtFNvVyYjd_AnXWDg-CnU&dib_tag=se&keywords=trumble+victory+in+christ&qid=1758212247&sprefix=trumble+victory+in+christ%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-2
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    45 mins
  • Episode 69: Interview with Carrie McKeehan

    Episode 69: Interview with Carrie McKeehan
    Sep 9 2025

    In this podcast, Mark and John interview Mark's wife, Carrie McKeehan. Carrie shares about her family and testimony. She also discusses her role as a Life Coach at GFI and her time as a pastor's wife. We also dive into her new book, "Battle Cry!" John and Carrie discuss the difference between entertaining and hospitality. You do not want to miss the end of this episode!

    Links:

    Carrie's Book: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/battle-cry-losing-everything-lacking-nothing-copy

    Information on GFI's Life Coaching Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coach-certification/
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    1 hr
  • Episode 68: An Interview with Linda Woodward

    Episode 68: An Interview with Linda Woodward
    Aug 28 2025

    In this episode, Mark and John interview John's wife, Linda. Linda shares her testimony, as well as about their family. Linda speaks of being a pastor's wife in Canada and their transition to Pigeon Forge, TN. Linda shares her love of music and her experiences as a chaplain at Dollywood, where she is currently working. This episode was a treat!

    Links

    Linda's song, "Blessings:" https://gracenotebook.com/johns-testimony/

    GFI Chaplain Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/chaplaincy-certification/

    GFI Donations: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 67: What is the Flesh?

    Episode 67: What is the Flesh?
    Aug 14 2025

    FB Meyer said, "Flesh spelled backwards without the 'h' is self!" In this episode, Mark and John define what is meant by living in the flesh. They discuss fleshly patterns and how we can live with well-adjusted flesh. Living in the flesh is not just doing bad things, but also doing good things in order to placate God. As believers, we are not called to pretend, but to reckon.

    Links

    Our Enemy, The Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/our-enemy-the-flesh-part-2/

    Malajusted Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/maladjusted-flesh/

    Well-Adjusted Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/well-adjusted-flesh/

    Online Workshop: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/online-exchanged-life-counseling-workshop/

    Donate to GFI: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/
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    54 mins