Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

We live in an age of unlimited information—but do we have wisdom? In this powerful and personal conversation, author and pastor Mark Moore joins Elliot to talk about his new book Wisdom 52, a year-long journey into biblical wisdom that’s meant to be lived, not just learned.

Mark shares why he left academia to join the local church, how he wrestled with gossip in his younger years, and why mentoring is his deepest joy. From truth in an AI age to dealing with enemies, from economic disparity to contentment in a culture of comparison, this conversation is filled with truth, humor, and spiritual insight.

“Wisdom is skill in living. It’s not just knowing—it’s knowing what to do with what you know.” — Mark Moore

They also dive into some of the most pressing issues facing the Church today: tribalism, economic injustice, and the epidemic of loneliness. Don’t miss this episode—it’s a practical, gospel-centered roadmap for those who want to live wisely and love well.

Dr. Mark Moore is a teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona, where he helps lead one of the fastest-growing churches in the country. He served for over 20 years as a professor of New Testament at Ozark Christian College before transitioning to full-time pastoral ministry.

Mark is the author of multiple books including Core 52, a bestselling Bible guide that empowers everyday people to understand and apply Scripture. His latest book, Wisdom 52, takes readers on a year-long journey through biblical wisdom, integrating themes from Proverbs with the whole counsel of Scripture and practical life application. Mark speaks widely on discipleship, mentoring, and biblical truth in the modern age. He’s passionate about the local church, spiritual formation, and helping people live out their faith with purpose and integrity.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Mark Moore

Website: https://www.markmoore.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmoore330/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.e.moore.31

Book: https://www.markmoore.org/wisdom52

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

We all carry invisible burdens—pain, shame, anxiety, fear—but what if the first step toward healing is simply naming what hurts? Licensed therapist and author Monica DiCristina joins Elliot to explore the transformative power of naming our pain. They discuss gaslighting, anxiety, shame, spiritual bypassing, boundaries, and practical ways to regulate your nervous system when life gets overwhelming.

This episode is a grounded and hopeful conversation about what happens when we stop minimizing, start naming, and take back the story pain tried to write for us.

Topics Covered

• Gaslighting and emotional manipulation

• Minimizing pain vs. honoring pain

• How to set (and receive) boundaries

• Why childhood wounds still show up in adulthood

• Naming pain and regaining agency

• Anxiety as a signal—not the whole problem

• Soothing practices: breathing, walking, music, gratitude

• Shame resilience and identity

• Grace, faith, and the emotional life of believers

Monica DiCristina is a licensed professional counselor, podcast host, and author of Your Pain Has a Name. Through her therapy practice, writing, and speaking, she helps people identify and name emotional pain so they can heal and thrive. Known for her compassionate, clear voice, Monica equips others with the language and tools to navigate anxiety, shame, grief, and relationships with grace. She's a trusted guide for those longing to feel seen and whole.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Monica DiCristina

Website: monicadicristina.com

Instagram: @monicadicristina

Substack: monicadicristina.substack.com

Book: Your Pain Has a Name

Connect with Live Faith First

LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter- https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

We live in a time when violence, polarization, and dehumanization dominate our cultural moment. From character assassination on social media to literal assassination attempts, our nation feels fractured and fragile. In this conversation, Elliot sits down with pastor, author, and peacemaker Mike Chong Perkinson to explore how followers of Jesus can respond differently.

Together, Elliot and Mike wrestle with what it means to see others as image bearers of God, how to resist turning people into ideologies, and how prayer for our enemies reshapes our own hearts. This timely and challenging episode calls us to reclaim the ministry of reconciliation, to clean out the “fear and apathy” that pollute our inner lives, and to step forward as peacemakers in a fractured world.

Mike Chong Perkinson is a church planter, pastor, and leader passionate about renewing Christian leaders and churches through relational, faithful ministry. He is co-founder and Senior Developer of The Praxis Center for Church Development, President of The Trivium Institute, and currently serves as Network Lead & Superintendent of the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference in the Free Methodist Church.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Mike Chong Perkinson:

Website: The Praxis Center

Website: PCJC Free Methodist

Instagram: @mikechongperkinson

Facebook: Mike C. Perkinson

LinkedIn: Mike Chong Perkinson

Connect with Live Faith First

LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter- https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

What if your greatest weakness was actually your greatest strength? Kevan Chandler lives with spinal muscular atrophy and has spent his life inviting others into his place of need—not just to survive, but to build rich, reciprocal relationships. In this deeply personal and profound conversation, Kevan shares how asking for help has created community, revealed God's design for mutual care, and sparked global adventures fueled by trust, humility, and joy.

We talk about how our limitations can invite connection, what the Bible says about mutual need, why Jesus chose to rely on others, and how Kevan’s book The Hospitality of Need offers a radically countercultural invitation to both give and receive help in a lonely world. From band tours to China, couch-surfers to communal living, this episode will challenge how you view strength, independence, and God’s plan for friendship.

Kevan Chandler is a storyteller, speaker, and the author of several books including The Hospitality of Need and We Carry Kevan. Born with spinal muscular atrophy, Kevan’s life has been shaped by radical dependence and the joy of community. He is the founder of We Carry Kevan, a nonprofit that challenges cultural perceptions of disability and mobilizes people to carry one another—sometimes literally.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Kevan:

https://wecarrykevan.com

Instagram: @wecarrykevan

Facebook: facebook.com/wecarrykevan

Connect with Live Faith First:

LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

We live in a world that celebrates hustle, busyness, and burnout—but what if rest wasn’t a weakness, but a form of wisdom? In this episode of Live Faith First, Elliot sits down with nurse, holistic wellness educator, and author Tracie Braylock to explore Radical Relaxation—a framework for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. From nutrition and sleep to movement, meditation, and self-compassion, Tracie invites listeners to slow down and discover a better way to live, grounded in grace and the rhythms God designed for our healing.

You’ll hear about:

• How stress underlies so many chronic health conditions

• Sleep as divine restoration

• Practical ways to relax every day

• Redefining Christian meditation

• Raising children with grace and presence

• What happened during her unexpected home birth (!)

Tracie Braylock, MSN, BSN, RN is a nurse, writer, educator, and holistic wellness expert. She’s passionate about helping people break free from burnout, stress, and cultural overextension by embracing sacred rest and healing rhythms. With over two decades of experience in nursing and wellness education, Tracie guides people toward healthier, more peaceful lives through her writing, courses, and now her book, Radical Relaxation. She’s also a mom of four and a strong advocate for grace-filled parenting and self-care rooted in faith.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Tracie Braylock

🔗 Website: traciebraylock.com

📘 Book: Radical Relaxation

📸 Instagram: @traciebraylock

Connect with Live Faith First

🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

We all hit low points in life—heartbreaks, failures, and tragedies that leave us wondering if we’ll ever get back up. But what if your lowest point wasn’t your final destination, but a divine launching pad for a better future? In this episode, Brad Scot Johnson joins us to share his journey through public failure, deep personal pain, and the powerful grace that helped him bounce back—and bounce better.

Brad opens up about his pastoral fall, healing journey, and how God’s grace isn’t a second-best life—it’s often the better life on the other side of brokenness. We discuss forgiveness, fear, scarcity mindsets, identity, grace, manifesting your future with God, and what it looks like to really start over.

This episode is for anyone who has ever thought, “I’ve gone too far,” or “I’ve messed up too much.” Brad’s story will remind you: there’s always a way forward.

Brad Johnson is a pastor, author, speaker, and the founder of Fresh Start, an online community helping people rediscover purpose, faith, and identity. After a very public fall from ministry, Brad has rebuilt his life on a foundation of radical grace and redemption. His book Bounce Back, Bounce Better is a deeply honest look at failure, growth, and second chances.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Brad Johnson

🔗 Website: yourfreshstart.org

📘 Book: Bounce Back, Bounce Better

📸 Instagram

📘 Facebook

⛪ California Community Church

Connect with Live Faith First

🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Fear is a constant undercurrent in our world—shaped by headlines, trauma, uncertainty, and internal battles. In this refreshing and hope-filled conversation, Elliot sits down with Tomorrow Needs You author and Mosaic Church pastor Naeem Fazal. Together, they explore how to walk with God through trauma, find growth after hardship, and uncover beauty and strength on the other side of fear. Naeem shares his powerful conversion story from Islam to Christianity, his journey as a church planter, and practical insights on moving forward with faith when life feels overwhelming.

Naeem Fazal is the founding pastor of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina—a vibrant, multiethnic, multigenerational church. Born and raised in Kuwait in a Muslim home, Naeem experienced a powerful supernatural conversion to Christianity shortly after moving to the United States. He’s the author of Ex-Muslim and his newest book Tomorrow Needs You, a compelling invitation to move from fear to faith. Naeem speaks globally on topics of hope, healing, and cultural connection.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Naeem Fazal

📖 Tomorrow Needs You (Book)

🌍 Mosaic Church Charlotte

🧠 NaeemFazal.com

📷 Instagram: @naeemfazal

📘 Facebook: /naeem.fazal

Connect with Live Faith First

🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

What do youth group dirt bikes, awkward pizza parties, and Ecclesiastes have in common? According to pastor and author Nicholas McDonald—everything.

In this honest and hopeful conversation, Elliot Sands and Nicholas talk about his new book The Light In Our Eyes and the hunger so many people feel for a faith that’s honest, embodied, and full of beauty. They explore what deconstruction really is (and isn’t), why so many have left the Church but not Jesus, and how the Church’s calling is not escape but restoration. Along the way, they laugh at awkward ministry moments, challenge escapist theology, and paint a picture of hope that makes Christians peculiar.

This episode is for anyone who's questioning, carrying someone else’s questions, or ready to rebuild their faith story with Jesus at the center.

• What deconstruction actually means

• Why many leave the church, but not Jesus

• American evangelicalism vs. the historic global church

• Escapist theology and the problem with “just get saved”

• Confession, communion, and authentic grace

• Hope as a spiritual act of resistance

• Restorying faith through Scripture, beauty, and belonging
  

Nicholas McDonald is a pastor, writer, speaker, and the author of The Light In Our Eyes: Seeing the Church Again for the First Time. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the University of St. Andrews, Nicholas has worked in both campus ministry with university students and pastoral roles. His writing explores themes of beauty, belonging, and belief in a disenchanted world. He currently serves at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and publishes a Substack newsletter called The Bard Owl.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Nicholas McDonald

📘 Book: The Light In Our Eyes

📰 Newsletter: The Bard Owl on Substack

🎤 X: nicholasmcd

🌐 Church: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis

Connect with Live Faith First

🌐 LiveFaithFirst.com

📷 Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

🎵 TikTok: @livefaithfirst

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

👉 youtube.com/@livefaithfirst