Sidewalk Conversations

Marsha Andre shares her powerful journey through a terminal cancer diagnosis at age 23, revealing how facing mortality transformed her understanding of life, faith, and purpose.

• Diagnosed with late-stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at 23, shortly after college graduation
• Underwent experimental bone marrow transplant treatment described as "standing a mile away from Chernobyl"
• Faced the devastating n...

Exploring why our understanding of God is the most important thought process believers must embrace, this conversation delves into how theology shapes our entire Christian journey. 

• Everybody already has a theology—the question is whether it's biblical
• Theology is like a map that helps you from getting lost, but isn't the actual journey itself
• Understanding the Bible as a whole provides the best def...

Today, we are exploring the connection between God's creativity and our own artistic expressions, focusing on how songwriters and musicians reflect the divine creative nature while also calling it forth in others.

• Creativity as our spiritual inheritance, beginning with God's revelation as Creator in Genesis 1:1
• Amy Hooper's journey from classical flutist to professional songwriter and worship leader<...

Rebecca Contreras returns to share her remarkable journey from the barrio to the White House and now as a successful business owner who has built a $20 million company. Her story demonstrates how relationships, surrender to God's plan, and continuous learning can transform lives regardless of one's starting point.

• Building relationships that make or break your success
• Surrendering to God's guidance a...

Welcome to Season 4 of Sidewalk Conversations, now broadcasting from our brand new studio designed to create a living room atmosphere. We've evolved over ten years of podcasting to focus on ordinary people doing extraordinary things, with a space that reflects our more conversational approach.

• Our dedicated team including Jen, Preston, Martin, Ethan, and Carol spent countless hours creating this new studio space

**Join us for the conclusion of our summer series of conversations with Shaina and Piet about the genius of the "and." We have enjoyed sharing this 4-part discussion with you AND getting ready for the launch of season 4 of Sidewalk Conversations in just a few weeks! If you enjoy these episodes and want to check out all of the things Piet is working on, head on over to the Piet Van Waarde channel on Youtube.**

Today, we exp...

**Join us for a special summer series of conversations with Shaina and Piet about the genius of the "and." We are so excited to share this 4-part discussion with you AND for the launch of season 4 of Sidewalk Conversations this August! If you enjoy this episode and want to check out all of the things Piet is working on, head on over to the Piet Van Waarde channel on Youtube.**

Today, we explore how either-or thinking creat...

**Join us for a special summer series of conversations with Shaina and Piet about the genius of the "and." We are so excited to share this 4-part discussion with you AND for the launch of season 4 of Sidewalk Conversations this August! If you enjoy this episode and want to check out all of the things Piet is working on, head on over to the Piet Van Waarde channel on Youtube.**

We are exploring "the genius of the AND&q...

**Join us for a special summer series of conversations with Shaina and Piet about the genius of the "and." We are so excited to share this 4-part discussion with you AND for the launch of season 4 of Sidewalk Conversations this August! If you enjoy this episode and want to check out all of the things Piet is working on, head on over to the Piet Van Waarde channel on Youtube.**

Today, we discuss the transformative power of ...

On this special July 4th episode, Carol and I reflect on the meaning of American citizenship through my personal journey, immigrating from the Netherlands and eventually becoming a naturalized US citizen. We explore what it means to embrace American values even while acknowledging the nation's imperfections.

• Coming to America on a green card from the Netherlands with Dutch citizenship
• Making the decision to be...

We explore the concept of trusting God for big dreams and how embracing our God-given desires can lead to fulfillment and purpose. Carol Van Ward shares her journey into real estate after delaying her dream for years, offering wisdom on overcoming self-doubt and taking practical steps toward your goals.

• God places dreams and visions in our hearts for a purpose
• Without a vision, people "cast off restraint"...

Piet shares personal and professional updates as Season 3 comes to a close, including recent cancer treatment developments and exciting new projects on the horizon.

• Recent visit to Mayo Clinic revealed a "suspicious spot" on Piet's bladder requiring follow-up in August
• All other cancer tests came back clear, showing last year's surgery was likely effective
• Launching 90-day health and fitne...

Candy Coburn returns to Sidewalk Conversations to explore the tension between isolation and integration as Christians seek to authentically represent Christ in the world. Her journey as both a worship leader and bar performer offers powerful insights into maintaining spiritual authenticity while engaging with secular culture.

• The false dichotomy between isolation from culture versus integration with culture
• How hol...

Billie Logiudice shares her journey from creating a classroom in her childhood bedroom to becoming the "Chief Connecting Officer" at Hutto's Chamber of Commerce, driven by her passion to leave the world a better place through service and meaningful connections.

• Growing up as an "army brat" with educators as key influences shaped her path toward education and service
• Started in children&apos...

Chris Tapken shares his remarkable journey from federal prison to leading a thriving prayer ministry at Austin Christian Fellowship, demonstrating how God transforms our worst moments into our calling. Through authentic stories of desperation and redemption, he reveals how genuine prayer becomes a lifeline rather than a religious obligation.

• Small town roots in Yankton, South Dakota where family and community shaped Chri...

Van Kirkland shares his journey from Louisiana roots to Texas transplant, including his career as a dental technician creating beautiful smiles and how his faith sustained him through profound personal tragedies. His story reveals how mentorship, community support, and a deep relationship with God provided resilience during life's most challenging seasons.

• Originally from Plaquemine, Louisiana, moved to Texas after ...

Michael Walt shares his incredible journey from South Africa to Austin, Texas, where he and his family are preparing to join Shoreline Church in full-time ministry. His story reveals how God's divine timing and unexpected open doors have confirmed their calling to uproot their lives for ministry across continents.

• Grew up in a small South African town where his youth leader inspired his passion for ministry
• Bu...

Mike Orenstein shares his journey from military kid to recovery ministry leader, revealing how his unique background prepared him to connect with people across different backgrounds and help them find healing. His candid discussion of personal struggles with addiction and family crisis demonstrates how vulnerability becomes strength when used to help others overcome similar challenges.

• Early life as a military child prov...

Valerie shares her powerful journey from growing up on a Texas farm to finding redemption through adoption and learning to listen to God's voice in unexpected ways.

• Lived on a small farm in Texas for the first 17 years of her life
• Found healing and family when adopted by a childless couple from her church
• Stepped down from youth ministry after 10+ years when God clearly said it was time
• Became a fu...