Sidewalk Conversations

We trace a “magical” wedding, the emotions of launching our last child, practical parenting tools that built grit and closeness, and the mindset that steadied us through a tough real estate year and a cancer journey. Faith, planning, and words of blessing thread it all together.

• planning and spoken blessing shaping a joyful wedding
• siblings bonded by early, positive language from parents
• chore cards, quality ...

A quiet, steady faith can be just as brave as a dramatic comeback. Preston Jackson recounts growing up in one church, choosing belief through honest doubt, and learning to hold tradition, mystery, and systems in one coherent life.

• growing up known in a single church community
• benefits of deep roots and the cost of being observed
• a chosen belief that led to a real encounter
• the college fork: physics abro...

Worship can be the shared language that mends divides when we move from a multi-ethnic crowd to a truly multicultural experience shaped by real people and real stories. Joel Salabarria joins us to unpack relationship-first leadership, Worship Society, and how unity grows when we stop policing styles and start practicing cultural humility.

• redefining worship as a whole-life response
• sponsor spotlight on Tenfold Coun...

We sit down with Mayor Crystal of Liberty Hill to explore how character, counsel, and courage shape local leadership in a polarized era. From dark skies to water infrastructure, we unpack practical ways to listen well, decide wisely, and keep a growing town’s soul.

• Central Texas roots, family redemption, and a servant’s heart
• Community draft into politics and why character beats pedigree
• Joy of serving people...

We share Z’s journey from a Georgian orphanage to founding REIZ Adaptive Fitness, tracing how faith, friends, and sheer grit transformed trauma into service. The conversation explores abuse, caregiving as a teen, disability identity, and building a free, adaptive training space that restores agency.

• a reframed idea: hurt people can heal people
• adoption to abuse and the choice to stay in the US
• survival tools:...

Jurie Kriel joins us to share how a missionary call to America led to Austin, Texas, why “success is obedience,” and how rapid change demands anticipation, not anxiety. We explore AI-era identity, digital polarization, and the rhythms that keep leaders rooted at home and with God.

• his missionary call from South Africa to the US and Austin
• leadership as growing others and obeying God
• cultural insights on homel...

Kurt Andre shares his journey through a 45-year friendship with the host, discussing authentic relationships, professional transitions, and personal redemption after crisis.

• Kurt grew up on four continents in a military family, moving constantly until college
• Authentic friendship means having someone who knows your story and loves you anyway
• Your "why" comes out of your "who" – discover pa...

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...