Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey

Faithful Through the Fire – A Conversation with Chris (Audio) Jul 15, 2025

What does it mean to remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out how you planned?

In this episode, Chris reflects on a season of life marked by unmet expectations, identity shifts, and spiritual refinement. From the outside, he had it all—marriage, a growing family, and a clear path in ministry. But underneath, he was wrestling with doubt, grief, and a quiet sense of failure.

Chris shares candidly about his early years in seminary, the challenges of young fatherhood, and the pressures of living up to an image. He opens up about the moment God asked him to surrender his plans and embrace something deeper: a faith forged in humility and hiddenness.

We explore the tension between calling and capacity, the ache of letting go, and the unexpected peace that comes when we choose trust over control. Chris’s story is one of grace in the waiting, strength in the small things, and the beauty of letting God write the next chapter.

If you’ve ever questioned your purpose or felt lost in the in-between, this conversation will meet you there—and remind you that God’s faithfulness never wavers, even when the road does.

Faithful Through the Fire – A Conversation with Chris (Video) Jul 15, 2025

What does it mean to remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out how you planned?

In this episode, Chris reflects on a season of life marked by unmet expectations, identity shifts, and spiritual refinement. From the outside, he had it all—marriage, a growing family, and a clear path in ministry. But underneath, he was wrestling with doubt, grief, and a quiet sense of failure.

Chris shares candidly about his early years in seminary, the challenges of young fatherhood, and the pressures of living up to an image. He opens up about the moment God asked him to surrender his plans and embrace something deeper: a faith forged in humility and hiddenness.

We explore the tension between calling and capacity, the ache of letting go, and the unexpected peace that comes when we choose trust over control. Chris’s story is one of grace in the waiting, strength in the small things, and the beauty of letting God write the next chapter.

If you’ve ever questioned your purpose or felt lost in the in-between, this conversation will meet you there—and remind you that God’s faithfulness never wavers, even when the road does.

From Isolation to Impact – A Conversation with Jacob (Audio) Jul 01, 2025

What if the darkest season of your life was the very ground God would use to grow your calling?

In this episode, Jacob Gilchrist shares a gripping testimony of loss, addiction, and the long road to surrender. From watching his father’s life unravel after a tragic medical mistake to wrestling with doubt, anger, and near-suicide, Jacob opens up about the pain that drove him away from faith—and the moments that brought him back.

We hear how a simple lunch invitation sparked a spiritual transformation, how Scripture began to renew his mind, and how service and community through the Forge became his lifeline. Jacob speaks candidly about battling isolation, finding healing through vulnerability, and the power of a Bible left untouched—until the exact right moment.

Now seven months sober, pursuing seminary, and preparing for life as a missionary, Jacob is a living example of what God can do with a surrendered heart.

This is more than a story of recovery—it’s a testimony of redemption, obedience, and hope for the next generation.

Don’t miss this powerful reminder: God never wastes a moment, and your life can be a vessel for far more than you imagine.

From Isolation to Impact – A Conversation with Jacob (Video) Jul 01, 2025

What if the darkest season of your life was the very ground God would use to grow your calling?

In this episode, Jacob Gilchrist shares a gripping testimony of loss, addiction, and the long road to surrender. From watching his father’s life unravel after a tragic medical mistake to wrestling with doubt, anger, and near-suicide, Jacob opens up about the pain that drove him away from faith—and the moments that brought him back.

We hear how a simple lunch invitation sparked a spiritual transformation, how Scripture began to renew his mind, and how service and community through the Forge became his lifeline. Jacob speaks candidly about battling isolation, finding healing through vulnerability, and the power of a Bible left untouched—until the exact right moment.

Now seven months sober, pursuing seminary, and preparing for life as a missionary, Jacob is a living example of what God can do with a surrendered heart.

This is more than a story of recovery—it’s a testimony of redemption, obedience, and hope for the next generation.

Don’t miss this powerful reminder: God never wastes a moment, and your life can be a vessel for far more than you imagine.

Redeemed Identity – A Conversation with Damian - Part 2 (Video) Jun 18, 2025

What if the thing that once defined you is actually what God wants to use to set you free?

In Part Two of our conversation with Damian, we dig deeper into the wounds that shaped his identity—and the healing that followed. Damian opens up about the decades he spent carrying guilt, the moment that broke his marriage open, and the slow, powerful journey toward counseling, vulnerability, and grace.

This episode is a raw and redemptive look at how trauma distorts our sense of worth and how Jesus meets us right in the middle of that pain. We talk about the fear of insignificance, the silence that ruins relationships, and the freedom that comes when we surrender—not just to faith, but to healing.

If you've ever believed you're beyond repair, this conversation offers a different story: one of redemption, worth, and a God who lovingly redefines us.

Let this be your reminder—you are not alone, and your testimony has power. Keep walking. Keep sharing. Let Him use it all.

Redeemed Identity – A Conversation with Damian - Part 2 (Audio) Jun 17, 2025

What if the thing that once defined you is actually what God wants to use to set you free?

In Part Two of our conversation with Damian, we dig deeper into the wounds that shaped his identity—and the healing that followed. Damian opens up about the decades he spent carrying guilt, the moment that broke his marriage open, and the slow, powerful journey toward counseling, vulnerability, and grace.

This episode is a raw and redemptive look at how trauma distorts our sense of worth and how Jesus meets us right in the middle of that pain. We talk about the fear of insignificance, the silence that ruins relationships, and the freedom that comes when we surrender—not just to faith, but to healing.

If you've ever believed you're beyond repair, this conversation offers a different story: one of redemption, worth, and a God who lovingly redefines us.

Let this be your reminder—you are not alone, and your testimony has power. Keep walking. Keep sharing. Let Him use it all.

From Trauma to Testimony – A Conversation with Damian - Part 1 (Audio) Jun 17, 2025

What does healing look like when your earliest memories are marked by trauma?

In this powerful episode, Damian opens up about a childhood scarred by violence and loss—and the long road toward restoration. From witnessing a moment that forever altered his family to spending decades silently carrying the weight of it, Damian shares how God has used even the most painful parts of his story to forge something new.

We explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation—how being truly lost can help us understand what it means to be found. Damian’s testimony reminds us that no pain is wasted in God’s hands, and that even the hardest stories can become a source of strength and service to others.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from purpose, this conversation is for you. Listen in—and let it encourage you to trust the fire that shapes you.

From Trauma to Testimony – A Conversation with Damian - Part 1 (Video) Jun 17, 2025

What does healing look like when your earliest memories are marked by trauma?

In this powerful episode, Damian opens up about a childhood scarred by violence and loss—and the long road toward restoration. From witnessing a moment that forever altered his family to spending decades silently carrying the weight of it, Damian shares how God has used even the most painful parts of his story to forge something new.

We explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation—how being truly lost can help us understand what it means to be found. Damian’s testimony reminds us that no pain is wasted in God’s hands, and that even the hardest stories can become a source of strength and service to others.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from purpose, this conversation is for you. Listen in—and let it encourage you to trust the fire that shapes you.

A Youth Revival in Real Time – A Conversation with Trace Smith - Part 2 (Audio) Jun 03, 2025

What does it look like when the next generation catches fire for Christ—right in front of your eyes?

In part two of our conversation, Trace Smith shares a powerful and deeply personal account of the movement stirring within today’s youth. From humble beginnings in volunteer service to a front-row seat at a spiritual awakening, Trace walks us through a story of faith that’s multiplying across campuses, sanctuaries, and small group tables.

We talk about authentic worship, the hunger for truth in a culture saturated with the fake, and the quiet power of showing up—again and again. Trace opens up about students stepping into faith without parental support, the power of small beginnings, and why it’s time for all generations to step into the story God is writing.

If you’ve ever wondered what revival looks like in real time, this episode is a glimpse of heaven meeting earth—through lunchroom pizza, honest questions, and hearts turned toward Jesus.

A Youth Revival in Real Time – A Conversation with Trace Smith - Part 2 (Video) Jun 03, 2025

What does it look like when the next generation catches fire for Christ—right in front of your eyes?

In part two of our conversation, Trace Smith shares a powerful and deeply personal account of the movement stirring within today’s youth. From humble beginnings in volunteer service to a front-row seat at a spiritual awakening, Trace walks us through a story of faith that’s multiplying across campuses, sanctuaries, and small group tables.

We talk about authentic worship, the hunger for truth in a culture saturated with the fake, and the quiet power of showing up—again and again. Trace opens up about students stepping into faith without parental support, the power of small beginnings, and why it’s time for all generations to step into the story God is writing.

If you’ve ever wondered what revival looks like in real time, this episode is a glimpse of heaven meeting earth—through lunchroom pizza, honest questions, and hearts turned toward Jesus.

Planting Seeds That Last – A Conversation with Trace - Part 1 (Audio) Jun 03, 2025

What if the seeds you plant today don’t bloom for decades—but still change a life?

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Trace Smith, pastor of Discovery Kids, to talk about the quiet, consistent work of shaping the next generation. From fifth-grade classrooms to global reach through children's curriculum, Trace shares his journey of finding his voice, embracing his calling, and witnessing the beauty of faith in unexpected places.

Together, we explore the power of one-on-one ministry, the importance of showing up for kids, and how small acts of obedience ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. Trace opens up about overcoming feelings of insignificance, leaning into God’s design, and trusting that no moment of service is ever wasted.

If you've ever wondered whether your quiet faithfulness matters, this episode will remind you that the seeds you sow now might just bloom when someone needs them most.

Planting Seeds That Last – A Conversation with Trace - Part 1 (Video) Jun 03, 2025

What if the seeds you plant today don’t bloom for decades—but still change a life?

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Trace Smith, pastor of Discovery Kids, to talk about the quiet, consistent work of shaping the next generation. From fifth-grade classrooms to global reach through children's curriculum, Trace shares his journey of finding his voice, embracing his calling, and witnessing the beauty of faith in unexpected places.

Together, we explore the power of one-on-one ministry, the importance of showing up for kids, and how small acts of obedience ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. Trace opens up about overcoming feelings of insignificance, leaning into God’s design, and trusting that no moment of service is ever wasted.

If you've ever wondered whether your quiet faithfulness matters, this episode will remind you that the seeds you sow now might just bloom when someone needs them most.

From Religion to Relationship – A Conversation with Mike (Audio) May 20, 2025

What happens when the truth you've known your whole life is no longer enough?

In this heartfelt episode, Mike joins Joe to share his journey from a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From religious discipline to gospel transformation, Mike opens up about the moment everything changed—a divine conversation over lunch that challenged the very foundation of his faith.

Together, they explore the difference between religion and relationship, the power of community, and the spiritual growth that comes from living in accountability with other men. Mike reflects on his leadership in men’s ministry, the importance of recognizing your own spiritual drift, and how God prepared him through every season—including his career—for the purpose he's living today.

This episode is a candid look at identity, truth, and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ personally. Whether you grew up in church or are still seeking, Mike’s story reminds us that God never stops pursuing us.

Lean in, be honest, and don’t walk alone.

From Religion to Relationship – A Conversation with Mike (Video) May 20, 2025

What happens when the truth you've known your whole life is no longer enough?

In this heartfelt episode, Mike joins Joe to share his journey from a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From religious discipline to gospel transformation, Mike opens up about the moment everything changed—a divine conversation over lunch that challenged the very foundation of his faith.

Together, they explore the difference between religion and relationship, the power of community, and the spiritual growth that comes from living in accountability with other men. Mike reflects on his leadership in men’s ministry, the importance of recognizing your own spiritual drift, and how God prepared him through every season—including his career—for the purpose he's living today.

This episode is a candid look at identity, truth, and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ personally. Whether you grew up in church or are still seeking, Mike’s story reminds us that God never stops pursuing us.

Lean in, be honest, and don’t walk alone.

Building Brotherhood Through Service – A Conversation with Brandon (Audio) May 06, 2025

What if the breakthrough you need is on the other side of a shared project, a simple tool, and a few honest conversations?

In this heartfelt conversation, Brandon joins Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey to reflect on the unexpected power of community-led service and the quiet transformation that happens when men show up—shoulder to shoulder—to work, to grow, and to heal. He shares how a missions trip to Nicaragua sparked a passion that’s now grown into a local outreach movement, inviting men to step out of isolation and into purpose through construction projects that serve the vulnerable in their own backyard.

Brandon opens up about his journey from rock bottom to renewal, the role the Forge community played in that process, and how he’s now committed to creating that same safe space for others. From leading small groups with vulnerability to rallying teams for meaningful work in the Valley of the Sun, he shows us how serving others can rebuild not just homes, but hearts.

This episode is an invitation—to find your place, share your story, and serve alongside other men who are ready to live with integrity, compassion, and courage.

See you Tuesday.

Building Brotherhood Through Service – A Conversation with Brandon (Video) May 06, 2025

What if the breakthrough you need is on the other side of a shared project, a simple tool, and a few honest conversations?

In this heartfelt conversation, Brandon joins Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey to reflect on the unexpected power of community-led service and the quiet transformation that happens when men show up—shoulder to shoulder—to work, to grow, and to heal. He shares how a missions trip to Nicaragua sparked a passion that’s now grown into a local outreach movement, inviting men to step out of isolation and into purpose through construction projects that serve the vulnerable in their own backyard.

Brandon opens up about his journey from rock bottom to renewal, the role the Forge community played in that process, and how he’s now committed to creating that same safe space for others. From leading small groups with vulnerability to rallying teams for meaningful work in the Valley of the Sun, he shows us how serving others can rebuild not just homes, but hearts.

This episode is an invitation—to find your place, share your story, and serve alongside other men who are ready to live with integrity, compassion, and courage.

See you Tuesday.

From Hidden Shame to Healing – A Conversation with Mark (Audio) Apr 29, 2025

What if the very story you’re afraid to share is the one that sets another man free?

In this powerful episode of the Forge Podcast, Mark opens up about a life marked by success on the outside and struggle within. From his early years as a standout athlete to years of hidden addiction, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage, Mark walks us through the slow unraveling of a man chasing affirmation in all the wrong places. But his story doesn’t end there.

Mark shares how the Holy Spirit met him at his lowest point, how surrendering to Christ brought freedom, and how community—through Forge, mentorship, and men’s retreats—became the ground for lasting transformation. His vulnerability points to the grace of a God who restores, redeems, and rewrites even the most broken stories.

If you’ve ever wondered whether real change is possible or felt too far gone to be used by God, let this conversation remind you: you are not alone, and your story matters.

From Hidden Shame to Healing – A Conversation with Mark (Video) Apr 29, 2025

What if the very story you’re afraid to share is the one that sets another man free?

In this powerful episode of the Forge Podcast, Mark opens up about a life marked by success on the outside and struggle within. From his early years as a standout athlete to years of hidden addiction, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage, Mark walks us through the slow unraveling of a man chasing affirmation in all the wrong places. But his story doesn’t end there.

Mark shares how the Holy Spirit met him at his lowest point, how surrendering to Christ brought freedom, and how community—through Forge, mentorship, and men’s retreats—became the ground for lasting transformation. His vulnerability points to the grace of a God who restores, redeems, and rewrites even the most broken stories.

If you’ve ever wondered whether real change is possible or felt too far gone to be used by God, let this conversation remind you: you are not alone, and your story matters.

From Isolation to Brotherhood – A Conversation with Steve Heller (Audio) Apr 08, 2025

What if the breakthrough you need is waiting on the other side of vulnerability?

In this powerful episode, Steve Heller shares how God met him in the wreckage—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and began to rebuild his life through confession, community, and surrender. Steve opens up about years of chasing the world, the deep cost of unconfessed sin, and the night he reluctantly walked into the Forge… and found brotherhood.

Through honest conversation, he reflects on the difference between surface-level friendships and 2AM brothers, the spiritual battle for men’s hearts, and the quiet revival happening when men choose to stop hiding and start walking together.

If you’ve ever felt alone in the struggle, this conversation is for you.

From Isolation to Brotherhood – A Conversation with Steve Heller (Video) Apr 08, 2025

What if the breakthrough you need is waiting on the other side of vulnerability?

In this powerful episode, Steve Heller shares how God met him in the wreckage—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and began to rebuild his life through confession, community, and surrender. Steve opens up about years of chasing the world, the deep cost of unconfessed sin, and the night he reluctantly walked into the Forge… and found brotherhood.

Through honest conversation, he reflects on the difference between surface-level friendships and 2AM brothers, the spiritual battle for men’s hearts, and the quiet revival happening when men choose to stop hiding and start walking together.

If you’ve ever felt alone in the struggle, this conversation is for you.

God Never Stops Pursuing - A Conversation with Bob Kelton (Audio) Mar 25, 2025

What’s the power of your testimony if it’s never shared? In this episode of the Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey, Joe Knee welcomes Bob Kelton, a man whose journey to faith took 82 years but has since transformed his life in ways he never imagined.

Bob shares his raw and powerful story of searching for meaning, wrestling with doubt, and finally encountering Jesus in a way that changed everything. From decades of feeling spiritually lost to the overwhelming peace of surrender, his testimony is a reminder that Christ never stops pursuing us—no matter how long it takes.

We also talk about the impact of community, the importance of sharing our stories, and how Forge has played a role in Bob’s spiritual growth. His passion for Jesus is contagious, and his message is simple: commit to Christ daily, and He will take care of the rest.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to experience transformation, this episode is for you.

God Never Stops Pursuing - A Conversation with Bob Kelton (Video) Mar 25, 2025

What’s the power of your testimony if it’s never shared? In this episode of the Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey, Joe Knee welcomes Bob Kelton, a man whose journey to faith took 82 years but has since transformed his life in ways he never imagined.

Bob shares his raw and powerful story of searching for meaning, wrestling with doubt, and finally encountering Jesus in a way that changed everything. From decades of feeling spiritually lost to the overwhelming peace of surrender, his testimony is a reminder that Christ never stops pursuing us—no matter how long it takes.

We also talk about the impact of community, the importance of sharing our stories, and how Forge has played a role in Bob’s spiritual growth. His passion for Jesus is contagious, and his message is simple: commit to Christ daily, and He will take care of the rest.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to experience transformation, this episode is for you.

Forged for Purpose - A Conversation with Jason Belcher (Audio) Mar 25, 2025

What does it mean to be truly forged in faith? In this episode of the Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey, Joe Knee sits down with Pastor Jason Belcher to explore the transformative power of community, accountability, and radical devotion to Christ.

Jason shares the incredible growth of Forge, a ministry that has evolved from a small gathering into a movement of men being shaped and strengthened in their faith. He unpacks the biblical vision of masculinity, the importance of stepping out of isolation, and how true transformation happens when men commit to walking alongside one another in faith.

We dive into the meaning of being "radically devoted" to Christ, the necessity of deep relationships in spiritual growth, and the call to move beyond healing into activation—stepping into leadership, service, and purpose. Jason also discusses the power of prayer, the role of community in breaking down lies we believe about ourselves, and how Forge is equipping men to be leaders in their homes, churches, and beyond.

If you're looking for encouragement, challenge, and a renewed sense of purpose, this episode is for you.

Tune in and take the next step in your journey.

Forged for Purpose - A Conversation with Jason Belcher (Video) Mar 25, 2025

What does it mean to be truly forged in faith? In this episode of the Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey, Joe Knee sits down with Pastor Jason Belcher to explore the transformative power of community, accountability, and radical devotion to Christ.

Jason shares the incredible growth of Forge, a ministry that has evolved from a small gathering into a movement of men being shaped and strengthened in their faith. He unpacks the biblical vision of masculinity, the importance of stepping out of isolation, and how true transformation happens when men commit to walking alongside one another in faith.

We dive into the meaning of being "radically devoted" to Christ, the necessity of deep relationships in spiritual growth, and the call to move beyond healing into activation—stepping into leadership, service, and purpose. Jason also discusses the power of prayer, the role of community in breaking down lies we believe about ourselves, and how Forge is equipping men to be leaders in their homes, churches, and beyond.

If you're looking for encouragement, challenge, and a renewed sense of purpose, this episode is for you.

Tune in and take the next step in your journey.

The Forge Podcast - Conversations for the Journey - Trailer (Audio) Mar 12, 2025

The Forge Podcast is a place where real men share real stories of transformation, faith, and brotherhood. Through raw and honest conversations, men open up about their struggles, victories, and the power of community in their walk with Christ. From breaking free of isolation and addiction to experiencing revival and renewal, these testimonies reveal how God is moving among the men at Scottsdale Bible Church. Whether you’re searching for encouragement, purpose, or just a reminder that you're not alone, this podcast is for you. Join us every other Tuesday as we dive into the journeys that are shaping men and strengthening faith.

The Forge Podcast - Conversations for the Journey - Trailer (Video) Mar 12, 2025

The Forge Podcast is a place where real men share real stories of transformation, faith, and brotherhood. Through raw and honest conversations, men open up about their struggles, victories, and the power of community in their walk with Christ. From breaking free of isolation and addiction to experiencing revival and renewal, these testimonies reveal how God is moving among the men at Scottsdale Bible Church. Whether you’re searching for encouragement, purpose, or just a reminder that you're not alone, this podcast is for you. Join us every other Tuesday as we dive into the journeys that are shaping men and strengthening faith.