Beyond the Letter

Latest Episodes:

How to Reach Young Adults Without the Hype | S4E21 BEYOND THE LETTER PODCAST Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Beyond the Letter, Sammy sits down with Ray Clark, young adult pastor at Grace Church Houston, for a powerful conversation about what’s really happening in young adult ministry right now. Ray shares the story of how God has grown their young adult community, what changed when they simplified their services, and why today’s young adults are more hungry for prayer, worship, and the Word than many people realize.They also dive into a deeper conversation about holiness, consecration, and what it means to cut out what’s merely common so we can grow closer to God. From practical ministry insights to personal conviction, this episode is full of encouragement for young adults, pastors, leaders, and anyone wanting to fall in love with Jesus again and live a life that is truly set apart.--Connect with:Sammy Rodriguez https://www.instagram.com/samuelmrod/Ray Clark https://www.instagram.com/rayanthonyclark/--Don't forget to stay connected with us:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OvpFp9OB9_DgVdVVbXhFgInstagram https://www.instagram.com/beyond.theletter/Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-the-letter--Have a question? Submit it TODAY, by clicking the link below! ***SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE: https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondtheLetterQA--Get to know the team:@amesa https://www.instagram.com/amesa/@verlonbakerofficial https://www.instagram.com/verlonbakerofficial/@nancysnavas https://www.instagram.com/nancysnavas/@alizee.kayy https://www.instagram.com/alizee.kayy/@andytakesl https://www.instagram.com/andytakesl/

Public Pressure Isn’t Love: Protect Your Spouse | S3E20 BEYOND I DO PODCAST Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Adam and Ashlee unpack manipulation in marriage and relationships—from subtle “shame tactics” to using outside voices to force a spouse to agree, forgive, or comply. They react to a viral moment where an Olympic athlete publicly admits cheating and frames it as a dramatic apology, and they explain why “public gestures” can sometimes be more about pressure and image than true repentance and repair.They also talk about what healthy transparency looks like versus emotional abuse, why couples often try to “prove they’re right” by pulling in friends, family, or even pastors, and how isolation (“decisions in a vacuum”) leads to even worse choices. Plus: a real-life example of how small misunderstandings can spiral, why strong marriages recover quickly, and how to pursue accountability without humiliating the person you love.--Join our AFTER I DO community for Exclusive Content & community!www.afterido.app--Have a question about relationships? Ask us by clicking the link below!https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondIdo_BEYOND I DO: MARRIAGE COURSEhttps://beyondido.thinkific.com/courses/beyond-I-do--Connect with Adam & Ashlee Mesahttps://www.instagram.com/amesa/https://www.instagram.com/ashleemesa/--Don't forget to stay connected with us: Instagram @beyond.idoTik Tok @beyond.ido--We've entered into an exciting new partnership with renowned jeweler Erin Barnett in Los Angeles. This partnership perfectly aligns with our love for relationships and jewelry. Whether you're looking for a special gift, an engagement ring, or a wedding band, Erin has you covered. And as part of the Beyond I Do community, you get exclusive discounts and the opportunity for a private showroom experience. It's time to celebrate your love with exquisite jewelry from our partner, Erin Barnett.How to get the exclusive discount?SEND HIM A DM and tell him you are part of the BEYOND I DO family or mention Adam Mesa. https://www.instagram.com/by.barnett/?hl=enhttps://bybarnett.com

How to Handle Conflict Without Losing the Relationship | S4E20 BEYOND THE LETTER PODCAST Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Conflict is unavoidable—but division doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Sammy hosts a table talk with Gabe Joseph and Sanaz on what healthy conflict resolution actually looks like in real life. They swap hilarious “after the sermon” moments, then get honest about times they handled tension the wrong way—like trying to speed-run unity, speaking truth with the wrong tone, or committing a spouse to plans without checking first (we’ve all been there).From there, the conversation turns practical: how to recognize fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses, why it’s often more important to know someone’s trauma response than their love language, and how to approach conflict without assumptions so the other person doesn’t immediately go defensive. They also hit tools that actually work—Matthew 18, asking “What are you hearing me say?”, learning to listen without filling in gaps, and choosing reconciliation over being “right.”The big takeaway: conflict can either create distance or strengthen trust—and the difference is humility, timing, and learning how this specific person receives correction and care.--Connect with:Sammy Rodriguez https://www.instagram.com/samuelmrod/Gabriel Guzman https://www.instagram.com/salinascyy/Sanaz Mesa https://www.instagram.com/sanazmesa/Joseph Valcarcel https://www.instagram.com/joseph_aaron_valcarcel/--Don't forget to stay connected with us:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OvpFp9OB9_DgVdVVbXhFgInstagram https://www.instagram.com/beyond.theletter/Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-the-letter--Have a question? Submit it TODAY, by clicking the link below! ***SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE: https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondtheLetterQA--Get to know the team:@amesa https://www.instagram.com/amesa/@verlonbakerofficial https://www.instagram.com/verlonbakerofficial/@nancysnavas https://www.instagram.com/nancysnavas/@alizee.kayy https://www.instagram.com/alizee.kayy/@andytakesl https://www.instagram.com/andytakesl/

What Love Really Is (And What It Isn’t) | S3E19 BEYOND I DO PODCAST Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

Love gets tossed around so casually in culture that a lot of couples don’t realize they’re chasing a feeling while neglecting the foundation. In this episode, Adam and Ashlee unpack what love truly is—and what it isn’t—through a deeper dive into Song of Solomon. They confront three common cultural lies: that real love should be effortless, that your spouse should “climb your walls” to earn access to your heart, and that love is proven by how strongly you feel in the moment.Instead, they lay out a biblical picture of love that costs something: pursuit (you don’t drift into closeness—you choose it), vulnerability (love doesn’t demand someone scale your trauma—love invites you to come out of hiding), and sacrifice (love isn’t validated by emotions—it’s revealed by what you’re willing to give). Along the way, they keep it real with marriage stories, parenting parallels, and a practical reminder: feelings shift, seasons change, but covenant love stays anchored in commitment, maturity, and Jesus-shaped character.--Join our AFTER I DO community for Exclusive Content & community!www.afterido.app--Have a question about relationships? Ask us by clicking the link below!https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondIdo_BEYOND I DO: MARRIAGE COURSEhttps://beyondido.thinkific.com/courses/beyond-I-do--Connect with Adam & Ashlee Mesahttps://www.instagram.com/amesa/https://www.instagram.com/ashleemesa/--Don't forget to stay connected with us: Instagram @beyond.idoTik Tok @beyond.ido--We've entered into an exciting new partnership with renowned jeweler Erin Barnett in Los Angeles. This partnership perfectly aligns with our love for relationships and jewelry. Whether you're looking for a special gift, an engagement ring, or a wedding band, Erin has you covered. And as part of the Beyond I Do community, you get exclusive discounts and the opportunity for a private showroom experience. It's time to celebrate your love with exquisite jewelry from our partner, Erin Barnett.How to get the exclusive discount?SEND HIM A DM and tell him you are part of the BEYOND I DO family or mention Adam Mesa. https://www.instagram.com/by.barnett/?hl=enhttps://bybarnett.com

How to Disagree Without Turning It Personal | S4E19 BEYOND THE LETTER PODCAST Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

In today’s episode, Adam and Sammy talk about what it looks like for church leaders to stand firm in a politically charged moment—without turning the pulpit into a weekly news recap or a social media battlefield. They unpack why the loudest voices often live on the “fringes,” how pastors can feel pressured by ultimatums from both sides, and why “I don’t care who gets offended” isn’t a fruit of the Spirit. If you’re leading people (or trying to stay grounded as a believer), this conversation is a guide for clarity, courage, and emotional maturity in a chaotic culture.They also get practical: how to disagree without personal attacks, why asking better questions matters (“why do you ask?”), and how discipleship starts with identity before behavior change. Along the way, they highlight the difference between ideology-shaping and sin-addressing, the dangers of algorithm-driven thinking, and why real influence should build bridges—not burn them. The goal isn’t silence. It’s wisdom. It’s holding the line with conviction and compassion.--Connect with:Adam Mesa https://www.instagram.com/amesa/Sammy Rodriguez https://www.instagram.com/samuelmrod/--Don't forget to stay connected with us:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OvpFp9OB9_DgVdVVbXhFgInstagram https://www.instagram.com/beyond.theletter/Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-the-letter--Have a question? Submit it TODAY, by clicking the link below! ***SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE: https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondtheLetterQA--Get to know the team:@amesa https://www.instagram.com/amesa/@verlonbakerofficial https://www.instagram.com/verlonbakerofficial/@nancysnavas https://www.instagram.com/nancysnavas/@alizee.kayy https://www.instagram.com/alizee.kayy/@andytakesl https://www.instagram.com/andytakesl/

We Thought Marriage Would Be Bliss… (Valentines Day Special) | S3E18 BEYOND I DO PODCAST Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Marriage changes you—sometimes in the sweetest ways, and sometimes in the most surprising ones. In this Valentine’s Day special, Adam and Ashlee sit down for a “Then, Now, Next” conversation: what they thought marriage would be like in year one, what’s actually been the biggest surprise along the way, and what they’re hoping their marriage looks like five to ten years from now. It’s honest, funny, and way more relatable than the picture-perfect version of love we all imagine at the beginning.They also revisit the kinds of hard conversations couples tend to avoid early on—friendships, family dynamics, intimacy, and expectations—and why healthy marriages don’t happen by accident. If you’re married, dating, engaged, or even single and preparing for the future, this episode gives you practical questions you can bring to your own table—because sometimes the best Valentine’s gift isn’t a reservation… it’s a real conversation.--Join our AFTER I DO community for Exclusive Content & community!www.afterido.app--Have a question about relationships? Ask us by clicking the link below!https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondIdo_BEYOND I DO: MARRIAGE COURSEhttps://beyondido.thinkific.com/courses/beyond-I-do--Connect with Adam & Ashlee Mesahttps://www.instagram.com/amesa/https://www.instagram.com/ashleemesa/--Don't forget to stay connected with us: Instagram @beyond.idoTik Tok @beyond.ido--We've entered into an exciting new partnership with renowned jeweler Erin Barnett in Los Angeles. This partnership perfectly aligns with our love for relationships and jewelry. Whether you're looking for a special gift, an engagement ring, or a wedding band, Erin has you covered. And as part of the Beyond I Do community, you get exclusive discounts and the opportunity for a private showroom experience. It's time to celebrate your love with exquisite jewelry from our partner, Erin Barnett.How to get the exclusive discount?SEND HIM A DM and tell him you are part of the BEYOND I DO family or mention Adam Mesa. https://www.instagram.com/by.barnett/?hl=enhttps://bybarnett.com

Don’t Let the Crowd Define You | S4E18 BEYOND THE LETTER PODCAST Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

A viral boxing clip sparks a deeper conversation about identity, perseverance, and what happens when embarrassment hits you mid-fight. Aaron is joined by Gabe and Sanaz as they unpack the moment a boxer gets rocked—his toupee flips back, the crowd goes wild, and he has a split second decision to make: spiral in shame or stay locked in. What makes the clip unforgettable isn’t the hair—it’s that he throws the distraction to the crowd… and keeps fighting until he wins.From there, the conversation turns into a real-life mirror: how often do we lose momentum because of a small mistake, a public moment, or someone else’s opinion? They talk about the difference between feedback in the locker room vs. criticism from the crowd, why distractions feel louder than the mission, and how confidence grows when your identity is anchored in something deeper than performance. If you’ve ever tripped in public (or stumbled in your purpose) and wanted to disappear, this episode is your reminder: don’t quit the fight—keep your eyes on the win.--Connect with:Aaron Levy https://www.instagram.com/_aaronlevy/Gabriel Guzman https://www.instagram.com/salinascyy/Sanaz Mesa https://www.instagram.com/sanazmesa/--Don't forget to stay connected with us:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OvpFp9OB9_DgVdVVbXhFgInstagram https://www.instagram.com/beyond.theletter/Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-the-letter--Have a question? Submit it TODAY, by clicking the link below! ***SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE: https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondtheLetterQA--Get to know the team:@amesa https://www.instagram.com/amesa/@verlonbakerofficial https://www.instagram.com/verlonbakerofficial/@nancysnavas https://www.instagram.com/nancysnavas/@alizee.kayy https://www.instagram.com/alizee.kayy/@andytakesl https://www.instagram.com/andytakesl/

Stop Being the “Mommy Wife” | S3E17 BEYOND I DO PODCAST Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

It’s a Women’s Beyond I Do episode—and Ashlee is joined by Sanaz and Erica for a marriage Q&A that gets real fast. Instead of generic advice, they lock in on one core issue that quietly wrecks a lot of homes: when a wife starts feeling like a mother-manager instead of a partner… and when a husband starts living like he’s being “raised” instead of leading alongside her. They talk about the mental load, the constant “why is this STILL on the table?” moments, and how the smallest repeated patterns can snowball into big resentment if nobody addresses it.From there, they give practical language for course-correcting without blowing up: how to ask for help before you hit your breaking point, why being seen and appreciated matters more than “perfect fairness,” and how to navigate hard conversations without shutting down—especially when one spouse needs resolution now and the other needs time to process. Plus: a powerful perspective shift—learning to love what your spouse loves, and letting marriage become a mirror that shapes your patience, maturity, and relationship with God.--Join our AFTER I DO community for Exclusive Content & community!www.afterido.app--Have a question about relationships? Ask us by clicking the link below!https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondIdo_BEYOND I DO: MARRIAGE COURSEhttps://beyondido.thinkific.com/courses/beyond-I-do--Connect with Adam & Ashlee Mesahttps://www.instagram.com/amesa/https://www.instagram.com/ashleemesa/--Connect with Sanaz Mesa & Erica Levyhttps://www.instagram.com/sanazmesa/https://www.instagram.com/erica.levy_np/--Don't forget to stay connected with us: Instagram @beyond.idoTik Tok @beyond.ido--We've entered into an exciting new partnership with renowned jeweler Erin Barnett in Los Angeles. This partnership perfectly aligns with our love for relationships and jewelry. Whether you're looking for a special gift, an engagement ring, or a wedding band, Erin has you covered. And as part of the Beyond I Do community, you get exclusive discounts and the opportunity for a private showroom experience. It's time to celebrate your love with exquisite jewelry from our partner, Erin Barnett.How to get the exclusive discount?SEND HIM A DM and tell him you are part of the BEYOND I DO family or mention Adam Mesa. https://www.instagram.com/by.barnett/?hl=enhttps://bybarnett.com

Better Together: Teamwork & Healthy Teams | S4E17 BEYOND THE LETTER PODCAST Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

This week on Beyond the Letter, Sammy hosts a conversation on teamwork—what it really takes to build healthy teams, healthy culture, and healthy leadership in everyday life. Joined by his wife Chandler and their friend Haron, they unpack why collaboration matters more than ever, how unity can exist without everyone thinking the same, and why “going far” requires learning to stay connected even through disagreements. From leadership circles to friendships and family rhythms, the thread is simple: you don’t have to carry everything alone.They also go practical with holistic health—body, mind, relationships, and spirituality—sharing a framework Chandler uses in her counseling work (biopsychosocial + spiritual) and how healthy habits shape strong teams over time. The episode closes with a powerful culture takeaway: culture isn’t just what we do—it’s why we do it… and the language we repeat is what we end up defending. Plus, Andy jumps in with a Gen Z perspective on building “teams” even when you’re introverted or your circle is small.--Connect with:Samuel Rodriguez https://www.instagram.com/samuelmrod/Haron Kaisa https://www.instagram.com/kaisaclan/Chandler Rodriguez https://www.instagram.com/chandlerbrod/--Check out Adam's website!https://www.adammesa.org/--Don't forget to stay connected with us:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OvpFp9OB9_DgVdVVbXhFgInstagram https://www.instagram.com/beyond.theletter/Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-the-letter--Have a question? Submit it TODAY, by clicking the link below! ***SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE: https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondtheLetterQA--Get to know the team:@amesa https://www.instagram.com/amesa/@verlonbakerofficial https://www.instagram.com/verlonbakerofficial/@nancysnavas https://www.instagram.com/nancysnavas/@alizee.kayy https://www.instagram.com/alizee.kayy/@andytakesl https://www.instagram.com/andytakesl/

Stop Making Marriage Miserable | S3E16 BEYOND I DO PODCAST Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Sometimes the quickest way to drain the joy out of marriage is turning your relationship into a strict routine, a running scoreboard, or a daily critique session. In this episode, Adam and Ashlee talk about keeping marriage fun—not by ignoring real issues, but by refusing to nitpick each other to death. They react to a viral “just let them be” video and unpack what it looks like to have a relationship where you support each other’s hobbies, rhythms, naps, and personality quirks… without making everything a fight. Because not every annoyance deserves a confrontation—and not every preference deserves a rule.They also get real about what does need a conversation: when stress, exhaustion, or overwork starts changing who you are. From folded laundry sitting on the table to Disney passes, date nights, and learning to enjoy what your spouse enjoys, this episode is all about grace, teamwork, and healthy communication. Adam and Ashlee also share a serious warning about how “punishment patterns” (like withholding affection or constantly creating tension) can quickly spiral into bigger damage. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building a marriage that feels safe, light, and full of joy again.--Join our AFTER I DO community for Exclusive Content & community!www.afterido.app--Have a question about relationships? Ask us by clicking the link below!https://patria.church.ai/form/BeyondIdo_BEYOND I DO: MARRIAGE COURSEhttps://beyondido.thinkific.com/courses/beyond-I-do--Connect with Adam & Ashlee Mesahttps://instagram.com/amesa?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==https://instagram.com/ashleemesa?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==--Don't forget to stay connected with us: Instagram @beyond.idoTik Tok @beyond.ido--We've entered into an exciting new partnership with renowned jeweler Erin Barnett in Los Angeles. This partnership perfectly aligns with our love for relationships and jewelry. Whether you're looking for a special gift, an engagement ring, or a wedding band, Erin has you covered. And as part of the Beyond I Do community, you get exclusive discounts and the opportunity for a private showroom experience. It's time to celebrate your love with exquisite jewelry from our partner, Erin Barnett.How to get the exclusive discount?SEND HIM A DM and tell him you are part of the BEYOND I DO family or mention Adam Mesa. https://www.instagram.com/by.barnett/?hl=enhttps://bybarnett.com

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