Rooted In Christ

Latest Episodes:

Finding Your Rhythm in Faith & Sports | Nobles Darby Interview on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 157 Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Episode 157 | Nobles Darby IV – Rooted in Christ in the World of Pro Sports

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Nobles Darby IV, chaplain for the Cleveland Browns, Cavs, and Cleveland Charge, and a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From his childhood vision of God’s presence to his journey through personal struggles and redemption, Nobles shares how faith has guided him into a unique calling — serving athletes, coaches, and their families in the high-pressure world of professional sports.

We dive into:

What it means to be rooted in Christ while serving in pro sports
The role of a chaplain in the NFL and NBA
How athletes quietly battle loneliness, identity, and trust
The balance between ministry, family, and personal rest
Nobles’ powerful testimony of grace, calling, and obedience

This episode is a reminder that faith is not just about words, but about presence, consistency, and living authentically in whatever space God places you.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations.

Obedience to God: Trusting His Way and Timing | The Rooted in Christ Podcast w/ Laurie Herbers Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Eric Stephens welcomes back author, coach, and teacher Laurie Herbers for a powerful conversation on faith, obedience, and identity in Christ.

Laurie shares insights from her upcoming book No Tantrums in the Waiting Room and her new course Image Bearer: Awaken Your God-Given Identity and Authority. She opens up about what it means to trust God in the waiting, live in daily obedience, and step fully into the image of Christ.

From real-life testimonies of transformation, to the struggles believers face with trust and timing, this episode is filled with encouragement, practical wisdom, and Spirit-led revelations.

If you’ve ever wrestled with waiting on God, questioned your purpose, or needed a reminder that you are His reflection, this conversation will bless you.

✨ Topics Covered:

Why worship is essential in seasons of waiting
Understanding tantrums and obedience in our faith walk
What it means to be an image bearer of God
Stories of transformation through discipleship and journaling
How to walk in supernatural authority and trust God’s plan

📖 Scripture Highlight: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

🔗 Connect with Laurie:
Website – laurieherbers.com
Instagram – @solovelegacy
TikTok – @abundancewithlaurie
Facebook – Laurie Herbers

Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes of the Rooted in Christ Podcast.

From Crime to Christ: Mark Hebebrand’s Journey from Drugs & Hip Hop to Redemption | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with Mark Hebebrand to hear his remarkable journey from a troubled youth in Cleveland’s streets to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus and long-time ministry leader.

Mark shares raw, unfiltered stories from his past—growing up in the 80s hip hop scene, breakdancing battles, graffiti, DJing in clubs, and living a criminal lifestyle that led to run-ins with the law. He opens up about the night that changed everything, when a Good Friday church service and a simple prayer in a car led to a radical transformation in Christ.

Through spoken word, personal testimony, and heartfelt conversation, Mark reflects on the challenges of breaking old habits, the importance of finding healthy outlets, and how God redeems lost time. From mentoring youth in music to fostering brotherhood through sports, martial arts, and motorcycles, Mark’s life is a testament to the freedom and purpose found in Jesus.

If you or someone you know feels trapped by addiction, anger, or hopelessness, this conversation will inspire you to believe in the God who sets prisoners free.

From Broken to Bold: Nicole Roth on Healing, Purpose & Hearing God’s Voice | Ep. 154 of The Rooted in Christ Podcast Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and deeply encouraging episode of the Ruin in Christ podcast, Eric sits down with author, coach, and speaker Nicole Roth, founder of She Abides in Joy. Nicole shares her remarkable journey from religious tradition and self-reliance to a transformative relationship with Jesus that reshaped her identity, healed deep wounds, and unlocked true joy.

Nicole unpacks her unique “Joy Quotient” tool—a practical framework for identifying the lies we believe, replacing them with God’s truth, and renewing our minds to live in freedom. With

wisdom and vulnerability, she discusses:

Breaking free from shame, striving, and performance-based worth
The critical role of safe community in emotional healing
Helping women, especially high-achievers and entrepreneurs, reclaim their God-given identity
Why celebration, rest, and joy are essential, not optional
Her upcoming Love Lab and workbook release

Whether you're navigating burnout, rejection, or simply want to grow in your understanding of grace and purpose, this episode will equip you with encouragement and tools to step fully into the life God designed for you.

🔗 Connect with Nicole: https://nicoleroth.com/
🎁 Free resource: nicoleroth.com/unleash

Seeing God in Every Way: Apologetics, Honor, and Social Media w/ Coley Stephens | Ep. 153 of The Rooted in Christ Podcast Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Eric Stephens welcomes Coley Stephens — a content creator, Christian apologist, and ministry leader — to share his personal testimony and creative journey in faith.

From his college transformation to his rise as a faith-based voice on TikTok and Instagram, Coley opens up about battling sin, discovering God’s grace, and staying spiritually grounded in the social media spotlight.

They dive into the daily discipline of walking with Christ, the role of apologetics in evangelism, and the temptations and victories that come with creating content in a digital world. Coley shares behind-the-scenes insight into handling online criticism, spiritual warfare, and the importance of abiding in Christ above all else.

Whether you're a believer seeking encouragement, a content creator struggling with purpose, or just someone curious about faith in a digital age — this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Follow Coley here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coley.stephens/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coleyastephens?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf7pRIiTV63m1dsnglMc0xALewrrsALSELXGyU6qZc_M4LPZdPmsjC2USV-Ww_aem_yJbq71EDnlA-m5xCZjQZYQ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coley.stephens

EP. 152 — Casting Your Cares on God w/ Maurice F. Martin | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this transparent and spirit-filled conversation, Eric Stephens welcomes back author, life coach, and Christian counselor Maurice F. Martin to dive deep into what it truly means to cast your cares on God. Recorded at Breakthrough Studios, the two brothers in Christ reflect on 1 Peter 5:5–7, unpacking the personal, emotional, and spiritual weight of anxiety, fear, and pride—and how God’s love gives us the freedom to let go.

Maurice speaks candidly about his own struggles with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that casting your cares isn’t just obedience—it’s an act of trust and love. This episode is full of powerful imagery, honest testimony, and practical encouragement for believers facing real-life pressures.

If you've ever struggled with trying to carry it all yourself—this one is for you.

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Connect with Maurice here: https://www.instagram.com/mauricefmartin/

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🎟 Cleveland! Don’t miss “Beyond the Walls 2” at House of Blues – Nov 1st

Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050062B69FE72C38?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeGB5rCbQN3aAspmAgeDX1Uah_qUtN4OpCPgxHsAJI6gUuvtIONAXA8lXpR5Q_aem_NR0U3Ra-Hv44kE7vlXyYog

From Cocaine to Christ: Bobby Bendito’s Powerful Testimony - Episode 151 of The Rooted in Christ Po Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this raw and redemptive episode, Eric Stephens of Redwood Christian Ministries sits down with Christian hip hop artist and evangelist Bobby Bendito to share his extraordinary testimony. From a life consumed by addiction, drug dealing, and violence to complete surrender to Christ, Bobby recounts how God's grace rescued him from the darkest valleys.

He opens up about his early years in the streets, starting to sell drugs at 17 and struggling with addiction while trying to support a growing family. But when his wife was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, Bobby hit rock bottom—and cried out to God. What followed was a life-altering transformation that led to healing, restoration, and a mission to minister through music and truth.

Topics Covered:

Bobby’s early life in gangs and the drug trade
The spiritual wake-up call through his wife’s illness
Struggles with addiction, pride, and identity
How God used Christian hip hop as a tool of redemption
Reaching others through transparent testimony and truth

This episode isn’t just about music—it’s about miracles, mercy, and the message of hope for anyone who feels stuck, broken, or forgotten. Bobby’s story is proof that God can redeem any life, no matter how far gone.

Watch now and be inspired to trust God’s timing, power, and purpose.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of transformation.

Find Bobby Bendito here: https://www.instagram.com/benditomuzik/?hl=en

Milestone Episode 150! Testimony & Kingdom Purpose w/ Maurice F. Martin on The Rooted in Christ Podcast Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Episode 150 marks a major milestone — and this time, the host becomes the guest. Maurice F. Martin sits down with Rooted in Christ founder Eric Stephens for a deeply honest, purpose-driven conversation about the journey behind the podcast, its spiritual mission, and the road ahead.

From wild college nights to radical transformation through Jesus, Eric shares the real-life moments that shaped his faith — including a powerful encounter with God during his grandmother’s final days, his battle with rejection, and the impact of mental health on the walk of Christian men.

We also go beyond the mic to talk about:

The birth of Beyond the Walls, Cleveland’s premier Christian concert series
How Eric makes his faith practical in every room — from boardrooms to the block
The launch of Redwood Christian Creative with his wife, combining booking, life coaching, and music education
What’s next for the mission — and why it’s all for Jesus

🔥 Real stories. 🔥 Real growth. 🔥 Real faith.

Whether you've been here since Episode 1 or this is your first listen, this one will stir your soul. Like, comment, share — and get your tickets now for Beyond the Walls: Nov 1st, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tickets and more information are available here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050062B69FE72C38?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeRWdxb1BMK5_T53JNcr0mXc1eXCx1UFv4HzQDa1E9GLOJdC1GFD5IBI9DKgQ_aem_ER6Is_71JQWfNQqDjCQBpA

He Died… Then God Brought Him Back | Samuel Dorvil’s Powerful testimony of Faith and Brotherhood Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, we sit down with real estate investor, life coach, and foster care advocate Samuel Dorvil. Samuel opens up about his incredible journey—from surviving a near-death burn accident as a toddler in Haiti, to growing up during the crack epidemic in the U.S., and ultimately finding faith, purpose, and calling through Christ.

Samuel shares his testimony of divine healing, family sacrifice, and how a vision from God during college led him and his wife into a life of fostering and adopting children. Now a devoted father, husband, and business owner, Samuel blends faith with action—building homes through his company Pro Design Builder, mentoring others, and advocating for children in need.

This episode dives deep into themes of trauma, resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of faith. It’s a candid and inspiring look into what it means to live with intention, serve others, and walk boldly with God.

Like, share, and subscribe to hear more real testimonies and faith-filled conversations.

Watch Samuel’s podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@DoitlikeDorvil8

Inside Breakthrough Sounds: Charles Pratt on Music, Purpose, and Studio Power - The Rooted in Christ Podcast Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Eric Stephens sits down with Charles Pratt — artist, studio owner, and man of faith — for a raw and deeply moving conversation about purpose, provision, and the power of obedience. Charles opens up about his unlikely journey from secular hip-hop performer to the founder of Breakthrough Sounds, a Christ-centered recording studio and media production facility built on excellence, humility, and service.

They dive into:

Charles' faith journey, including how questioning led him to conviction
Navigating the tension between music, identity, and calling
The origin story of Breakthrough Sounds and its mission to serve artists with integrity
Why spiritual conviction changed what he listens to, creates, and consumes
The importance of honoring clients and creatives in business
How God’s guidance transformed every step of his professional and personal walk

This episode is equal parts testimony and challenge — a reminder that surrender isn’t loss, but the beginning of God doing more than we could ask or imagine.

🙏 Stay tuned till the end for a heartfelt prayer that may just be the encouragement your spirit needs today.

Learn more about Breakthrough Sounds: https://www.btsoundscle.com/

Connect with Charles: https://www.instagram.com/toobefresco/

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