The Unfolding

Latest Episodes:

Blaine Bartel: From Secret Addiction to Resurrection in Jesus: Page 252 Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Content Warning: This episode deals with sexual addiction and mature themes; it may not be appropriate for younger listeners.

Blaine Bartel was a rising star in Christian ministry, hosting the nationally televised Fire by Nite, writing best-selling books, and leading one of the largest weekly student gatherings in America. But behind the platform and applause, Blaine was trapped in a 23-year struggle with pornography and sexual addiction, living a secret double life that ultimately destroyed his career, marriage, and reputation. In this episode of The Unfolding, Blaine shares his journey from despair and scandal to true freedom. He talks about the devastating consequences for his family, church, and friends, and how, through God's grace, he was led not just to recovery, but to a resurrected life in Jesus. Today, Blaine helps men, ministers, and marriages break free from sexual addiction and walk in hope through House of Resurrection.

Show Notes:

Website: https://www.blainebartel.com/

Website: https://www.houseofresurrection.life/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blainebartel99/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blainebtv6712

Dr. Jeff Myers: Hope for the Next Generation | Honoring Charlie Kirk's Legacy — "Making a Difference Before You're Supposed To" — Unfolding Short Stories: 87 Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries has spent years helping young people face hard questions, discern truth, and find their identity in Christ. Charlie Kirk longed to be remembered for courage in his faith, and part of that courage was speaking to students directly. His voice has now been silenced, but the legacy of reaching the rising generation continues.

In this episode, Jeff shares stories of young adults moving from confusion to conviction, from hardness of heart to lives transformed by Jesus. God is still raising up voices. And the hope of tomorrow is clear: He is not done with young people.

Jeff also introduces his new book with Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender Confident Kids.

Walker Hayes: From 'Fancy Like' to Faith – His Story of Transformation: Page 251 Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

He was an alcoholic atheist and a country artist whose life was falling apart. Walker Hayes had written off faith and was running out of hope. Then came Craig—a friend whose relentless love, years of kindness, generosity, and one unforgettable gift made Walker start asking a question he'd avoided his whole life: What if Jesus really is who He says He is? In this episode of The Unfolding, Walker shares his journey from brokenness to belief, and how his heart of stone began to soften in the most unexpected ways.

You probably know Walker for his hit song Fancy Like, which went seven-times platinum. He just made his Grand Ole Opry debut, released his new album 17 Problems, and is soon heading out on his Unplugged Tour. But behind all the success is a deeper story of friendship, unexpected grace, and a transformation he never saw coming.

Show Notes:

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

Website: https://www.walkerhayes.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Youre-Here-Unlikely-Breaking/dp/0802424716

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerhayes/

Unfolding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast

Sheila and Jack Harper – "The Jesus Who Forgives the Sin of Abortion" | Unfolding Short Stories Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

"We decided that we are two hot messes and we would just be better off if we made one big hot mess."

That is how Jack and Sheila described their marriage in the middle of brokenness, after Sheila carried the weight of abortion for seven years and Jack battled decades of alcoholism.

But God stepped in. A Bible study introduced Sheila to "a Jesus who forgives the sin of abortion." And in church one morning, Jack heard God whisper, "I will take you by the hand and lead you home."

From their ashes, God planted Save One, "helping men, women, and families recover after abortion." Today, what He did for Sheila and Jack is bringing hope to thousands. Visit saveone.org to learn more.

Darin Kinder: Secret Service Agent Inside the World Trade Center on 9/11: Page 250 Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Darin Kinder was a U.S. Secret Service agent working inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. After the first tower was hit, he and fellow agents helped people evacuate. When Tower 2 began to collapse, Darin thought, "I'm dead." His next thought, one he believes came from the Holy Spirit, was a single word: "Run." That split-second decision began his mad dash for life. But this story is about much more than survival. Darin shares how that day became a turning point in his faith and calling, and why he believes each of us is uniquely designed by God to live courageously and with purpose. This story will not only help you remember 9/11, you'll also be encouraged to believe that God has a plan for your life and that He will give you the courage to go wherever He leads.

Darin is the founder of Fierce Faith Ministries and author of "Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man's Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11," dedicated to the 422 first responders who perished at Ground Zero.

Show Notes:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bury-Dirty-Suit-Discovering-Aftermath/dp/B0FL1G8774

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darinkinder/

Website: https://www.fierce-faith.com/

Keith Weaver: "I loved crack more than I loved anything" | Unfolding Short Stories Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

"I loved crack more than I loved anything."

After three decades of destruction, Jesus set Keith Weaver free in an instant. His testimony shows that the same God who restored his life can do the same for you.

Page 192: Andrew Ripp: Addiction, Desperation, and the One Who Saves Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

After Andrew Ripp's family broke apart, he moved to California just to get away. His addiction to alcohol eventually led to the destruction of every important relationship in his life. He had grown up in religion, but never had a relationship with a god who could help. He was alone and desperate. But Andrew says even the broken and difficult things in life can be a blessing, if they steer you toward the God who loves you. Today Andrew is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, known for songs like "Jericho," and "Fill My Cup." He spends his days writing and singing about the One who saved him.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewripp/

Website: https://www.andrewripp.com/

Unfolding Short Stories: "I would choose failure every day" - Michael Seifert Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

"If the only way to success is by compromising your convictions, would you still choose success?"

For Michael Seifert, founder of PublicSquare, that was not a hypothetical question. It was a test. With his company's future on the line, he was offered a massive investment on the condition that he silence his pro-life stance. His answer shaped not only PublicSquare but also the launch of EveryLife, the pro-life diaper company founded by Sarah Gabel Seifert and cofounded by Michael, which puts conviction into action.

Page 186: Naomi Raine: Maverick City Artist on Hearing God's Voice Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Naomi Raine has been singing about God since she was two and writing songs since she was seven. Her parents were worship leaders, so she literally grew up going to rehearsals and hearing powerful worship songs. Even before she was born, there was a word spoken over her parents that their children would bless the earth. That word, combined with a stirring in Naomi, gave her a sense that God was going to use her songs to reach the nations. But for many years her songs, just like her relationship with God, were being cultivated in the small, quiet places. Today, Naomi's voice reaches the nations as part of Maverick City Music. Songs like "Jireh" and "Promises" have become anthems for worshipers around the world.

Show Notes:

Website: https://www.naomirainemusic.com/

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

Unfolding Short Stories: "I'm a female with a low voice." - Dr. Kathy Koch Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

"I'm a female with a low voice." For Dr. Kathy Koch, that's meant navigating stereotypes and cultural confusion. But she's come to see it as God's perfect design, and now helps children do the same in Raising Gender-Confident Kids, her new book with Dr. Jeff Myers.

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