The Workmatters Podcast

Latest Episodes:

You’re Wasting Your Gifts at Work: The Truth About Stewardship with Steve Graves Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Summary
Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Keisha Fowler welcome back Steve Graves, author, business owner, and veteran leader who has invested decades in helping others navigate the challenges and rewards of integrating faith into everyday work life.

This episode centers around Steve’s newest book, Radical Stewardship: Partnering with the Master in Everyday Life, and dives into what stewardship really means, not just from a financial perspective, but as a holistic approach to life. You’ll hear the story of how his previous work, The Gospel Goes to Work, made a global impact all the way to Africa, and how the principles of stewardship continue to resonate across cultures and generations.

Additionally, Steve shares thought-provoking insights about the Parable of the Talents, the dangers of practical atheism, and the four key steps to faithful stewardship: recognizing our gifts, transferring ownership back to God, multiplying what’s been given, and being accountable for its use. The discussion also touches on the pitfalls and traps that keep many of us in a “third steward” mentality—clinging tightly out of fear or mindlessly wasting the opportunities we’ve been given.

For parents, leaders, and anyone wrestling with comparison or calling, Steve offers advice on how to help the next generation celebrate their unique gifts and trust the thoughtful allocation of those gifts from God. He also opens up about his own spiritual formation, revealing how writing the book challenged and shaped him in this legacy season of his career.

Whether you’re new to the concept of stewardship or looking for fresh encouragement to live out your faith in the workplace, this episode is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and practical encouragement. Join us and discover how “partnering with the Master” can transform not only your work, but your whole life!
Show Notes
00:00 Introduction
04:29 Misunderstanding Stewardship and Parables
10:58 Transferring and Multiplying Ownership
21:06 Embracing Gifts with Purpose
24:01 Season of Legacy and Stewardship
27:18 Discovering God’s Gifts
28:54 Closing Thoughts

Links
Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Steve Graves

Radical Stewardship Book

Steve’s Website

Cornerstone Coaching

Is Vulnerability the Secret to Success at Work? with Sarah Schafer Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Summary

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey are honored to welcome Sarah Schafer, a licensed professional counselor and consultant whose life and work are rooted deeply in faith, compassion, and an honest embrace of humanity’s messiness.

Sarah opens up about her own journey, describing how early exposure to the gospel, personal struggles with an eating disorder, and the challenges of raising a child with chronic health issues led her to a place of deep dependence on Jesus. Furthermore, Sarah explores how she integrates her faith into her counseling practice, guiding clients through trauma, relationships, and career transitions. Plus, she shares how trauma therapy requires a willingness to sit in the messy and trust God to lead the healing process.

Lastly, Sarah addresses the challenge many face of masking vulnerability at work and the importance of appropriate vulnerability, both with God and in trusted relationships. This episode is full of wisdom and encouragement for anyone wrestling with the intersection of faith, work, and mental well-being. If you’ve ever felt the tension between achievement and authenticity, or wondered how to invite God into the real-life challenges of your work, you’ll find Sarah’s story both relatable and inspiring!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

05:07 Sarah’s Path to Counseling and Faith

07:00 EMDR and Trauma Therapy Insights

12:17 Navigating Retirement and Finding Purpose

16:52 Vulnerability While Facing Pressure

25:56 Grace in Understanding Human Behavior

31:27 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Fellowship Counseling and Care Center

He Risked Everything and Won—A Journey of Faith, Service, and Redemption with Nick Morgan Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

Summary

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Keisha Fowler sit down with Nick Morgan, a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and combat veteran whose journey is marked by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others. From humble beginnings and financial struggles in his childhood to serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Nick shares how early life challenges sparked his heart for compassion and advocacy.

Listeners will be inspired by Nick’s transition from military life to the corporate world, and then into business ownership as the operator of multiple Jersey Mike’s Subs locations. Discover how he integrates his faith in practical, tangible ways—mentoring employees, offering innovative benefits like paid maternity leave, and even helping a former military translator and his family find a new life in America. Throughout the conversation, Nick highlights the power of community, risk-taking, and the transformative impact of leading with generosity and vision.

Whether you’re seeking encouragement to live out your faith at work or looking for real-life examples of redemptive business practices, this episode is full of practical wisdom, uplifting stories, and reminders that every role, no matter the industry, has the potential to make a difference. Join us as we explore how work can become a place of purpose, dignity, and hope!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:32 Childhood Struggles and Practicing Gratefulness

11:45 Nick’s Military Experience Overseas

17:58 How Risk-Taking Shaped Nick’s Path

24:10 Perseverance Amid Rejection

27:54 Encouraging Paid Maternity Policies

30:43 Developing Leaders Through Organizational Initiatives

35:53 Empowering Through Redemptive Work

37:39 Closing Thoughts

Links

Unlocking Hidden Potential: Transform Your Work Into a Place of Healing Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Summary

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda, Keisha Fowler, and Darrel Harvey kick off Season 2 with an honest, timely conversation about the realities facing today’s workforce. Drawing from their own experiences and recent insights from Brené Brown, the team opens up about the struggles so many employees and leaders are carrying with them to work every day.

Additionally, the conversation goes deeper than just identifying challenges. Keisha suggests that workplaces have the potential to become sanctuaries where people can truly bring their whole selves, imagining a shift where work serves as a space for connection, healing, and being seen as fully human. Darrel highlights the importance of lament as a neglected but powerful practice in Christian life and work, providing a step-by-step guide to naming pain, affirming trust in God, and rooting ourselves in gratitude.

The trio tackles questions such as: How can leaders regulate themselves before caring for their teams? How do we invite vulnerability and hope into the workplace? And what does it look like to create community, even in high-pressure environments?

If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or unsure how to integrate your faith with your daily work, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and practical ideas. Discover how to see work as more than just a job, it’s a space where God meets you, shapes you, and empowers you to make a difference!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:15 Work as a Healing Sanctuary

10:16 Being Christian at Work

15:02 Rediscovering the Art of Lament

23:04 Practical Steps for Emotional Regulation

26:17 Daily Reflection with Examen

27:32 Exploring Work as Spiritual Formation

31:39 Closing Thoughts

Links

The Workmatters Podcast Season 1 Recap Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Thank you for listening to Season One of The Workmatters Podcast! We are incredibly thankful for each of our guests who faithfully shared their stories, wisdom, and testimonies, and for every listener who joined us along the way. It has been a true privilege to serve you.

Throughout this season, we’ve explored the biblical truth that your work matters to God. From the very beginning of Scripture, we see that God is a worker, and He invites us to join Him in His work in the world. Whether your work takes place in an office, a classroom, a home, a church, or the community, it is not insignificant. When offered to God, our work becomes an act of worship and a way to love and serve others.

Our conversations were designed to equip and encourage you with Christ-centered tools, Scripture-shaped perspectives, and real-life stories that affirm the sacredness of everyday work. We hope these episodes helped you see your vocation as a calling, reminded you that God is present in the ordinary rhythms of your workday, and strengthened your faith as you seek to glorify Him in all that you do.

As we close Season One, we invite you to continue reflecting on these conversations, revisit past episodes, and share them with others who may need encouragement. Thank you for being part of this community!

Partnering with Chaplains and Care Coaches to Build a Strong Culture Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Summary

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey sit down with Larry Griffith, CEO of Corporate Chaplains of America, to explore how holistic care can transform workplace culture and fuel both individual and team resilience. With over three decades of leadership experience spanning the US Navy, Fortune 250 corporations, and the nonprofit sector, Larry shares his journey from command-and-control leadership to a focus on being fully present for others.

Brandon, Darrel, and Larry discuss the challenges of leading people who are hurting, the value of meeting employees where they are, regardless of faith background, and the impact of Corporate Chaplains of America's work across thousands of business locations. Through heartfelt stories, Larry reveals why investing in people’s well-being pays dividends for both workplace performance and eternal purpose.

Hear practical insights on what holistic care really looks like, how companies can partner with Corporate Chaplains of America, and what it takes to become a workplace chaplain. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or simply passionate about creating a healthy workplace culture, this conversation offers encouragement, real-world wisdom, and a glimpse into the power of compassionate leadership!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

06:01 A Journey of Leadership and Compassion

09:42 Building Relationships Through Thoughtful Care

12:41 Servant Leadership and Brotherhood

18:49 Valuing Employees Beyond Work

25:57 The Impact of Frequent Turnover

33:17 Living Fully Through the Spirit

39:25 LEET Care: Personalized Support Coaches

41:04 Closing Thoughts

Links

Corporate Chaplains Of America

Work Hard, Trust God, and Invest in People with Dr. Crystal Steen Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Brandon Swoboda and Keisha Fowler are joined by industry leader Dr. Crystal Steen, Senior Vice President of Culture and Learning at Simmons Foods. In this compelling conversation, Crystal takes us on a journey spanning her upbringing on a Missouri family farm, her academic achievements, and her path through different industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and leadership development.

Together, they explore how faith and hard work have been central themes throughout Crystal’s life and career as she shares candid stories of navigating unexpected changes, trusting in God’s plans even when the next step isn’t clear, and witnessing the impact of living out faith in the workplace. You’ll hear how she avoided tying her identity to job titles and instead focused on being open to where God was leading her.

This episode also provides an insider’s look at the culture at Simmons Foods, where putting people first and supporting holistic well-being are top priorities. Additionally, Crystal and Keisha discuss how workplace culture is shaped not just by leadership, but by everyone who shows up and cares for their teammates.

Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just someone striving to integrate faith and purpose into your daily work, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for creating positive change within any organization. Tune in to hear honest reflections on resilience, leadership, and the purpose of work in our lives!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

02:04 Crystal’s Background and Journey

09:36 Building Leadership Through Connection

16:36 Putting People First Holistically

21:31 Simmons Foods’ Culture of Caring

28:26 Closing Thoughts

Links

How Work Can Be Worship with Manuel Barrantes Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Workmatters Podcast we are joined by Manuel Barrantes, director of Spark Shopper Experience at Walmart, a United Nations Resolution Fellow, and a dedicated storyteller for the Workmatters Institute.

Growing up in Nicaragua, he was shaped by hardship and the belief that education and hard work could unlock a better future. Winning the Walton Family Scholarship changed everything, bringing him to the U.S. with zero English and opening the door to new opportunities and a transformative way of seeing faith. For Manuel, faith wasn’t just a set of rules; it evolved into a relationship, influencing how he leads at work and supports his family.

In this episode, Manuel talks about overcoming language barriers, adapting to new cultures, and the immense challenge of bringing his extended family to the States. He shares how launching multiple family businesses helped his loved ones find dignity and purpose in their new home, and how his experiences at Harding University helped re-frame his view of spirituality.

Moreover, you’ll hear candid discussions on balancing ambition with authenticity, learning from adversity, and stewarding resources to be a blessing to others. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an established professional, or simply seeking inspiration, Manuel’s story is a testament to resilience, generosity, and transforming work into worship!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

05:42 Growing Up in Church of Christ

07:22 Finding Faith in New Perspectives

13:40 Supporting His Sister with a Food Truck

17:22 Growth Through Trusted Leadership

22:53 Why Energy Matters in Relationships

Links

Workmatters Institute

Walmart

Work is the Proving Ground of Faith, Make the Most of it! With Donnie Smith Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! Our host Brandon Swoboda is joined by Donnie Smith, a longtime friend, mentor, and the former CEO of Tyson Foods, now leading impactful work as the chairman of the African Sustainable Agricultural Project. Donnie’s story is one of authentic faith in action, from his early career days on chicken farms to leading one of America’s largest food companies, and now empowering communities in Rwanda.

In this conversation, Donnie opens up about how faith became real in his work life, learning to lead with integrity and compassion, and the deeply practical ways he lived out his beliefs, like having a Bible on his desk and taking time to know and care for the people he worked with. Together, Brandon and Donnie talk about what it’s really like for your faith to be tested, not just in church, but in the rough and tumble of daily work, business setbacks, and high-stakes leadership.

Donnie also shares his passion for Africa, where he’s building sustainable food systems that bring hope and dignity to those living on less than a dollar a day. Whether you’re new to your career or a seasoned leader wondering how your faith can shape your work, Donnie’s insights into honoring God with excellence, building up others, and blooming where you’re planted are sure to inspire and challenge you!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:57 Leadership and Responsibility in the Workplace

11:56 Faith Challenges in Leadership Transitions

16:55 Experiencing Faith Being Challenged at Church

20:22 God’s New Assignment for You

26:59 Building Food Systems and Leaders

31:16 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Workmatters

Donnie Smith

African Sustainable Agriculture Project

The Power of Joining God Where He is at Work with Cheryl Bachelder Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! This week, hosts Darrel Harvey and Brandon Swoboda sit down with Cheryl Bachelder, former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and a leader with a remarkable track record across several iconic brands, including Chick-fil-A and Domino’s Pizza. Cheryl shares her journey from passionate leadership to discovering how deeply work matters to God, and how faith can fully integrate with professional life, no matter what industry you’re in.

She brings powerful insights on servant leadership, the importance of listening and caring, and the simple yet profound practice of joining God in the work right where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a mentor, or just starting your career, Cheryl’s wisdom on purpose, calling, and creating a kingdom impact through everyday work will leave you inspired.

Plus, she touches on mentoring younger generations, the role of courage and humility, and why, no matter the cultural moment, our hope rests in God’s continuing work. Get ready for an uplifting and practical conversation about finding meaning, serving well, and flourishing at work!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:27 Exploring Work as a Divine Trust

08:36 Transforming Leadership Through Listening

11:12 Life’s Purpose: It’s Not About You

15:07 Faithful Action in Familiar Places

18:35 Mentoring Leaders Across Generations

21:36 Soul Health in Modern Times

28:25 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey