Cultural Connections

What if the key to sharing the gospel with a lonely neighbor has four legs and a wagging tail? In this episode of Cultural Connections, we sit down with Lesley and Terri from Doggie Disciples and the real star of the show, Cheyenne, to talk about how certified therapy dogs are being used to reach people in assisted living, memory care, hospitals, and more. It started with a simple question at the Awakenings Conference: what is the greatest need in our community? The answer was lonelin...

Grace-based parenting isn't soft parenting — it's parenting that starts with God's grace in you, then flows to your children through clear boundaries, open relationship, and redemptive discipline. In this episode of Cultural Connections, we talk honestly about raising four kids (ages 15–21), what we've learned along the way, and how grace from Christ — not guilt or fear — should shape the way we parent. Whether you're parenting toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, this conversation is ...

Vietnam veteran Ray Kelly shares his powerful story of war, sacrifice, survival guilt, and finding redemption through Christ. Ray served as a Marine machine gunner in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in 1967 — but didn’t receive it until 51 years later. In this conversation, he opens up about the weight he carried for decades and how Jesus ultimately brought healing and purpose to his life. Watch the full Silver Star ceremony honoring Ray here: https://www.youtube.com...

In this powerful episode, Joy Lewis opens up about her journey through deep loss and unwavering faith. After losing her husband of 28 years, **Pastor Shane Lewis**, to leukemia in 2020, Joy shares how she and her family chose to trust God even in their darkest moments. Shane was a beloved pastor and powerful preacher whose ministry was tremendously blessed by God. He had a special gift with people and was known for his deep integrity and genuine love for others. On Father’s Day morning in 20...

In this powerful episode of Cultural Connections, we tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: anxiety. From clinical definitions to spiritual roots, we unpack what anxiety really is, why it’s so common today, and most importantly how to find lasting peace through Christ. What We Cover: Two powerful definitions of anxiety (clinical + spiritual)The three roots of anxiety: Nature, Nurture, and “New Mature” (the spiritual dimension)Why anxiety is both a physical and spiritual battle (p...

In this powerful episode, Brian Buono shares his raw and transparent testimony of redemption — from a broken childhood as a latchkey kid and years of pride, ego, and exhausting control, to a life-changing encounter with Christ on a street corner just days after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Brian opens up about: • Growing up in a fractured home after his parents’ divorce • The heavy weight of “fake it till you make it” and the facade of success • His breaking point with anxiety and health fe...

Dr. Jim Schettler joins Cultural Connections for an honest, hope-filled conversation about the spiritual temperature of today’s young people. With 48 years of ministry experience preaching in churches, youth camps, and colleges across the country, Dr. Schettler shares what he’s seeing firsthand: this generation is more receptive to the Gospel and hungrier for authentic Christianity than ever before. Yet many lack the grit and perseverance to stand when opposition hits. The conversation dives...

Join Pastor Daniel and Marie Cox on the pilot episode of the Cultural Connections Podcast! Here they discuss the intersection of Christ and the culture for real conversations about faith and everyday life. After many years in ministry together, Marie returned to school and became a licensed counselor so they could better help people who are struggling. Now they explore how Jesus connects with culture, family, anxiety, trauma, and the challenges we all face. Simple, honest, and always groun...