The Story Partners Podcast

Devin Calhoun grew up homeless but surrounded by a family rich in love. As a young man with a passion for wrestling and philosophy, he began wrestling with life’s deepest questions and grew convinced that God didn’t exist. In college, Devin sharpened his arguments and set out to challenge anyone willing to defend Christianity. But when a shocking family crisis turned his world upside down, the certainty he once held began to unravel. In the middle of fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions, Devin began to wonder if the God he had spent years arguing against might actually be the one holding everything together. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller. This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience. This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! Several weeks ago, in Episode 4 of this season, you heard from Connie Calhoun. Today, you’ll get to hear from her son. This is Devin Calhoun in Season 4 | Episode 9, called: Wrestling with God: The Unlikely Pastor. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Devin Calhoun: Devin Calhoun is a pastor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder who bridges faith and strategy to build resilient leaders and mission-driven organizations. Currently serving as Associate Minister at Good News in the Neighborhood, a church in the Chicago area, Devin is committed to compassionate community and sustainable impact. Connect with Devin online: https://www.devincalhoun.com/ We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Devin’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S1 | E2: The Persistent Invitation (Graham Allen’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E3: From The New Age to New Life (Jonathan Gray’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S1 | E2: The Persistent Invitation (Graham Allen’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E3: From The New Age to New Life (Jonathan Gray’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

Bullied, broken, and longing to disappear, Heather Palacios nearly gave up on life. But in her darkest moments, God gave her something she never expected: a reason to stay. Now she’s on a mission to prove that no one fights alone. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller. This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience. This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This is Heather Palacios in Season 4 | Episode 8 (Part 1), called: I’m Still Here. Content Warning: Today’s story centers on a struggle with suicide. While past episodes have mentioned suicide as part of someone’s journey, in this episode it is the primary battle, and some moments may be difficult or triggering for listeners. Part of Heather Palacios’s story takes place in the 1980s, a time when bullying wasn’t widely talked about the way it is today. Along with being bullied at school, Heather was also facing instability at home and serious health challenges. The weight of these experiences led her into a deep fight to stay alive. If suicide is part of your own story or the story of someone you love, we encourage you to pause and take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit whether this episode is right for you right now. This conversation also touches on bullying, substance use, and promiscuity. Listener discretion is advised. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Heather Palacious: Heather is a passionate survivor and speaker who shares her 43-year journey with suicide to inspire hope and resilience to any audience, any where. Audiences laugh, cry, and leave equipped with real resources and the courage to keep going. Her mantra says it all: If I wake up breathing, that’s my proof to keep going. Connect with Heather via email at: [email protected] If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the free 24 hour Life Line Number: 988. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Heather’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E9: Looking for Love (in all the wrong places) (Roberta Castillo’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S3 | E10: The Reflection in the Mirror (Joey Castillo’s Story) S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S3 | E9: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places (Roberta Castillo’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S3 | E10: The Reflection in the Mirror (Joey Castillo’s Story) S3 | E6 (Pt. 1): Dying to Live (Cammie Jarvis’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

Natasha Perryman was a young girl full of fears, unsure of the world around her. Then a call from God sent her on a journey of adoption, global missions, and tests of faith she never could have imagined. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller. This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience. This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! Many of you may know that adoption is a big part of our [Walt and Annie’s] personal story. We have two daughters through adoption and I love getting to hear other peoples’ adoption stories. Our guest today, Natasha Perryman, shares her personal journey of growing her family through adoption, but even more than that, she is sharing her story of hearing God speak and following Him into a life she could have never imagined. This is Natasha Perryman in Season 4 | Episode 6, called: “Where You Lead, I Will Follow”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Natasha Perryman: After growing their family through the gift of adoption and serving as emergency foster parents, Adam and Natasha Perryman followed God’s lead from Oklahoma into cross-cultural missions. Over the last thirteen years, they have served in Uganda, Russia, and Germany, developing a deep appreciation for the people and diversity of each country. Natasha enjoys planning events, cooking for her family, and taking prayer walks in the Black Forest. Connect With Natasha via email: [email protected] We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Natasha’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E11: All In! (Erik Brown’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E11: All In! (Erik Brown’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

When a tragic accident leaves a man dead, respected community member Connie Calhoun suddenly finds herself possibly facing prison time for a crime she insists she didn’t commit. As public outrage grows, the question becomes unavoidable: is she really who they say she is? Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller. This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience. This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! In today’s story you will hear from Connie Calhoun. We got connected with Connie through her son, Devin, whose story you will hear in a few weeks. When we were meeting with Devin, he started telling us about his mom and all that she had experienced with the Lord, and we were blown away. We asked him if Connie would be willing to share her story and she courageously decided that she was ready to share it publicly for the first time ever! We are so encouraged and inspired by Connie’s faith and we know you will be, too. This is Connie Calhoun in Season 4 | Episode 4, called: “I’m Not Who They Say I Am”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Connie Calhoun: God is the head of Connie’s life. She is deeply devoted to her family - her husband of 31 years, their three sons, three grandchildren, and the three daughters-in-love who have joined the family through marriage. She desires to live her life faithfully, using her God-given gifts and abilities to serve and bless others. Connect With Connie Online: Facebook | Connie Calhoun TikTok | TashaBlis We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Connie’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story) S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story) S3 | E1 (Part 1): Killing in the Name of God: Former Hezbollah Member Meets Jesus (Afshin Javid’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story) S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story) S3 | E1 (Part 1): Killing in the Name of God: Former Hezbollah Member Meets Jesus (Afshin Javid’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

Caleb Bryant was a preacher’s kid desperate for his father’s approval. Behind the mask of perfection, he carried secrets too heavy to share. Consumed by insecurity and shame, he dove deeper into addiction to numb the pain. But when God began to call him out of hiding, Caleb’s carefully constructed world started to unravel. Content Warning: This episode is not suitable for children. Listener discretion is advised. This story deals with some extremely heavy topics, including drugs, child abuse, suicide and sexual addiction. Caleb was incredibly open and vulnerable in sharing his story. And with a story about sexual addiction specifically, it’s hard always to know how many details we should include in the edit. In this story we’ve chosen to share a bit more detail than might feel comfortable. We made this decision with a great deal of intention, and it is not shared to glorify the lifestyle that Caleb used to live. Because this is a story of redemption, we wanted to show how far Caleb has come from his lowest point. We know that others have walked similar roads to Caleb’s, and we believe that God will use Caleb’s vulnerability and honesty to help others see a way out of their own sexual addiction, and a path toward Jesus. With that said, let’s dive in. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller. This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience. This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This is Caleb Bryant in Season 4 | Episode 3 (Part 1), called: “Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Caleb Bryant: Caleb Bryant is a native West Texan that has made his home in Austin. In his spare time, he enjoys international travel, woodworking and crafting, gaming, vinyl records and reading. He’s had a wide career in tax prep, finance, insurance and underwriting, but is now shifting to obtain a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. Addiction Resources in Austin, TX: Austin Alcoholics Anonymous Austin Sex Addicts Anonymous Austin Area Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Caleb’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S2 | E3: Addicted to Meth in Middle School (Emma Smith’s Story) S2 | E12: The Road to Freedom (Matt Slavik’s Story) S1 | E6: Below the Surface (Tim Brown’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S2 | E3: Addicted to Meth in Middle School (Emma Smith’s Story) S2 | E12: The Road to Freedom (Matt Slavik’s Story) S1 | E6: Below the Surface (Tim Brown’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

Tom Tarrants was a committed white supremacist and member of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, Tom plans his escape. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller. This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience. This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This is Tom Tarrants in Season 4 | Episode 1 (Part 2) called “Conversion of a Klansman: The Tom Tarrants Story”. Content Warning: This episode is intended for adult audiences and contains descriptions of racism, domestic terrorism, and violence. Listener discretion is advised Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Tom: Tom Tarrants was once a committed white supremacist and member of Mississippi’s White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, described by the FBI as one of the most violent right-wing terrorist organizations in America. In 1969, he was shot and arrested while attempting to bomb the home of a Jewish leader and was sentenced to decades in prison. During years of confinement — including time in solitary at Parchman Farm — Tarrants began reading the Bible and encountered Jesus Christ, leading to a dramatic conversion and a complete break from his former life of hatred and violence. After serving eight years of his sentence, Tarrants was released and went on to earn a doctorate, co-pastor a racially diverse church in Washington, D.C., and later serve as president of the C. S. Lewis Institute. He has devoted his life to Christian discipleship and sharing the transforming power of the Gospel. Books by Tom Tarrants: Conversion of a Klansman Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Tom’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name: Billy Webb’s Story S3 | E5: Betrayed: Jean Louis Kassis’s Story S1 | E6: Below the Surface: Tim Brown’s Story Apple Podcasts: S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name: Billy Webb’s Story S3 | E5: Betrayed: Jean Louis Kassis’s Story S1 | E6: Below the Surface: Tim Brown’s Story Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

Join us as we kick off Season 4! In this episode, Walt and Annie chat about all things Story Partners – how we got into this work, why we created this podcast, and what you can look forward to in Season 4. It’s an informal conversation where you’ll get a little more behind-the-scenes info with co-founders Walt and Annie Manis. We hope that the stories in Season 4 will encourage your faith and help you see Jesus in a more personal way. Our first story in Season 4 releases two weeks from today! Follow us to stay updated on all the new episodes that drop. Resources & Links: More about Walt and Annie Manis: Click Here Watch our film about the adoption of our daughter, Chloe, (mentioned in the podcast): Click Here If you’re new to The Story Partners Podcast and want to know where to start, here are… Links to Walt’s Favorite Episodes: Spotify: S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) Links to Annie’s Favorite Episodes: Spotify: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal) Apple Podcasts: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal) For even more Story Partners Content: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org Connect on Social Media: Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry All Story Partners films and podcasts are crowd funded. You can support this work at: StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Season 4 – Kick OffEditor: Walt Manis

The Story Partners Podcast is an immersive storytelling experience that brings to life true stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by Jesus. These Christian testimonies are raw, moving, and powerful – told with authenticity and depth. With no interview questions, no interruptions, just beautifully crafted, uninterrupted storytelling, each story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the transformative power of Christ. Learn more at: https://storypartners.org/podcast/ Thanks for following along with Season 3 of The Story Partners Podcast. If you have any friends or family who don’t know about us, please share this Podcast with them. We would love for these stories of God’s faithfulness to reach many new listeners. Along with this podcast, Story Partners makes short documentary films. Watch our films on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StoryPartnersFilms Connect with us: Website: https://storypartners.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/story_partners/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoryPartnersMinistry TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storypartners?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Story Partners is a crowd-funded ministry, made possible by donations from people like you. If you would like to support this work, visit: Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis

Erik Brown was talented, smart and successful. Everything was going well for him. He had big dreams and a big plan… and it was actually working. But, once he got there, he was asked a question that had the power to undo everything… The Story Partners Podcast features artfully crafted stories, told by the people who lived them. Each episode shares an authentic personal story of someone whose life has been changed by Jesus. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Along with this podcast, Story Partners makes short documentary films. Watch our films on YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms. Connect with us: Instagram: @Story_Partners Facebook: @StoryPartnersMinistry Website: StoryPartners.org Story Partners is a crowd-funded ministry, made possible by donations from people like you. If you would like to support this work, visit: StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis

Feeling unloved and unknown, Roberta Castillo goes from one abuser to the next. She has to walk a road that is messy and full of pain, but when she least expects it, Jesus breaks in to her story. The Story Partners Podcast features artfully crafted stories, told by the people who lived them. Each episode shares an authentic personal story of someone whose life has been changed by Jesus. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Along with this podcast, Story Partners makes short documentary films. Watch our films on YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms. Connect with us: Instagram: @Story_Partners Facebook: @StoryPartnersMinistry Website: StoryPartners.org Story Partners is a crowd-funded ministry, made possible by donations from people like you. If you would like to support this work, visit: StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis

Judy Van Rooy watches as her daughter, Cammie, comes to death’s door, time after time. Like every mother, Judy desperately wants to her daughter to live, but that is not in her control. The Story Partners Podcast features artfully crafted stories, told by the people who lived them. Each episode shares an authentic personal story of someone whose life has been changed by Jesus. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Along with this podcast, Story Partners makes short documentary films. Watch our films on YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms. Connect with us: Instagram: @Story_Partners Facebook: @StoryPartnersMinistry Website: StoryPartners.org Story Partners is a crowd-funded ministry, made possible by donations from people like you. If you would like to support this work, visit: StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis

From her earliest memories, Cammie Jarvis battled an extremely rare form of cancer. Her entire life was a fight to survive, but things took a dark turn and she found herself considering the unimaginable… The Story Partners Podcast features artfully crafted stories, told by the people who lived them. Each episode shares an authentic personal story of someone whose life has been changed by Jesus. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Along with this podcast, Story Partners makes short documentary films. Watch our films on YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms. Connect with us: Instagram: @Story_Partners Facebook: @StoryPartnersMinistry Website: StoryPartners.org Story Partners is a crowd-funded ministry, made possible by donations from people like you. If you would like to support this work, visit: StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis Special Thanks to Ron Beckel for help with the music in this episode

In this heartfelt episode, Melody Green opens up about her extraordinary life alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Keith Green. Through intimate stories of love, adventure, and unwavering faith, she invites us into the moments that defined their journey—along with the profound loss that changed everything. To listen to the rest of the story: https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/melody-green *Jump to around 42:30 to pick up where you left off here. Additional Information about Melody and Keith Ministry: https://www.lastdaysministries.org/Groups/1000002797/Last_Days_Ministries.aspx IG: https://www.instagram.com/Keith.Green.Official YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCmhMK6UkG6HiKEPuUrRwDwQ Melody’s Facebook: Melody’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/MelodyGreen.topics The Story Partners Podcast features artfully crafted stories, told by the people who lived them. Each episode shares an authentic personal story of someone whose life has been changed by Jesus. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Along with this podcast, Story Partners makes short documentary films. Watch our films on YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms. Connect with us: Instagram: @Story_Partners Facebook: @StoryPartnersMinistry Website: StoryPartners.org Story Partners is a crowd-funded ministry, made possible by donations from people like you. If you would like to support this work, visit: StoryPartners.org/GIVE