Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey

What does healing look like when your earliest memories are marked by trauma?
In this powerful episode, Damian opens up about a childhood scarred by violence and loss—and the long road toward restoration. From witnessing a moment that forever altered his family to spending decades silently carrying the weight of it, Damian shares how God has used even the most painful parts of his story to forge something new.
We explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation—how being truly lost can help us understand what it means to be found. Damian’s testimony reminds us that no pain is wasted in God’s hands, and that even the hardest stories can become a source of strength and service to others.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from purpose, this conversation is for you. Listen in—and let it encourage you to trust the fire that shapes you.

What does healing look like when your earliest memories are marked by trauma?
In this powerful episode, Damian opens up about a childhood scarred by violence and loss—and the long road toward restoration. From witnessing a moment that forever altered his family to spending decades silently carrying the weight of it, Damian shares how God has used even the most painful parts of his story to forge something new.
We explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation—how being truly lost can help us understand what it means to be found. Damian’s testimony reminds us that no pain is wasted in God’s hands, and that even the hardest stories can become a source of strength and service to others.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from purpose, this conversation is for you. Listen in—and let it encourage you to trust the fire that shapes you.

What does it look like when the next generation catches fire for Christ—right in front of your eyes?
In part two of our conversation, Trace Smith shares a powerful and deeply personal account of the movement stirring within today’s youth. From humble beginnings in volunteer service to a front-row seat at a spiritual awakening, Trace walks us through a story of faith that’s multiplying across campuses, sanctuaries, and small group tables.
We talk about authentic worship, the hunger for truth in a culture saturated with the fake, and the quiet power of showing up—again and again. Trace opens up about students stepping into faith without parental support, the power of small beginnings, and why it’s time for all generations to step into the story God is writing.
If you’ve ever wondered what revival looks like in real time, this episode is a glimpse of heaven meeting earth—through lunchroom pizza, honest questions, and hearts turned toward Jesus.

What does it look like when the next generation catches fire for Christ—right in front of your eyes?
In part two of our conversation, Trace Smith shares a powerful and deeply personal account of the movement stirring within today’s youth. From humble beginnings in volunteer service to a front-row seat at a spiritual awakening, Trace walks us through a story of faith that’s multiplying across campuses, sanctuaries, and small group tables.
We talk about authentic worship, the hunger for truth in a culture saturated with the fake, and the quiet power of showing up—again and again. Trace opens up about students stepping into faith without parental support, the power of small beginnings, and why it’s time for all generations to step into the story God is writing.
If you’ve ever wondered what revival looks like in real time, this episode is a glimpse of heaven meeting earth—through lunchroom pizza, honest questions, and hearts turned toward Jesus.

What if the seeds you plant today don’t bloom for decades—but still change a life?
In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Trace Smith, pastor of Discovery Kids, to talk about the quiet, consistent work of shaping the next generation. From fifth-grade classrooms to global reach through children's curriculum, Trace shares his journey of finding his voice, embracing his calling, and witnessing the beauty of faith in unexpected places.
Together, we explore the power of one-on-one ministry, the importance of showing up for kids, and how small acts of obedience ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. Trace opens up about overcoming feelings of insignificance, leaning into God’s design, and trusting that no moment of service is ever wasted.
If you've ever wondered whether your quiet faithfulness matters, this episode will remind you that the seeds you sow now might just bloom when someone needs them most.

What if the seeds you plant today don’t bloom for decades—but still change a life?
In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Trace Smith, pastor of Discovery Kids, to talk about the quiet, consistent work of shaping the next generation. From fifth-grade classrooms to global reach through children's curriculum, Trace shares his journey of finding his voice, embracing his calling, and witnessing the beauty of faith in unexpected places.
Together, we explore the power of one-on-one ministry, the importance of showing up for kids, and how small acts of obedience ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. Trace opens up about overcoming feelings of insignificance, leaning into God’s design, and trusting that no moment of service is ever wasted.
If you've ever wondered whether your quiet faithfulness matters, this episode will remind you that the seeds you sow now might just bloom when someone needs them most.

What happens when the truth you've known your whole life is no longer enough?
In this heartfelt episode, Mike joins Joe to share his journey from a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From religious discipline to gospel transformation, Mike opens up about the moment everything changed—a divine conversation over lunch that challenged the very foundation of his faith.
Together, they explore the difference between religion and relationship, the power of community, and the spiritual growth that comes from living in accountability with other men. Mike reflects on his leadership in men’s ministry, the importance of recognizing your own spiritual drift, and how God prepared him through every season—including his career—for the purpose he's living today.
This episode is a candid look at identity, truth, and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ personally. Whether you grew up in church or are still seeking, Mike’s story reminds us that God never stops pursuing us.
Lean in, be honest, and don’t walk alone.

What happens when the truth you've known your whole life is no longer enough?
In this heartfelt episode, Mike joins Joe to share his journey from a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From religious discipline to gospel transformation, Mike opens up about the moment everything changed—a divine conversation over lunch that challenged the very foundation of his faith.
Together, they explore the difference between religion and relationship, the power of community, and the spiritual growth that comes from living in accountability with other men. Mike reflects on his leadership in men’s ministry, the importance of recognizing your own spiritual drift, and how God prepared him through every season—including his career—for the purpose he's living today.
This episode is a candid look at identity, truth, and the freedom that comes from knowing Christ personally. Whether you grew up in church or are still seeking, Mike’s story reminds us that God never stops pursuing us.
Lean in, be honest, and don’t walk alone.

What if the breakthrough you need is on the other side of a shared project, a simple tool, and a few honest conversations?
In this heartfelt conversation, Brandon joins Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey to reflect on the unexpected power of community-led service and the quiet transformation that happens when men show up—shoulder to shoulder—to work, to grow, and to heal. He shares how a missions trip to Nicaragua sparked a passion that’s now grown into a local outreach movement, inviting men to step out of isolation and into purpose through construction projects that serve the vulnerable in their own backyard.
Brandon opens up about his journey from rock bottom to renewal, the role the Forge community played in that process, and how he’s now committed to creating that same safe space for others. From leading small groups with vulnerability to rallying teams for meaningful work in the Valley of the Sun, he shows us how serving others can rebuild not just homes, but hearts.
This episode is an invitation—to find your place, share your story, and serve alongside other men who are ready to live with integrity, compassion, and courage.
See you Tuesday.

What if the breakthrough you need is on the other side of a shared project, a simple tool, and a few honest conversations?
In this heartfelt conversation, Brandon joins Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey to reflect on the unexpected power of community-led service and the quiet transformation that happens when men show up—shoulder to shoulder—to work, to grow, and to heal. He shares how a missions trip to Nicaragua sparked a passion that’s now grown into a local outreach movement, inviting men to step out of isolation and into purpose through construction projects that serve the vulnerable in their own backyard.
Brandon opens up about his journey from rock bottom to renewal, the role the Forge community played in that process, and how he’s now committed to creating that same safe space for others. From leading small groups with vulnerability to rallying teams for meaningful work in the Valley of the Sun, he shows us how serving others can rebuild not just homes, but hearts.
This episode is an invitation—to find your place, share your story, and serve alongside other men who are ready to live with integrity, compassion, and courage.
See you Tuesday.