Old School with Michele Vrabel

Old School with Michele Vrabel
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"A smart man learns from his own mistakes, a wise man learns from others". This is true for experiences, adventures and challenges. I am old and I hope to school ya. Old School will be about learning from the journeys of others. Opening our eyes and minds to see what can propel us forward and side step the landmines. Enrollment begins now. Come to class and see what our guest teachers have in store for you in each area of your life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Seeing Scripture Through a Hebraic Lens | A Conversation with Brad Gray & Brad Nelson

    🎙️ Seeing Scripture Through a Hebraic Lens | A Conversation with Brad Gray & Brad Nelson In this rich and insightful episode, Michele sits down with Brad Gray and Brad Nelson to explore the depth, context, and cultural beauty of Scripture through a Hebraic understanding of the Bible. Together, they dive into the themes of their collaborative book Bringing Heaven Here: Transforming Heaven and Earth Through the Gospel, uncovering how seeing Scripture through its original first-century Jewish context transforms how we understand Jesus, discipleship, and what it means to live the Gospel today. Brad and Brad share how Western readers often miss key layers of meaning because modern translation assumptions don’t reflect the lived reality of Scripture’s first audiences. From discipleship models to rabbinic teaching styles, this conversation invites you into a deeper, more textured encounter with God’s Word. 👉 Get the book: Bringing Heaven Here: Transforming Heaven and Earth Through the Gospel — https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Heaven-Here-Transforming-Through/dp/B0C9T3P3QZ 📖 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why cultural context matters when studying Scripture How first-century Jewish discipleship differed from modern assumptions What it really meant to “follow” a rabbi The importance of asking deeper questions when reading the Bible How understanding the Hebraic worldview enriches your faith today Practical steps to grow in biblical literacy without overwhelm This episode will encourage you to move beyond surface reading and rediscover the Bible as a living, layered story rooted in real people, places, and promises. 🔎 Key Themes Discussed Discipleship in the first century Reading Scripture through a Hebraic lens Slowing down in Bible study Recovering context and cultural nuance Living out the Gospel in everyday life 🔗 Connect with the Guests Brad Gray Bible Teacher | Author | Speaker🌐 Website: Visit Brad Gray’s ministry page (see links in the episode description)📱 Instagram & Facebook: Search “Brad Gray” for teachings, updates, and resources Brad Nelson Pastor | Ministry Leader🌐 Ministry Website: Visit Brad Nelson’s church/ministry page (linked in the episode description)📱 Instagram & Facebook: Search “Brad Nelson” for sermons, teachings, and ministry updates (Direct links are available in the video description or episode show notes.) 💬 Join the Conversation What insights about Scripture have most transformed your faith?Has reading the Bible through its original cultural lens changed the way you live the Gospel? If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves going deeper into God’s Word. 🙏 #HebraicBibleStudy #BringingHeavenHere #BiblicalContext #Discipleship #FaithJourney

    1 hr

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Seeing Scripture Through a Hebraic Lens | A Conversation with Brad Gray & Brad Nelson

    🎙️ Seeing Scripture Through a Hebraic Lens | A Conversation with Brad Gray & Brad Nelson In this rich and insightful episode, Michele sits down with Brad Gray and Brad Nelson to explore the depth, context, and cultural beauty of Scripture through a Hebraic understanding of the Bible. Together, they dive into the themes of their collaborative book Bringing Heaven Here: Transforming Heaven and Earth Through the Gospel, uncovering how seeing Scripture through its original first-century Jewish context transforms how we understand Jesus, discipleship, and what it means to live the Gospel today. Brad and Brad share how Western readers often miss key layers of meaning because modern translation assumptions don’t reflect the lived reality of Scripture’s first audiences. From discipleship models to rabbinic teaching styles, this conversation invites you into a deeper, more textured encounter with God’s Word. 👉 Get the book: Bringing Heaven Here: Transforming Heaven and Earth Through the Gospel — https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Heaven-Here-Transforming-Through/dp/B0C9T3P3QZ 📖 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why cultural context matters when studying Scripture How first-century Jewish discipleship differed from modern assumptions What it really meant to “follow” a rabbi The importance of asking deeper questions when reading the Bible How understanding the Hebraic worldview enriches your faith today Practical steps to grow in biblical literacy without overwhelm This episode will encourage you to move beyond surface reading and rediscover the Bible as a living, layered story rooted in real people, places, and promises. 🔎 Key Themes Discussed Discipleship in the first century Reading Scripture through a Hebraic lens Slowing down in Bible study Recovering context and cultural nuance Living out the Gospel in everyday life 🔗 Connect with the Guests Brad Gray Bible Teacher | Author | Speaker🌐 Website: Visit Brad Gray’s ministry page (see links in the episode description)📱 Instagram & Facebook: Search “Brad Gray” for teachings, updates, and resources Brad Nelson Pastor | Ministry Leader🌐 Ministry Website: Visit Brad Nelson’s church/ministry page (linked in the episode description)📱 Instagram & Facebook: Search “Brad Nelson” for sermons, teachings, and ministry updates (Direct links are available in the video description or episode show notes.) 💬 Join the Conversation What insights about Scripture have most transformed your faith?Has reading the Bible through its original cultural lens changed the way you live the Gospel? If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves going deeper into God’s Word. 🙏 #HebraicBibleStudy #BringingHeavenHere #BiblicalContext #Discipleship #FaithJourney

    1 hr

  3. 8 APR

    How to Love Your Morning, A Conversation with Jennifer Dukes Lee

    🌅 How to Love Your Morning | A Conversation with Jennifer Dukes Lee In this inspiring episode, Michele welcomes back bestselling author and Bible teacher Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about her newest book and companion Bible study, How to Love Your Morning and How to Love Your Morning Bible Study. Together, they explore how mornings are more than just a time of day — they are sacred thresholds where hope, mercy, and purpose begin again. Jennifer shares how the idea for the book was sparked by her daughter during a family vacation, leading her into a year-long deep dive into the 200+ mornings mentioned throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Resurrection morning, she discovered that God has a special affection for mornings — moments of obedience, renewal, courage, and fresh mercy. Whether you're an early riser or someone who dreads the alarm, Jennifer reminds us: you are a morning person because you are made in the image of a morning-loving God. 📖 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why mornings are woven throughout the entire biblical narrative The significance of Resurrection morning The powerful truth of Lamentations 3:22–23 — “His mercies are new every morning” How to create a personalized morning rhythm that works for your season of life Why you don’t need an Instagram-perfect routine to start your day with God How doubt and faith questions can actually deepen your spiritual journey Jennifer also vulnerably shares about seasons of deep doubt in her early faith and how those struggles now allow her to be a safe place for others wrestling with belief. 🌿 About the Book & Bible Study How to Love Your MorningRelease Date: April 7, 2026 This book and companion Bible study explore biblical mornings and provide practical tools for designing a life-giving morning routine tailored to your unique season — whether you’re a working professional, stay-at-home mom, retiree, widow, or college student. Inside you’ll find: Deep dives into biblical “morning” moments Reflections on hope after hard seasons Practical guidance for creating sustainable morning rhythms Encouragement for women facing grief, busyness, burnout, or transition 🔗 Connect with Jennifer Dukes Lee 🌐 Website: https://jenniferdukeslee.com📖 Pre-orders & Resources: https://jenniferdukeslee.com📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdukeslee📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferdukeslee🎙️ Podcast: The Jennifer Dukes Lee Show 💬 Join the Conversation What does your morning currently look like?If God’s mercies are truly new every morning, how might that change the way you start tomorrow? If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone who could use a fresh start. 🌅

    30 min

  4. 25 MAR

    Why Not You? | A Conversation with Ed Newton

    🎙️ Why Not You? | A Conversation with Ed Newton In this powerful episode, Michele sits down with Pastor Ed Newton to unpack the heart behind his book Why Not You? and the journey that shaped it. Raised by two deaf parents — with his mother also living with cerebral palsy — Ed shares how growing up as the primary communicator in his family formed his faith, resilience, and calling. From interpreting for his parents as a child to becoming a pastor and author, Ed reveals how what once felt like limitation became divine preparation. Together, Michele and Ed explore the tension between “Why me?” and “Why not you?” — addressing insecurity, self-doubt, and the negative self-talk so many believers wrestle with. Ed walks through the four circles that help uncover purpose: personality, passion, pain, and people. With honesty and humor, he reminds us that God repurposes pain, calls us up (not out), and believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. 🔑 Key Takeaways Your pain may be preparation for your purpose. God confidence is different from self-confidence. Mistakes do not disqualify you — ask Moses. The voices around you often confirm what God has already placed within you. “Two great days in a person’s life: the day they are born and the day they realize why.” 📖 About the Book Why Not You? challenges readers who struggle with insecurity, comparison, or feeling “not enough.” Through biblical insight, personal storytelling, and practical application, Ed invites readers to step into their God-given purpose with bold faith. 📍 Guest Information Ed NewtonSenior Pastor, Community Bible Church (San Antonio, TX)Author & Speaker 🌐 Website: https://ednewton.com🌐 Church: https://communitybible.com📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ednewton📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ednewton 🎧 Connect with Michele If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share. Drop a comment below:What would change in your life if you truly believed God believes in you? #WhyNotYou #FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #Purpose #EdNewton #MicheleVrabel

    34 min

  5. 18 FEB

    Enchanted Crossroads: From Desert Dreams to Faith-Fueled Fantasy with Wilson Hickman

    Show Notes: "Enchanted Crossroads: From Desert Dreams to Faith-Fueled Fantasy with Wilson Hickman" Join Michele as she chats with Arizona-born filmmaker Wilson Hickman, whose Christian upbringing blossomed into personal faith at 15 via a conscience-awakening Ten Commandments gospel presentation—shifting from "earning heaven" to full trust in Christ's sacrifice. Homeschooled and immersed in physical books (Narnia his fave), Wilson started crafting makeshift stories young, evolving to 200-page novels, then screenplays blending sci-fi/fantasy with good-vs-evil themes. Wrestling theology degree vs. film school, he felt God calling him to glorify Him in entertainment's cultural sway—ditching desert-set sci-fi post-college for Kentucky's lush greens, inspiring character-driven fantasy like The Lost Healer series (Narnia meets *The Chosen*'s depth). Michele shares her daughter's ASU screenwriting path (potential London Prime Video gig) and pastry chef background, tying into Wilson's creative pivot. Wilson unpacks The Lost Healer's plot: a princess fleeing her father's murder and kingdom's invasion, seeking a forbidden relic to save her people—shot as a low-budget proof-of-concept episode at Kentucky's Red River Gorge (Eden-like vibes), with original score, now festival-circuiting (Best TV Series win at International Christian Film Fest 2025). They geek on Christian filmmaking's shift (more heroic male roles amid emasculation trends, Westerns rising), faith integration without preachiness, and Wilson's nugget: Surrender life to God daily—not a one-time theological box-check, but conscious kill-the-natural-self commitment (per C.S. Lewis/Proverbs) to avoid entitlement/bitterness. Ideal for creatives blending art and faith—Michele eyes angel-investing his crowdfunding, praising his "current of God's will" trajectory. Chapters 00:00 - Intro: Organic Chat & Guest Journey Tease   02:06 - Arizona Roots, Christian Home & Faith Awakening   04:02 - Early Writing: Makeshift Books to Novels   05:56 - Fantasy Love: Narnia Influence & Film vs. Theology   07:05 - Kentucky Move, Script Birth & Proof-of-Concept   11:52 - Gospel Tools: Ten Commandments Breakdown   14:38 - Christian Films: Subtle Faith & Heroic Males   18:46 - Series Plot: Princess Quest & Relic Hunt   20:10 - Filming Magic: Red River Gorge & Crew Miracles   27:24 - Michele's Books, Giveaways & Faith Parallels   33:20 - Episode Wins: Festivals & Composer Score   38:28 - Location Serendipity & Narnia Vibes   40:08 - Crowdfunding Hopes & God's Doors   41:18 - Daughter's Watch Plans & Investor Offer   44:02 - Trends: Masculine Westerns in Faith Films   46:00 - Nugget: Daily Surrender to God   48:26 - Wrap-Up: Prayers & Excitement   Keywords Wilson Hickman, The Lost Healer series, Christian fantasy filmmaking, Narnia inspiration, proof-of-concept episode, faith integration, Ten Commandments gospel, Kentucky production, Red River Gorge, daily surrender nugget, heroic male roles   Guest Contact Website (Series): thelosthealer.com](https://thelosthealer.com Instagram: [@thelosthealerseries](https://www.instagram.com/thelosthealerseries/)   Facebook: [@thelosthealerseries](https://www.facebook.com/thelosthealerseries/)

    51 min

  6. 4 FEB

    S3E16 Gut Check Gospel: Healing Chronic Stress from the Inside Out with Holly Andrews

    Episode: "Gut Check Gospel: Healing Chronic Stress from the Inside Out with Holly Andrews" Episode Summary Dive into Old School with Michele Vrabel as she chats with Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Holly Andrews, a former NSA executive turned stress-busting guru and author of Heal Your Stress from the Inside Out. Holly opens up about her Type A transformation: from a high-pressure federal job fueling 350+ pounds, exhaustion, "angry mom" vibes, and family logistics chaos (with a pilot husband away half the time) to shedding nearly half her body weight in 15 months starting in 2019 after a tearful London trip breakdown. Quitting in 2022, moving to North Carolina, and launching her coaching business, she healed relationships with her kids and husband, rediscovered energy for gardening and dates, and leaned on faith for provision—echoing Michele's own abuse-to-healing memoir journey intertwined across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms. Holly demystifies the gut-brain axis (90% serotonin, 50% dopamine from the gut via HPA highway), chronic stress's inflammatory domino effect (brain fog, anxiety, spiritual deserts), and prenatal hormone transfers explaining her daughter's ADHD. Free hacks? Dim lights post-7pm, morning outdoor grounding (bare feet or houseplant touch), consistent water intake with personalized reminders, and a book Stress Audit for honest self-checks—pick one, stick for two weeks. Her nugget: Stress is designed for short bursts (God-wired fight-or-flight), but chronic mode harms everything, even unborn babies. Ideal for burnt-out believers craving sustainable, faith-fueled biohacks without woo-woo overload—grab the book for root-cause tools and reclaim that oxytocin joy! Chapters 00:00 - Intro: Healing Interconnections & Guest Welcome 01:39 - Holly's Type A NSA Life, Weight Struggles & Angry Mom Era 04:34 - 2019 Crisis Trip, Weight Loss Journey & Coach Discovery 05:56 - Quitting Job, Family Move & Faith Provision 07:26 - Parallels to Michele's Abuse-to-Healing Story 16:39 - Book Breakdown: Gut-Brain Axis & Stress Impacts 17:16 - Tips: Stress Audit, Honesty & Prenatal Effects 20:56 - Free Actions: Dim Lights, Morning Grounding, Water Hacks 27:08 - Prayer Walks, Sustainable Starts & Biohacking Balance 29:40 - Nugget: Chronic Stress's Far-Reaching Harm 34:38 - Wrap-Up: Book Excitement & Future Chats Keywords Holly Andrews, Heal Your Stress From the Inside Out, chronic stress healing, gut-brain axis, integrative nutrition coaching, weight loss journey, faith and health, stress audit, grounding tips, prenatal stress effects, holistic wellness, NSA executive burnout Guest Contact Holly Andrews | Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Author Website: hollyandrewscoaching.com Buy Book (Paperback): Heal Your Stress from the Inside Out on Amazon Buy Book (eBook): Heal Your Stress from the Inside Out eBook on Amazon Instagram: @hollyandrewscoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hollyandrewscoaching Facebook: facebook.com/Hskigirl

    37 min

  7. 8 JAN

    Bless Your Heart: Southern Sass, Holy Spirit Nudges, and BOGO Blessings with Debora Coty

    Episode: "Bless Your Heart: Southern Sass, Holy Spirit Nudges, and BOGO Blessings with Debora Coty" Episode Summary Join Michele Vrabel on Old School as she welcomes award-winning author, humorist, and speaker Debora Coty (aka the "Irma Bombeck of Florida"), who shares her remarkable journey from 30+ years as a piano teacher and occupational therapist to penning over 40 books, including the Too Blessed to Be Stressed series (2M+ copies sold worldwide). Starting writing at 45 after a God-ordained "two-by-four" nudge in a dentist's office, Debora's first novel sprang from a Florida cracker patient's grandmother's memoir. She decodes the Southern gem "Bless Your Heart" (sympathy or shade?) and celebrates her new 365-day devotional, Bless Your Heart: Daily Devotions to Warm Your Heart and Feed Your Soul, born from personal losses and COVID chaos—complete with a wild China shipping hostage saga. Debora's grocery store "Holy Spirit elbow jab" tale—buying toilet paper for a desperate family after her cart mysteriously brakes—proves obedience unlocks double blessings. They dive into tuning into God's voice (audible nudges, scripture, even non-believers), with her nugget: 1 Peter 3:9's BOGO—"Be a blessing, get a blessing!" Perfect for women seeking faith-fueled laughter, this episode sparks hope, humor, and holy prompts. Grab Bless Your Heart, enter their collab giveaway, and practice those divine listens! Chapters00:00 - Intro & "Bless Your Heart" Double Meaning01:40 - Southern Sayings & Grandma Wisdom02:40 - Debora's Writing Journey at Age 4507:00 - First Articles, Column & Novel Spark11:00 - Too Blessed to Be Stressed Explosion14:00 - Bless Your Heart Amid Loss & Delays18:00 - Holy Spirit Toilet Paper Miracle24:00 - Hearing God: Nudges, Obedience & Non-Believers27:00 - Future Books, YouVersion Plan & Giveaway30:00 - Nugget: BOGO Blessings (1 Peter 3:9)  KeywordsDebora Coty, Bless Your Heart devotional, Too Blessed to Be Stressed, Christian humor, women's inspiration, Holy Spirit nudges, writing journey, Florida author, faith laughter, daily devotions, BOGO blessings, Southern sayings  Guest ContactDebora M. Coty | Author, Speaker, HumoristWebsite: deboracoty.comBuy Book: Bless Your Heart on AmazonFacebook: @AuthorDeboraCotyInstagram: @deboracotyX/Twitter: @deboracotyEmail/Contact Form: deboracoty.com/contact | deboracoty@gmail.com

    34 min

  8. 31/12/2025

    S3E12 Your Story to Tell, with author Bridget Gengler

    Show Notes: Your Story to Tell, with author Bridget Gengler In this episode of the podcast, host Michele sits down with Bridget Gengler, a dedicated elementary school teacher, author, and advocate for children's voices. Bridget shares her personal journey from a shy child in a large family to a passionate educator who ensures every student feels seen and valued. Drawing from her father's influence as a storyteller and poet, Bridget discusses how his passing in 2020 inspired her to fulfill their shared dream of writing. She delves into her children's books, including "Hold Your Head Up and Walk with Grace" (dedicated to her dad) and her latest release, "You Have a Story to Tell," a heartfelt message empowering kids to recognize their worth and share their unique stories. The conversation pivots to Bridget's experiences with divorce 20 years ago, co-parenting young children, and blending families after remarriage. She opens up about contributing a chapter to the collaborative book "Rediscovering You: Life After Divorce," emphasizing her reliance on faith to navigate challenges and emerge stronger. Michele and Bridget bond over themes of healing, grace, and purpose, with Bridget offering a powerful nugget of wisdom: embracing one's worthiness through faith in God. This inspiring episode highlights resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of making others feel heard. Chapters: - 00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Setup   - 02:50 - Bridget's Teaching Journey and Family Background   - 05:00 - Influence of Her Father and Promise to Write   - 07:30 - First Book: "Hold Your Head Up and Walk with Grace"   - 09:11 - Evolution of Writing and Latest Book: "You Have a Story to Tell"   - 15:35 - Collaborating on "Rediscovering You: Life After Divorce"   - 18:11 - Navigating Divorce, Co-Parenting, and Remarriage   - 24:02 - Nugget of Wisdom: Worthiness and Faith   - 26:35 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans   Keywords: teaching, children's books, divorce recovery, faith and healing, storytelling, family legacy, education, authorship, resilience, co-parenting, personal growth, Bridget Gengler Connect: Website: bridgetgengler.com IG: @bridgetgengler

    27 min
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About

"A smart man learns from his own mistakes, a wise man learns from others". This is true for experiences, adventures and challenges. I am old and I hope to school ya. Old School will be about learning from the journeys of others. Opening our eyes and minds to see what can propel us forward and side step the landmines. Enrollment begins now. Come to class and see what our guest teachers have in store for you in each area of your life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Information

  • Creator
    Old School with Michele Vrabel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Old School with Michele Vrabel
  • Show Website
    Old School with Michele Vrabel

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