There are some conversations that simply leave a mark on your heart. This is one of them. This week's episode of the Todd Durkin IMPACT Show is one of the most vulnerable, emotional, and hope-filled conversations we've ever had. My man, Jesse Winkler, shares his remarkable story that is going to challenge you, encourage you, and remind you that no matter how far you've fallen, you're never too far gone for God to restore your life. When I say, 'Live a life worth telling a story about…what's your story?", this episode is one heckuva story! Maybe you're carrying shame. Maybe you've made mistakes you wish you could erase. Maybe you're walking through depression, anxiety, addiction, failure, or a season where you've simply lost hope. If that's you...lean in. This conversation is for you. I truly believe God has someone listening to this episode today who needs to hear these words. Jesse's willingness to share the darkest chapter of his life could very well become the light that helps someone else find their way home. No matter where you are today, remember this: your setback doesn't have to become your ending. Sometimes, it's the very place where God begins writing your greatest comeback. In this episode Jesse shares what it's like to stand on both the mountaintop and in the deepest valley. After spending years serving as a pastor, planting churches, leading people, and building what looked like a successful life from the outside, everything came crashing down. Divorce. Financial ruin. Depression. Substance abuse. Violence. Trauma. Isolation. Even suicidal thoughts. For nearly a decade, Jesse found himself trapped in darkness, believing there was no way back. But God wasn't finished with his story. Through complete surrender, genuine community, and an unwavering pursuit of healing, Jesse experienced a life-changing transformation that restored not only his faith, but his purpose. Today, Jesse serves alongside me helping lead our "Iron Sharpens Iron" movement, coaches others through our health optimization program, and is passionate about helping men and women discover the freedom he once thought was impossible. His story isn't just about surviving. It's about redemption. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why guarding your heart is one of the most important disciplines you'll ever develop. How success, busyness, and achievement can quietly pull you away from what matters most. The subtle warning signs that often lead to burnout, broken relationships, and spiritual drift. The difference between losing in your failure and learning from your failure. Why isolation is one of the enemy';s greatest weapons—and why community is one of God's greatest gifts. Jesse's raw story of battling depression, addiction, anger, and suicidal thoughts. How surrender became the turning point that completely transformed his life. Why physical health, spiritual health, and mental health all work together. How God can redeem even the darkest chapters of your life. Why your greatest pain can become your greatest purpose. The power of confession, forgiveness, and making amends. How your story could become someone else's breakthrough. One of the greatest lessons from this conversation is that failure is never meant to become your identity. As Jesse says, you're either losing in your failure or you're learning from it. Every setback carries a lesson if we're willing to receive it, and every scar can become part of the story God uses to encourage someone else. That's exactly what Jesse is doing today—using his past to rescue people who are walking through the same darkness he once knew so well. This conversation is also a powerful reminder that healing is holistic. Our spiritual life, our physical health, our mindset, and the people we surround ourselves with all work together. When we intentionally spend time in God's Word, strengthen our bodies, renew our minds, and stay connected to a life-giving community, we position ourselves for transformation. We were never meant to carry life's burdens alone. My friends, I don't know where this episode finds you today. Maybe you're in a great season, or maybe you're carrying a weight that no one else knows about. If that's you, hear me loud and clear: God is not finished with your story. No matter how many mistakes you've made, how long you've been struggling, or how far you feel you've wandered, His grace is always greater than your past. The enemy wants you to believe you're too far gone, but this conversation is proof that redemption is always possible. Jesse's journey is living proof that God doesn't waste pain. He redeems it. He restores it. And He uses it to impact the lives of others. Sometimes the very thing you wish you could erase becomes the very testimony that gives someone else hope to keep going. I pray this episode reminds you to guard your heart, stay connected to community, never stop believing in God's promises, and trust that your greatest comeback may still be ahead of you. Because when you surrender your life to Him, your story isn't over—it's just beginning. If this conversation spoke to your heart, please do NOT keep it to yourself. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today. Maybe it's a friend who's quietly struggling, a family member walking through a difficult season, a teammate who's carrying more than they're letting on, or someone who simply needs to be reminded that they're not alone. You never know how one conversation, one story, or one message of hope can change—or even save—a life. Tag us on IG at: @ToddDurkin @jessejwinkler IRON SHARPENS IRON—Men's Ministry for Faith & Fitness July 20th , 2026—Sept 1, 2026 Fellas, if you're ready to stop doing life alone, I'd love to invite you to join us for Iron Sharpens Iron. This 6-week experience is designed to help you grow stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually alongside a band of brothers who will challenge you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. If you're looking to deepen your faith, sharpen your leadership, strengthen your family, and become the man God has called you to be, this is your next step… SIGN-UPS start July 1st . Program starts July 20th . Visit ToddDurkin.com to learn more about Iron Sharpens Iron, connect with our community, and take that first step toward becoming the strongest version of yourself.
