The Pulpit and Porch

Higher Ministries
  • 4.8 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Pulpit & Porch is a podcast about real conversations at the intersection of faith, life, and leadership. Hosted by Tony Marr and Robert Kell, we invite you to pull up a chair, grab some sweet tea, and join us on the front porch, where stories are told, wisdom is shared, and no topic is off-limits. Each episode features honest dialogue with guests from all walks of life: entrepreneurs, pastors, artists, coaches, and everyday people making an impact. It’s about purpose. It’s about truth. It’s about learning to lead and live well. Always grounded in the Christian faith. Never stuck in a box.

  1. 2d ago

    The Episode We Never Planned (And Maybe Needed)

    Sometimes the best conversations are the ones you never planned. After both of our scheduled guests unexpectedly had to cancel, Robert and Tony decided to do something we’ve never done before: sit down without an outline, without a script, and simply have a conversation. From hilarious stories and unexpected questions to reflections on friendship, life, faith, and everything in between, this episode reminds us that some of the best moments happen when life doesn’t go according to plan. So pull up a chair and join us for one of the most authentic conversations we’ve had on The Pulpit & Porch. If you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’re just discovering the show, we think you’ll enjoy getting to know us a little better. #ThePulpitAndPorch #Podcast #Friendship #Faith #LifeConversations #ChristianPodcast #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth

    1h 29m

  2. Jun 23

    Leadership Isn't Power - with Jake Holmes

    What does real leadership look like? In a culture obsessed with influence, titles, and recognition, Jake Holmes offers a different perspective: leadership is less about power and more about responsibility. In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, Tony Marr and Robert Kell sit down with Jake Holmes, Mayor of Bristol, Virginia and External Affairs Manager for Appalachian Power, to explore leadership, community, service, and the future of Appalachia. Together they discuss what people misunderstand about leadership, why strong communities matter, the unique strengths of Appalachia, and what it means to invest your life in a place and its people. Whether you’re leading a business, a church, a family, or simply trying to make a difference where you live, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about influence and purpose. Topics Include:• Leadership and responsibility• Building strong communities• The future of Appalachia• Public service and civic engagement• Faith, values, and character• Purpose-driven leadership Subscribe to The Pulpit & Porch for weekly conversations about faith, leadership, purpose, storytelling, and personal growth. #ThePulpitAndPorch #Leadership #ChristianPodcast #Appalachia #CommunityLeadership #Purpose #FaithAndCulture #PersonalGrowth #BristolVA #PublicService

    1h 19m

  3. Jun 16

    The Conversations That Changed Us: 6 Lessons We Didn’t Expect

    What happens when you sit down with six incredible people and realize the conversations are connected in ways you never expected? In this special episode of The Pulpit & Porch, Tony and Robert return to the porch together to reflect on their recent conversations with Jody Powell, Jason Castleberry, Luc Johnson, Amanda Marr, Thomas Dismukes, and Trevor Wentt. Instead of simply looking back, they explore the deeper themes that emerged: leadership, purpose, faith, resilience, creativity, service, and what it really means to live a meaningful life. Every conversation leaves something behind. A question. A challenge. A new perspective. In this episode, Tony and Robert unpack the lessons they are still carrying with them, and invite you to consider what conversations have shaped you. Grab a cup of sweet tea and join the conversation. #ThePulpitAndPorch #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife #LeadershipPodcast #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDrivenLife #ChristianLeadership #LifeConversations #Podcast

    1h 45m

  4. Jun 9

    Why Are So Many Men Struggling Silently? w/ Jody Powell

    In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, Tony sits down with Jody Powell, host of Falls Count Anywhere and Men Like Us on Abundant TV Network, for an honest conversation about masculinity, mental health, ministry, authenticity, and the struggles many men quietly carry. Jody shares his unique journey through professional wrestling, why unconventional ministry often reaches people traditional church culture misses, and how storytelling, brotherhood, and honesty can become powerful tools for healing and connection. The conversation also dives deeply into: men’s mental healthloneliness and isolationemotional struggles men hidefaith and masculinitywhy authenticity mattersministry outside church wallsfinding purpose through unexpected pathsThis episode is thoughtful, funny, vulnerable, and deeply relevant for anyone navigating faith, identity, leadership, or emotional struggle in today’s world. The Pulpit & Porch — real conversations about life, faith, purpose, culture, and the stories that shape us. Connect with Jody: https://www.facebook.com/jodypowellInstagram @therealjodypowellSearch for Men Like Us on Facebookwww.abundant.comFalls Count Anywhere- Every Monday Night at 7:00 pm EST on Abundant TVMen Like Us- Third Wednesday of every month at 8:00 pm EST on Abundant TV

    1h 11m

  5. Jun 2

    He Survived War… But Almost Lost Himself w/ Jason Castleberry

    In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, Tony sits down with pastor and military veteran Jason Castleberry for a powerful conversation about war, trauma, PTSD, identity, faith, and redemption. Jason shares his journey from growing up in Texas to serving in the airborne infantry, completing 25 operational jumps, surviving a parachute malfunction that changed the trajectory of his life, and later serving as a UAV drone operator during the Iraq War after 9/11. But this episode isn’t just about military service. It’s about what happens after survival. Jason opens up honestly about PTSD, smoking, drinking, emotional numbness, near-death experiences, and the difficult transition back into civilian life. He shares how his daughter eventually helped lead him toward faith in Christ, and how that journey ultimately led him into vocational ministry at a small rural church in Montana. This conversation explores: PTSD and mental healthmilitary trauma and identitymasculinity and emotional strugglefaith, healing, and redemptionpurpose after painwhat real strength actually looks likeThis is one of the most honest and moving conversations we’ve had on The Pulpit & Porch. Real conversations about life, faith, leadership, purpose, and the stories that shape us. Connect with Jason: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567179489505https://www.instagram.com/fbcplevna/https://www.tiktok.com/@fbc.plevna

    1h 24m

  6. May 26

    Serving People Over Profits with Luc Johnson

    In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, we sit down with mortgage lender Luc Johnson for a conversation about integrity, generosity, leadership, and what it means to genuinely put people before profit. Before this episode, we asked several people about Luc, and the response was remarkably consistent:“He’s one of the most trustworthy and selfless people I know.” In an industry often driven by numbers and transactions, Luc has built a reputation for doing something rare: serving people with honesty, even when it costs him personally or professionally. He shares about operating a business with integrity, why trust matters more than short-term success, and how faith, family, and generosity shape the way he lives and leads. We also talk about: Building trust in business and lifeWhy integrity is so rare todayUsing your career to serve othersLeadership, generosity, and reputationFamily, purpose, and staying groundedThis episode is less about mortgages… and more about the kind of person you become while building a life. The Pulpit & Porch — real conversations about life, faith, and purpose. Connect with Luc: website: www.johnsonlendingteam.com email: lucas@johnsonlending team.com

    1h 20m

  7. May 19

    What If Your Hardest Seasons Didn’t Harden You? with Amanda Marr

    In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, we sit down with Amanda Marr for one of the most honest and personal conversations we’ve had on the show. Amanda is a top-producing Realtor with Keller Williams, a member of the Agent Leadership Council (ALC), the newly elected Southeast Regional Director for KW Cares, and this year’s recipient of the prestigious Eagle Award, an honor given to just one agent each year. But this conversation isn’t really about awards. It’s about resilience. Amanda opens up about growing up with trauma, navigating hardship and constant turmoil, and what it looks like to keep showing up with compassion, generosity, faith, and empathy after life continually throws difficult seasons your way. We talk about: Traumatic events throughout childhoodHow pain can shape you without hardening youLeadership, success, and serving people wellFaith in difficult seasonsChoosing generosity instead of bitternessWhat resilience actually looks like in everyday lifeThis episode is less about achievement… and more about who you become through adversity. The Pulpit & Porch — real conversations about life, faith, and purpose.

    1h 15m

  8. May 12

    Why Would Anyone Run for Senate? - The Thomas Dismukes Story

    Why would someone step into one of the most challenging and scrutinized arenas in our country? In this episode of The Pulpit & Porch, we sit down with speaker, storyteller, and U.S. Senate candidate Thomas Dismukes for a real, thoughtful conversation about leadership, calling, and what it means to step into something bigger than yourself. Thomas shares his journey, where he came from, the experiences that shaped him, and the moment he felt called to pursue something he never originally planned: running for U.S. Senate. This isn’t a political debate. It’s a conversation about:• Leadership and responsibility• Faith in the public square• The cost of stepping forward• Navigating pressure, criticism, and expectations• What drives someone to say “yes” to something this big Whether you follow politics closely or not, this episode is about something deeper: what it looks like to respond when your calling stretches you beyond your comfort zone. The Pulpit & Porch — real conversations about life, faith, and purpose.

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Pulpit & Porch is a podcast about real conversations at the intersection of faith, life, and leadership. Hosted by Tony Marr and Robert Kell, we invite you to pull up a chair, grab some sweet tea, and join us on the front porch, where stories are told, wisdom is shared, and no topic is off-limits. Each episode features honest dialogue with guests from all walks of life: entrepreneurs, pastors, artists, coaches, and everyday people making an impact. It’s about purpose. It’s about truth. It’s about learning to lead and live well. Always grounded in the Christian faith. Never stuck in a box.

Information

  • Creator
    Higher Ministries
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Higher Ministries
  • Show Website
    The Pulpit and Porch