The Road Traveled

Aaron Degler & Allen Heugatter

A Christian based podcast geared to men to be able to take the bible and make it applicable to each man's life on the road he travels.  

Episodes

  1. 11/11/2025

    Ep 8: How God’s Character Shapes Our Choices And Changes Our Lives

    What if the clearest way to understand your character is to study God’s? We dig deep into the bedrock of God’s nature—mercy, justice, faithfulness, and agape love—and ask what it looks like for men to live those qualities when no one is watching. John 3:16 becomes more than a familiar verse; it’s the definitive window into a love that gives, forgives, and calls us forward even when we’ve fallen hard. We talk honestly about trust and control: why we’ll speed across a narrow bridge believing a stranger will stay in their lane, yet hesitate to trust the God who never fails. That tension takes us into the practical heart of faithfulness—habits that hold when life shakes, the next right step when the path looks thin, and the quiet courage to keep choosing love over pride. Through stories, Scripture, and candid reflection, we name how storms shape durable character, how God sometimes allows a fall so the lesson sticks, and why hope matures into faith as we practice daily obedience. If you’ve ever felt “too far gone,” you’ll hear a clear invitation: God’s unconditional love is not fragile, and you are not disqualified. We offer simple, actionable steps—pick one small change, anchor it to a daily rhythm, and keep company with Christ by picking up your cross. Expect progress over perfection, steady peace over quick fixes, and a growing hunger for the Word that reshapes how you love, forgive, and lead. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review to help more men find a road where real faith meets real life. What’s your one next step?

    35 min
  2. 10/28/2025

    Ep: 7 Changing Your Inner Algorithm With Scripture

    Your feed is shaping you more than you think—and not just the one on your phone. We explore how Proverbs 13:20 maps onto modern life, where “walking with the wise” looks like choosing what you linger on, who you spend time with, and how long you sit with God’s Word. The result isn’t behavior management; it’s a new inner algorithm that delivers different outcomes across your thoughts, habits, and relationships. We share candid stories about friendships that changed as faith deepened, the pull of peer pressure at any age, and the quiet responsibility that comes when people are watching—kids, spouses, coworkers, and friends who take cues from our choices. You’ll hear practical ways to set boundaries without turning your back on people: filtering shows and social content, limiting time where you’re tempted, and seeking out Bible study, prayer, and community that sharpen your soul. We unpack how small shifts—what you search for, where you stop, how long you stay—compound into a life that craves Scripture more than scrolls. We also tackle generational patterns. If you inherited compromises, you can interrupt them. Like typing new search terms, opening the Bible and returning to it consistently brings a flood of better inputs: clarity, conviction, and hope. Over time, your circle begins to reflect your pursuit—friends who pray with you, speak truth to you, and help carry the weight of real change. This is a road you don’t walk alone, and every step matters, even the hard ones. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage to reset their inputs, and leave a review so others can find the road where real faith meets real life.

    26 min
  3. 10/14/2025

    Ep 6: Why do bad things happen, and what’s my next step with God?

    What do you do when “why” won’t let you go? We open a tender, honest conversation about loss, faith, and the quiet courage it takes to keep moving when answers don’t come. Aaron shares the morning his wife died in a head‑on collision while their 16‑month‑old daughter survived—an unthinkable moment that reshaped his life and his walk with God. Together we wrestle with the hard questions people ask about suffering and a good God, then return to Scripture to find a path forward that’s real, humble, and doable. We ground our talk in Isaiah 55:8–9, James 1:2–4, and 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, exploring God’s higher ways, the formation of perseverance, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Instead of forcing explanations, we focus on the “what now”—the next right step of faith, the choice to bring raw feelings to the Lord, and the practice of trusting His character when we cannot trace His hand. Along the way, we challenge the reflex to blame God, consider how timing and providence look from a limited human view, and reflect on a childlike trust that doesn’t deny pain but refuses to be defined by it. If you’re navigating grief, a fractured relationship, or a season that won’t make sense, you’ll find language for your lament and a framework for moving forward: one prayer, one rung, one day at a time. Listen for practical encouragement, biblical insight, and a closing prayer for anyone carrying a heavy load. If this conversation helps you breathe a little deeper, share it with someone who needs hope, subscribe for more real talk about faith and life, and leave a review to help others find the show.

    30 min
  4. 09/30/2025

    Ep 5: The Greatest Love Affair: God and His Church

    What makes a marriage last? And what does God's relationship with the church teach us about our own marriages? In this heart-to-heart conversation, Aaron and Allen explore "the greatest love affair" – the profound love God has for His church and how it serves as the divine blueprint for our most intimate relationships. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5, we unpack the challenging standard set before husbands: to love their wives as Christ loved the church. It's a sacrificial, unconditional love that few of us fully grasp. Through personal stories and confessions, we acknowledge our own shortcomings in showing sufficient gratitude and attention in our marriages – even after 40+ years together. The discussion takes an insightful turn when we examine how relationships require intentional nurturing. Remember the excitement of dating, when you couldn't wait to talk to that special someone? We challenge listeners to approach both their marriage and their relationship with God with that same hunger and passion. Are you still "dating" your spouse after all these years? Are you pursuing God with the same enthusiasm you had as a new believer? We share wisdom from a couple married 62 years who revealed their simple secret: "Make the other one feel special." The husband still says "thank you" after every meal and "I love you" every night before bed – consistent expressions of gratitude that mirror what our relationship with God should include. Whether you're married, single, or somewhere in between, this episode offers profound insights about communication, gratitude, and the transformative power of agape love. Join us for a conversation that will challenge you to examine your relationships through the lens of the greatest love story ever told.

    31 min
  5. 09/16/2025

    Ep 4: The Man in the Box

    A chance encounter at a funeral visitation changed everything. Standing in line, Allen asked the preacher a question that would haunt him for years: "Was this man a Christian?" The preacher's response was devastating in its simplicity: "Did he show it?" That exchange forms the emotional core of this soul-searching episode where we confront an uncomfortable truth – if people have to ask whether you're a Christian after you're gone, your life probably didn't reflect Christ as clearly as it should have. Drawing from Matthew 5:13-16, we explore Jesus's powerful metaphors of believers being "salt of the earth" and "light of the world," examining what happens when salt loses its flavor or light gets hidden under a basket. What kind of legacy are you building? Not the fleeting accolades of worldly success that fade from memory within years, but the eternal impact of a life authentically lived for Christ. We unpack what true belief entails – acceptance of truth, confidence in God's promises, and trust without empirical proof – and how that belief naturally manifests in our daily actions and choices. Like a single flame that can ignite countless others, our faith should spark belief in those around us, continuing long after we're gone. The most profound question remains: When people walk past your casket someday, will they know without asking that you were a follower of Christ? And if those who knew you in life might question your faith, how will you stand before God on judgment day? This isn't about earning salvation through works, but about living in such a way that your relationship with Christ is unmistakable – not for your glory, but for His. We challenge you to examine your life today: What does it reflect? Who does it point toward? The answer shapes not just your legacy, but your eternity.

    24 min
  6. 09/02/2025

    Ep: 3 Is There a Right Way to Pray?

    When was the last time you had a genuine conversation with God? Not a formal, rehearsed prayer, but an honest dialogue straight from your heart? Aaron and Alan tackle the often misunderstood practice of prayer, stripping away the misconception that you need perfect words or posture to connect with your Creator. Drawing from Matthew 6:9-13, they explore how The Lord's Prayer serves as a template rather than a script, showing us the components of meaningful prayer while emphasizing that God cares more about our hearts than our eloquence. The hosts share personal, sometimes emotional experiences that transformed their understanding of prayer—from Alan's unexpected eloquence when he surrendered control during a wedding blessing to Aaron's moment of speechlessness that created space for his wife to step forward in faith. These raw moments reveal how God works through our willingness rather than our words. One particularly powerful discussion centers on gratitude prayers—those brief moments throughout the day when we simply acknowledge God's presence and provision. "Thank you, Lord, that truck didn't run into me" carries as much weight as a 15-minute formal prayer. This practice transforms our relationship with God from emergency calls during crisis to ongoing conversation with someone we love. The most challenging aspect of prayer—praying for our "enemies"—receives thoughtful attention as the hosts acknowledge the difficulty of praying sincerely for those who've hurt us, while offering practical steps toward genuine intercession that begins with honest acknowledgment of our struggles. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to deepen your existing practice, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that will help you develop a more authentic, continuous dialogue with God. Start your conversation today—He's not expecting perfection, just connection.

    33 min
  7. 08/19/2025

    Ep: 2 Finding Your Way: The B.I.B.L.E as Life's Roadmap

    Aaron and Allen explore the concept of the Bible as our essential roadmap through life, drawing a compelling parallel between following physical maps and navigating our faith journey. Through a humorous yet poignant story about a scenic drive in Sedona with reluctant in-laws, Allen illustrates how having directions doesn't guarantee a smooth journey—there will still be potholes, dangerous edges, and unexpected challenges. Similarly, while scripture provides our spiritual directions, we must learn to read it properly and apply its wisdom to navigate life successfully. The hosts dive deep into Jesus's teaching about the narrow gate in Matthew 7, examining what it truly means to follow Christ daily. This isn't about casual belief or church attendance but requires genuine commitment to "deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow me." The conversation tackles the practical challenges of self-discipline, resisting worldly temptations, and avoiding the trap of looking back longingly at what we've left behind. Perhaps most thought-provoking is the question Allen poses: "What do you have to lose by following Christ?" His analysis reveals the win-win nature of authentic faith—whether viewed spiritually or practically, living by biblical principles leads to becoming a better person, positively influencing others, and leaving the world better than you found it. The episode also touches on how our understanding of scripture evolves throughout our lifetime, with the same passages revealing new insights as we gain experience and spiritual maturity. This is beautifully illustrated through the story of Aaron's 82-year-old father who discovered deeper biblical understanding by hand-copying scripture after decades of study. Whether you're seeking direction, questioning your path, or looking to deepen your understanding of scripture, this episode offers practical wisdom for using the Bible as your personal guidebook on the journey through the narrow gate. Take the next step on your road today.

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A Christian based podcast geared to men to be able to take the bible and make it applicable to each man's life on the road he travels.