The Brad Jurkovich Podcast

Dr. Brad Jurkovich

Leadership. Conviction. Hope. Hosted by Dr. Brad Jurkovich—pastor of First Bossier, national leader in the Conservative Baptist Network, and trusted voice for biblical truth—this podcast equips Christians to stand strong in today’s culture. Each episode tackles the real challenges believers face across the nation, from defending faith and family to leading with courage in the church, community, and public square. With a proven track record of visionary leadership—from planting churches and building the Freedom Fields Sports Complex, to guiding a congregation through the largest fire in Bossier City’s history and a complete campus rebuild—Dr. Jurkovich brings biblical wisdom shaped by experience. His ministry has touched thousands through local outreach, military family support, national denominational leadership, and the weekly preaching of God’s Word across the Ark-La-Tex. Listeners will gain practical leadership lessons, encouragement for their walk with Christ, and a clear call to engage the culture with conviction and hope.

Episodes

  1. Jean Thomason AKA Ms Patty Cake

    12/11/2025

    Jean Thomason AKA Ms Patty Cake

    In this joyful and deeply encouraging episode, Brad Jurkovich welcomes Jean Thomason—known around the world as Ms. Patty Cake—for a heartfelt conversation about her life, calling, and the ministry that has shaped millions of young families. Fresh from a live appearance at Brad’s church, Jean shares her remarkable journey from classically trained opera singer to beloved preschool worship leader. She recounts the pivotal moments that led to the birth of Ms. Patty Cake, including a child’s innocent question—“Why is God so tired?”—that opened her eyes to the need for age-appropriate worship music. From designing the iconic costume to her first performance at a MOPS group in 1994, Jean unfolds how God organically grew a simple idea into a global ministry. Brad and Jean dive into the spiritual challenges facing families today, emphasizing the biblical mandate for parents to disciple their children. Jean highlights the staggering research showing that 85% of Christians come to faith before age 8, underscoring why children’s ministry must be a top priority in churches. She also shares practical insights for parents navigating media choices, modern distractions, and opportunities to use everyday moments—especially holidays like Christmas and Easter—to point children to Jesus. Listeners will also hear touching stories of special needs children encountering God through her ministry, as well as an overview of Jean's book Sharing God’s Big Love with Little Lives and the PRAISE framework that equips parents to disciple intentionally from infancy.

    34 min
  2. Soccer Podcast: Red River Football Club & FB Sports Partnership

    11/25/2025

    Soccer Podcast: Red River Football Club & FB Sports Partnership

    In this episode, we dive into the fast-growing world of soccer development in the Shreveport-Bossier region as Brad welcomes Ryan Wheeler and Adam Williams—two leaders shaping the future of the sport through Red River Football Club and FB Sports. The conversation opens with a look at FB Sports, a ministry of First Bossier, committed to building community through sports for over a decade. Ryan shares the vision behind founding Red River Football Club, a pre-professional soccer organization created to fill a 200-mile competitive gap and provide a true “path to pro” for local and national players. Listeners will hear how the club competes in the nationwide SL2 league and how its summer developmental model prepares athletes for the next level. Adam Williams brings an international perspective with roots in Liverpool, England and professional experience abroad. He discusses his mid-season move into coaching, his global recruiting efforts, and the upcoming 2028 promotion/relegation system that is redefining U.S. soccer. Ryan highlights how Adam’s European expertise fills a crucial coaching need in a sport that demands specialized knowledge. The episode also introduces the Red River Raiders Academy, a youth development program for ages 2–8 that blends early soccer skills with character-building lessons like patience and confidence. Adam shares some light-hearted stories from coaching toddlers—“feeling like a clown sometimes”—all while building young players from the ground up. A major highlight is the official announcement of the partnership between FB Sports and Red River Raiders Academy, launching an 8-week recreational league in Spring 2026. The collaboration brings together soccer excellence and a Christ-centered environment, complete with Wednesday skill sessions, coordination with local church services, and cross-promotion with Bossier Parks and Recreation to create a full pathway from recreational play to competitive soccer. The conversation wraps with a friendly penalty-kick challenge between the host and Adam—including the host’s playful claim that “Pele trained me back in the fifties.” This episode is full of insight, humor, and vision for the region’s soccer future.

    17 min
  3. 11/13/2025

    Faith, Hockey with Jason “Soupy” Campbell

    In this inspiring and energizing episode, Brad sits down with Jason “Soupy” Campbell—head coach of the Shreveport Mudbugs—to talk hockey, leadership, and the unexpected path that brought a Canadian kid from Orangeville, Ontario, all the way to Louisiana. Campbell shares the fun origin of his lifelong nickname “Soupy,” a family tradition so strong that even his wife uses it. From learning to skate almost as soon as he could walk to leaving college early to pursue pro hockey, Campbell recounts his journey with humility, humor, and gratitude. He reflects on the childhood heroes who shaped him—Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy, and Mario Lemieux—and how their character left a lasting mark. The conversation moves into the rich history of the Mudbugs organization, from its early semi-pro days to its current role as a premier junior-level developmental program. Campbell outlines how today’s players—ages 17 to 21 and hailing from around the world—are shaped not only on the ice but in life: living with billet families, training full-time, and competing for Division I scholarships. Brad and Soupy also dive into the physical nature of hockey, team culture, and how NIL changes have impacted the junior hockey landscape. Campbell’s passion for leadership development is front and center as he details his open-door policy, veteran mentorship model, and the expectation that his players carry themselves with integrity in the community. One of the most meaningful segments of the episode explores faith inside the Mudbug locker room. Campbell talks openly about his own spiritual journey, the team’s voluntary Bible studies, and powerful testimonies—including one player who came to faith over the summer. His commitment to leading with authenticity and humility shines throughout the conversation. Brad closes the episode by commending Campbell’s strong example—on the bench, in the community, and in shaping young men for life beyond hockey. This episode offers a rich blend of sports, leadership, personal growth, and faith—highlighting why Jason “Soupy” Campbell has become such a beloved figure in the world of Shreveport hockey.

    24 min
  4. An Inspiring Legacy: Basketball Coach Mike McConathy

    10/31/2025

    An Inspiring Legacy: Basketball Coach Mike McConathy

    In this inspiring 33-minute conversation, Pastor Brad Jurkovich sits down with legendary Louisiana basketball coach Mike McConathy—a man whose life and career embody faith, perseverance, and purpose both on and off the court. From his roots in Bossier City and a family legacy steeped in basketball, to his years building programs at Bossier Parish Community College and Northwestern State University, Coach McConathy shares stories of discipline, determination, and the power of mentorship. Listeners will hear remarkable moments from his journey: growing up watching First Baptist Bossier being built, being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1977, coaching local athletes who overcame adversity, and leading underdog Northwestern teams to thrilling NCAA Tournament appearances—including the iconic upset over Iowa. Throughout the episode, McConathy opens up about his coaching philosophy, anchored in two simple principles: never ask players to do what you wouldn’t, and always speak with respect. The conversation turns candid as he addresses the changing landscape of college basketball—offering honest reflections on NIL, the transfer portal, and what young athletes are truly learning about commitment and character. The episode closes with powerful lessons on gratitude, legacy, and faith—reminding us that in sports and in life, the comeback often matters more than the shot. A must-listen for coaches, players, and anyone who believes that faith and leadership still have a place in today’s game.

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Leadership. Conviction. Hope. Hosted by Dr. Brad Jurkovich—pastor of First Bossier, national leader in the Conservative Baptist Network, and trusted voice for biblical truth—this podcast equips Christians to stand strong in today’s culture. Each episode tackles the real challenges believers face across the nation, from defending faith and family to leading with courage in the church, community, and public square. With a proven track record of visionary leadership—from planting churches and building the Freedom Fields Sports Complex, to guiding a congregation through the largest fire in Bossier City’s history and a complete campus rebuild—Dr. Jurkovich brings biblical wisdom shaped by experience. His ministry has touched thousands through local outreach, military family support, national denominational leadership, and the weekly preaching of God’s Word across the Ark-La-Tex. Listeners will gain practical leadership lessons, encouragement for their walk with Christ, and a clear call to engage the culture with conviction and hope.