Hardly Initiated

Hardly Initiated Network
Hardly Initiated Network
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Tuesday's 6PM EST New Episodes Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/HardlyInitiated

  1. 2h ago

    Hollywood Offered Him Millions but God Said Leave | Brandon ‘WriterBoy’ Washington

    The opportunity involved a new streaming platform and prospective multimillion-dollar deals. The speaker’s account turns on a harder question: what happens when ambition and conviction stop pointing in the same direction? In this Hardly Initiated conversation, the speaker describes preparing to lead a venture, hesitating for two weeks, and confronting a decision understood as God’s direction. This is personal testimony about faith and business, not a promise that obedience guarantees money or certainty. The conversation also challenges an easy assumption about Hollywood. Alongside difficult business experiences, the speaker describes colleagues who advocate for fair contracts and professional success. That distinction matters: protecting your values does not require assuming everyone around you is against them. Beyond the career story, this conversation explores: • How studying Scripture shapes the speaker’s understanding of spiritual guidance. • Why friendship and accountability matter when a decision carries real stakes. • The difference between shared faith and identical spiritual maturity in relationships. • How daily time with God and practical mentorship make conviction more than a public statement. When should a strong conviction lead you to leave an opportunity, and when should you seek more counsel first? Share an experience, including what helped you evaluate the decision responsibly. Subscribe to Hardly Initiated for honest conversations about faith and real life. Share this episode with someone weighing a difficult choice. Chapters: 00:00 Hearing God at 17 00:49 Faith in Hollywood 01:51 Wearing the Cross Loud 02:21 Podcast Welcome 03:26 Meet Brandon Washington 04:57 Instagram Connection 06:42 Before Writer Boy 08:54 Subway Obedience Test 12:23 Knowing His Voice 15:25 Identity in Hollywood 17:08 Foundation Before Fame 19:09 Vision and Calling 22:10 Walking Away From Millions 30:52 Light in Dark Places 33:09 Obedience and Sacrifice 36:10 Roots and Upbringing 37:53 Hood Lessons and Family 38:21 Giving Away the 300 39:02 Grandma Affirms Obedience 41:16 Owning His Voice 41:54 Cross on the Carpet 43:11 Radical Faith Explained 46:01 Backlash and Conversations 50:30 NLE Choppa and Grace 55:07 Finding Purpose in Film 57:39 New Film What Is Love 59:05 Purpose Through Christ 01:00:42 Real Relationship With God 01:02:06 Singleness and Temptation 01:07:26 God First in Marriage 01:10:34 Bride of Christ Book 01:11:08 Purpose in Singleness 01:11:28 God First in Love 01:12:39 Faith Standards in Dating 01:13:47 Baptism Is a Process 01:14:59 Equally Yoked Seasons 01:16:31 Discernment and Boundaries 01:19:16 Accountability Over Sin 01:20:21 Marriage Shapes Legacy 01:21:48 Moses and Face to Face 01:25:26 Asking God for More 01:27:59 Fasting and Hearing God 01:32:48 Daniel Fast Until 01:35:28 Obedience and Discipline 01:37:22 Calling and Creative Work 01:38:26 Projects Book and Farewell #FaithAndWork #ChristianAccountability #HardlyInitiated Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight The Flesh Bracelet: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-bracelet Hardly In Love Dating Cards: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deck Apply for Teach The Game Thursdays: https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. Sep 29

    Can You Defend Your Faith Without Being Rude? | Da' T.R.U.T.H

    join our waitlist to our EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY and be the first to have access https://stayinitiated.com You grew up hearing about God. You learned the scriptures. You inherited the beliefs. But when life starts testing everything you’ve been taught… is your faith actually yours? Before Da’ T.R.U.T.H. was a Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hop artist and apologist, he was a pastor’s son who believed in God at five years old. Then came the questions. The doubts. The encounters that challenged beliefs he didn’t yet know how to defend. He didn’t begin searching for answers to win debates. He needed them for himself. In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. joins Michael J. McDonald and Kira Oliver for an honest conversation about what happens when the faith you were raised with meets questions you can no longer ignore. Why is Jesus the only way? Can you believe in God and still wrestle with doubt? How were the books of the Bible chosen? And how do you confront the painful history of racism in the church while pursuing a relationship with Christ? As Michael brings his own questions to the table, the conversation becomes personal—moving through skepticism, race, scripture, and the challenge of loving people whose actions have hurt you. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. also reflects on learning that defending his faith requires listening, humility, and care for the person across from him. At the heart of it all is the move from inherited faith to informed faith: examining what you believe, understanding why you believe it, and choosing to go deeper. What question made you examine your own faith? Share your story in the comments. Subscribe to Hardly Initiated for more honest conversations. Share this episode with someone who’s been asking the hard questions. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Teaser 00:50 Meet DA Truth 01:34 Apologetics as Dialogue 02:34 New Book Announcement 02:49 Training and Credentials 04:32 From Music to Ministry 08:34 Growing Up in Faith 10:40 Crises and Doubts 13:34 What Apologists Do 15:18 Intelligent Faith Mission 15:53 Black Church and Scholarship Gap 20:05 Information Age Challenges 20:58 Dogma vs Education 22:33 Creating Safe Spaces 23:37 Epistemology Doing the Work 26:18 Truth Without Rudeness 27:00 London Story Body Language 30:59 When Truth Feels Judgmental 32:29 Post Truth Culture 33:20 Belief Has Consequences 34:58 Iceberg Conversations 37:11 Rich Young Ruler 41:32 Why Jesus Uses Questions 46:05 Beyond Sunday School Faith 52:55 Black White Church Dynamics 59:11 History Behind Segregation 01:00:34 Gospel Reconciliation Vision 01:03:42 Image Bearers Over Labels 01:08:51 Christianity White Religion Claim 01:09:31 History Shapes Faith 01:10:58 Bridge Building AEAA 01:13:12 White Jesus Imagery 01:15:58 Ask Before Answer 01:18:52 Christianity Before Slavery 01:20:46 Christ Versus Culture 01:23:52 Canonization Explained 01:27:37 Pseudepigrapha And Tests 01:34:10 Informed Faith Challenge 01:38:51 Pray For Appetite 01:42:24 Wrap Up And Resources #HardlyInitiated #DaTRUTH #Faith #ChristianApologetics Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight The Flesh Bracelet: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-bracelet Hardly In Love Dating Cards: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deck Apply for Teach The Game Thursdays: https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. Sep 22

    Lust, Lies, and Liberation Keisha Gibsons Faith Journey

    Keisha Gibson’s story is a powerful testimony of survival, faith, and transformation. Born into trauma and generational curses, Keisha faced molestation, addiction, and years of life on the streets. Yet through the grace of Jesus Christ, she found freedom from the chains of sin and a new identity as a bride of Christ. In this episode, Keisha shares candid reflections on spiritual warfare, the struggle with lust, and the importance of obedience over mere ritual. She challenges misconceptions about faith, self-worth, and the church, offering raw honesty and hope. Takeaways include: - How generational sin can impact lives and how God’s grace breaks those cycles. - The difference between loving self and loving God as the foundation for transformation. - Practical insights on discerning God’s voice amid confusion. - The power of confession and community in healing. - Why obedience is the key to unlocking God’s provision and protection. What part of Keisha’s journey resonates most with you? How do you discern God’s voice in your life? Subscribe for more honest conversations that challenge and encourage your faith. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today. ## Chapters 00:00 Cycles of Trauma 00:37 Sex Work and Survival 00:58 Danger in the Streets 01:16 God Says Not This One 01:54 Podcast Guest Intro 04:18 Brooklyn Roots and Abuse 06:26 Abortions and No Foundation 07:37 From Hustling to Brothels 11:59 Money vs Lust 13:55 Outcalls and Close Calls 15:17 Saved From Hell 18:14 God’s Love for the Lost 22:56 Childhood Strength and Silence 25:34 Breaking Generational Curses 28:04 Fasting and Hearing God 31:06 No More Debates Just Souls 31:49 Protecting the Next Generation 32:20 Family Alcohol Warnings 32:41 Raising a Protected Child 36:07 Prayer Covering Daily 36:54 Music and Spiritual Influence 37:32 God Said Not This One 38:13 Leaving Prostitution Behind 40:02 First Church Breakthrough 42:02 Abortion Clinic Voice 44:22 No More Double Life 45:53 Hard Truth on Fornication 50:27 Three Voices Discernment 55:58 Bible Over Church Routine 58:26 One Church Not Three 01:02:29 One Church Headship 01:03:26 Confusion From Mixed Teaching 01:04:23 Pastor Integrity Risks 01:06:50 Ask God Where To Go 01:08:36 Calling Growth And Rebellion 01:10:45 Obedience Over Sacrifice 01:15:02 Catholicism And Denominations 01:20:16 Giving Up Secular Life 01:26:32 Mentors And Hearing God 01:28:12 Grace Vs Willful Sin 01:31:38 Final Declaration And Outro #FaithJourney #SpiritualTransformation #HardlyInitiated Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight The Flesh Bracelet: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-bracelet Hardly In Love Dating Cards: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deck Apply for Teach The Game Thursdays: https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. Sep 15

    From Billboard, Nightlife & the Nation of Islam to Jesus

    Kelz had Billboard success, nightlife access, and a place to belong—but he still could not find peace. Then one sentence inside the Nation of Islam made him decide: **I’m walking out, and I’m not coming back.** In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Kelz sits with Michael J. McDonald and Kira Oliver to tell the story behind that decision: the suicide crisis he survived, the family pressure that followed him out, and the unlikely $7 Uber Eats delivery that led him to 2819 Church. This is not only a theological debate. It is a conversation about what happens when your conscience collides with your community—and what real transformation looks like after the emotional moment has passed. In this episode: - Why Kelz says success and nightlife never gave him peace - The statement that pushed him to leave the Nation of Islam - How his decision affected his relationship and extended family - Why he believes relationship with God matters more than religious performance - How he redirected his past into mentoring, baptism, and feeding Atlanta’s unhoused community Have you ever known you needed to leave a belief, relationship, or lifestyle—but feared losing the people attached to it? Share your experience thoughtfully in the comments. Chapters: 00:00 From Clubs to Charts 00:08 Inside the Nation 01:03 Farrakhan as Savior 02:44 Hardly Initiated Intro 05:20 Kels Testimony Begins 06:42 Storms and Wake Up Calls 07:50 The 2819 Church Sign 09:48 Why He Left NOI 12:21 Family Fallout and False Charges 14:26 Money Power and Hypocrisy 18:32 Mahdi and Antichrist Claims 20:54 Quran vs Bible Breakdown 27:35 Why Men Join NOI 31:46 One Door to God 33:45 Reclaiming a Strong Christ 34:51 Lukewarm Christianity Check 35:31 Faith Over Image 38:06 Give to Strangers 39:00 Suddenly God Moments 39:50 Finding 2819 Church 41:50 Leaving Islam Behind 46:13 Access Signs and Encounters 48:05 Baptism and Being Seen 52:35 Bold Faith Not Too Young 53:54 Jeremiah Calling Explained 58:57 Relationship Over Religion 01:02:57 Grace Time Is Short 01:04:30 Stop Blaming God 01:07:03 Music Club Idolatry 01:10:42 Nightlife Costs and Consequences 01:13:31 Chasing the Bag Warning 01:14:18 Demonic Concert Culture 01:15:31 Nightlife Shift Today 01:16:35 Kingdom Work Blueprint 01:17:41 Busy vs Bible Martha 01:19:49 Stewardship Over Status 01:23:54 Called to Reach Dancers 01:29:24 Familiarity Kills Faith 01:32:52 Questioning False Religions 01:43:39 Change Your Diet 01:46:40 Closing Outreach Plug Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight The Flesh Bracelet: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-bracelet Hardly In Love Dating Cards: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deck Apply for Teach The Game Thursdays: https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. Sep 8

    The Hood Bible: P Lo on Rikers Island, Drug Dealing and Faith

    He was selling drugs. Then a man in jail called him a witch. P Lo says that conversation made him confront the harm behind his hustle. Follow Guest: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJl6hwSOSpK/?stkn=bmNkZXh6OHI4c2U1 Follow Kira: https://www.instagram.com/thekiraoliver/ Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljmacdonald/ Before Rikers Island, he already knew about God. But knowing about faith and letting it change his decisions were different things. An unexpected mentor helped him understand the Bible in language he could connect to—and challenged what he was doing to his community. In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Michael J. MacDonald and Kira Oliver sit down with P Lo, a construction business owner and longtime barber, for the conversation they call “The Hood Bible.” He shares the personal story behind the earlier clip that had viewers asking questions. The discussion moves from incarceration and accountability into the questions people carry about belief, spiritual discernment, and how to treat people who see faith differently. P Lo also shares why he wants listeners to examine what he says for themselves. In this conversation: The confrontation that changed how P Lo viewed drug dealing. What an imperfect mentor taught him about humility. Why honest questions matter when you’re learning about faith. The tension between firm convictions and showing people grace. Has someone ever told you a difficult truth that changed your direction? What helped you hear it? Subscribe to Hardly Initiated, share this conversation with someone who values honest growth, and watch “Fear of Death, Finding Faith & the Search for Real Peace” next: [RELATED VIDEO URL] #HardlyInitiated #FaithJourney #SecondChances Renew The Mind Journal: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/renew-the-mind-journal Fight The Flesh Bracelet: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/fight-the-flesh-bracelet Hardly In Love Dating Cards: https://www.hardlyinitiated.com/products/dating-deck Apply for Teach The Game Thursdays: https://forms.gle/b3mxsAhMd6hx4AnN9 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. Sep 1

    Why I Hate Satan: Pain, Alcohol & the Battle for Your Soul

    When the person everyone depends on starts breaking, where do they take the pain?  Michael was carrying a private family crisis and crying only when nobody could see—until lifelong friends and a moment in worship brought everything out. In this episode of Hardly Initiated, Michael J. MacDonald and Kira Oliver have an unfiltered conversation about emotional suppression, alcohol, inherited coping patterns, accountability, spiritual warfare, and the difference between conviction and condemnation. Michael admits that when the weight gets heavy, his instinct can be the bottle. Kira shares why she believes God asked her to give up even one glass of wine—and what happened when a wine glass broke while she wrestled with that decision. The conversation also becomes a direct, sometimes tense exchange about Jesus, the meaning of “antichrist,” and how to stand firmly in faith without losing compassion for people who believe differently. In this episode: - Why “being the strong one” can become emotional isolation - How childhood exposure can shape adult coping - What accountability looks like when faith becomes public - Why a testimony can become someone else’s lifeline Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. Aug 25

    Fear of Death, Finding Faith & the Search for Real Peace

    Michael J. MacDonald has been afraid of death since losing his grandmother at eight years old. In this episode, he and Kira Oliver explore how childhood loss, uncomfortable church experiences, identity, and religious pressure can shape someone’s willingness to pursue faith. Michael explains why success and material comfort cannot replace peace—and why his brother’s early attempts to push Christianity on him only created more distance. Kira shares how her own fear of death changed as her faith grew, along with the experiences that led her to take her spiritual calling seriously. Together, they discuss church fit, Christian denominations, men’s spiritual leadership, dreams, eternity, and the responsibility believers have to communicate with wisdom. This is an honest conversation about reaching people through patience, personal testimony, and a life that demonstrates genuine transformation. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. Aug 18

    God’s Test or Satan’s Trap? How to Know the Difference

    Michael was searching for a home-theater system when a stranger suddenly offered him a $10,000 system for only $1,000. It arrived at exactly the right time, so Michael assumed it had to be God answering him. It was a scam. Kira had a very different experience. She prayed for God to help her escape a relationship she knew wasn’t right. The next day, her house burned down—and she still struggled to recognize what God was showing her. Those two stories led to one of the most important questions a believer can ask: How do you know whether God is testing you or Satan is tempting you? In this episode, Michael and Kira have an honest conversation about: • Hearing God when outside voices are competing for your attention• The difference between a spiritual test and temptation• Why every opportunity isn’t a blessing• How desire can disguise itself as divine direction• Praying without fear that you’ll “run out” of prayers• Loving people without enabling their choices• Fighting the flesh while growing in faith• Dating, marriage, discipline, and spiritual alignment• Why God may ask you to release something before giving you more• Following Christ without pretending to be perfect Michael also reveals that God has repeatedly been telling him to let go of something—but he’s been afraid to do it. What is it, and how can he know the voice is truly God? Watch the full conversation and answer this in the comments: What has God been asking you to release? #HearingGod #SpiritualDiscernment #ChristianPodcast #Faith #HighlyInitiated Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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