Courageous Crossroads

Jeff Johnson

Welcome to "The Courageous Podcast," where we delve into the inspiring tales of ordinary people who have shown unwavering bravery in the face of challenges. Join us as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of courage and ask our guests, "What's the most courageous thing you've ever done?" Host Jeff Johnson guides these conversations with empathy and curiosity, creating a safe space for guests to share their personal experiences. From daring leaps of faith to small yet powerful acts of bravery, you'll hear stories that resonate with the universal human experience. Through these narratives, we aim to inspire and uplift our listeners, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment. Our guests' stories remind us that bravery is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. "The Courageous Podcast" is not just about sharing tales of valor; it's about building a community of individuals who find strength in vulnerability and authenticity. Join us as we celebrate the indomitable human spirit, one story of courage at a time. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated to embrace your own inner courage, whatever that might look like.

  1. Jul 8

    Madeline Dean: One Courageous Choice at a Time

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Courageous Crossroads, Jeff Johnson sits down with Madeline Dean for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, addiction, incarceration, recovery, faith, and the ongoing courage it takes to choose change. Madeline shares how early childhood wounds, mental health struggles, and addiction led her through painful seasons, including time in Mitchellville, but also how honesty, mentorship, therapy, spiritual growth, and programs like Change Course helped her begin building a new life one courageous decision at a time. When asked the most courageous thing she has ever done, Madeline answers simply and profoundly: deciding to change. Her story reminds listeners that courage is not always one dramatic moment —it is strength, action, persistence, hope, and faith practiced over and over again in the small, difficult choices of daily life. Madeline Dean is a Change Course graduate, a woman in recovery, a student of personal and spiritual growth, and a passionate advocate for honesty, healing, mental health awareness, addiction recovery, and support for those impacted by incarceration. Through her vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, Madeline offers a compelling testimony of resilience, redemption, and the belief that no one is beyond hope. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologeticsEmail us at info@crossroadsapologetics.orgVisit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.orgSee you in the next episode! Be blessed!

  2. Jul 1

    Dr. Whitney and the Courage to Honor God Through Suffering

    Send us Fan Mail In this thoughtful and deeply personal episode of Courageous Crossroads, Jeff Johnson sits down with Dr. Donald S. Whitney to explore biblical courage, spiritual formation, prayer, Scripture meditation, and faithful obedience in the hardest seasons of life. Dr. Whitney defines courage as the willingness to do what God calls us to do despite fear, consequences, or personal cost, and he illustrates that definition through the most courageous season of his own life: caring for his mother through the final years of dementia while seeking to honor her, support his wife, and remain obedient to the Lord. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom on Scripture intake, praying the Bible, meditation, the fear of man, and how the ordinary means of grace sustain believers when life becomes painful and confusing. Dr. Whitney serves as Professor of Biblical Spirituality and the John H. Powell Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is the founder and director of the Center for Biblical Spirituality; after decades of pastoral ministry and seminary teaching, he is widely known for helping Christians pursue godliness through biblical spiritual disciplines. Amazon links to selected books by Dr. Whitney: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life; Praying the Bible; Family Worship: In the Bible, in History, and in Your Home; Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health; How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian?: The Satisfying Certainty of Eternal Life; Simplify Your Spiritual Life; Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Study Guide.  Clickable Amazon Book Links - Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life - Praying the Bible - Family Worship: In the Bible, in History, and in Your Home - Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health - How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian?: The Satisfying Certainty of Eternal Life - Simplify Your Spiritual Life - Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Study Guide Source note: Prepared from the Courageous Crossroads interview transcript supplied in this conversation. Amazon inventory and pricing can change over time. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologeticsEmail us at info@crossroadsapologetics.orgVisit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.orgSee you in the next episode! Be blessed!

  3. May 27

    Russ Hedge: Courage at the Crossroads of Cancer, Faith, and Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Courageous Crossroads, Jeff visits with Russ Hedge about what courage looks like when faith, fear, hardship, and hope all meet at the same crossroads. Russ shares that the most courageous thing he has ever done was walking down the aisle at church to give his life to Jesus, a public and deeply personal step that changed the direction of his life. From there, he reflects on courage as moving forward despite difficult circumstances, trusting God through uncertainty, and choosing your perspective when life does not go as planned. Russ Hedge is a Salem, Oregon-based Christ follower, husband, father, encourager, speaker, marketing coach, livestream producer, and author whose purpose is to inspire people to live a purpose-driven life of significance. Known for his positive outlook through major life challenges, including a near life-ending car accident, the loss and illness of both parents, and his stage-four melanoma journey, Russ continues to encourage others through his book Life Happens… And Then You Choose!, his website RussHedge.com, and his shows including Marketing with Russ… aka#RussSelfie, The Experience Live with Russ & Scott, The Experience Local, Live with Russ & Scott, and his broader podcast links on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologeticsEmail us at info@crossroadsapologetics.orgVisit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.orgSee you in the next episode! Be blessed!

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Courageous Podcast," where we delve into the inspiring tales of ordinary people who have shown unwavering bravery in the face of challenges. Join us as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of courage and ask our guests, "What's the most courageous thing you've ever done?" Host Jeff Johnson guides these conversations with empathy and curiosity, creating a safe space for guests to share their personal experiences. From daring leaps of faith to small yet powerful acts of bravery, you'll hear stories that resonate with the universal human experience. Through these narratives, we aim to inspire and uplift our listeners, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment. Our guests' stories remind us that bravery is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. "The Courageous Podcast" is not just about sharing tales of valor; it's about building a community of individuals who find strength in vulnerability and authenticity. Join us as we celebrate the indomitable human spirit, one story of courage at a time. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated to embrace your own inner courage, whatever that might look like.