Eddiefied

Eddie Lyashenko

Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement. This podcast stirs up believers to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) through authentic conversations with Christian leaders, professionals, and overcomers who are shining the light of Christ in every area of life.

  1. Why Christianity Is Not a Solo Act | Justin Schroeder #26

    4d ago

    Why Christianity Is Not a Solo Act | Justin Schroeder #26

    In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits downwith Pastor Justin Schroeder from Redeemer Bible Church for a deep conversationon biblical discipleship, Christian community, and God’s design for spiritualgrowth through life-on-life relationships within the local church.   What does true discipleship actually look like according toScripture? Has modern Christianity replaced biblical discipleship with sermons,podcasts, social media content, and church attendance? Why do so many believersfeel spiritually isolated despite being surrounded by churches and Christianresources?   Throughout this conversation, Justin shares his testimony,pastoral insights, and biblical perspective on why God never intended the Christian life to be lived alone. Together, we discuss the importance of real Christian community, the role of the local church in discipleship, how Jesus modeled relational discipleship with His followers, and why spiritual growth often happens through the inconvenience of walking closely with other believers.   This episode also explores: What biblical discipleship truly meansThe dangers of consumer ChristianityWhy discipleship requires vulnerability and intentionalityHow believers can pursue deeper Christian communityThe difference between knowing truth intellectually and having a transformed heartHow churches can cultivate a healthy culture of discipleshipWhy older believers should invest into younger ChristiansSpiritual growth during suffering and difficult seasonsThe role of pastors and church leadership in discipleshipWhy many Christians struggle with accountability and opennessGod’s design for growth through the local church Pastor Justin also shares practical encouragement forbelievers who feel disconnected in church, as well as wisdom for pastors whodesire to lead their churches toward healthier, more intentional discipleship.   The Eddiefied Podcast is built around Hebrews 10:24: “Consider how to stir up one another toward love and good works.”   The goal of this podcast is to encourage believers throughreal testimonies, honest conversations, and Christ-centered discussions thatpoint people back to the goodness and faithfulness of God.   If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it withsomebody else who may benefit from it.   Subscribe for more faith-based conversations,testimonies, and biblical discussions.

    1h 41m
  2. From Prison, Violence, & the Aryan Brotherhood, to Freedom in Christ | Fred Mendrin #25

    May 18

    From Prison, Violence, & the Aryan Brotherhood, to Freedom in Christ | Fred Mendrin #25

    In Episode #25 of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Fred Mendrin for one of the most raw, honest, and Gospel-centered conversations we’ve had on the podcast. After spending 15 years in prison and becoming deeply involved in the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, Fred shares how a life driven by violence, reputation, anger, and broken identity ultimately left him empty — until everything changed through an encounter with Jesus Christ inside a prison cell. This episode is not just about prison or gang life. It’s about something every single person wrestles with: identity and self-worth. Together, Eddie and Fred dive deep into: finding identity in Christovercoming shame and self-hatredrenewing the mind through God’s Wordbattling condemnation and past failuresspiritual transformationhealing from broken identitythe danger of finding worth in reputation, performance, or approvaland the freedom that only Jesus can give.Fred also shares how Ephesians 2 became deeply personal in his walk with God — especially the words “But God…” — and how understanding forgiveness, adoption, grace, and redemption completely transformed the way he viewed himself. This conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, biblical truth, and encouragement for anyone struggling with shame, insecurity, comparison, hopelessness, or questions surrounding their identity and purpose. Whether you’re a believer trying to renew your mind daily through God’s Word, or someone who feels too far gone for God to redeem, this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond the grace of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:24 says: “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” That is the heartbeat behind every Eddiefied episode — encouraging believers through real stories of God’s transforming power. If this episode encouraged you, please consider: liking the videosubscribing to the channelsharing this episode with someone who needs hopeand leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Thank you for being part of the Eddiefied family. Connect with us: YouTube: @Eddiefied Instagram: @Eddiefied Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Eddiefied Podcast

    2h 7m
  3. Law Enforcement, Faith & Calling | David Hogge #24

    May 11

    Law Enforcement, Faith & Calling | David Hogge #24

    What does it look like to follow Christ while serving in law enforcement? In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with David Hogge (Retired Sergeant with 30 years of dedicated service) for a real and honest conversation about faith, calling, law enforcement, and what it means to honor Christ in high-pressure environments.David shares about his background growing up in California, and how he eventually stepped into a long career in law enforcement. Over the years, he served as an officer, detective, sergeant and Police Academy Commander, working in units ranging from narcotics and gangs to robbery investigations and community policing. But beyond the badge, this conversation goes deeper. We discuss: David’s testimony and walk with ChristWhat it means to view law enforcement as a callingChristianity and policing from a biblical perspectiveHow believers can guard their hearts from cynicism and hardnessEmotional and moral challenges officers faceLoving your enemies while working in difficult environmentsRomans 13 and controversial questions surrounding Christians in law enforcementHow the Church can pray for and support officers and their familiesEncouragement for Christians considering careers in law enforcement or public serviceThis episode is not about politics—it’s about faithfully following Christ wherever God has called you. Whether you work in law enforcement, know someone who does, or simply want to think more biblically about faith, justice, authority, and culture, I believe this conversation will encourage and challenge you. If this episode encouraged you, make sure to share it with someone who may need to hear it. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Eddiefied Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

    1h 30m
  4. From Addiction & Brokenness to Redemption in Christ | Christian Okeze #23

    May 4

    From Addiction & Brokenness to Redemption in Christ | Christian Okeze #23

    In this episode of Eddiefied, I sit down with my brother Christian Okeze to walk through a powerful testimony of redemption, restoration, and the transforming power of the gospel. Christian was born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States at a young age. His life was marked early on by loss, instability, and responsibility beyond his years. As life unfolded, those pressures led him down a difficult path of addiction, broken relationships, and eventually time in prison. But this isn’t just a story about brokenness — it’s a story about how God meets us there. After hitting rock bottom and finding himself in Sacramento with nowhere to turn, Christian was led to Union Gospel Mission, where everything began to change. For the first time, the gospel became real — not just something he had heard growing up, but something he truly understood, believed, and surrendered to. Since then, the Lord has radically transformed his life. Today, Christian serves as the Head Chef at Union Gospel Mission, using his gifts to serve others and give back to the very community he once depended on. His life is now marked by purpose, humility, and a deep gratitude for the grace of God. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up around faith but not truly knowing ChristLoss, trauma, and the weight of responsibility at a young ageAddiction, brokenness, and hitting rock bottomHow God uses unlikely places to draw us to HimselfWhat it means to truly hear and believe the gospelThe ongoing process of healing, restoration, and walking in obedienceEncouragement for believers who are struggling or feel far from GodThis conversation is a reminder that no one is too far gone. No matter your past, your mistakes, or how broken things may seem — God is able to redeem, restore, and give new life through Jesus Christ. 📖 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” — Hebrews 10:24 If this episode encouraged you, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe. Share this with someone who needs to hear this testimony.

    2h 7m
  5. Christ vs. Culture? Navigating Tensions in the Church | Eugene Kovalenko #22

    Apr 28

    Christ vs. Culture? Navigating Tensions in the Church | Eugene Kovalenko #22

    What happens when culture and Christ feel like they’re pulling in different directions? In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with Pastor & Author Eugene Kovalenko, associate pastor at House of the Gospel in Fresno, California, and author of Cultural Crossroads, to unpack one of the most important, and often unspoken topics today — the tensions that ethnic churches navigate today. From generational divides to language barriers, from identity struggles to mission drift, many believers—especially those in immigrant and ethnic church contexts—find themselves caught between two worlds. Together, we explore: The tension between culture and faith in today’s churchesThe difference between 1st, 2nd, and 1.5 generation believersWhy some churches struggle with mission and growthThe dangers of ethnocentricity and inward-focused communitiesAssimilation vs. separation vs. integration — and what actually worksHow the Missio Dei (mission of God) reshapes the church’s purposePractical models for building healthy, gospel-centered churchesThis conversation is not about rejecting culture—but about putting it in its proper place under Christ. If you’ve ever felt disconnected in church, wrestled with identity, or longed for a healthier, more mission-minded community, this episode will challenge and encourage you. 📖 I would highly encourage you to purchase Eugene’s book: Cultural Crossroads Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Crossroads-Challenges-Churches-American/dp/B0GQ2SS616/ref=sr_1_2?crid=36F0GRDE0HYAQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.56OaHOV5EkgXbHfnEwHeGj13vLfWX9M6TnzgZ1mhsphFsPmGNggBQMPxlE2h9PoXjwRdr1bCGXxuGOFJxJYZFk5dlP-9uYIEOenMgdaU25vkZ6JktZzxdma86rCGDg3U-EzH_h5eZPa8PAPa--zH-ispycbZ7zsVbKrvctPjBPf5QnBILf_njad2CrGhuBCVTN2wk5Vpri04kiKJyTHfO8OcTlmQnoC_HclHtsxeoLY.f0gT-85E7__2aJb4oEYcWIPbW9CghjRbe6yWQXBs2YM&dib_tag=se&keywords=cultural+crossroads&qid=1777361890&sprefix=cultural+crossroa%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-2 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations that stir us toward love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)

    1h 37m
  6. The Heart of Worship: What Happens When the Music Stops | Serge Moskalets #21

    Apr 20

    The Heart of Worship: What Happens When the Music Stops | Serge Moskalets #21

    What is the heart of worship—and what happens when the very thing you use to worship is taken away? In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with Serge Moskalets, Creative Pastor at Bayside Auburn, to talk about what it truly means to live a life of worship—not just on stage, but in everyday life. Serge has been serving in worship ministry for over 20 years. From leading youth worship at 3rd Slavic Baptist Church, to serving at Heights Church in Citrus Heights, to stepping into an Executive Worship Pastor role at Skyline Church in San Diego, and now back in the Sacramento area at Bayside Auburn—his journey has been shaped by calling, faithfulness, and a deep love for the local church. But this conversation goes beyond his experience. On Christmas Eve 2025, Serge lost his voice—the very instrument he had used for decades to lead others in worship. What followed was a 3–4 month season of recovery that challenged not only his ability to lead, but his understanding of worship, identity, and calling. In this episode, we discuss: What the Bible says about true worship (John 4:23-24, Romans 12:1)The difference between calling and performance in worship ministryHow to guard your heart as a worship leaderWhat worship looks like when there’s no musicHow God uses trials to refine our faith (James 1:2-4)What to do when God pauses or removes something you feel called toSerge also shared a powerful resource for worship leaders and ministry teams looking to grow and evaluate where they are in their calling: 👉 https://worshipos.co/ This tool is designed to help leaders identify where they currently stand in their ministry and challenge them to grow with greater clarity and intentionality. This episode is for worship leaders, musicians, and anyone seeking to follow Jesus more faithfully in every area of life. If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, purpose, or what it means to truly worship God—this conversation will challenge and encourage you. 📅 New episodes drop weekly 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to help spread the message.

    1h 29m
  7. The “John 3:16 Guy” — The Story You’ve Never Heard | Sean Parrish #20

    Apr 13

    The “John 3:16 Guy” — The Story You’ve Never Heard | Sean Parrish #20

    You’ve probably seen him… standing on a freeway overpass in Sacramento, wearing a bright orange “John 3:16” shirt, waving at every car that passes by. But who is the man behind the message? Before we dive in—if you’d like to support Sean and his ministry, I would really like to ask that you take part in supporting Sean by purchasing his book, “The Long Day Before My Birthday” on Amazon, and/or supporting him financially here through this GoFund me page: https://gofund.me/d759d1a6b In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, I sit down with Sean Parrish, known by many locals as the “John 3:16 guy.” For years, Sean has stood on Highway 50 overpasses in Sacramento, simply waving and pointing people to one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: John 3:16. But behind the sign is a story most people have never heard. Sean shares his journey of faith, his past, and the calling that led him to boldly live out his beliefs in public. We talk about his experience with homelessness, ongoing physical pain, and what it truly means to depend on God for daily provision. Sean opens up about how, in the middle of suffering, he has experienced God’s presence in a powerful and personal way. This conversation goes beyond surface-level Christianity and challenges what it really looks like to trust God—not just in comfort, but in uncertainty, hardship, and complete surrender. We also discuss: The meaning and impact of John 3:16What motivates Sean to stand on overpasses week after weekHis journey of writing poetry and books inspired by his childrenHow God has provided for him in unexpected waysA message to the Church about living out authentic, everyday faith Whether you’ve seen him before or this is your first time hearing his story, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and point you back to what it means to truly follow Christ. 📖 “For God so loved the world…” — but what does that actually look like lived out? 🎙️ About the Podcast: Eddiefied Podcast exists to stir one another up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) through real conversations, testimonies, and Christ-centered encouragement. 👍 If this episode encouraged you: Like, comment, and shareSubscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple PodcastsHelp us spread the message

    1h 42m
  8. Fatherhood is a Calling (Not Just a Role) | Pastor Chris Ritter #19

    Apr 6

    Fatherhood is a Calling (Not Just a Role) | Pastor Chris Ritter #19

    Fatherhood is more than a role — it’s a calling. In this episode of the Eddiefied Podcast, Eddie sits down with Pastor Chris Ritter of Doxa Church in Rocklin, California, to talk about what it truly means to be a Christian father in today’s world. Chris shares his personal testimony, how the Lord led him into ministry, and why fatherhood has become one of the most important and weighty callings in his life. This conversation dives deep into biblical fatherhood — not just in theory, but in real, practical ways that every dad can apply. We discuss:• Fatherhood as a calling and stewardship before God• How fathers reflect the character of God to their children• Discipline, grace, and leading without provoking• Balancing provision with presence in a busy world• Discipling your children in everyday life• Modeling repentance and humility in the home• Navigating marriage, ministry, and fatherhood• Encouragement for fathers who feel like they’ve failed• How young men can prepare now for future fatherhood Whether you’re a father, a husband, or a man who desires to lead a family one day — this episode will challenge, convict, and encourage you. The world needs faithful fathers. Homes need men who lead with strength, humility, and love. And by God’s grace — it’s not too late to start. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another dad, subscribe to the channel, and help us continue to stir one another up toward love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube📲 Follow for more conversations that edify and equip

    1h 42m
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement. This podcast stirs up believers to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24) through authentic conversations with Christian leaders, professionals, and overcomers who are shining the light of Christ in every area of life.

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