Conversations with Buddy

Buddy Puckett
  • 4.6 (31)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

Welcome to Conversations with Buddy, where you will hear the stories of everyday people fighting through life’s challenges for meaning and purpose. From fear to faith, struggles to success, trials, and tribulations to triumph and victory. Where did they muster the courage to overcome and where does their hope come from? What is the lesson life has taught each of these people who share their stories and then be willing to share it with the world?

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 220 Don McPherson - How God joined me on the Camino de Santiago!

    The Road to Camino de Santiago — A Journey of Faith, Healing & Finding God Special Guest: Don McPherson What happens when you step away from the noise of everyday life, leave behind the distractions, and simply walk with God? On this episode of Conversations with Buddy, I sit down with my longtime friend Don McPherson to talk about his incredible pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. What began as a physical journey became something much deeper—a spiritual walk filled with reflection, healing, perseverance, and discovering God’s presence in the quiet moments of life. Don shares the struggles that led him to the Camino, the preparation it took to get there, and the lessons he learned one step at a time. Sometimes life brings us to a place of despair where we realize just how much we need God. For Don, walking alone provided an opportunity to pray, journal, listen, and allow God to work on his heart. His story reminds us that healing doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes it happens piece by piece, one prayer, one mile, and one day at a time. Along the trail, Don experienced both physical and mental challenges… But quitting was never an option. From the unforgettable experiences of day eight to witnessing others rise above their own challenges, Don shares how the Camino became a powerful reminder of God’s protection, faithfulness, and presence. Sometimes the greatest breakthroughs come when we stop trying to control everything and simply make room for God to speak. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing what God was doing in Don’s heart throughout the journey. What happens when we intentionally create quiet time with our Creator? How does walking away from our normal routines change our perspective on faith, family, relationships, and what really matters? Don’s reflections from his journal remind us that life isn’t just about reaching the destination. It’s about who we become along the way, the people we encounter, and making room at the table for others. Whether you’ve dreamed of walking the Camino de Santiago or you’re simply navigating your own difficult season of life, this conversation is for you. We all have a road to travel, challenges to overcome, and moments when we desperately need God. My hope is that Don’s story encourages you to keep walking, keep praying, and never give up. Because sometimes the most important journey isn’t the one beneath our feet—it’s the one God is taking us through in our hearts. If you are interested in connecting with Don to hear more of this story or to simply connect, you can reach out to him at 503-551-9627. #Jesusfollower #Bible #God #faith #TheCaminodeSantiago #spiritualgrowth #nevergiveup #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  2. Oct 23

    Ep. 219 Emily Puckett - Finding Purpose at 29!

    ❤️ Faith, Family, Finances & Finding Your Purpose at 29 | Emily Puckett In this special episode of Conversations with Buddy, I get to do something I never take for granted: sit down with my daughter, Emily Puckett! First of all, I love being your dad, Emily, and I’m incredibly grateful for the woman you are. At 29, life is full of questions, unexpected turns, new beginnings, and opportunities to discover who God created you to be. We share some laughs, including a little payback from our last podcast with Molly, but more importantly, we have an honest conversation about faith, family, friendships, finances, and finding your purpose. 🙏 What does it mean to make your faith your own? Emily opens up about her journey with Jesus, seasons of struggling with her faith, and the moments when she decided to seek God for herself. We talk about what it looks like to ask God to show us who He really is, recognize His hand at work in our lives, and trust Him when we don’t have all the answers. From seeking approval from people to learning to trust God’s direction, Emily shares valuable lessons about growing in faith, navigating life’s challenges, and taking the next best step. Sometimes, God meets us right where we are and reminds us, “I see you!” 🤝 Friendships, family, and becoming mentally stronger are also at the heart of this conversation. Emily reflects on friendship struggles, redeemed relationships, and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who help us grow. We discuss lessons from her water polo days, where teamwork, mental toughness, trust, and learning to win well were essential. We also talk about the people closest to her heart, including Mom and Molly, and how family relationships continue to shape us as we grow older. Life doesn’t always go according to our plans, but God can use even the difficult seasons to teach us, strengthen us, and bring restoration. ⛰️ What happens when we reach the false summits of life? We often believe that the next achievement, relationship, career opportunity, or milestone will finally bring the satisfaction we’ve been searching for. But what happens when we get there and discover there’s still something missing? Emily and I explore the pressure to measure ourselves against others, the temptation to seek approval, and the challenge of figuring out what’s next. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads, struggling to understand God’s plan, or wondering if you’re falling behind, this conversation is a reminder that our purpose isn’t found in having everything figured out. It’s found in learning to trust God, seek His wisdom, and remain faithful to Him along the road. ❤️ My favorite part of this episode is simply getting to hear my daughter share her heart. Emily, I’m proud of you, grateful for you, and thankful for the journey God is taking you on. My prayer is that this conversation encourages other young adults, parents, and families to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, love one another well, and remember that God is still working even when the road ahead isn’t clear. Whether you’re a beach person or a mountain person, one truth remains: God is the only way! If you’re navigating your own season of uncertainty, we hope this episode reminds you that you are seen, you are loved, and you don’t have to have your whole life figured out to take your next step of faith. If you are interested in connecting with Emily, you can connect with her through her Instagram account @ em_puck7  #Jesusfollower #Bible #God #faith #theroadahead #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  3. Oct 16

    Ep. 218 Andrew Copeland and James Blystone - Cops and Cons: Breaking the Stigma, Finding Redemption!

    Cops and Cons - Breaking the stigma… What happens when a police chief and a man who has spent time behind bars sit down for an honest conversation about life, mistakes, faith, and second chances? In this powerful episode of Conversations with Buddy, I’m joined by Keizer Chief of Police Andrew Copeland and James Blystone to challenge the stigma that cops hate cons. Their relationship tells a different story—one built on humility, understanding, accountability, and the belief that no matter what your past looks like, you’re not too far gone! Andrew Copeland has served with the Keizer Police Department since 2002. A lifelong Keizer resident, Western Oregon University football player, husband to his high school sweetheart of more than 27 years, and father of four, Andrew has a personal understanding of how complicated life can become. Growing up in a broken home, moving through more than 20 homes before marriage, and watching his own brother struggle with addiction and repeated trouble with the law have shaped his perspective. Andrew shares how his Christian faith has kept him grounded and helped him navigate life’s challenges. His story reminds us that law enforcement officers are people, too, with families, struggles, and personal experiences that can deepen their compassion for others. James Blystone brings a different perspective, having experienced the consequences of poor choices and life behind bars. He’s a man who enjoys fast cars and playing sports rather than just watching them, but his story is about much more than his past. We talk about the pull of the old life, parole violations, the challenges of rebuilding after prison, and what it means to redeem your past rather than allow it to define your future. From a memorable letter written in crayon to the possibility of becoming a “retired criminal,” James’s journey highlights the importance of accountability, personal growth, and choosing a different road—even when the road back is difficult. Together, Andrew and James explore what happens when we put pride aside, and learn to see the person instead of just the label. We discuss where people get off track, how relationships can be restored, and why second chances require both grace and responsibility. Whether it’s learning to pause, reflect, decompress, and reconnect, or recognizing that sometimes God speaks to people in the darkest places—including prison—this conversation challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about people who have made serious mistakes. Your past does not have to define you, and compassion does not mean abandoning accountability. My hope is that this episode encourages you to look beyond labels, extend grace without ignoring the truth, and recognize the potential for transformation in every person. What if the person you’ve written off is still becoming who they were meant to be? What if a relationship you thought was beyond repair could be restored? Andrew and James remind us that redemption is possible, the future can look different from the past, and nobody should be defined forever by the worst thing they’ve ever done. Join us for Cops and Cons—an honest conversation about faith, forgiveness, law enforcement, prison, and the power of second chances. If you are interested in connecting with either of these men, to sit down over a coffee and have a deep conversation, please send me a text and let’s make it happen!  #copsandcons #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  4. Oct 9

    Ep. 217 Winston Thurton - God gives grace for the journey!

    In this powerful conversation, Winston shares the remarkable story of his journey with Jesus Christ. Born in Belize, formerly British Honduras, Winston spent much of his life in Canada, where he was educated before continuing his studies in the United States. His journey eventually led him into pastoral ministry, and today he serves as a pastor in Lebanon, Oregon. Winston also opens up about his 50-year marriage to Lois, who passed away in 2022, and the profound impact her life, humility, sincerity, and love for God had on him. Winston shares how he came to know the Lord in 1963 and reflects on the things God used to draw him out of poverty, addiction, and the challenges of his early life. Baseball—especially his love for the Brooklyn Dodgers—became an escape and a source of hope, but ultimately Winston discovered that no earthly substitute could satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. His story is a reminder that God can use circumstances, people, and even difficult seasons to bring us to the place where we finally hear the Gospel and ask the most important question: “Are you ready to give your heart to Jesus?” One of the most meaningful parts of our conversation is Winston’s honesty about wrestling with God. Even as believers, we can experience seasons of uncertainty, grief, disappointment, and questions. Winston points us back to Psalm 42 and 43, where the psalmist repeatedly tells his own soul to hope in God. His message is simple but profound: God is for us, not against us. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. We talk about what it means to keep our eyes on Jesus, live by God’s Word, obey where He leads, and trust Him for the grace needed for each step of the journey. Winston also shares his life verse, Psalm 48:14: “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” From pastoring in Sodaville, Oregon, to serving in Lebanon, his desire remains the same—to faithfully follow wherever God leads. His encouragement to believers is powerful: read God’s Word for intimacy with Him, take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139), and never forget that “I am what I am by the grace of God.” God is at work. Stay faithful. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And trust Him with the journey. To see Winston preach a message, here is the website to the church he leads: https://sodavillechurch.org/home #Jesusfollower #faith #belief #grace #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  5. Oct 2

    Ep. 216 Luke Grotzke - Patience, Authenticity and Deep Compassion!

    🎙️ Conversations with Buddy with Luke Grotzke… What does it really mean to be authentic in a world that constantly pressures us to become someone else? In this episode of Conversations with Buddy, I sit down with Luke Grotzke, a young Christian man from Coos Bay, Oregon, whose faith in Jesus Christ has become the backbone of his intellectual, spiritual, and personal journey. Luke shares about growing up as the youngest in his family, his experience in public and Christian education, and the moment at 16 when he considers himself to have truly surrendered his life to Christ at the MVMNT Conference in Bigfork, Montana. Luke and I have an honest conversation about some of the temptations and struggles young Christian men face in college and in the journey toward adulthood. We talk about identity, lies we can believe about ourselves, the pressure to appear like we have everything together, and the desperate desire to live authentically. Luke opens up about the challenges of becoming more genuinely himself while allowing God to shape his character. We also discuss practical tools like Covenant Eyes and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who will encourage us toward truth and holiness. One of the most powerful themes of our conversation is Luke’s desire to understand people. His personal mission can be summed up in one question: “What is it like to be another person?” That question reflects his passion for psychology and counseling and his desire to meet people with humility, honesty, and love. Luke believes that some of the deepest truths about life can be discovered in the midst of people’s struggles. His challenge is simple: run toward people who are hurting rather than away from them. We also talk about parenting, patience, and the character of God. Luke shares an important lesson for parents: be patient and allow your children to make mistakes. Just as God is patient with us, we are called to reflect that patience toward others. We discuss what it means to be “dead to sin and alive in Christ,” why Scripture must remain the foundation of our lives, and how committing ourselves fully to what God has called us to do can change our direction. Luke’s love of music, worship, psychology, nature, and people all come together in a conversation about faith that is deeply personal and refreshingly authentic. 🙏🎶 If you’re a young Christian wrestling with identity, authenticity, temptation, or what it means to follow Jesus in college, this conversation is for you. And if you’re a parent trying to understand the struggles of the next generation, there are some important lessons here for you, too. 📖 “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 6:11 ❤️ Run toward people who are hurting. Seek authenticity. Stand on Scripture. And keep pursuing Jesus. You can connect with Luke here:lukegrotzke@gmail.com541-404-3445 #Jesusfollower #faith #belief #coosbay #thestruggleisreal #collegelife #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  6. Sep 25

    Ep. 215 Rick Locke - Take everything to God in prayer!

    In this powerful conversation with Rick Locke, we talk about a question many of us have wrestled with: How have you avoided sharing the Gospel because of fear, comfort, or self-preservation? The truth is, we have all done it at some point. Rick shares openly about his journey, including growing up with a father who served in Vietnam, learning about life on the battlefield and in combat, and ultimately being saved at just 12 years old. His story is a reminder that God can use every season of our lives—even the difficult ones—to shape our faith and our priorities. Rick and I talk about what it really means to put God, family, and church at the center of our lives. Sometimes God changes our priorities by taking us through circumstances we never expected.  We also talk about taking everything to God in prayer and learning to give thanks in all things, even when life doesn’t seem fair. 🙏 A major theme of our conversation is dying to self and walking in humility. We discuss Romans 10:9–10 and what it means to openly confess Jesus as Lord and believe in Him. Rick also shares the importance of loving your wife as Christ loved the church and allowing your faith to impact the way you serve and love the people around you. Faith isn’t simply something we talk about—it should change the way we live. Perhaps the biggest challenge Rick leaves us with is his concern for the salvation of other people. Jesus told Peter, “Feed My sheep,” and Rick encourages us to take that command seriously. We aren’t called to save people—that is God’s work—but we are called to faithfully plant seeds, share the Gospel, love people, and point them toward Jesus. Rick uses the picture of being a farmer: plant the seed, water it, and trust God with the harvest. Are you willing to step outside of your comfort zone and share what Jesus has done in your life? Maybe today is the day to stop letting fear and self-preservation keep you silent. Take everything to God in prayer, give thanks in all things, die to self, love others well, and be willing to plant the seeds of the Gospel wherever God has placed you. 🙏🌱✝️ #Jesusfollower #faith #belief #Gospel #ChristianFaith #God #Prayer #Bible #Romans10 #DieToSelf #sharerhegospel #FeedMySheep #ChristianLiving #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  7. Sep 18

    Ep. 214 Curt Jones - The Ultimate Ultimatum!

    In this episode of Conversations With Buddy, I have the privilege of sitting down with Curt Jones—a longtime entrepreneur, leader, mentor, consultant, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Curt has spent more than five decades building businesses, developing leaders, raising capital, serving ministries, and helping organizations turn vision into action. But behind all of those accomplishments is a much deeper story: a young man who once challenged God to prove Himself real. Curt shares the powerful story of his “Ultimate Ultimatum” on October 17, 1971. As a teenager growing increasingly frustrated with what he describes as “churchianity,” Curt wanted to know whether his faith was truly real or simply something he had inherited from his parents. He prayed a bold and honest prayer, giving God six months to show up in his life. Curt describes what happened the very next morning, when a senior student unexpectedly invited him to a Bible study, and how just 63 hours later he found himself leading that study. That small Bible study eventually grew to hundreds of students, and Curt describes how a group of young believers began praying, serving, loving people, and seeking to influence the culture of their high school. He shares stories of transformed lives, including one student who openly opposed what was happening but eventually came to faith in Christ. Curt also recounts the remarkable story of an all-school trip to the Oregon coast involving nearly 1,100 students and the opportunity to share the Gospel around a beach bonfire. We also talk about Curt’s extraordinary journey in business and leadership. Over the years, he has been involved in launching, building, financing, and advising numerous businesses, ministries, nonprofits, and organizations. His experience includes financial services, marketing, capital formation, fundraising, organizational development, and community outreach. Yet Curt emphasizes that his greatest lessons have come through the people who mentored him and the teams who helped turn ideas into reality. Perhaps the most important question in this conversation is what does it look like for God’s Kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven”? Curt shares his current passion for bringing churches, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, schools, first responders, and community organizations together around a common purpose: loving and serving people. From Hope Center and community outreach to his vision for greater unity among churches in Woodburn and Keizer, Curt believes faith should move beyond the walls of a church building and become something people can see through the way we love and serve our communities. This is a powerful conversation about faith, leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, purpose, and what it means to live a life of success turned into significance. Connect with Curt Jones 📱 Phone: (503) 705-3713 📧 Email: curtjonesbox@gmail.com 📍 Woodburn, Oregon #Jesusfollower #faith #belief  #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

  8. Sep 11

    Ep. 213 Isaac Acosta - A Crisis of Faith!

    🎙️In this episode of Conversations with Buddy, I sit down with Isaac Acosta as he shares his honest and personal journey through seasons of questioning, growth, and reflection. 🙏 Have you ever wrestled with faith, questioned what you believe, or found yourself searching for deeper clarity and understanding? ✝️ Isaac opens up about different chapters of his life, including challenges he faced during his high school years, his experience with Crohn’s disease, and his journey with diet and health—including experimenting with a carnivore elimination diet. But this conversation goes far beyond physical health. Isaac also shares how his questions about faith and belief led him into a deeper process of exploration and self-discovery. 🙏 As Isaac began asking difficult questions and examining his beliefs, he found himself exploring questions surrounding identity, knowledge, religion, and the role that beliefs and practices can play in our lives. Along the way, he discovered the value of humility—the willingness to listen, learn, honestly examine our assumptions, and remain open to growth. Ultimately, this is a conversation about faith, transformation, and the ongoing journey of seeking greater understanding. Isaac also shares the importance of honest conversations, supporting one another through seasons of questioning, and walking alongside those who may be exploring, reexamining, or deepening their faith.  If you or someone you love has ever experienced uncertainty or questions surrounding faith, this episode offers an encouraging reminder that honest questions and meaningful conversations can be an important part of personal and spiritual growth. #Jesusfollower #faith #belief #Christianlife #conversationswithbuddy 🙏 Subscribe to Conversations with Buddy for more conversations that inspire faith, leadership, and impact. The Gospel is “good news”… The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” _ _ _ For more stories like this, go to: https://www.youtube.com/@BuddyJamesPuckett If you or someone you know want to be on the podcast, please reach out to me on Instagram @conversationswithbuddy or text me at 503-851-8031. _ _ _ About Buddy Puckett:Buddy Puckett has been in the mortgage and finance space and mentoring men for over 25 years.  A mentoring opportunity all started when he first began in the mortgage industry in 1998, when he began to mentor a younger guy who happened to be married.  This person was not making great choices and it was sadly affecting his marriage.  We all are 1 decision away from something really dumb, so accountability became something Buddy knew he needed as well.  Buddy’s wife, Shawn, suggested he start a podcast in 2022 to share the stories of people who have struggled,failed, overcame by realizing the life of love, joy and peace is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to him, ’I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me’.” John 14:6 Buddy Puckett NMLS #270057, Arizona BK#0018883, AZ LO-1032154; OR ML-176 For more licensing information, please visit www.guildmortgage.com/licensing. The positions, strategies or opinions of the author do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Guild Mortgage Company: Equal Housing Opportunity, NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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About

Welcome to Conversations with Buddy, where you will hear the stories of everyday people fighting through life’s challenges for meaning and purpose. From fear to faith, struggles to success, trials, and tribulations to triumph and victory. Where did they muster the courage to overcome and where does their hope come from? What is the lesson life has taught each of these people who share their stories and then be willing to share it with the world?

Information

  • Creator
    Buddy Puckett
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Buddy Puckett