The Story Partners Podcast

Walt and Annie Manis
  • 4.9 (161)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

The Story Partners Podcast is an immersive storytelling experience that brings to life true stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by Jesus. These Christian testimonies are raw, moving, and powerful—told with authenticity and depth. With no interview questions, no interruptions, just beautifully crafted, uninterrupted storytelling, each story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the transformative power of Christ. Learn more at www.StoryPartners.org.

  1. 3d ago

    S4 | E7 - UnRest: Finding Peace Amidst Loss, Grief and Burnout

    In the face of devastating loss and crushing responsibility, Rob reached his breaking point. With three family members gone, his church in shambles, and everyone looking for him for answers, he cried out to God for help. But the answer he got was not what he wanted…   Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This story comes from family friends of ours. It is such a joy to be able to share their story. First of all, because they are incredibly genuine, faith-filled people. Also because we think this topic of burnout is something we encounter so often in our society. Rob and Jen do an amazing job of bringing us into their story of grief, loss and ultimately, hope. This is Season 4 | Episode 7, called: UnRest: Finding Peace Amidst Loss, Grief and Burnout. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about the Schwinges: After ten years of marriage, two kids, numerous losses of loved ones, and more difficult seasons in ministry than they could count, Rob and Jen found themselves weary and wondering how they would be able to keep going. Little did they know that when they reached the end of their rope, God had already begun their restoration journey. In the following years with God’s strength and leading, they made the decision to intentionally retreat and refocus their hearts on who God created them to be and how He wanted them to live out their callings in everyday life. Through their restoration journey, they found healing, hope, and a passion to help others that are just like them. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Rob and Jen’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal’s Story) S2 | E4: Nothing to Prove (Daniel Mueller’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S1 | E3: You Want Me to do WHAT? (Suzie Brown’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S2 | E8: Misaligned (Dana Grindal’s Story) S2 | E4: Nothing to Prove (Daniel Mueller’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S1 | E3: You Want Me to do WHAT? (Suzie Brown’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E7 - UnRest: Finding Peace Amidst Loss, Grief and Burnout

  2. Jul 2

    S4 | E6 - Where you Lead, I Will Follow

    Natasha Perryman was a young girl full of fears, unsure of the world around her. Then a call from God sent her on a journey of adoption, global missions, and tests of faith she never could have imagined.   Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! Many of you may know that adoption is a big part of our [Walt and Annie’s] personal story. We have two daughters through adoption and I love getting to hear other peoples’ adoption stories. Our guest today, Natasha Perryman, shares her personal journey of growing her family through adoption, but even more than that, she is sharing her story of hearing God speak and following Him into a life she could have never imagined. This is Natasha Perryman in Season 4 | Episode 6, called: “Where You Lead, I Will Follow”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Natasha Perryman: After growing their family through the gift of adoption and serving as emergency foster parents, Adam and Natasha Perryman followed God’s lead from Oklahoma into cross-cultural missions. Over the last thirteen years, they have served in Uganda, Russia, and Germany, developing a deep appreciation for the people and diversity of each country. Natasha enjoys planning events, cooking for her family, and taking prayer walks in the Black Forest. Connect With Natasha via email: NatashaHPerryman@gmail.com We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Natasha’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E11: All In! (Erik Brown’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story) S3 | E7: Can I Trust You? (Judy Van Rooy’s Story) S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E11: All In! (Erik Brown’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E6 - Where you Lead, I Will Follow

  3. Jun 18

    S4 | E5 - The Punisher Behind the Pulpit: My Father’s Hidden Hand

    Eric Peacock was a preacher’s kid, raised under the shadow of a man who was one person in the pulpit and another behind closed doors. In public, his father was a model of faith but at home, he was abusive, justifying his violence in God’s name. Confused, hurt, and angry, Eric began to question everything he had been taught and set out on a journey to confront the God he thought he knew. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! Often we see God through the lens of our earthly father. Eric Peacock certainly did and it’s no wonder he was so confused about who God really was. Eric’s dad was a pastor, preaching behind the pulpit each week, convincing everyone that he was a godly man. But behind closed doors, it was a completely different story… In today’s story, we’ll follow Eric’s journey as he begins to learn, against all odds, who God is, and what God really thinks of him…  This is Eric Peacock in Season 4 | Episode 5, called: “The Punisher behind the Pulpit: My Father’s Hidden Hand”. Content Warning: This story deals with themes of domestic child abuse, gang violence and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Eric Peacock: Eric Peacock works in Information Technology and serves as an elder and Youth Director at his church. He is also a drummer on the worship team and is currently completing seminary, with graduation expected in October 2026. Eric has shared the gospel with inmates and youth in correctional and mental health facilities and is passionate about encouraging, inspiring, and helping bring gospel-centered transformation to the lives of the broken. We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Eric’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S3 | E9: Looking for Love (in all the wrong places) (Roberta Castillo’s Story) S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story) S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S3 | E9: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places (Roberta Castillo’s Story) S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story) S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E5 - The Punisher Behind the Pulpit: My Father’s Hidden Hand

  4. Jun 4

    S4 | E4 - I’m Not Who They Say I Am

    When a tragic accident leaves a man dead, respected community member Connie Calhoun suddenly finds herself possibly facing prison time for a crime she insists she didn’t commit. As public outrage grows, the question becomes unavoidable: is she really who they say she is? Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! In today’s story you will hear from Connie Calhoun. We got connected with Connie through her son, Devin, whose story you will hear in a few weeks. When we were meeting with Devin, he started telling us about his mom and all that she had experienced with the Lord, and we were blown away. We asked him if Connie would be willing to share her story and she courageously decided that she was ready to share it publicly for the first time ever! We are so encouraged and inspired by Connie’s faith and we know you will be, too. This is Connie Calhoun in Season 4 | Episode 4, called: “I’m Not Who They Say I Am”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Connie Calhoun: God is the head of Connie’s life. She is deeply devoted to her family - her husband of 31 years, their three sons, three grandchildren, and the three daughters-in-love who have joined the family through marriage. She desires to live her life faithfully, using her God-given gifts and abilities to serve and bless others. Connect With Connie Online:  Facebook | Connie Calhoun TikTok | TashaBlis We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Connie’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story) S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story) S3 | E1 (Part 1): Killing in the Name of God: Former Hezbollah Member Meets Jesus (Afshin Javid’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S3 | E5: Betrayed (Jean Louis Kassis’s Story) S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name (Billy Webb’s Story) S3 | E1 (Part 1): Killing in the Name of God: Former Hezbollah Member Meets Jesus (Afshin Javid’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E4 - I’m Not Who They Say I Am

  5. May 21

    S4 | E3 (Pt. 2) - Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life

    Caleb Bryant’s life was in chaos. Addicted to drugs and porn, he became interested in dark supernatural things and unwittingly put himself and his roommates in harm's way. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! Content Warning: This episode is not suitable for children. Today’s story deals with sexual addiction and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.  This is Caleb Bryant in Season 4 | Episode 3 (Part 2), called: “Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Caleb Bryant: Caleb Bryant is a native West Texan that has made his home in Austin. In his spare time, he enjoys international travel, woodworking and crafting, gaming, vinyl records and reading. He’s had a wide career in tax prep, finance, insurance and underwriting, but is now shifting to obtain a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. Addiction Resources in Austin, TX:  Austin Alcoholics Anonymous Austin Sex Addicts Anonymous Austin Area Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Caleb’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S2 | E3: Addicted to Meth in Middle School (Emma Smith’s Story) S2 | E12: The Road to Freedom (Matt Slavik’s Story) S1 | E6: Below the Surface (Tim Brown’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S2 | E3:  Addicted to Meth in Middle School (Emma Smith’s Story) S2 | E12: The Road to Freedom (Matt Slavik’s Story) S1 | E6: Below the Surface (Tim Brown’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E3 (Pt. 2) - Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life

  6. May 7

    S4 | E3 (Pt. 1) - Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life

    Caleb Bryant was a preacher’s kid desperate for his father’s approval. Behind the mask of perfection, he carried secrets too heavy to share. Consumed by insecurity and shame, he dove deeper into addiction to numb the pain. But when God began to call him out of hiding, Caleb’s carefully constructed world started to unravel. Content Warning: This episode is not suitable for children. Listener discretion is advised.  This story deals with some extremely heavy topics, including drugs, child abuse, suicide and sexual addiction. Caleb was incredibly open and vulnerable in sharing his story. And with a story about sexual addiction specifically, it’s hard always to know how many details we should include in the edit. In this story we’ve chosen to share a bit more detail than might feel comfortable.  We made this decision with a great deal of intention, and it is not shared to glorify the lifestyle that Caleb used to live. Because this is a story of redemption, we wanted to show how far Caleb has come from his lowest point. We know that others have walked similar roads to Caleb’s, and we believe that God will use Caleb’s vulnerability and honesty to help others see a way out of their own sexual addiction, and a path toward Jesus. With that said, let’s dive in. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This is Caleb Bryant in Season 4 | Episode 3 (Part 1), called: “Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Caleb Bryant: Caleb Bryant is a native West Texan that has made his home in Austin. In his spare time, he enjoys international travel, woodworking and crafting, gaming, vinyl records and reading. He’s had a wide career in tax prep, finance, insurance and underwriting, but is now shifting to obtain a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. Addiction Resources in Austin, TX:  Austin Alcoholics Anonymous Austin Sex Addicts Anonymous Austin Area Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Caleb’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S2 | E3: Addicted to Meth in Middle School (Emma Smith’s Story) S2 | E12: The Road to Freedom (Matt Slavik’s Story) S1 | E6: Below the Surface (Tim Brown’s Story) Apple Podcasts: S2 | E9: The Encounter (Tim Schulte’s Story) S2 | E1: To Hell and Back (Kyle Hubbart’s Story) S2 | E2: The Journey (Eddie Smith’s Story) S2 | E3:  Addicted to Meth in Middle School (Emma Smith’s Story) S2 | E12: The Road to Freedom (Matt Slavik’s Story) S1 | E6: Below the Surface (Tim Brown’s Story) Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E3 (Pt. 1) - Kinks in the Heart: Straightening Out a Twisted Life

  7. Apr 23

    S4 | E2 - When Faith is a Crime: The Maryam Rostampour-Keller Story

    Maryam Rostampour-Keller was a young woman in Iran searching for God. When she couldn’t find Him through Islam, she cried out in desperation—and He answered. That call would send her on a journey of faith and defiance that led straight into the heart of Iran’s most notorious prison. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them.  It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This is Maryam Rostampour-Keller in Season 4 | Episode 2, called: “When Faith is a Crime: The Maryam Rostampour-Keller Story”. Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Maryam Rostampour-Keller: Maryam was born into a Muslim family in Iran. After becoming a Christian in her teens, she studied theology in Turkey. Her story—along with that of her friend, Marziyeh Amirizadeh—of being imprisoned for their faith and sentenced to death in Iran is told in Captive in Iran: A Remarkable True Story of Hope and Triumph Amid the Horror of Tehran’s Brutal Evin Prison. Maryam holds both a B.S. and an M.S. in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and her passion is to share Jesus with as many people as possible. Books by Maryam:  Captive in Iran: A Remarkable True Story of Hope and Triumph amid the Horror of Tehran’s Brutal Evin Prison Connect with Maryam Online: Facebook @MaryamRostampour-Keller // Instagram @official.maryamrostampour We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Maryam’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story) S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story Apple Podcasts: S3 | E12: What’s the Point? (Reuben Shekwonyadu’s Story) S3 | E2: What’s in a Name (Elmira Javid’s Story) S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E2 - When Faith is a Crime: The Maryam Rostampour-Keller Story

  8. Apr 9

    S4 | E1 (Pt. 2) - Conversion of a Klansman: The Tom Tarrants Story

    Tom Tarrants was a committed white supremacist and member of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, Tom plans his escape. Welcome to The Story Partners Podcast - a show featuring stories of transformation told by the people who lived them. It is our hope that as you listen, you are fully immersed into the world of the storyteller.  This isn’t a back-forth interview format, instead it’s an uninterrupted and authentic storytelling experience.  This is a unique format for a podcast, but we really love it - and we hope you do too! This is Tom Tarrants in Season 4 | Episode 1 (Part 2)  called “Conversion of a Klansman: The Tom Tarrants Story”. Content Warning: This episode is intended for adult audiences and contains descriptions of racism, domestic terrorism, and violence. Listener discretion is advised Resources & Links: Transcript: Click Here to Read More about Tom: Tom Tarrants was once a committed white supremacist and member of Mississippi’s White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, described by the FBI as one of the most violent right-wing terrorist organizations in America. In 1969, he was shot and arrested while attempting to bomb the home of a Jewish leader and was sentenced to decades in prison. During years of confinement — including time in solitary at Parchman Farm — Tarrants began reading the Bible and encountered Jesus Christ, leading to a dramatic conversion and a complete break from his former life of hatred and violence. After serving eight years of his sentence, Tarrants was released and went on to earn a doctorate, co-pastor a racially diverse church in Washington, D.C., and later serve as president of the C. S. Lewis Institute. He has devoted his life to Christian discipleship and sharing the transforming power of the Gospel. Books by Tom Tarrants:   Conversion of a Klansman Consumed by Hate, Redeemed by Love We hope that this story encourages your faith and helps you see Jesus in a more personal way. Recommended Episodes: If you liked Tom’s story, listen to these next… Spotify: S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name: Billy Webb’s Story S3 | E5: Betrayed: Jean Louis Kassis’s Story S1 | E6: Below the Surface: Tim Brown’s Story Apple Podcasts: S3 | E1 (Pt. 1): Killing in the Name of God: Afshin Javid’s Story S1 | E1: 746746 Is Not My Name: Billy Webb’s Story S3 | E5: Betrayed: Jean Louis Kassis’s Story S1 | E6: Below the Surface: Tim Brown’s Story Connect with Story Partners: Watch our Films: YouTube @StoryPartnersFilms Website: www.StoryPartners.org  Instagram @Story_Partners | Facebook @StoryPartnersMinistry Give: Support this crowd-funded work at StoryPartners.org/GIVE Producers: Walt and Annie Manis Editor: Walt Manis podscan_XQjr0Vv1iIbxzYrKfnO8Lprtrdh3Fg64

    S4 | E1 (Pt. 2) - Conversion of a Klansman: The Tom Tarrants Story
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The Story Partners Podcast is an immersive storytelling experience that brings to life true stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by Jesus. These Christian testimonies are raw, moving, and powerful—told with authenticity and depth. With no interview questions, no interruptions, just beautifully crafted, uninterrupted storytelling, each story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the transformative power of Christ. Learn more at www.StoryPartners.org.

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