Live Faith First Podcast

Live Faith First Podcast w/ Elliot Sands

There’s a way to live that focuses on what brings us together. Let's honestly look at the things that divide us so we can find practical solutions to bridging those divides. https://linktr.ee/livefaithfirst

  1. Why We’re Exhausted: Ken Wytsma on Sleep, Stress, and Human Flourishing

    May 27

    Why We’re Exhausted: Ken Wytsma on Sleep, Stress, and Human Flourishing

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Our culture wears exhaustion like a badge of honor. But what if our constant striving, stress, scrolling, and overwork are actually disconnecting us from the way God designed us to live? In this thoughtful and deeply practical episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with author, speaker, and justice advocate Ken Wytsma to discuss his book, The Sleep You’re Longing For. This isn’t just a conversation about getting better rest. It’s a conversation about being human. Ken explores the “elemental” nature of sleep — why it’s as fundamental as air, water, and food — and how our modern culture has drifted far from healthy rhythms of work, rest, peace, and trust in God. Together they discuss: Why sleep is essential for emotional and spiritual health The hidden effects of stress and overstimulation Anxiety, social media, and the “Anxious Generation” Trauma, nervous systems, and what happens while we sleep Why “trying harder” often makes sleep worse Practical ways to improve sleep with grace instead of pressure If you’ve struggled with insomnia, stress, burnout, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, this conversation offers both wisdom and hope. Ken Wytsma is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and justice advocate passionate about helping people live integrated, thoughtful, and spiritually grounded lives. Born in Maine to a Dutch immigrant father who grew up in Nazi-occupied Holland, Ken spent portions of his childhood in both the United States and the Netherlands, developing a lifelong love of history, culture, and theology. Ken is the author of several books including: The Sleep You're Longing For Pursuing Justice The Myth of Equality Create vs. Copy He is the founder of the justice conference movement and has spent years working at the intersection of faith, culture, leadership, and human flourishing. Ken lives in Oregon with his wife and family. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Ken Wytsma Website: ⁠Ken Wystma⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kjwytsma/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kenwytsma/⁠ Connect with Live Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst  YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 7m
  2. Variety Is Great… Until People Disagree With You

    May 13

    Variety Is Great… Until People Disagree With You

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact We say “variety is the spice of life”… until someone disagrees with us. In this thoughtful and deeply practical episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with author, speaker, and leadership coach Dr. James Borishade to talk about why human differences frustrate us so much—and how we can learn to navigate those differences in healthier ways. From marriage and ministry to leadership and workplace dynamics, James explores how our backgrounds, personalities, wounds, and wiring shape the way we communicate and respond to conflict. Drawing from his own painful divorce experience and years of studying relationships, James shares why our “misery” often becomes the birthplace of our ministry, how humility changes communication, and why curiosity is one of the most important tools for building bridges in a divided world. This conversation covers: Why differences are intentional—not accidental Marriage, communication, and “early warning systems” Leadership, humility, and empowering others How childhood experiences shape adult behavior Building bridges through curiosity and better questions The importance of understanding before judging If you’ve ever struggled with difficult conversations, frustrating people, or relationships that feel strained by differences, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in faith, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Dr. James Borishade is an author, leadership strategist, speaker, and organizational consultant passionate about helping people connect across differences in healthier and more productive ways.Raised on the South Side of Chicago, James studied sociology, Christian counseling, and organizational leadership, eventually earning a doctorate focused on Christian leadership and human behavior. After walking through a painful divorce, James began deeply studying relationships, communication styles, leadership dynamics, personality differences, and the ways personal history shapes human interaction. That journey ultimately led to his book, "Connecting Across Differences", which equips individuals, couples, churches, and organizations to better understand themselves and others. James currently serves as CEO of Circle Urban Ministries, where he focuses on leadership development, community transformation, and helping people operate in their God-given purpose. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with James Borishade Website: ⁠James Borishade⁠ Website: ⁠Circle Urban Ministries⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjamesborishade/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/jborishade Connect with Live Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst  YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 6m
  3. What If God Wired You for More? Finding Your True Calling

    Apr 29

    What If God Wired You for More? Finding Your True Calling

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact Have you ever wondered what God actually wants you to do with your life? Many of us wish we could see the full roadmap ahead—career, relationships, calling, and purpose all clearly mapped out. But life rarely works that way. Instead, we move forward step-by-step, learning to trust God in the uncertainty. In this episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Eric Bryant, pastor, leader, and author of Fruitful: Becoming Who God Created You to Be. Eric shares insights from his own journey of discerning God’s direction through unexpected twists—including a season where pursuing a doctoral degree ended with back surgery and a life-altering shift in perspective. Together they explore how we discover our calling, how God develops us through adversity, and what it means to live a truly fruitful life. Eric introduces a practical framework for discerning how God has uniquely wired each of us—so we can align our passions, gifts, and opportunities with His purposes. If you’ve ever asked the question “What does God want me to do with my life?”, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps for moving forward in faith. In This Episode Why God rarely gives us the full blueprint for our lives Eric’s surprising story of a doctoral program that ended in surgery The difference between success and spiritual fruitfulness How to discern God’s direction in uncertain seasons Discovering the intersection of your gifts, passions, and opportunities Why adversity often clarifies our calling The practical pathway toward becoming who God created you to be Eric Bryant is a pastor, author, and leadership coach passionate about helping people discover and live out their God-given purpose. He currently serves at Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, and previously helped lead ministries at Mosaic in Los Angeles, one of the most influential missional churches in the U.S. Eric is the author of several books including Fruitful: Becoming Who God Created You to Be, where he explores how people can discover their unique calling by aligning their spiritual gifts, passions, and life experiences with God’s purposes. Through his teaching, writing, and leadership coaching, Eric equips individuals and churches to pursue lives marked not just by activity or achievement—but by genuine spiritual fruitfulness. Eric and his family live in Austin, Texas. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Eric Bryant Website: Eric Bryant Gateway Church Austin: Gateway Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbryant Twitter/X: ericbryant (@ericbryant) / Posts / X Connect with Live Faith First Website: ⁠LiveFaithFirst.com ⁠Instagram:⁠ @LiveFaithFirst⁠ TikTok:⁠ @livefaithfirst⁠ Facebook:⁠ facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 4m
  4. Addicted, Homeless, Arrested… Redeemed

    Apr 15

    Addicted, Homeless, Arrested… Redeemed

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter- https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact What does it look like to fall all the way down—and come all the way back? In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot sits down with Ken Miller, author of Becoming Ken, to explore a 21-year journey through addiction, incarceration, homelessness, violence, and despair—and the radical grace of God that changed everything. Ken doesn’t hold back. From sleeping in broom closets and surviving street-level addiction, to finding faith in a jail cell and rebuilding his life into one of purpose, generosity, and impact—this is a story of transformation that will stay with you. We talk about: Addiction and the “death of a thousand cuts” The pivotal jail-cell moment that changed Ken’s life The power of humility and surrender A mother’s unconditional love What it means to be truly “well” Living in gratitude in spite of Ken is now a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and speaker who helps others find freedom and purpose beyond their past. His life is proof that no story is too broken for redemption. Ken Miller is the author of Becoming Ken and a speaker, mentor, and entrepreneur based in Washington State. Born to a teenage runaway mother and adopted at age six, Ken’s early life was marked by instability, violence, and fear. Though accepted to an Ivy League university, addiction overtook his life, leading to 21 years of homelessness, incarceration, and repeated treatment attempts. In 2004, after a final arrest and what he describes as a life-altering encounter with God in jail, Ken began the journey that would transform his life. Today, he has over two decades of sobriety and leads multiple successful businesses. He mentors men in recovery across the country and speaks openly about humility, faith, and resilience. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Ken Miller Website: https://kenmillerspeaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekenmillerspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekenmillerspeaks/ Connect with Live Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst  YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 19m
  5. History Rhymes: Faith, Ideology, and the Cost of Courage

    Apr 1

    History Rhymes: Faith, Ideology, and the Cost of Courage

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter- https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact World War II may feel distant, but the moral questions it raised feel remarkably current. In this powerful conversation, Elliot sits down with author and theologian Mark Buchanan to discuss his new historical novel What Is Left of the Night, set in Nazi-occupied France. The story centers on Pastor André Trocmé and the village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, where ordinary Christians risked their lives to rescue thousands of Jews. But this episode goes far beyond history. Mark explores: The difference between allegiance and loyalty How ideology deforms the soul Why the gospel makes us better than our upbringing What courageous nonviolence looks like in real life How the Church can become a place of refuge again If you’ve ever wrestled with political tension, cultural division, or how Christians should respond to power and injustice, this conversation is for you. Mark Buchanan is an award-winning author, theologian, and professor of pastoral theology. He served as a pastor for 24 years and has spent the past 13 years teaching at a seminary. He is the author of thirteen books spanning theology, spiritual formation, historical fiction, and poetry.His latest novel, What Is Left of the Night, tells the true story of Pastor André Trocmé and the French village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, which sheltered thousands of Jews during World War II. Mark and his wife also co-founded New Story Community, a residential healing ministry for Indigenous women seeking recovery and restoration. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Mark Buchanan Website: https://www.markbuchanan.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkAldhamBuchanan/ Connect with Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst  YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 3m
  6. Bombs Over Iran: Fear, Faith, and Hope at 35,000 Feet

    Mar 18

    Bombs Over Iran: Fear, Faith, and Hope at 35,000 Feet

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact What happens when global conflict suddenly becomes personal? In this gripping episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Finny Abraham, Local Compassion Pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley, to talk about a surreal moment: being on a commercial flight over Iranian airspace when bombs began dropping below. What started as a routine flight quickly turned into a moment of reflection about fear, faith, and the fragile nature of our world. Finny shares the emotional tension of that experience and what it revealed about trust in God when circumstances feel completely out of control. The conversation moves beyond the dramatic moment into a deeper discussion about compassion, faith in uncertain times, and how followers of Jesus can respond to global instability with courage and hope. Finny also reflects on his work serving vulnerable communities in Silicon Valley and why compassion and action must remain central to the Christian life. This episode is a powerful reminder that faith isn't just theoretical — it's forged in the moments when we realize we’re not in control. What You'll Hear in This Episode The moment Finny realized something serious was happening beneath his flight What goes through your mind when geopolitical conflict suddenly becomes real How faith anchors us when circumstances feel unstable Why compassion is a necessary response to a broken world Lessons from serving vulnerable communities in Silicon Valley Finding peace when the world feels uncertain Finny Abraham is the Local Compassion Pastor at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and the Executive Director of Coalition Alleviating Poverty – Silicon Valley (CAP-SV), a faith-based initiative mobilizing churches and organizations to serve vulnerable communities. He has spent years building partnerships between churches, nonprofits, and local governments to address poverty and community needs in the Bay Area. Through large-scale service initiatives and collaborative outreach efforts, Finny works to mobilize the church to serve both locally and globally. Finny holds a Master of Social Work from St. Joseph’s College in Bangalore, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University. He and his wife Susan live in Silicon Valley and are passionate about helping the church live out the compassion of Jesus in practical ways. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Finny Abraham Westgate Church: ⁠https://www.westgatechurch.org⁠ Coalition Alleviating Poverty – Silicon Valley: ⁠https://capsv.org⁠ Connect with Live Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 6m
  7. Not Woke. Not Colorblind. Just Gospel.

    Mar 4

    Not Woke. Not Colorblind. Just Gospel.

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact What if one of the strongest apologetics for the gospel is sitting right in front of us — and we’re missing it? In this powerful conversation, Elliot sits down with pastor and author Bryan Loritts to talk about his vision for the “Offensive Church” — a church that plays offense in ethnic unity rather than lagging behind culture. Bryan makes a compelling case that ethnic unity is not a political issue — it’s a gospel issue. From John 17 to Ephesians 2, from Acts 6 to Revelation 7, this episode explores: Why unity matters more than diversity The difference between race and ethnicity Why “colorblindness” isn’t biblical How leadership must own the vision What it looks like to cross divides in real life How discipleship includes both formation and deformation If you care about church unity, leadership, or gospel witness in a divided culture, this episode is for you. Bryan Loritts is the Teaching Pastor at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. A respected pastor, author, and speaker, Bryan is widely known for his work on gospel-centered ethnic unity and leadership. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Atlanta during the era of reverse migration, Bryan has spent decades helping churches think biblically about reconciliation, diversity, and discipleship. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Bryan Loritts Website: https://bryanloritts.com/ Website: https://summitchurch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loritts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.loritts.2025 Connect with Live Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst  YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    54 min
  8. The And Way: Wholeness, Tension & Growth with Kelsey Blahnik

    Feb 18

    The And Way: Wholeness, Tension & Growth with Kelsey Blahnik

    Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact What if we stopped seeing life as either/or—and started living in the “and”? In this conversation with therapist and author Kelsey Blahnik, we explore how to hold complexity, live with grace, and cultivate what Kelsey calls a “clay mindset.” From political tensions and family dynamics to parenting guilt and personal growth, this episode offers real tools to navigate a divided world. We talk peacemaking vs. peacekeeping, conflict at the dinner table, assertive communication, sleep, nutrition, exposure therapy, and the power of compassionate imagination. Whether you’re walking through grief and joy at the same time, navigating tricky relationships, or just trying to be a better parent, partner, or friend—this episode will help you live the “and” way with grace and hope. Kelsey Blahnik is a therapist, author, and speaker based in Austin, Texas. With a Master’s in Social Work and over a decade of experience, she works at the intersection of mental health, relationships, and social impact. Kelsey is the founder of The And Way Therapy, where she provides virtual therapy with a focus on anxiety, trauma, and relational healing. She’s also the author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World, a practical and deeply personal guide to navigating complexity, conflict, and connection in today’s polarized culture. Her signature “clay mindset” helps individuals embrace growth, hold tension, and practice compassion with themselves and others. Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation.  As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table. Connect with Kelsey Blahnik Website: https://theandwaypress.com/ Website: https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theandway/ Connect with Live Faith First Website: LiveFaithFirst.com Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst TikTok: @livefaithfirst Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst  YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

There’s a way to live that focuses on what brings us together. Let's honestly look at the things that divide us so we can find practical solutions to bridging those divides. https://linktr.ee/livefaithfirst

Information

  • Creator
    Live Faith First Podcast w/ Elliot Sands
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Live Faith First Podcast w/ Elliot Sands
  • Show Website
    Live Faith First Podcast