Stories Worth Hearing

John Quick

Stories Worth Hearing, hosted by John Quick, is the evolution of the award-winning podcast United States of Small Business. In Season One, John spoke with business owners from across the country, highlighting the grit, innovation, and determination that define American entrepreneurship. Now in Season Two, Stories Worth Hearing broadens its scope—featuring conversations with people from all walks of life who have powerful stories to share. Whether it’s about building a business, overcoming adversity, leading with purpose, or leaving a legacy, each episode delivers authentic, meaningful.

  1. From Evangelical Pastor to Hell Bent Author, Brian Recker on Leaving Fear Based Faith for the Way of Love

    21H AGO

    From Evangelical Pastor to Hell Bent Author, Brian Recker on Leaving Fear Based Faith for the Way of Love

    Brian Recker shares his personal journey of faith, theology, and transformation. Raised as a pastor’s kid, Brian grew up immersed in evangelical Christianity, attended Bob Jones University, and later became an evangelical pastor himself. In this conversation with host John Quick, Brian reflects on the theological questions that began to trouble him over time and ultimately led him to step away from institutional church life. He talks about what it was like to wrestle publicly with long held beliefs, the pressure of certainty in faith communities, and how his understanding of God and Jesus has evolved through that process. The discussion centers on Brian’s book Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Brian explains why he now believes fear of hell has distorted Christianity’s message and why he sees Jesus as pointing people toward love, compassion, and human flourishing rather than fear and punishment. Brian shares how these convictions shape the way he approaches faith, spirituality, and life today. This episode offers insight into Brian’s evolving theology and will resonate with anyone curious about faith, deconstruction, or a more love centered understanding of Jesus. Brian Recker’s bookhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771172/hell-bent-by-brian-recker/ Brian Recker’s websitehttps://www.brianrecker.com/ Brian Recker on social mediaSubstack: https://brianrecker.substack.com

    38 min
  2. President Surangel Whipps Jr.: Leading Palau with Innovation, Culture, and Global Vision

    5D AGO

    President Surangel Whipps Jr.: Leading Palau with Innovation, Culture, and Global Vision

    In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick welcomes Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, for a wide ranging conversation about leadership, innovation, and national identity. President Whipps reflects on what makes Palau a truly unique country, from its deep cultural roots and natural beauty to its close knit communities and global outlook. The conversation explores how President Whipps’ background in business has shaped his approach to governing, with a focus on creating opportunity, strengthening the economy, and thinking creatively about Palau’s future. He shares the vision behind Palau’s Digital Residency Program and how digital innovation can connect the country to entrepreneurs and ideas around the world, while still honoring Palau’s values of trust, responsibility, and stewardship. They also discuss Palau’s recent economic momentum, the importance of sustainable growth, and the responsibility that comes with protecting one of the world’s most remarkable marine environments. President Whipps speaks about Palau’s role on the global stage, including why it is important for small island nations to have a strong voice in international conversations, especially around climate and long-term resilience. This is a hopeful, thoughtful episode about leadership with purpose and how a small nation can lead by example in a rapidly changing world. Learn more about Palau and explore the country discussed in this episode: • Official Government of Palauhttps://www.palaugov.pw/ • Tourism in Palauhttps://pristineparadisepalau.com/

    24 min
  3. Dr. Mary Talley Bowden on Medicine, Patient Choice, and Speaking Up

    12/15/2025

    Dr. Mary Talley Bowden on Medicine, Patient Choice, and Speaking Up

    In this episode of Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with Dr. Mary Talley Bowden for an open and personal conversation about her journey into medicine and the experiences that shaped her views as a physician. Dr. Bowden reflects on when she first decided to pursue a medical career and how years of working directly with patients influenced her approach to care. The conversation explores what she witnessed during the COVID years that raised serious concerns for her as a doctor, and how those experiences led her to speak more openly about patient choice, informed consent, and trust in the healthcare system. Dr. Bowden also discusses why she founded Americans for Health Freedom, what the organization stands for, and why empowering patients to ask questions and take an active role in their health matters now more than ever. She also shares why she decided to write her book, Dangerous Misinformation: The Virus, the Treatments, and the Lies, and what she hopes readers take away from it. The episode includes reflections on her recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience and what it was like stepping onto one of the largest media platforms in the world. This is a thoughtful, human focused conversation about medicine, responsibility, and the real stories behind the headlines. Learn more and explore Dr. Bowden’s work: Americans for Health Freedom: https://www.americansforhealthfreedom.org/ BreatheMD: https://breathemd.org/ Dangerous Misinformation: The Virus, the Treatments, and the Lies: https://amzn.to/48GbiTQ

    18 min
4.9
out of 5
109 Ratings

About

Stories Worth Hearing, hosted by John Quick, is the evolution of the award-winning podcast United States of Small Business. In Season One, John spoke with business owners from across the country, highlighting the grit, innovation, and determination that define American entrepreneurship. Now in Season Two, Stories Worth Hearing broadens its scope—featuring conversations with people from all walks of life who have powerful stories to share. Whether it’s about building a business, overcoming adversity, leading with purpose, or leaving a legacy, each episode delivers authentic, meaningful.