Pillars of Purpose

Matthew Efird
  • 5.0 (29)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Pillars of Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the foundational elements that shape a fulfilling and impactful life. Hosted by Matthew Efird, this show dives deep into the core aspects of what it means to live with purpose—whether through nurturing a strong faith, cultivating a close-knit family, or driving innovation in business. Each episode is an insightful conversation with leaders, thinkers, and everyday people who embody these principles in their lives. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in faith, family, and business. Follow along for inspiration and hope!

  1. 2d ago

    #148 Chris Grainger - How One Tragedy Built a Thriving Christian Men's Ministry

    What happens when one of life's greatest tragedies becomes the foundation for a ministry that changes thousands of lives? In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Matthew Efird sits down with Chris Grainger, founder of The Lion Within Us, to discuss how the heartbreaking loss of his daughter led him to create a ministry dedicated to helping men become stronger husbands, fathers, and leaders through God's Word. Chris shares the remarkable journey of starting with a simple podcast in 2020 and growing into a global men's community through the Bible App, virtual mastermind groups, and an upcoming partnership with RightNow Media. He also reveals the surprisingly simple strategy that helped grow his ministry's email community from just 1,000 to more than 17,000 subscribers by focusing on serving people first. Whether you're a husband, father, business owner, church leader, or simply looking to grow spiritually, this conversation offers practical wisdom on biblical leadership, authentic accountability, and building meaningful Christian community. In this episode, you'll learn: • How personal tragedy became a ministry with global impact • Why Christian men need genuine brotherhood and accountability • The leadership lessons Chris learned through life's hardest seasons • The simple content strategy that fueled explosive ministry growth • How to apply Scripture to everyday life—not just Sunday mornings • Why "serving first" creates lasting influence Connect with Chris Grainger: Website: thelionwithin.us Bible App: Search "The Lion Within Us" Email: [support@thelionwithin.us](mailto:support@thelionwithin.us) If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #148 Chris Grainger - How One Tragedy Built a Thriving Christian Men's Ministry

  2. Jul 14

    #147 Jeff Bodenmuller - Building a Legacy Through Faith, Family, and Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Pillars of Purpose, host Matthew Efird sits down with entrepreneur Jeff Bodenmuller of Bodenmuller Properties to talk about marriage, faith-driven business, and intentional living. Jeff shares his 20-year journey alongside his wife Lexie, from live-in flips and real estate investing to short-term rentals and a seller-financed self-storage portfolio across multiple states. Jeff opens up about leaving his career as a California Highway Patrol trooper, navigating post-traumatic stress and a season of rebuilding, and how he and Lexie turned hardship into a thriving family of businesses. He also unpacks the Campfire Mastermind, their couples community built around four core life pillars: faith, family, finance, and fitness. The conversation centers on the Anchored Family Cruise (November 13 to 16, departing the Port of Miami on MSC Cruise Lines), a Christian family entrepreneurship event featuring world-class speakers including Scott Donnell (Gravystack, Fig and Eagle), David Green, and Matthew Efird. Attendees can expect biblical marriage and manhood classes, kids' entrepreneurship workshops, self-defense training, worship with Hilltop, baptism on a private beach, and powerful teaching on family legacy and purpose. Proceeds support charities including the Tim Tebow Foundation, Compassion International, Souls by Grace, and clean water wells in India. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a married couple, or a parent seeking community with like-minded believers, this episode will encourage you to be intentional, set meaningful goals, and invest in what matters most. Use code Pillars Podcast for 20% off at anchoredfamilycruise.com. Topics covered: Christian entrepreneurship, faith and business, real estate investing, live-in flips, self-storage, marriage and goal setting, family legacy, couples community, the Anchored Family Cruise Connect with Jeff: Jeff and Lexie on Instagram | thecampfiremastermind.com You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #147 Jeff Bodenmuller - Building a Legacy Through Faith, Family, and Entrepreneurship

  3. Jul 7

    #146 Sid Graef - How to Build a Business That Runs Without You

    Can your business grow without you doing everything? For years, Sid Graef believed he owned a business. In reality, he had built himself a job. In this episode of Pillars of Purpose, host Matthew Efird sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and business builder Sid Graef to explore what it really takes to build a business that runs without depending on the owner every single day. Sid shares his remarkable journey—from starting a window cleaning business with just $5 and knocking on doors to feed his family, to building multiple successful businesses through systems, leadership, and intentional delegation. Along the way, he reveals the mindset shifts that helped him stop being the operator and become the owner. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔️ The difference between owning a business and owning a job ✔️ Why hustle alone won't help you scale ✔️ Sid's 3-step delegation framework: Tasks → Projects → Outcomes ✔️ How systems create freedom, profit, and long-term growth ✔️ Why the right mentors and business community can accelerate your success ✔️ How to build leaders instead of employees ✔️ The lessons Sid learned while growing multiple businesses and co-owning The HUGE Convention Whether you're launching your first business, leading a growing company, or trying to step out of the day-to-day operations, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom to help you build a business that lasts. About Sid Graef: Sid Graef is an entrepreneur, business owner, speaker, and partner of The HUGE Convention, one of the leading conferences for home service business owners. He also helps entrepreneurs scale from $1M to $5M through leadership, systems, and mastermind coaching. Connect with Sid Graef: 🌐 The HUGE Convention: https://thehugeconvention.com 📘 Facebook: Sid Graef If you enjoyed this conversation, Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with another entrepreneur who wants to build a business with purpose. - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #146 Sid Graef - How to Build a Business That Runs Without You

  4. Jun 30

    #145 William Stowe - How One $17 Donation Can Feed 65 Meals

    What happens when heartbreak leads you away from God… and surrender brings you back? In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Matthew Eford sits down with Will Stowe—author, husband, father, and founder of The Chicken Box—to discuss his powerful journey of faith, purpose, and serving others. After losing his grandmother, who had been like a mother to him, Will slowly drifted away from his faith and began questioning everything he had been taught. Years later, a moment of complete surrender to God changed the course of his life. That encounter not only restored his faith but also transformed how he leads as a husband, fathers his children, and serves his community. Will also shares the inspiring story behind The Chicken Box, a nonprofit organization helping alleviate hunger across North Georgia. Through a simple model, supporters can donate just $17 per month to provide a 10-pound box of high-quality chicken—enough for up to 65 meals for a family in need. Through partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community leaders, The Chicken Box has already served hundreds of families and continues to grow its impact. In this conversation, you'll discover: • How grief and disappointment can shape your faith journey • Why surrender and accountability are essential to spiritual growth • The importance of servant leadership in marriage and fatherhood • How ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact through generosity • Why feeding people can be one of the most practical expressions of God's love Whether you're navigating a difficult season, looking for ways to live your faith more intentionally, or simply searching for hope and purpose, this episode will remind you that God can redeem pain and use it to bless others. Connect with Will: 🌐 The Chicken Box: chickenbox.org 🌐 Book & Resources: journeyofasoul.net 📱 Instagram: @GivingIsContagious If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this reminder: sometimes the greatest acts of faith begin with simply serving others. You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #145 William Stowe - How One $17 Donation Can Feed 65 Meals

  5. Jun 23

    #144 Jill Sullivan - Her Daughter Died at 17. What God Did Next Changed Thousands of Lives

    What happens when every parent's worst fear becomes reality? In this powerful conversation, Matthew Efird sits down with Jill Sullivan to share the story of her daughter Hannah, who was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor at just 16 years old. After a year-long battle with glioblastoma, Hannah passed away in 2009—but her story didn't end there. Out of unimaginable grief, Jill and her husband Brad discovered a calling that would impact thousands of families. Together with other bereaved parents, they founded While We're Waiting, a faith-based ministry that now serves grieving parents across the United States and Canada. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Jill's family navigated Hannah's cancer journey • The role faith played during their darkest season • Why surviving siblings often need the most support • How bereaved parents can find community and hope • The incredible story behind the While We're Waiting ministry • What it means to live well while waiting to see loved ones again Whether you've experienced loss personally, know someone who has, or simply want to learn how to better support grieving families, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope. Connect with While We're Waiting: https://whilewerewaiting.org If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #144 Jill Sullivan - Her Daughter Died at 17. What God Did Next Changed Thousands of Lives

  6. Jun 16

    #143 Kerry Mallory - The Biblical Stewardship Framework Every Christian Business Owner Needs

    What does biblical stewardship actually look like in everyday life? In this episode of the Pillars of Purpose Podcast, Matthew Evert sits down with Kerry Mallory of Blue Trust to discuss faith, finances, leadership, and the responsibility of managing God's resources well. Many Christians think stewardship is simply about giving, but Kerry explains why true stewardship goes much deeper. From managing money and building wealth to leading teams and growing businesses, stewardship impacts every area of life. Kerry shares practical wisdom on creating a spending plan, hiring the right people, avoiding common business-owner mistakes, and learning how to trust God with the outcomes while remaining faithful in the work. In this conversation, you'll learn: • What biblical stewardship really means • Why God owns everything and we're simply managers • The spending plan that creates freedom • The secret to building wealth over time • How to hire for chemistry, character, and competency • Common mistakes business owners make with money • How to avoid the urgent vs. important trap • Why successful businesses reinvent themselves through growth • The importance of trusting God with the increase Whether you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or someone simply wanting to honor God with your finances, this episode offers practical and faith-centered wisdom you can apply immediately. Connect with Kerry Mallory and Blue Trust: https://bluetrust.com Subscribe for more conversations about faith, business, leadership, and living a life of purpose. You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #143 Kerry Mallory - The Biblical Stewardship Framework Every Christian Business Owner Needs

  7. Jun 9

    #142 Douglas Androsky - Most Fathers Are Parenting on “Default”

    Most fathers don't realize they're parenting on default. They love their kids. They work hard. They want to do better than the generation before them. But without a framework, many men simply repeat what they experienced growing up—whether it was good, bad, or somewhere in between. In this episode, Matthew Efird sits down with military intelligence veteran, speaker, and author Doug Androsky to discuss his new book series, *Built to Father*, and the powerful Shepherd Framework that is helping men become more intentional fathers, husbands, and leaders. Doug shares how years of studying patterns, leadership, military intelligence, and real-life fatherhood led him to a simple but profound realization: fatherhood was never meant to be lived on autopilot. Together, Matthew and Doug discuss: • Why so many fathers feel unprepared for the role • The difference between being a provider and being truly present • How biblical leadership begins inside the home • The hidden impact of fatherlessness on families and communities • Why healing your past matters for your future as a dad • How community can help men grow into the fathers they want to become • The biblical foundation behind the Shepherd Framework Matthew also shares personal reflections from his own journey through grief after losing his son Noah, creating a meaningful conversation about loss, healing, grace, and the responsibility fathers carry every day. Whether you're a new dad, a seasoned father, a fatherless father, or a man determined to break unhealthy generational patterns, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead your family with greater purpose, intentionality, and faith. CONNECT WITH DOUGLAS ANDROSKY 🌐 Website: dnalegacy.org 📸 Instagram: @Built2Father 🎙 Podcast: Built to Father (formerly Father Blueprints) on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📘 Book: Built to Father (Available on Amazon) - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #142 Douglas Androsky - Most Fathers Are Parenting on “Default”

  8. Jun 2

    #141 Lisa Woodruff - The Hidden Mental Load Women Carry

    What happens when a stay-at-home mom with no clear business plan starts a simple blog… and turns it into a thriving company that helps thousands of women find peace and clarity in their homes? In this powerful conversation, Organize 365 founder Lisa Woodruff shares her incredible journey from overwhelmed mom to entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and PhD graduate. Along the way, she opens up about the hidden mental load women carry, why so many women feel exhausted in their 30s and 40s, and how mindset shifts can completely transform the way we live, lead, and care for ourselves. Lisa explains why organization is about so much more than cleaning your house — it’s about reducing mental clutter, creating systems that support your family, and learning how to give yourself grace instead of chasing perfection. This episode is filled with practical wisdom for moms, entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the weight of daily life. Inside this conversation, we cover: -Lisa’s journey from stay-at-home mom to successful entrepreneur -How she built Organize 365 from a simple blog -The hidden “CEO work” women carry inside the home -Why self-care is more than massages and spa days -The emotional difference between perfection and excellence -ADHD, overwhelm, and learning to work with your strengths -Why businesses and families need systems to thrive -The importance of adapting and evolving in business -Her decision to pursue a PhD later in life -Insights from her new book Escaping Quicksand Lisa also shares one of the most freeing mindset shifts of the entire episode: learning to stop chasing perfection and instead become a person of excellence rooted in grace.z If you’ve been feeling mentally drained, stretched too thin, or like you’re constantly pouring into everyone else without taking care of yourself, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that you’re not alone. 📚 Lisa’s new book: Escaping Quicksand 🌐 Website: Organize 365 📱 Instagram: @organize365 - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #141 Lisa Woodruff - The Hidden Mental Load Women Carry
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About

Pillars of Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the foundational elements that shape a fulfilling and impactful life. Hosted by Matthew Efird, this show dives deep into the core aspects of what it means to live with purpose—whether through nurturing a strong faith, cultivating a close-knit family, or driving innovation in business. Each episode is an insightful conversation with leaders, thinkers, and everyday people who embody these principles in their lives. We explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in faith, family, and business. Follow along for inspiration and hope!

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Efird
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Efird
  • Show Website
    Pillars of Purpose

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