Courageous Conversations

Jason Ellis
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

Join Jason Ellis and his guests as they dive deep into the Word of God and offer practical applications to everyday problems, empowering parents and students to have courageous conversations regarding critical cultural issues. Courageous Conversations is a production of Briarcrest Christian School.

  1. May 6

    "Be Still, and Know that I am God." - Special Guest David Nugent

    “Be still, and know that I am God.” David Nugent - a Briarcrest dad, Super Bowl champion, and business owner, joined the Courageous Conversations podcast to share a story of identity, burnout, and learning how (and when) to be still in God’s spirit. David went from rooming with Tom Brady to collapsing in a weight room, finding God in the stillness of that defining, life-altering moment. A self-described "all-in" personality, David kept saying yes until his body forced him to stop. Hear his courageous story about being diagnosed with a potentially fatal condition, his recovery, and his rejuvenation and restoration in Christ. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube today! #ChristianPodcast

    30 min

  2. Apr 1

    From Corporate Burnout to Kingdom Purpose - Special Guest Chad Gilbert

    What does it look like to chase success, attain the things you desired, and still feel completely empty? How does God restore us in those moments? In this episode Jason Ellis sits down with Briarcrest's Director of Marketing, Chad Gilbert, who shares about his journey finding real peace and purpose after 20 years in Corporate America. Chad opens up about battling anxiety and depression at the height of his career, a turning point moment on an airplane, and what happened when he finally surrendered control to God. They also dig into practical wisdom for parents navigating youth sports, intentional family time, and how to raise kids whose identity is rooted first in Christ, not their academic or athletic performance. More from this episode: · Why success without purpose always leaves you empty · How to recognize when God is opening (or closing) a door · Using "windshield time" to disciple your kids · The power of gratitude in your darkest moments · Advice for young adults just starting out in the "real world" 🎧 Listen and Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube!

    34 min

  3. Feb 17

    "It's OK to not be OK. It's just not OK to stay that way." - Special Guest Gerardo Gonzales

    In this powerful episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Coach Gonzalez shares his journey from his upbringing growing up near the California-Mexico border to finding Christ at 15. After losing his mother at 17, he faced a choice: run from God or draw closer to Him. His message to students: "It's okay not to be okay. It's just not okay to stay that way." Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch the full episode on YouTube to hear how his surrender transformed tragedy into a testimony of God's faithfulness.

    30 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Seeds Planted in Seasons of Struggle - A Sit-Down with Dr. Edd Lawrence

    "Arise, go forth, and conquer." That's the daily exhortation Dr. Edd Lawrence offers his students when they leave his classroom. But what does it really look like to “go forth and conquer” in today’s world? Check out the latest episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast where Dr. Lawrence shares practical advice formed from decades of experience in parenting, teaching, and serving in the ministry. Here are a few of the insights Dr. Lawrence shared, as only he can! On Boundaries: Kids secretly want them—they provide safety and show love. They don’t know how much they need them…until they know how much they really need them. On Consistency: Parenting is all about intentionality. Training up a child in they way they should go means you're creating appetites for good things: faith, integrity, hard work. On the Gospel: At the end of the day, we're all sinners in need of a Savior - parents and kids alike. Good parenting begins with intentionality but is grounded in humility. From curfews to character, “seeds planted in seasons of struggle”, this conversation is full of truth, encouragement, and lived wisdom. If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone investing in the next generation, you don't want to miss this. Listen now on the Courageous Conversations Podcast!

    37 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    Finding the One Thing that Satisfies - Special Guest Trey Lawrence

    What is the one thing that truly satisfies? On the latest episode of Courageous Conversations, Jason is joined by special guest Trey Lawrence to discuss the freedom of surrendering to God’s grace and the truth that transformation comes not from what we do, but from what Christ has already done. 🎧 Tune in as we talk about finding faith, purpose, and what it means to glorify God in every season.

    38 min

  6. 10/16/2025

    Confessions from a Former College Athlete: Finding Identity in Christ Alone - Special Guest Sydney Ham

    If you could step back in time and talk to your 17-year-old self, what would you say? In this episode of Courageous Conversations, BCS Strength and Conditioning Coach Sydney Ham reflects on her journey as a D1 soccer player and how her identity shifted from performance to purpose. She opens up about the struggles of idolizing success, the highs and lows that came with tying her worth to her sport, and the freedom she found in seeing soccer as a way to glorify God rather than herself. Sydney’s message is one every athlete—and anyone chasing achievement—needs to hear: “Your sport is temporary. Your faith is eternal.”

    34 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Finding Gospel-Centered Balance During Stressful Times - Special Guest Lauren Cocke

    Why does God allow suffering? How do we balance grief and hope at the same time? In this episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Jason Ellis is joined by guest Lauren Cocke as they consider some of life’s hardest questions—why tragedy and struggles happen, why burdens feel so heavy, and how to discover the unique hope Christ offers during hard times. Even when prayers feel unanswered, we live with confidence that the victory is already won! ✝️✨

    33 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    Mission Ecuador: Finding True Contentment in the Jungle

    Join host Jason Ellis and a panel of Briarcrest students and faculty members as they share their experiences from a summer mission trip to Ecuador! Hear their stories about how they found true peace and contentment by serving - and being served - on a summer mission trip.

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Join Jason Ellis and his guests as they dive deep into the Word of God and offer practical applications to everyday problems, empowering parents and students to have courageous conversations regarding critical cultural issues. Courageous Conversations is a production of Briarcrest Christian School.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Ellis
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Briarcrest Christian School 2024
  • Show Website
    Courageous Conversations

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