Against the Grain

121CC
  • 5.0 (17)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We all live for something. At 121, we believe that living for Jesus offers the most meaningful and fulfilling life. In our culture, this is living against the grain. It is easy to be conformed to our culture, but what does it look like to live differently, to live for Jesus, to live counter-culturally? Be encouraged and challenged, as we hear conversations with people in various seasons and circumstances, sharing their journeys of following Jesus daily and how that shapes their everyday experiences.

  1. 3H AGO

    28. Developing Spiritual Hunger (with Tyler Moffett)

    What if the spiritual hunger you feel is actually God's invitation to something greater? In this episode, Eric and Tyler unpack how broken young people struggling with isolation and hidden sins are finding real transformation through a "wide call, high call" approach: everyone is welcome, nothing is held back. Drawing from Luke 14's banquet parable, Tyler introduces his three A's framework for discipleship that fits naturally into the life you're already living. Ask their story. Articulate your own. Address topics biblically. No new program required. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or a mentor, this conversation will challenge and equip you to disciple the people already around you. Don't miss this practical roadmap to spiritual transformation. Keywords: discipleship, spiritual growth, mentorship, men's ministry, sexual addiction recovery, isolation, Luke 14, faith-based leadership, parenting with purpose, biblical counseling, spiritual transformation, Christian podcast, how to disciple, young men and faith, practical Christianity

    43 min

  2. MAY 16

    57. You Weren't Meant to Grow Alone (with Brandon Smeltzer & Becky Stamps)

    Exhort, Challenge, Grow: How Intentional Relationships Fuel Lasting Personal Growth Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Whether you're pursuing personal development, spiritual growth, or professional transformation, the relationships around you matter more than you might think. In this episode, Eric, Becky, and Brandon unpack what it really means to exhort one another, to speak truth, offer encouragement, and issue a genuine charge toward growth. This isn't surface-level accountability. It's the kind of deep, intentional relationship that actually moves the needle. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why personal growth requires community, not just commitmentWhat it means to "exhort and charge" someone in truth, and how to do it wellHow to build intentional relationships that create space for honest, growth-focused conversationsThe difference between sustainable growth and short-term changeBecky and Brian bring a wealth of experience as leadership coaches, working daily with individuals and teams to cultivate lasting, transformational growth. Their coaching philosophy centers on walking alongside people, not pushing from behind or pulling from ahead, but partnering in the process. If you've been trying to grow on your own and feeling stuck, this episode is for you. Show notes: Learn more about Undefeated Growth: https://undefeatedgrowth.com/ Keywords: personal growth podcast, leadership coaching, intentional relationships, Christian accountability, spiritual growth, transformational coaching, life coaching, exhort one another, sustainable growth, truth in relationships, personal development, growth mindset, coaching podcast, faith and leadership

    55 min

  3. MAY 10

    56. Motherhood Is More Than Mother's Day (with Laura Konopnicki, Haley Kueckelhan, & Holly Cunningham)

    Mother's Day gets one day, but motherhood is every day. The flowers fade and the brunch ends, but the calling of a mother never takes a day off. In this episode, Laura, Haley, and Holly pull back the curtain on the real, beautiful, and sometimes messy journey of motherhood — and how a living faith can anchor you through all of it. Whether you're in the thick of toddler tantrums, navigating the teenage years, or somewhere in between, this conversation is your reminder that you are not alone. Together, they explore how faith shapes the way we parent, how to lead our families with intention and grace, and how to find genuine joy even in the hardest seasons of motherhood. In this episode, you'll discover: How faith directly influences your parenting style and decisionsPractical ways to engage and connect more deeply with your familyHow to cultivate joy in the midst of motherhood's everyday trialsEncouragement for the moments when you feel like you're falling shortThis is the episode every mom needs , not just on Mother's Day, but on a random Tuesday when the laundry is piling up and grace feels hard to find. Hit play and be encouraged today. Topics Covered: motherhood, Christian parenting, faith and family, parenting podcast, Mother's Day, joy in motherhood, faith-based parenting, encouragement for moms, Christian moms, parenting with grace

    48 min

  4. MAY 3

    55. Preparing to Launch (with Caleb Bundy & Jermaine Arphul)

    Graduation season is here! Whether you're the proud parent of a high school senior, a mentor, educator, or the graduate yourself, this episode is for YOU. The leap after graduation is real. While it's a season of excitement, it's also wrapped in confusion, unexpected pressure, and a level of independence most students have never navigated before. New city. New community. New identity. Where do you even begin? In this episode, we break down practical, faith-centered guidance for launching well into the next chapter of life. We talk about how to navigate the uncertainty of "what's next," how to build meaningful community from scratch, and how this season is one of the greatest opportunities of your life to own your personal relationship with Christ in a way that's truly yours. This isn't just a graduation pep talk. It's a roadmap. You'll walk away with: Practical steps for making a confident, grounded transition after high school or collegeEncouragement for parents and mentors on how to support the grad in your lifeA fresh perspective on faith and independence, and why this season is a gift, not just a gapWhether you're stepping into college, a career, the military, or something in between, this episode meets you right where you are. Topics covered: graduation 2025 | high school graduation advice | Christian graduation episode | faith after graduation | life after high school | college transition tips | Christian podcast for students | launching into adulthood | parenting a senior |youth ministry podcast | faith and independence | Christian student podcast | new beginnings faith

    49 min

  5. APR 26

    54. Planting Churches, Planting Seeds (with Tim Green & Kevin Brooks)

    "There are already churches everywhere, why would we need to start more?" If you've ever heard that question (or asked it yourself), this episode is for you. Church planting is one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) aspects of Christianity. In this episode, Eric, Kevin and Tim break down exactly what church planting is, why it matters more than ever in a rapidly changing world, and why the assumption that "we already have enough churches" couldn't be further from the truth. But starting a church from scratch isn't easy. This episode gets honest about the real challenges, like financial pressure, leadership development, community resistance, and the sheer weight of building something from nothing. And more importantly, it shares what's being done right now to lower those barriers and empower the next generation of church planters. In this episode: What church planting actually means and what it doesn'tWhy growing communities still desperately need new churchesThe biggest obstacles facing church planters todayPractical solutions and support systems making a differenceHow you can be part of the movement — even if you're not a pastorTopics covered: Church planting | How to start a church | Christian mission | Church growth | Church leadership | New churches | Evangelism

    53 min

  6. APR 19

    53. Engaging with Hindus (with Kamal Manik)

    From Hindu Priest to Christ Follower: A Story of Transformation Across Cultures What separates a religion from a relationship? And why does it matter for how you talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and friends? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Kamal, a former Hindu priest whose remarkable journey to faith in Christ offers a masterclass in cross-cultural connection. They unpack the foundational difference between transactional religion and genuine spiritual transformation, and why that distinction changes everything about how we engage people across cultural and religious divides. Kamal shares his experience moving from Hinduism to Christianity. Whether you're in a multicultural neighborhood, navigating a blended family, or just want to love people better across difference, this conversation will equip and inspire you. Stop trying to win debates. Start building bridges. You'll walk away with: Practical tools for building real relationships with Hindu friends, family, and neighborsA fresh understanding of why the finished work of the cross is the foundation of authentic witnessA mindset shift from debate-mode to curiosity-mode that makes hard conversations feel naturalShow notes: Gotquestions.org Topics covered: Hindu to Christian conversion, cross-cultural evangelism, relational ministry, interfaith conversations, patient discipleship, the gospel across cultures, spiritual transformation

    48 min

  7. APR 12

    52. AI: The Good, the Bad & the Bible Part 2 (with Justin Gandy)

    Welcome back to part 2 of the conversation! AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly accepting it or shutting it down out of fear. This episode discusses how parents can lead their kids well in engaging with AI, how educators and students can approach it well in their pursuits and how we as individuals can check ourselves in our own use. Whether you're an AI skeptic, an enthusiastic early adopter, or just trying to figure out what ChatGPT even is, this episode will help you think biblically about one of the biggest cultural shifts of our time. Topics covered: AI and faith | Christians and technology | artificial intelligence ethics | biblical worldview | technology and culture | ChatGPT | AI tools for ministry | parenting | education

    30 min

  8. APR 12

    51. AI: The Good, the Bad & the Bible Part 1 (with Justin Gandy)

    AI is an undeniable part of our culture today. But how should Christians think about AI? Is it a tool to embrace, a threat to fear, or something in between? In this episode, Eric and Justin explore how believers can engage with artificial intelligence thoughtfully, without either blindly accepting it or shutting it down out of fear. What does it mean to use AI wisely? Where does Scripture speak into emerging technology? And how do we stay fully human in an increasingly automated world? Whether you're an AI skeptic, an enthusiastic early adopter, or just trying to figure out what ChatGPT even is, this episode will help you think biblically about one of the biggest cultural shifts of our time. Topics covered: AI and faith | Christians and technology | artificial intelligence ethics | biblical worldview | technology and culture | ChatGPT | AI tools for ministry

    40 min
See All (60)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

We all live for something. At 121, we believe that living for Jesus offers the most meaningful and fulfilling life. In our culture, this is living against the grain. It is easy to be conformed to our culture, but what does it look like to live differently, to live for Jesus, to live counter-culturally? Be encouraged and challenged, as we hear conversations with people in various seasons and circumstances, sharing their journeys of following Jesus daily and how that shapes their everyday experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    121CC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 121CC
  • Show Website
    Against the Grain

You Might Also Like