Rooted and Real : Raw Discussions

AJ Riley

Rooted & Real is a laid-back, no-frills podcast where faith meets everyday life. Hosted by just a regular guy, this show offers honest, down-to-earth conversations about the Bible, personal growth, and navigating life with purpose. No preaching, no pressure—just real talk, a little reflection, and a whole lot of grace. Whether you're deep in your faith or just curious, pull up a chair and join the conversation.

  1. 5d ago

    Built Different Episode 5: Peter -Faith That Fails Can Still Finish

    What happens when faith fails? In the final episode of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as we explore the life of Peter—a man who left everything to follow Jesus, boldly stepped out in faith, publicly failed when it mattered most, and ultimately became one of the most influential leaders of the early church. From the shores of Galilee to the courtyard of denial and finally to the shoreline of restoration, Peter's story is a powerful reminder that our failures do not have to define our future. This episode dives into: faith and doubt courage and fear failure and regret grace and restoration and the truth that God is not finished with us when we fall Because sometimes the most powerful testimony isn't that you never failed—it's that God met you there and helped you keep going. 🎙️ Built Different SeriesEpisode 5: Peter — Faith That Fails Can Still Finish Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

    29 min

  2. May 27 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Interview: Bret Martin - Fatherhood, Ministry & Muay Thai

    In this special bonus episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, AJ Riley sits down with Bret Martin — Involvement and First Impressions Pastor at Shelby Christian Church in Shelbyville, KY, father of three, Muay Thai professional, and founder/instructor of Crucible Muay Thai. Together they dive into what it really looks like to balance faith, family, leadership, discipline, and purpose in everyday life. From ministry and marriage to fatherhood and fighting, Bret shares honest insight into the lessons learned both inside and outside the ring. This conversation explores perseverance, identity, mental toughness, staying grounded in faith, and the responsibility of leading well in every area of life. Raw, real, and full of practical wisdom, this episode is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t just built in the spotlight — it’s built in consistency, character, and showing up for the people God has placed in front of you. 🎙️ Episode: “Fatherhood, Ministry & Muay Thai”🎧 Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroad Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

    48 min

  3. May 25

    Built Different Episode 4: Samson - Strong Enough to Break Everything

    Strength alone doesn’t make someone unbreakable. In Episode 4 of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as we take a real and honest look at the life of Samson—a man gifted with incredible strength, yet constantly battling temptation, pride, anger, and self-destruction. Because Samson’s greatest battle was never just against enemies… it was against himself. This episode dives into: unchecked impulses emotional reactions compromise pride hidden struggles and what happens when somebody looks powerful on the outside while quietly falling apart inside But even in failure, Samson’s story reminds us that God is still able to meet broken people in broken moments. 🎙️ Built Different Series Episode 4: Samson — Strong Enough to Break Everything Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

    32 min

  4. May 18

    Built Different: Episode 3 : Moses - Leadership Isn’t About You

    Everybody wants purpose… until purpose comes with pressure. In Episode 3 of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as he takes a real look at the life of Moses—not just the miracles and the Red Sea, but the pressure, exhaustion, insecurity, and responsibility that came with leading people through impossible situations. Because leadership isn’t always about being strong.Sometimes it’s about feeling overwhelmed and still choosing to keep going. This episode dives into: insecurity and calling carrying responsibility leadership fatigue emotional burnout and learning that not everything rests on your shoulders Moses was chosen by God… but he was still human. 🎙️ Built Different SeriesEpisode 3: Moses — Leadership Isn’t About You Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

    44 min

  5. May 11

    Built Different: Episode 2 : Elijah - When Strong Men Hit a Wall

    We all know Elijah as the bold prophet who called fire down from heaven…but what happens when the strong man hits a wall? Join host AJ Riley as he takes a real and honest look at burnout, exhaustion, fear, and what it means to keep going when you feel completely drained. Because even Elijah—after one of the greatest victories of his life—found himself alone, overwhelmed, and ready to give up. This episode isn’t just about Elijah.It’s about us. The pressure we carry.The battles nobody sees.And how sometimes God meets us not in the noise… but in the silence. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

    44 min

  6. May 4

    Built Different : Episode 1 - DAVID

    We all know the moment David faced the giant…but nobody really talks about what came after. The pressure.The expectations.The weight of becoming something more. In Episode 1 of our Built Different series, we take a real look at the life of David—not just the victory over Goliath, but the journey that followed. From being overlooked in the fields… to stepping into the spotlight… to carrying the responsibility of leadership, failure, and faith. This isn’t just a Bible story.This is about real life. Because sometimes the hardest battles don’t come before the win…they come after it. 🎙️ Built Different SeriesEpisode 1: David — The Pressure to Be More Than You Are👍 Like, follow, and share on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show themes "Backroad Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" created and copyrighted by AJ Riley

    34 min

  7. Apr 27

    Faith in the Real World: Living it Out When Life is Busy & Messy

    Life doesn’t slow down so you can focus on your faith. Between work, family, responsibilities, and everything in between… it’s easy to feel like your relationship with God becomes just another thing you’re trying to keep up with. In this episode, we get real about what it actually looks like to live out your faith in the middle of everyday life—not when things are perfect, but when they’re busy, messy, and sometimes overwhelming. We talk about shifting your mindset, letting go of the pressure to “do more,” and learning how to bring God into what you’re already doing. Because faith isn’t something you add to your life… It’s something you live through it. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or like you’re not doing enough—this conversation is for you. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. The show themes “Rooted Revival Revived” and “Rooted in the Dark” are created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

    41 min

  8. Apr 20

    Faith in the Real World : Episode 2 : Where is God Right Now?

    Let’s be honest…There are seasons where God just feels quiet. You pray… and it feels like nothing.You read… and it doesn’t hit the same.You show up… but something feels missing. And you start asking the question a lot of people don’t say out loud: “Where is God right now?” In this episode, we talk about those silent seasons—the moments where faith feels distant, emotions feel numb, and you’re not sure what’s going on. We break down what Scripture actually shows about these moments, why you’re not alone in feeling this way, and how faith isn’t built just in the highs… but in the quiet. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, unsure, or like something’s off in your walk— This conversation is for you. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok Email the show at RootedandReal@yahoo.com Show Themes "Rooted Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" Created and Trademarked by AJ Riley

    36 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Rooted & Real is a laid-back, no-frills podcast where faith meets everyday life. Hosted by just a regular guy, this show offers honest, down-to-earth conversations about the Bible, personal growth, and navigating life with purpose. No preaching, no pressure—just real talk, a little reflection, and a whole lot of grace. Whether you're deep in your faith or just curious, pull up a chair and join the conversation.

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