Origin To Impact

Brad Kelly

Welcome to Origin to Impact, a podcast featuring in-depth conversations with leaders in business, politics, and faith. We explore the defining moments that shaped who they are, the lessons they learned along the way, and how those experiences drive the impact they’re making today—locally and beyond. New episodes dive into leadership, service, community, decision-making, and what it really takes to turn conviction into action. Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OrigintoImpact

  1. Oct 21

    The Ancient Art of Falconry: Mastery, Discipline & Birds of Prey | Cole Serad

    What does it take to become a licensed falconer at a remarkably young age? On this episode of Origin to Impact, Brad Kelly sits down with Cole Sad, an 18-year-old Washington state-licensed falconer and federally licensed raptor educator, to explore the fascinating world of birds of prey and how he turned his passion into a business. Cole shares how his interest in birdwatching during the COVID-19 pandemic led him to pursue falconry as a teenager. He explains the licensing and training process, the unique relationship between falconers and their birds, and the long history of this remarkable practice. Cole is also the founder of Crooked Skies, a business dedicated to educating people about birds of prey through live flight demonstrations, educational presentations, hands-on falconry experiences, photography, and even weddings featuring birds as ring bearers. He also works in bird abatement, using trained raptors to help businesses manage pest bird populations. Throughout the conversation, Cole discusses the care and responsibility involved in working with raptors, the importance of conservation and public education, and the challenges and opportunities of building a specialized business around something he loves. Join Brad and Cole for an engaging conversation about falconry, wildlife, entrepreneurship, and what can happen when you turn a personal passion into an opportunity to educate and inspire others. Listen in and discover how one young entrepreneur is making an impact by bringing people closer to the incredible world of birds of prey.

    The Ancient Art of Falconry: Mastery, Discipline & Birds of Prey | Cole Serad
  2. Oct 7

    Street Evangelism: Reaching People with the Gospel | David Byle

    What does it look like to share the gospel with Muslims in today’s world? How do you have conversations about Jesus with people from different religious backgrounds? And is being a “good person” enough to be right with God? In this episode of Origin to Impact, Brad Kelly sits down with David Byle, a missionary with Operation Mobilization (OM), who has spent decades sharing the gospel with in Turkmenistan, Turkey and now Germany. Drawing from years of street evangelism and personal conversations, David shares what he’s learned about communicating the message of Jesus with love, compassion, and biblical conviction. David explains why the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are at the center of the Christian faith and why the Bible teaches that salvation is found through Christ alone—not through good works or religious effort. While in Turkey David was arrested multiple times, taken to court nine times by the Turkish government, and eventually deported for publicly preaching the gospel in the streets of Istanbul. He also shares encouraging stories of Muslims who have come to faith in Jesus and discusses the growing number of people from Muslim backgrounds exploring Christianity. This is a conversation about courage, calling, and what happens when someone takes the Great Commission literally — no matter the cost. 📍 Find David Byle • https://davidulrike.wordpress.com • https://www.om.org • https://www.facebook.com/share/1B9UbSysii/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    Street Evangelism: Reaching People with the Gospel | David Byle
  3. Aug 14

    State Senator Sharon Shewmake on Politics, Power, and Why She's Walking Away

    What happens when an economics professor who never planned on politics ends up serving four years in the Washington State House and four more in the Senate? In this episode, host Brad Kelly sits down with outgoing State Senator Sharon Shewmake (42nd Legislative District) for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that crosses party lines without losing its warmth. Sharon opens up about her unlikely path from growing up with no connection to politics, to filing for office on a whim with a $500 fee, to representing her community for six years. She talks honestly about what it feels like to be "put on a pedestal," why she hated losing her first name to the title "Representative," and why she's choosing her kids over a political career. The conversation doesn't stay comfortable for long. As an economist, Sharon breaks down where she thinks markets work — and where they don't. She and Brad dig into capitalism vs. socialism, the millionaire's tax, healthcare in the U.S. versus the U.K., gun control and suicide prevention, trans athletes in youth sports, and immigration reform — all with the kind of respectful back-and-forth that's becoming rare in political conversations. Whether you agree with her or not, this is a conversation about what it actually looks like to serve, to listen, and to disagree well. 🎙️ New episodes of Origin to Impact release regularly. Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy conversations with leaders in business, politics, and faith.

    State Senator Sharon Shewmake on Politics, Power, and Why She's Walking Away
  4. Jul 19

    Small Town Kid to 49-Year Law Enforcement Veteran — The Making of Sheriff Bill Elfo

    In this episode of Origin Impact, host Brad Kelly sits down with Bill Elfo — the longest-serving sheriff in Whatcom County history — for a rare, unfiltered conversation about a career spanning nearly five decades in law enforcement. Bill traces his path from a small-town kid who moved to high-crime South Florida at age 12, to serving as a municipal officer, to ultimately leading the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office for over 21 years. Along the way, he pulls no punches on the issues that defined his tenure: Washington State's revolving-door criminal justice system, the decades-long failure to build an adequate county jail, the dangers of releasing mentally ill violent offenders, and the political pressures that elected law enforcement officers face every day. He also speaks openly about his personal faith, the loss of his adopted son William, and the Blue Collar Award scholarship created in his memory to support young people entering the trades. And in one of the most gripping segments, Bill walks us through the cold case murder of Mandy Stavik — a 20-year-old Acme resident and Central Washington University student killed in 1989 — and the painstaking detective work that finally brought her killer to justice nearly 30 years later. If you care about public safety, criminal justice, faith under pressure, or just want to hear from someone who gave 49 years to protecting a community, this episode is for you.

    Small Town Kid to 49-Year Law Enforcement Veteran — The Making of Sheriff Bill Elfo

About

Welcome to Origin to Impact, a podcast featuring in-depth conversations with leaders in business, politics, and faith. We explore the defining moments that shaped who they are, the lessons they learned along the way, and how those experiences drive the impact they’re making today—locally and beyond. New episodes dive into leadership, service, community, decision-making, and what it really takes to turn conviction into action. Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OrigintoImpact