Spartners - Spouses Who Are Business Partners.

Troy & Shantel Brooks

Welcome to our podcast, where our mission is to enrich marriages by guiding couples on their journey to oneness. We provide insights on becoming solid partners and evolving into “Spartners”—spouses who work together harmoniously. With a strong biblical foundation and practical tools, we help couples align with each other and Christ, enriching their marriage and making it more fruitful. Join us as we explore where faith, marriage, and business align from a kingdom perspective, impacting communities and glorifying God’s kingdom through stronger, more united marriages.

Episodes

  1. JAN 26

    Beyond Sunday : What serving the local church taught us about faith, family, and alignment.

    Send us a text What if serving your local church together could transform your marriage, clarify your calling, and ignite a movement beyond Sunday? We open up about the unexpected path from kids’ check-in and security shifts to leading couples, preaching through grief, and accepting a pastoral mantle we never planned to wear. Along the way, we share the uncomfortable lessons—performing versus being real, loving people who don’t love you back, and setting boundaries so your family remains your first ministry. Our story doesn’t stop at the platform. A family loss birthed a bolder voice, a weekly “Wednesday Word,” and a growing burden for pastoral leadership. The church became a training ground where Spartners—our mission to help spouses build together—was discovered, developed, and deployed. Then came a harder truth: silent disobedience. We were doing good, God-honoring work while quietly neglecting the very assignment He gave us to carry. Realignment meant stepping away from roles we loved to scale our impact globally while staying rooted locally. You’ll hear practical frameworks to serve without burning out: how to share a schedule, keep joint and personal prayer rhythms, create healthy limits that point people to Jesus, and protect intimacy when the weight of ministry follows you home. We talk theology and practice—being salt and light beyond Sunday, embracing pastoral covering and accountability, and choosing authenticity over polish so God can bless the real you. If you’ve wondered how faith, marriage, and entrepreneurship can align without tearing you apart, this conversation offers honest guidance and hard-won hope. Listen now, subscribe for more conversations on serving together and building as one, and share this episode with a couple who’s ready to step into their calling. If this resonated, leave a review and tell us where you feel called to go next. We’re excited to share something special for couples who are ready to go beyond the ordinary date night and build a stronger, more intentional marriage. Introducing: Cultivate Your Marriage — A Valentine’s Experience A 2-hour evening designed not just for connection, but for real growth. 📅 When: February 13, 2026 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Eastern 📍 Where: Mood Café in Lawrenceville, GA 💲 Cost: $25 per couple (includes lite bites & drinks) 👫 Limited Seats: Only 25 couples — Register Here What Couples Can Expect: • A relaxed, welcoming environment to connect and reset.   • Practical conversation led by Troy & Shantel on understanding your partner’s needs and communicating with clarity.   • Introduction to the Spartners Agreement — a powerful tool for alignment in marriage.   • Time to share and reflect with other couples seeking closeness and community.   Whether you’re feeling disconnected, simply “busy, Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    49 min
  2. JAN 19

    Simplicity Taught Us Why Doing Less Creates Room For God To Do More

    Send us a text We unpack how a year of simplicity reshaped our faith, marriage, and business, then reveal our new word: all in. Doing less opened space for peace, presence, and bold, God-sized goals we’re ready to pursue together. • why a single word beats resolutions for direction  • how we discerned “simple” and pruned our commitments  • one-step goals and 20-minute daily wins  • resisting social pressure to do the most  • accountability as a couple using a shared word  • simplicity as stewardship that scales impact  • shifting from panic and perfectionism to peace  • revealing our new word “all in” for faith, marriage, business  • practical rhythms for connection and check-ins  • choosing bold prayers and trusting God with outcomes Draw the Circle 40-day prayer challenge by Mark Batterson — see the show notes so you can get your copy Subscribe, share this with someone building a life and a business with their spouse, and tell us: what’s the first thing you’ll reorder this week? Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible  plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com  ⏩ Join our newsletter  ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram  Draw The Circle Challenge Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    30 min
  3. JAN 10

    Why Marriage and Business Need Faith + Alignment Now More Than Ever

    Send us a text We're back after a year, and our year away didn’t make us quieter; it made us clearer. We came back with video, fresh ministry fruit, and a conviction that shifted everything: faith only transforms your outcomes when it reorders your life. What began as a long-awaited sabbatical turned into a divine reset—sobriety, simpler schedules, and a renewed commitment to put marriage before mission and presence before productivity. We share why we quit alcohol and how a “harmless” habit was crowding out sleep, focus, and spiritual clarity. That single act of obedience unlocked deeper work: letting God highlight the patterns that sneaked into our marriage when we were tired, snippy, and stretched thin.  We talk about how laying down ego opened the door to honest conversations and deeper intimacy, and how simplifying our commitments gave us bandwidth to actually love each other well.  You’ll hear the practical shifts—fewer plates spinning, more rest, weekly check-ins, and a shared filter for decisions rooted in alignment instead of urgency. If your calendar is loud and your soul is quiet, this conversation is for you. We map out faith as an ordering system—identity before output, marriage before mission, health before hustle—and share the exact questions we use to let God “run the play” each day.  Subscribe, share this with someone building a life and a business with their spouse, and tell us: what’s the first thing you’ll reorder this week? Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible  plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com  ⏩ Join our newsletter  ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    34 min
  4. 08/15/2024

    Bridging the Gap: Communication Strategies for Marriage and Business.

    Send us a text What if you could transform how you communicate with proven strategies that strengthen both your marriage and business partnership? Join us as we share our personal journey and the valuable lessons we've learned from working together as a couple. We promise you'll gain practical strategies for overcoming the communication challenges posed by stress, time, and responsibilities, and learn how to transform diverse communication styles into powerful tools for unity and understanding. In this episode, we uncover the secrets of maintaining personal connections in marriage while managing a successful business. We highlight how couples can enrich their relationships beyond work-related conversations through regular meetings, wellness checks, and discussing personal dreams and passions. By practicing active listening and understanding each other's triggers, you can foster deeper connections and ensure that your communication remains meaningful and supportive, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled and balanced partnership. We'll also explore the critical role of faith in enhancing communication and trust within a marriage. By referencing biblical principles such as Ephesians 4:15, James 1:19, and 1 Corinthians 13:5, we discuss the importance of speaking the truth in love, maintaining respectful communication, and inviting God's guidance through prayer. Learn how transparency and honesty can prevent misunderstandings and build a strong trust foundation, allowing personal and professional relationships to thrive. Plus, we offer a heartfelt prayer for divine protection and blessings for your journey, encouraging you to seek a deep, personal connection with Jesus in all aspects of life. Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    49 min
  5. How to Live a Faith-fueled Life in Business During the Storms.

    08/07/2024

    How to Live a Faith-fueled Life in Business During the Storms.

    Send us a text What would happen if you could merge your faith with your business journey seamlessly? On today's episode, we reconnect with you, our beloved listeners, and share the remarkable origin story of "Spartners," a unique blend of marriage ministry and business driven by a divine calling. We open up about the struggles and blessings we've encountered while balancing ministry with marketplace dynamics and how we've navigated these challenges with unwavering commitment to God's guidance. From the inception of Spartners to its current evolution, we highlight the significance of establishing a strong kingdom foundation in both marriage and business. Imagine writing a book not just to achieve a goal but as a profound journey to deepen your relationship with God. We talk about the importance of placing God above our ambitions for financial freedom and legacy and the challenge of balancing control and surrender in a God-driven business. We share personal anecdotes that underscore the necessity of relying on scripture, prayer, and faith to navigate periods of uncertainty and divine silence. Through our experiences, we hope to offer you comfort and peace in trusting God's timing and guidance for your endeavors. For those at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, we focus on the transformative power of faith in Jesus to withstand life's unpredictabilities. We offer practical advice on establishing a strong foundation in faith, practicing gratitude, and embracing servant leadership. Reflecting on Romans 8:28 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we underscore the importance of a renewed mindset and integrating God’s principles into your business practices. Finally, we talk about the impact of maintaining a grateful and excited demeanor during challenging times, attributing this resilience to our spiritual foundation in Jesus. Join us as we pray for strength, faithfulness, and the ability to shine His love through our lives and businesses. Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    42 min
  6. 07/11/2024

    How to Live a Faith-Fueled Life

    Send us a text Imagine navigating life’s toughest challenges with unwavering faith and joy. Over the past 18 months, we’ve faced significant trials but remained anchored in peace and joy, guided by scriptures such as Hebrews 11:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-7. Hear how these verses have kept us grounded, and discover how we stayed anchored while God called us to Spartners—our unique approach to bringing glory to God’s kingdom and enriching marriages by working with your spouse, illustrating the power of faith amidst setbacks and skepticism. Ever wondered how to simplify your life and strengthen your faith? We discuss practical strategies for memorizing scripture and engaging in worship, using verses like Psalm 23:1 and Matthew 6:33 as our anchors. Learn about the transformative impact of worship, inspired by Psalms 95:1-2. We also share the importance of listening to life-giving, non-secular music to uplift your spirit and keep you connected to God, creating a refuge from past traumas and daily stresses. Feeling overwhelmed by life’s storms? We emphasize the power of gratitude and building a supportive faith community. Reflect with us on scriptures like Ephesians 5:20 and Colossians 2:6-7, and discover the benefits of gratitude journaling and seeking godly counsel. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, we outline seven strategies to navigate challenges, reminding you that you are not alone. We conclude with a heartfelt prayer for divine guidance and blessings, encouraging everyone to live a faith-fueled life brimming with peace, joy, and an unwavering connection to Jesus. Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    38 min
  7. 06/27/2024

    Who We Are: The Faith Story

    Send us a text What happens when you lose your way and then find a divine calling that changes your life forever? Join us as we vulnerably share our faith journeys, from early religious experiences to profound spiritual awakenings. We share Troy’s tale of growing up in a Lutheran church, drifting away, and returning with a deeper sense of purpose is juxtaposed with Shantel’s story of exploring various religions before fully embracing Christianity. Both of us faced moments of lukewarm commitment before realizing the necessity of a wholehearted 'yes' to Jesus. In our heartfelt discussion, we underscore the essence of building a faithful family foundation, emphasizing the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Moving to Atlanta by divine calling, we encountered God's presence in previously unimaginable ways, reinforcing our faith and commitment. Through parental influence, prayer, and leading by example, we reveal how to nurture a strong Christian home, even as children resist traditional church attendance. Our personal stories serve as a testament to the significance of remaining connected to Jesus to bear fruit in our lives. Finally, we delve into the trials and triumphs that have shaped our marriage and business. From overcoming financial struggles to relinquishing idols like perfectionism and materialism, our journey reflects the profound impact of keeping Christ at the center. We explore the necessity of constant intimacy with Jesus, recognizing that God repositions our lives for spiritual growth. Our experiences are meant to inspire, offering a pathway to a deeper connection with Christ without enduring the same hardships. Tune in to discover how faith, surrender, and steadfast obedience can transform your life as it has ours. Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    42 min
  8. 06/19/2024

    Who We Are: The Business Story

    Send us a text What happens when an entrepreneurial spirit meets a quest for stability? On this episode of the Spartners Podcast, we explore this very conundrum through our own life stories. Troy takes us back to his flea market roots and paints a vivid picture of his journey through the exhilarating worlds of nightlife promotion and fitness. Meanwhile, Shantel offers a contrasting narrative driven by a quest for security, inspired by her father's advice and a professor's discouraging words. We discuss how balancing security and passion can shape not just your career but your very identity and personal life. We then share a transformative moment that completely altered our paths—moving from the comfort of traditional employment to the inspiring yet challenging realm of entrepreneurship. Imagine navigating financial uncertainty while expecting a child; this was our reality, and it pushed us to seek financial independence like never before. Discover how this period led us to embrace diverse opportunities, especially for educators, and eventually guided us to Atlanta in search of a career aligned with God’s plan. From blogging to new professional ventures, we emphasize the power of collaboration and the importance of nurturing the next generation’s entrepreneurial spirit. Finally, we recount how a seemingly trivial social media project morphed into a thriving business partnership or what we like to call a "Spartnership." Shantel’s initial skepticism turned into a newfound appreciation for the complexity of content creation, ultimately strengthening both our professional and personal relationships. We discuss the highs and lows of working together, the respect and understanding gained, and the incredible potential of uniting marriage and business under God’s guidance. Join us as we inspire like-minded couples to achieve greater goals and bring glory to God’s kingdom through unity and shared purpose. Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    26 min
  9. 06/12/2024

    Who We Are: The Love Story

    Send us a text What happens when childhood friends reconnect and discover a profound love that endures through life's toughest challenges? Join us in this heartwarming episode as we share the extraordinary journey of Troy and Shantel Brooks. From middle school friends to soulmates, their story reflects the beauty of personal growth, faith, and finding a love that feels divinely ordained. Hear how Shantel's pattern of dating men she wanted to fix and Troy's transformation from a ladies' man to a man of deeper values led them to each other. You'll be captivated by their serendipitous reconnection through a simple Facebook message, leading to an unforgettable Valentine's Day training session. Listen to how meaningful conversations and setting clear boundaries laid the foundation for a relationship built on authenticity and intentionality. Troy and Shantel discuss the raw, honest moments that tested their connection and the unwavering commitment that saw them through. Their playful exchanges and heartfelt reflections offer valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of dating and relationships. As they celebrate a decade of marriage, Troy and Shantel open up about overcoming infertility, financial struggles, and the transition from traditional roles to entrepreneurship. Through their unwavering faith and dedication to each other, they have not only survived but thrived. Inspired by Ephesians 4:2-3, they share their journey with the hope of inspiring others facing similar battles. Tune in for a powerful testament to the resilience of love, the importance of personal transformation, and the relentless pursuit of a partnership that truly glorifies God. Want more? ⏩ Check out our Youversion bible plan: Marriage Reimagined ⏩ Follow us on Instagran: @wearespartners ⏩ Book us to speak! ⏩ info@thetbeffect.com ⏩ Join our newsletter ⏩ Buy Spartners Book Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also, follow us on all Social Media: website Instagram

    37 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to our podcast, where our mission is to enrich marriages by guiding couples on their journey to oneness. We provide insights on becoming solid partners and evolving into “Spartners”—spouses who work together harmoniously. With a strong biblical foundation and practical tools, we help couples align with each other and Christ, enriching their marriage and making it more fruitful. Join us as we explore where faith, marriage, and business align from a kingdom perspective, impacting communities and glorifying God’s kingdom through stronger, more united marriages.