Guest: Jake Phillips

In this episode of Code Red, Zach Terry sits down with Jake Phillips—Army veteran, voice actor, and lover of classic literature—to talk about faith, formation, accents, storytelling, and how God quietly prepares people long before they ever realize it.

From homeschooling in Mississippi swampland…

to 9/11 and a decision to join the Army…

to discovering Jane Austen in the desert before Iraq…

to becoming a professional voice actor trusted by major brands—

This is a conversation about discipline, tradition, craftsmanship, and calling.

If you care about:

Faith and the arts

Classic literature

Raising thoughtful kids

Communication, voice, and storytelling

Living with conviction in a noisy age

…this episode is for you.

⏱️ Timestamps (Top 15 Moments)

00:00 – Why the Bible has been a daily discipline since age 12

03:26 – Growing up homeschooled in Mississippi & loving the classics

04:47 – 9/11 and the decision to join the U.S. Army

07:32 – Homeschooling, history, and why stories matter in the South

10:40 – Learning patriotism by meeting WWII veterans

13:39 – Parents reading Pilgrim’s Progress, Ben-Hur, and Laura Ingalls Wilder

17:05 – Reading Pride and Prejudice while training for Iraq

18:40 – Victorian morality, Scripture, and lost cultural virtues

21:09 – Why long-form storytelling trains the mind better than social media

26:19 – “Your accent will get people killed” — learning to enunciate

30:23 – The moment Jake realized he could change how he spoke

33:28 – Losing his father & the power of recorded voices

37:21 – Reading Scripture with intention changes everything

45:29 – Why community theater trains great voice actors

47:21 – Why voice acting is an introvert’s dream job

50:28 – Getting paid for the first time—and knowing this was the path

️ About Jake Phillips

Jake Phillips is a professional voice actor, audiobook narrator, and creator known online as “The Cultured Bumpkin.”

His work spans audiobooks, commercials, narration, and classical readings—combining traditional values with disciplined craft.

Connect & Subscribe

️ Official & Verified

YouTube – The Cultured Bumpkin (main channel)

https://www.youtube.com/@theculturedbumpkin — classic literature, audiobooks, readings by Jake Phillips

YouTube

Instagram – @theculturedbumpkin

https://www.instagram.com/theculturedbumpkin/ — community, clips, updates from his voice work

Instagram

Facebook – Jake Phillips Voiceover

https://www.facebook.com/jakephillipsvoiceover/ — voiceover brand page with posts and demos

Facebook

Spotify – The Cultured Bumpkin Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/7k82YwfJHd2fL3s4Ux9qgW — long-form readings and podcast episodes

open.spotify.com

Personal Website

https://www.jakephillips.us — official voice actor site & contact info

Recommended for Viewers Who Enjoy:

• Long-form conversations

• Faith & culture discussions

• Literature & classics

• Voice, preaching, and communication

• Traditional values in modern life

Hashtags

#CodeRed #FaithAndCulture #VoiceActing #ClassicLiterature

#Homeschooling #ChristianWorldview #Storytelling

#Veterans #Audiobooks #TraditionMatters

Code Red is Produced by Maximum Life Studios

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What happens when a white American missionary woman in Botswana gets a divine vision that God wants her to marry a local African man – despite racism, family opposition, and cultural barriers? Ashley and Percy Thaba's jaw-dropping story will leave you speechless!

In this powerful episode of Code Red, this missionary couple shares how God turned rejection (even from mission boards!), medical tragedies, and impossible doors closing into an explosive ministry reaching tens of thousands in Botswana. From starting a prime-time TV show that the government moved the national news for (!!!), to training over 30,000 people in family restoration during COVID lockdowns, their testimony proves God's plans are bigger than our fears.

Discover:

How interracial marriage challenged racism in both America and Africa

The miracle that launched their TV show on government television

Why 87% of Botswana claims Christianity but faces massive social crises

How COVID accidentally made their show a captive-audience hit

Their vision for a Restoration Center to heal broken families

Real measurable life change: 70-80% behavioral improvement backed by government studies!

If you're inspired by faith stories that overcome impossible odds, racial divides, and cultural challenges – this is for you! God is still writing epic testimonies today.

LIKE if this story encouraged you

SUBSCRIBE for more real missionary stories

COMMENT: What's the biggest "impossible" God did in your life?

SUPPORT their ministry: Visit healthyfamilies.net or search "Healthy Families Foundation" on Facebook/YouTube

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: From Ordinary Missionaries to African Media Celebrities

00:21 - How a Joke About a TV Show Became Reality

01:22 - Welcome Ashley & Percy Taba + How They Met at Church

03:03 - Ashley's Journey as an IMB Journeyman in Botswana

04:02 - God's Clear (But Shocking) Call to Marry Across Cultures

05:31 - Percy's Background: First Christian in His Family

07:56 - Both Felt God's Call – But Fought It Because of Race

09:17 - Cultural Challenges of Interracial Dating in Botswana

11:41 - Family Reactions & Missionary Warnings in Africa

13:36 - Overcoming Racism in Church Contexts (US & Africa)

16:23 - Botswana's Culture: Hidden Pain Behind "Keep Quiet" Values

17:33 - Alarming Stats: Abuse, Fatherlessness, & Nominal Christianity

18:13 - Their Unique Ministry: Real-Life Christian Family Modeling on TV

20:58 - How Media Transformed Percy's Faith + Government Opportunities

23:14 - Why "Christian Nation" Labels Don't Fix Hearts

24:01 - From Book in Schools to National Newspaper Column

25:46 - Rejected by IMB Because of Marriage? God's Bigger Plan

27:12 - Quitting High-Paying Job & Green Card for Faith Call

28:26 - Tragic Birth Story & Book That Launched Public Ministry

31:50 - Joke Turns Serious: Launching a National TV Show

33:05 - COVID Lockdown Makes Their Show Unavoidable!

34:06 - Organic Growth: Viewing Parties to Government-Funded Campaigns

35:19 - Production Costs & Prime-Time Slot Miracle

36:58 - Transition to Full-Time Ministry & Fundraising Realities

41:27 - Balancing Tech Skills with Hands-On Ministry

43:53 - Vision: Practical Gospel That Works Monday-Sunday

47:37 - Building the Restoration Center Dream ($500K Goal)

50:49 - Partnering with Local Churches for Sustainable Discipleship

57:15 - Measuring Success: Government-Funded Impact Studies (70-80% Change!)

01:01:41 - Prayer Requests: Family, Funding, Restoration Center

01:04:27 - Final Thoughts & How to Support

#MissionaryStories #InterracialMarriage #FaithInAfrica #ChristianTestimony #BotswanaMission #OvercomingRacism #GodsPlan

They’ve been married 40 years, raised 5 kids, now have 16 grandkids on the way… and they STILL love working together, laughing together, and serving Jesus together.

In this heartfelt, laugh-out-loud episode of Code Red, Pastor Zach Terry and Julie sit down with Jacksonville power couple Brad & Vicki Sykes — top-producing realtors, marketplace ministers, and two of the most joy-filled people you’ll ever meet.

You’ll hear:

How a sorority mixer at TCU turned into a 40-year love story

The raw story of Vicki’s eating disorder, dark days, and the moment Jesus radically changed everything — 8 months pregnant!

The wild Mattress Firm years, the “money-laundering” conspiracy rumors (Brad sets the record straight ), and how God moved them to Jacksonville for 28 years (when they planned on 2)

Why they chose a 3-bedroom house for 7 people and NEVER upgraded

The “talk-to-Dad-first” dating rule that weeded out boys and kept only men

Daily prayer over your spouse for 30+ years — Brad reveals the awkward first morning and why he’s never stopped

Empty-nest secrets: How to stay madly in love when the kids leave (and why so many couples divorce right then)

Holiday traditions with 16 grandbabies coming — and why they’re letting go of expectations with a smile

The one thing their adult kids say they want most: “We want what Mom and Dad have.”

If you’re married your best friend… or you WANT to… this episode will bless you, challenge you, and probably make you tear up laughing.

Brad & Vicki Sykes

Jacksonville’s favorite Christian realtors

Brad leads the Jacksonville Business Fellowship every Friday 7–8 AM (Southside Methodist Family Life Center) — men, just show up!

Vicki’s Substack for moms & women: https://mamav.substack.com

Sykes Home Group – Compass Realty: https://sykeshg.com

Instagram: @vickisykes @bradleysykes

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Coming Up: 40 Years Married, 5 Kids, 16 Grandkids & Still Laughing Every Day

00:31 – Vicki’s raw story: eating disorder, darkness, and surrendering to Jesus 8 months pregnant

04:35 – How Brad & Vicki actually met at a TCU sorority mixer (and why she chased him across campus )

07:22 – Brad’s journey from pro-golf dreams to owning Mattress Firm franchises across Florida

13:41 – Brad finally answers the viral “Mattress Firm money-laundering” conspiracy rumors

19:05 – The moment they decided to work together as husband/wife realtors (and why it actually works)

32:30 – The 3 secrets to staying happily married for 40 years (you’ll want to write these down)

38:03 – Brad’s 30+ year habit: praying over Vicki every single morning (the awkward first day story)

43:21 – “If you want to date my daughter, you talk to Dad first” – the rule that changed everything

48:17 – How they raised 5 kids in a 3-bedroom house and refused to upgrade (on purpose)

54:41 – Holiday traditions with 16 grandkids coming – and why they’re letting go of control with joy

01:00:35 – The most powerful thing their grown kids ever told them: “We want what you guys have”

Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you want what Brad & Vicki have!

Subscribe so you never miss an episode dropping every week!

https://www.youtube.com/@coderedtalk

Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts

https://coderedtalk.com

Follow Zach:

Instagram @zachterry

Website: zachterry.org

Code Red exists to ignite passion for Jesus in the hearts of this generation and the next.

#ChristianMarriage #EmptyNest #40YearMarriage #ChristianCouple #JacksonvilleFL #ChristianRealtor #RaisingGodlyKids #MarriageAdvice #EmptyNestSeason #ChristianPodcast #CodeRedPodcast

(Let’s get this to the top of YouTube marriage searches — like + comment “Still in lov...

What happens when a fighter pilot, engineer, and Christian author explores the intersection of faith, technology, and the military?

In this powerful episode of Code Red, Pastor Zach Terry sits down with Ken Watts — Marine Corps veteran, aerospace engineer, and author of Neurafact — to talk about how the Holy Spirit might interact with artificial intelligence and human cognition. From carrier decks to neural links, from Scripture to simulated dogfights, this episode dives deep into the big questions:

Can AI sense the spiritual?

Do our brains leave a “neuro-artifact” of divine intervention?

And what does the future of faith look like in a world of machines that think?

You’ll hear about:

The making of Neurafact — a novel that blends techno-thriller tension with biblical theology

Ken’s firsthand experience with carrier-based aviation and electronic warfare

The fascinating overlap between AI, neuroscience, and spiritual phenomena

The biblical framework for evaluating technology: receive, redeem, or reject?

How Christians can navigate the rise of artificial intelligence with wisdom and faith

Subscribe for more conversations that challenge the mind and awaken the soul: @CodeRedTalk

Learn more about Ken’s work: https://neurifact.com

Connect with Zach Terry: https://zachterry.org

Timestamps

00:00 – Pre-flight ritual & Romans 8:38-39

01:10 – Introduction: Zach Terry welcomes Ken Watts

02:10 – From Marine Corps pilot to engineer to novelist

03:00 – The making of Neurafact: blending faith, tech, and storytelling

04:30 – Top Gun life and the rise of AI in aviation

05:50 – Neural engineering and Elon Musk’s Neuralink

07:20 – Writing as an engineer: cutting 10,000 words for clarity

09:00 – Faith and problem-solving: when the Holy Spirit provides solutions

10:15 – Fighter pilots vs. AI: instincts vs. algorithms

11:30 – Inside the F-35 and the future of autonomous warfare

13:30 – Israel’s F-35 missions and stealth technology

14:50 – Hypersonic threats and the physics of modern combat

15:50 – Life in a church full of engineers – and the pastor’s challenge

17:30 – Ethics of warfare and faith: reconciling defense and discipleship

20:00 – Humanity in combat: shared experiences between enemies

21:00 – PTSD, Tuskegee Airmen, and generational trauma in the novel

24:00 – When faith meets neuroscience: the origin of “Neurafact”

26:00 – Can AI detect divine intervention?

28:00 – The pilot’s prayer and Romans 8: nothing can separate us

30:30 – The “neurological artifact” that defies explanation

31:30 – AI, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit’s “groanings too deep for words”

33:00 – The engineer’s dilemma: publish or be ridiculed?

34:20 – Is there a scientific breadcrumb trail for miracles?

36:00 – AI, angels, and spiritual phenomena: what are we really seeing?

38:00 – Faith, warfare, and the unseen realm

40:00 – “AI has no soul, but I do.” The difference between machine and man

42:00 – Eschatology and AI: can demons use data?

44:00 – Bias and belief in AI models

45:30 – Are we creating AI in our own image?

47:00 – Ethics, conscience, and code: what makes us human

48:30 – AI and medicine: diagnosing, healing, and harm

49:30 – The vulnerability of power grids and cyber warfare

51:00 – Zach Terry’s personal use of AI in sermon prep and ministry

52:00 – Revelation, prophecy, and the limits of technology

53:30 – Sharing the Gospel with ChatGPT — a thought experiment

55:00 – The “Mini Trinity”: pastor, engineer, and psychiatrist

57:00 – When AI finds evidence of the spiritual

58:00 – Faith and data: how the Holy Spirit provides what AI cannot

59:30 – The church, science,...

️ Code Red Talk: The Stories Behind Country Music with Dylan Weldon (The Drifting Cowboy Podcast)

In this powerful episode of Code Red Talk, Zach Terry sits down with Dylan Weldon, host of The Drifting Cowboy Podcast — one of the most compelling voices in today’s traditional country revival.

From Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Willie Nelson and Sturgill Simpson, Dylan shares the untold stories, surprising legacies, and hard-won lessons that shaped the sound of American grit.

DILLON WELDON BIO: Dillon is from the small, rural town of Sugartown in southwest Louisiana, population 176. He has loved country music as long as he can remember. When he was 3 years old, he asked for a Sony Walkman and a Johnny PayCheck’s Greatest Hits cassette for Christmas. He has always been fascinated with the history of country music, its artists, songwriters and the stories behind the songs. Dillon now lives in Nashville and has made a career out of his passion for country music history, through his social media platform and the Drifting Cowboy podcast where he has sat down with legends such as Jamey Johnson, Travis Tritt, Bobby Braddock, Randy Travis and many more. Dillon believes that the history of country music is as important as the music itself and should be kept alive.

Expect deep insight, a few laughs, and a front-row seat to the intersection of faith, culture, and country music — told by two men who live it.

️ Timestamps

00:00 – Dylan’s honest prayer before his TikTok breakthrough

01:10 – The Hank Jr. video that changed everything

01:37 – Welcome to Code Red Talk — Zach introduces Dylan Weldon

03:10 – How Dylan built a songwriting community during lockdown

05:05 – The story behind the yellow cap and smart personal branding

06:17 – Branding lessons from Bear Bryant, Waylon, and Lincoln

07:28 – Waylon Jennings’ estate, legacy, and influence

08:55 – Growing up in rhythm: Merle Haggard and family memories

10:10 – Elvis Presley’s estate and the business of legacy management

12:23 – Why preserving musical history matters for future generations

14:09 – Finding forgotten legends like Sonny Throckmorton

15:10 – Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson: stories of boldness and friendship

18:00 – Merle Kilgore, “Ring of Fire,” and the deal of a lifetime

20:00 – Jimmy Buffett’s secret business discipline

21:02 – How bad accountants ruined country icons

22:21 – Shooter Jennings and the unreleased Waylon tapes

24:12 – Inside the Songbird album and possible duets to come

27:05 – Willie Nelson’s jazz influence and Django Reinhardt connection

30:20 – What makes country music truly “country”

33:10 – Why “bro country” misses the mark

36:00 – Jesco White and the roots of Appalachian folk dance

38:20 – Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, and the Bakersfield sound

40:10 – Hee Haw nostalgia and the decline of TV country shows

41:00 – YouTube beats Netflix: people crave real conversation

43:00 – Why AM radio still holds power for talk and truth

46:05 – How social media changed the path to success in Nashville

48:45 – Advice for young artists: never sign without a good lawyer

50:20 – Record labels that sign artists just to shelve them

Guest: Jeff Childers (Coffee & Covid)

Host: Pastor Zach Terry

What happens when pastors trade courage for comfort? Attorney and author Jeff Childers joins Pastor Zach Terry for another “Coffee & Covid” edition of Code Red. Together they unpack the collision between Christianity, culture, and politics — and why clarity from the pulpit matters now more than ever.

If you’re tired of watered-down sermons and vague slogans, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 -- Introduction

0:06 – What Is a “Christian Nationalist”?

1:21 – Coffee & Covid Returns with Jeff Childers

2:45 – JD Greear and the “Gospel Only” Message

4:06 – The Danger of a Half-Gospel

5:27 – “Love Your Neighbor” or Manipulation?

7:16 – Cowardice Behind the Pulpit

8:09 – The World Demands Clarity

9:21 – The Vaccine Mandate and the Gospel

14:44 – The Trails Church Controversy

17:31 – What Real Church Discipline Looks Like

26:30 – The Christian Nationalism Smear

36:00 – LGBTQ+ Issues and Biblical Love

38:00 – Abortion, Grace, and the Cost of Silence

40:00 – The Silence on Christian Persecution

46:00 – Rediscovering Courage in the Church

Support the Mission

Code Red is produced by Maximum Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping people shape their worldview and daily walk with Christ through clear, biblical teaching.

Donate today: https://zachterry.com/donate

Your gift amplifies truth through radio, video, and digital media.

Mentioned in This Episode

☕ Coffee & Covid (Jeff Childers): https://www.coffeeandcovid.com

J.D. Greear – The Summit Church: https://summitchurch.com

Trails Church (TX): https://thetrails.org

✉️ Zach Terry Substack: https://zachterry.substack.com

Maximum Life: https://zachterry.com

Stay Connected

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Code Red is Produced by Maximum Life Studios

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