Brandon Kennedy has spent the last twelve years leading one of the most impactful churches in the Knoxville area — a church that’s become a true pillar in the community. But now, he’s stepping into a new season: planting again.

In this conversation, Brandon sits down with Aaron to share his full story — growing up in Sevierville, answering the call to ministry, and what it’s been like to step away from something thriving to start fresh. It’s a story about calling, courage, and trusting God’s direction even when it means starting over.

If you’ve ever wrestled with transition, calling, or what it looks like to follow God into the unknown, this one will hit home.

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Contact Brandon:

CFknox.org / Brandon@cfknox.org

On this episode of Faith & Field Notes, Aaron sits down with Audy Smothers, Campus Director with Campus Outreach at the University of Tennessee, to talk about what faith looks like in today’s college culture.

Audy shares his story of coming to Christ, what led him into campus ministry, and how losing his dad as a kid shaped his view of faith, leadership, and legacy. Together, they explore the challenges facing this generation, the hunger for truth among college students, and the powerful ways God is quietly moving on campus in East Tennessee.

🎙 Real faith. Real stories. Real life in the field.
Support the show on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithandFieldNotes

Support Audy with Campus Outreach -> https://comemphis.churchcenter.com/giving/to/audy-mariah-smothers

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Josh Schneider, a Senior Program Manager in Nuclear Design Engineering at the Tennessee Valley Authority here in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Josh helps lead work at the intersection of science, innovation, and public service — and every time they talk, Aaron walks away learning something new. This conversation unpacks how nuclear energy actually works, how TVA’s structure provides reliable power across the region, what a nuclear reactor looks like up close, and why nuclear power continues to be one of the most promising paths forward for clean, dependable energy.

They also talk about what it means to live and lead as a follower of Christ inside such a technical and high-stakes field — where integrity, humility, and excellence often speak louder than words.

🗒️ Field Note
Faith doesn’t always show up in grand gestures — sometimes it’s found in quiet consistency, steady leadership, and the way we show up every day in the places God’s called us.

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