Episodes

  • #219 | From Addiction to Faith in Jesus: K.D. Suzanne’s Story of Redemption

    #219 | From Addiction to Faith in Jesus: K.D. Suzanne’s Story of Redemption
    Oct 17 2026
    What happens after you hit rock bottom—and what does it take to rebuild your life? Evangelist K.D. Suzanne joins John Gallagher on Talks with Gallagher to share her personal testimony of addiction, surviving abuse, and finding hope through a relationship with Jesus. As the founder of Tha Streetz Ministry, Suzanne has a heart for reaching people who feel broken, overlooked, or forgotten. In this conversation, she shares the encounter she describes as her turning point—and the ongoing process of learning to trust, receive grace, and move forward. “He said yes to me before I said yes to Him.” — K.D. SuzanneBeyond her testimony, we explore the role of mentorship and accountability, navigating wilderness seasons, and the moment she considered leaving ministry. Suzanne reflects on what helped her continue and how her experiences shaped her calling to serve others. In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • Her journey from addiction and brokenness to faith in Jesus
    • The difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personally
    • Why transformation involves a process—not just a turning point
    • How mentorship, grace, and accountability supported her growth
    • Learning to trust after years in survival mode
    • Finding purpose when you feel ready to quit
    • The heart behind Tha Streetz Ministry and street evangelism
    Whether you’re exploring faith, navigating a difficult season, or looking for encouragement to keep going, this episode offers an honest conversation about second chances and finding purpose beyond your past.

    EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
    00:00—Introduction: Faith, second chances, and transformation
    01:28 — K.D. Suzanne’s testimony: Addiction and redemption
    02:51 — Growing up in church versus knowing Jesus personally
    03:12 — Surviving abuse and reaching a breaking point
    06:40 — Returning to church and running to the altar
    07:39 — “Just your heart”: Her turning-point encounter
    09:04 — Coming to God without having everything together
    12:46 — Mentorship, leadership, and grace
    14:47 — Why you can’t skip the process
    18:42 — Learning to trust after years in survival mode
    19:49 — The season she wanted to leave ministry
    22:00 — “Can you continue to say yes for me?”
    22:39 — Rediscovering identity and purpose
    26:55 — Street evangelism and serving people who are hurting
    28:36 — Closing reflections and looking toward part two

    ABOUT THE GUEST

    Evangelist K.D. Suzanne is the founder of Tha Streetz Ministry, a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on sharing the love of Jesus, discipling believers, and serving people who are hurting. She is also working on her first book, From Tha Streetz to Tha Crown.

    FOLLOW TALKS WITH GALLAGHER

    Follow Talks with Gallagher on your favorite podcast app for more conversations about faith, purpose, and personal transformation. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who could use hope.

    Host: John Gallagher
    Guest: Evangelist K.D. Suzanne

    Ministry: Tha Streetz Ministry Content note: This episode includes personal accounts of domestic abuse, addiction, and suicide attempts. The guest shares her personal experiences and beliefs. This conversation is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    30 mins
  • #218 | Feeling Stuck? Small Decisions, Big Shifts with Chip Scholz

    #218 | Feeling Stuck? Small Decisions, Big Shifts with Chip Scholz
    Oct 17 2026
    Feeling Stuck? Small Decisions, Big Shifts with Chip Scholz What happens when the success you’ve been chasing no longer fits the life you want? On this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John Gallagher welcomes executive coach, storyteller, and author Chip Scholz for an honest conversation about navigating change, starting over, and finding purpose through the decisions we make every day. Drawing on his experiences with job loss, building a business, grief, and stroke recovery, Chip shares how he learned to stay flexible without losing his sense of direction. His message: failing at something doesn’t make you a failure—and meaningful change often starts smaller than you think. We explore his book, Small Decisions, Big Shifts: Navigating Life on Your Terms, and the Five C’s that guide his approach:
    • Context: Understand where you are.
    • Clarity: Know what you want.
    • Conditioning: Develop the mindset to move toward it.
    • Choice: Choose behaviors that support your direction.
    • Character: Follow through with personal accountability.
    Along the way, Chip explains what woodturning taught him about patience and leadership, why he coaches people from their strengths, and how his purpose statement—“I live to develop people”—has guided him for 25 years. Listen for a practical exercise near the end: If you woke up tomorrow and your situation were different, what’s one small thing you would notice? Whether you’re facing a career transition, rethinking success, or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on moving forward—one small decision at a time.

    IN THIS EPISODE
    • Staying flexible when life doesn’t follow your plans.
    • Separating failure from your identity.
    • Starting a business and rebuilding after a layoff.
    • The stories that influence how we interpret setbacks.
    • Leadership lessons from the woodturning workshop.
    • Turning the Five C’s into everyday action.
    • Finding purpose through your strengths and responsibilities.
    EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Introduction: When success no longer fits
    01:35 When life stops following the script
    04:46 Staying flexible: “Semper Gumby”
    06:06 Failing doesn’t make you a failure
    09:58 Turning a layoff into a new beginning
    12:46 Moving 2,500 miles and starting over
    15:09 Chip’s experience with stroke recovery
    16:35 How books and stories shape perspective
    19:13 The woodcutter’s wisdom: Blessing or curse?
    23:14 Negative thinking and internal dialogue
    26:00 Faith, fear, and core beliefs
    28:32 What woodturning teaches about leadership
    34:05 The story behind Small Decisions, Big Shifts
    37:30 Why big changes begin with small decisions
    40:03 The Five C’s explained
    42:04 Feeling stuck? Start with this question
    43:27 Coaching that builds on your strengths
    46:20 Finding purpose in everyday life
    49:34 Stay curious and flexible
    EXPLORE CHIP’S BOOK
    Small Decisions, Big Shifts: Navigating Life on Your Terms
    https://scholzandassociates.com/chips-books/

    CONNECT WITH TALKS WITH GALLAGHER

    Explore and support the podcast:
    https://talkswithgallagher.com
    Follow Talks with Gallagher for more conversations about leadership, purpose, business, and the stories that shape our lives.Know someone navigating a new chapter? Share this episode with them.#PersonalGrowth #Leadership #LifeTransitions #TalksWithGallagher

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    50 mins
  • #217 | Beyond the Headlines: Kayla Dones on Journalism, Conviction & Building Something New

    #217 | Beyond the Headlines: Kayla Dones on Journalism, Conviction & Building Something New
    Oct 16 2026
    What happens when pursuing the truth changes not only how you see the world but also what you decide to build? Investigative journalist Kayla Dones, founder of Protagonist Network, joins John Gallagher on Talks with Gallagher for a conversation about independent journalism, personal conviction, and the experiences that shape who we become. Kayla shares her journey from local reporting to undercover assignments, working with whistleblowers, and building a media organization of her own. She reflects on the political and financial pressures she encountered, the demands of field reporting, and what it takes to stay grounded while pursuing difficult stories. The conversation also explores the founder’s challenge: turning a meaningful mission into a sustainable business. From assembling a network of journalists and production professionals to creating the infrastructure that supports their work, Kayla explains why passion alone isn’t enough.
    In this episode:
    • How Kayla found her way into investigative journalism.
    • Her approach to reporting beyond left-versus-right narratives.
    • Listening to whistleblowers and recognizing potential stories.
    • Her account of campaign-finance investigations involving ActBlue and WinRed.
    • The physical and emotional demands of undercover reporting.
    • Building Protagonist Network and supporting creative talent.
    • Asking political candidates questions beyond their talking points.
    • Why local journalism needs sustainable business models.
    • Resilience, compassion, and staying true to your values.
    At its heart, this is a conversation about conviction: how our experiences shape what we believe, how those beliefs guide our decisions, and what we choose to create in response.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction: The stories that shape us
    01:52 Introducing Protagonist Network
    03:40 How Kayla got into journalism
    06:17 Political bias and her approach to reporting
    09:48 Preparing the next generation of journalists
    11:17 Reporting experiences that shaped her
    14:53 Finding leads and listening to whistleblowers
    17:36 Her account of ActBlue and WinRed investigations
    21:44 Moving from problems to solutions
    23:59 Why she founded Protagonist Network
    28:27 Building a network for media professionals
    31:37 Her work on materials concerning Kurt Cobain’s death
    34:35 The demands of undercover journalism
    37:44 Mental health, preparation, and recovery
    39:51 Resilience, compassion, and personal values
    42:01 Midterms and local accountability
    44:10 Getting candidates beyond their talking points
    45:45 Would Kayla consider running for office?
    47:50 The future of independent and local journalism
    53:07 Media ownership and newsroom culture
    54:42 Final reflections

    Connect with Kayla, Learn more about Protagonist Network:
    https://protagonistnetwork.org/

    Follow the show for conversations about the stories, decisions, and experiences that shape who we become. If this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with someone who would appreciate the conversation.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    56 mins
  • #216 | Shennette Sparkes: Living With Lupus, Faith & Identity Beyond Illness

    #216 | Shennette Sparkes: Living With Lupus, Faith & Identity Beyond Illness
    Oct 13 2026
    What happens when you’re praying for healing but still waking up in pain? Author and Lupus advocate Shennette Sparkes shares how faith, family, and purpose have shaped her life with chronic illness.
    On this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John Gallagher welcomes Evangelist Shennette Sparkes for an honest conversation about living with Lupus, navigating changes in appearance, and finding confidence beyond a diagnosis.
    Shennette shares the story behind her book, The Story Behind the Story: Butterfly Warrior, including her experience receiving a Lupus diagnosis as a Division I college basketball player. She reflects on the fear and uncertainty she faced, the role of prayer in her daily life, and why being vulnerable with God and the people around her mattered.
    The conversation also explores marriage, motherhood, accepting support, and learning to rest without feeling the pressure to do everything. Shennette discusses her beliefs about healing and closes with a prayer for listeners.
    Topics include:
    • Living with Lupus and finding hope after diagnosis
    • The meaning behind “Butterfly Warrior”
    • Hair loss, appearance, self-esteem, and identity in Christ
    • Finding purpose without being defined by pain
    • Honest communication in marriage and family life
    • Accepting help and building a support system
    • Faith, prayer, and encouragement during difficult seasons
    For anyone navigating chronic illness—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers a personal testimony of resilience, faith, and the importance of not facing your struggles alone.
    EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Opening story: Lupus and college basketball
    01:23 Introduction: faith when life hurts
    04:24 The meaning of Butterfly Warrior
    07:48 Her book and becoming a Lupus advocate
    13:59 Faith, vulnerability, and uncertainty
    19:28 Appearance and confidence in Christ
    21:38 Finding purpose beyond pain
    26:33 Marriage, motherhood, and support
    28:26 Accepting help and learning to rest
    32:58 Encouragement for those facing chronic illness
    37:43 Prayer for healing and strength
    40:16 Books, ministry, and podcasts
    42:21 Advice to her younger self
    43:10 Be who God created you to be
    45:04 Closing and supporting the show
    GUEST RESOURCES
    The Story Behind the Story: Butterfly Warrior:
    ABOUT THE SHOW
    Talks with Gallagher features conversations exploring faith, purpose, personal journeys, and the lessons that shape our lives.
    Learn more and support the podcast:
    https://talkswithgallagher.com
    Follow Talks with Gallagher in your podcast app, share this episode with someone who could use encouragement, and leave a rating or review if the conversation resonated with you.
    HEALTH NOTE
    This episode shares personal experiences and religious beliefs. It is not medical advice or a promise of healing. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and do not stop or change medication without medical guidance.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    45 mins
  • #215 | Gary Wayne: AI, Teraphim & the Days of Noah

    #215 | Gary Wayne: AI, Teraphim & the Days of Noah
    Oct 10 2026
    Is artificial intelligence just technology, or is there something older behind it?
    Author Gary Wayne (The Genesis 6 Conspiracy) joins host John Gallagher to connect AI, transhumanism, and the Days of Noah to ancient history and Bible prophecy. They also discuss his new prophetic thriller, The Opprimo Conspiracy: AI's Covenant with Babylon, co-authored with William Carmichael.
    Topics:
    • What "Opprimo" means and how the book came together
    • AI as "angelic intelligence"
    • The Days of Noah and the Olivet Discourse
    • Where end-times Babylon might be found
    • Transhumanism, demonic influence, and "daemon algorithms"
    • Teraphim, ancient talking idols, and the Image of the Beast
    • The real vs. counterfeit "flame" in the novel
    • Listener Q&A, sequels, and the audiobook
    Chapters:
    00:00 Welcome and opening question
    01:35 What "Opprimo" means
    09:40 Mystery schools and the Days of Noah
    21:55 AI safety and the demon question
    24:55 Where is Babylon?
    40:15 Daemon algorithms
    46:15 Transhumanism
    1:07:50 Teraphim and talking idols
    1:10:15 The Image of the Beast
    1:22:40 The two flames
    1:32:45 Listener Q&A
    1:45:30 Sequels, audiobook, and where to buy the book
    Links:
    Gary Wayne: https://genesis6conspiracy.com/
    Talks with Gallagher: https://www.gallagherjohn.com/
    Guest views are their own interpretation of scripture and current events.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • #214 | Prayer, Fasting & Intimacy With God | DeAndre Berry

    #214 | Prayer, Fasting & Intimacy With God | DeAndre Berry
    Oct 8 2026
    Is your prayer life bringing you closer to God—or have you become comfortable with a routine? DeAndre Berry joins Talks with Gallagher for an honest conversation about prayer, fasting, and developing a deeper relationship with God.With more than a decade of experience in prayer ministry, including nearly four years as a Prayer Director, DeAndre shares how prayer became his lifeline—shaping his character, transforming his desires, and helping him discover purpose beyond his career in media.Together, we explore the importance of prayer for the believer and the church, moving beyond a list of requests, and staying open to the Holy Spirit—even in the areas where we feel spiritually strongest.In this episode, we discuss:
    • Developing a prayer life rooted in devotion and intimacy with God.
    • Understanding intercessory prayer and the value of praying together.
    • Finding room for both persistent prayer and silence in God’s presence.
    • The role of fasting, consecration, and spiritual discipline.
    • Recognizing when convenience is influencing our obedience.
    • Growing through discipleship, Christian community, and personal conviction.
    • Connecting prayer with compassion, reconciliation, and justice beyond church walls.
    DeAndre also introduces his prayer album, “Blitz: The Watchman’s Response,” and shares the vision behind Unified Chicago, a prayer movement focused on racial and denominational reconciliation and solutions for marginalized communities.Whether you’re seeking to deepen your personal prayer life or serving in church prayer ministry, this conversation invites you to examine not just how you pray, but how prayer shapes the way you live.Follow Talks with Gallagher for more conversations about faith, purpose, and living out what you believe. Share this episode with someone who wants to grow closer to God.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • #213 | Lisa Hoyer on Faith, Chronic Illness & Emotional Healing

    #213 | Lisa Hoyer on Faith, Chronic Illness & Emotional Healing
    Oct 3 2026
    When health challenges change everything, where do you find the strength to keep going? In this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John Gallagher welcomes Lisa Hoyer for a candid conversation about chronic illness, faith, trauma, and whole-person wellness. Lisa shares her experience navigating a severe antibiotic reaction, mold-related illness, Lyme disease, and cancer—and how that journey inspired her to pursue education in herbalism, homeopathy, functional medicine health coaching, and the Root Cause Protocol. Together, John and Lisa discuss her perspective on the relationship between emotional well-being and physical health, the importance of supportive community, and why forgiveness can be a process rather than a single moment. Lisa also guides John through a short breathing and affirmation exercise. At the heart of the conversation is a message of encouragement: your struggles do not define your worth, and you do not have to face them alone.

    00:00 Opening preview
    01:08 Introducing Lisa Hoyer
    02:07 Her personal health journey
    04:01 From health challenges to starting a practice
    06:58 Lisa’s training and credentials
    09:04 Emotions, beliefs & wellness
    12:05 Her approach to client health histories
    14:09 Faith, perseverance & supportive relationships
    19:09 Words, identity & personal beliefs
    24:56 Trauma, emotional healing & feeling safe
    31:08 Self-compassion and identity
    36:39 Forgiveness and moving forward
    42:08 Community and encouragement
    44:08 Guided breathing and affirmation exercise
    48:19 Stress, minerals & an audience question
    54:57 Lisa’s practice and a client experience
    59:32 Final encouragement

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #212 | Why Dinner Went from 90 Minutes to 12 (And How to Fix It) with Ian Simkins

    #212 | Why Dinner Went from 90 Minutes to 12 (And How to Fix It) with Ian Simkins
    Sep 28 2026
    In a culture addicted to screens, speed, and echo chambers, something sacred has slipped away: the simple act of gathering across a table with people face to face.
    On this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John sits down with his longtime friend and fellow Judson University alumnus Ian Simkins, lead pastor of The Bridge Church outside Nashville and author of the new book "Every Table an Altar: Reclaiming Connection in a World of Division, Distraction, and Loneliness."
    Ian unpacks why dinnertime in America dropped from 90 minutes to under 12, how an eye condition turned into an encounter in northern India, and why Jesus chose controversial dinner tables over auditorium stages to change the world.
    What We Cover in This Episode:
    • The Judson University chapel message that started a 16-year connection
    • The 90-to-12-minute collapse of family dinner and what it costs our kids
    • Face-to-face healing: how Ian’s vulnerability in an Indian orphanage changed his view of presence
    • Luke 14 hospitality: why Jesus calls us to sit with people who can never pay us back
    • "That’s how an ax murderer talks": Ian’s late-night IHOP love story with his wife, Katie
    • Rethinking communion: shifting from a funeral memorial to a future celebration
    • A pastoral prayer for the lonely, singles, and families fighting for connection
    Connect with Pastor Ian Simkins:
    • Book: "Every Table an Altar" (available at major retailers and on Amazon)
    • Website: https://iansimkins.com
    • The Bridge Church: https://bridge.tv
    • Instagram: https://instagram.com/iansimkins
    Connect with Talks with Gallagher:
    • Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
    • Follow on YouTube & Social Media: @TalkswithGallagher

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talks-with-gallagher--6106098/support.

    Visit talkswithgallagher.com for more information and support the future of this podcast.

    Want to be a guest on Talks with Gallagher? Send John Gallagher a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/talkswithgallagher
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    40 mins