On this episode, John Blocher, a Colonel in the United States Air Force, shares a story few leaders talk about openly: being kicked out of the Air Force Academy—and how that moment nearly ended his dream of serving.

Instead, it became the turning point that shaped him into the leader he is today.

John walks listeners through his remarkable journey from rejection to redemption, revealing how faith, family, and uncompromising integrity became the foundation of his leadership. Drawing from real-world combat experience, he speaks candidly about fear, resilience, and the moments where trusting God wasn’t optional—it was essential.

The conversation dives deep into what ethical leadership looks like when the stakes are high, why a consistent personal walk with God matters more than public success, and how prayer doesn’t just strengthen faith—it transforms relationships and leadership effectiveness.

This episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging—a powerful reminder that God’s purpose often unfolds through our hardest moments.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you from your calling, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Steve sits down with Chad Daugherty, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, whose career path is anything but conventional.

Chad shares his journey from working at Valdosta State University to stepping into the fast-paced world of financial advising—an unexpected transition shaped by relationships, trust, and a deep sense of calling. Rather than chasing numbers alone, Chad explains how his work is grounded in integrity and long-term relationships, believing that who you are matters just as much as what you produce.

The conversation dives into Chad’s desire to become a Certified Kingdom Advisor, a step that reflects his commitment to aligning financial stewardship with biblical principles. He speaks candidly about the tension many professionals feel—meeting performance expectations while remaining faithful to deeply held values—and why authenticity and humility are non-negotiable in both business and life.

This episode offers an honest look at what it means to succeed without compromising your faith, and how values-driven leadership can make a lasting impact far beyond the balance sheet.

Miles Hannan, partner at Smith, Hannan, Parker & Bowden, joined the show with a powerful testimony of how God has shaped his life from his early days in law enforcement to becoming one of the region’s most respected trial attorneys. Miles shared how his legal career has been anchored not just in skill, but in conviction — a commitment to ethical leadership, integrity, and living out Christian values in a profession where those principles are often tested.

He opened up about his work in criminal defense and drew a striking comparison to the trials of Jesus, highlighting the serious procedural violations that occurred and how they underline the biblical importance of defending the rights of the accused. For Miles, every client — guilty or innocent — is a person created in God’s image, deserving of due process and compassion.

Miles also spoke about integrating faith into business, explaining that Christian leadership is not just about quoting Scripture but making Christ-centered decisions in the everyday pressures of a law firm. He didn’t shy away from the challenges either — from maintaining spiritual integrity in a secular environment to navigating the way media shapes public opinion about justice and morality.

In the end, Miles encouraged listeners to lean fully on God’s provision and to boldly live out their faith at work, reminding us that the marketplace is one of the greatest mission fields we have. His message was clear: when we follow Christ in our professional lives, we don’t just influence the people around us — we build legacies that honor God.

Jeff Fitch—Air Force veteran, firefighter, and the owner of Dirty Dozen Coffee Company—joined us to share a story that’s equal parts service, faith, and a really good cup of coffee. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Jeff stepped into a new kind of calling as a firefighter, and along the way, a simple firehouse habit turned into something bigger: Dirty Dozen Coffee.

What started as conversations and encouragement from the guys around the station grew into a business built on the kind of values you can actually feel—integrity, transparency, and taking care of people. Since launching in 2020, Dirty Dozen Coffee has seen steady growth, and Jeff says the goal has stayed the same from day one: treat customers right and deliver a full pound of great coffee—no gimmicks.

But the heart of the story wasn’t just entrepreneurship—it was purpose. Jeff talked openly about how faith shapes his decision-making, why community service is more than a slogan, and how Dirty Dozen Coffee is meant to be something that adds value to Valdosta and beyond. Looking ahead, he shared exciting possibilities, including plans that could lead to a brick-and-mortar shop in Valdosta.

And maybe the best takeaway of the whole conversation: Jeff reminded us that in business—and in life—sometimes the most important move isn’t the next hustle. It’s learning to be still, listen, and let God direct the steps.

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Barnes, CEO of Barnes Healthcare, to talk about leading a multi-generational family business with a simple but powerful heartbeat: “We take care of people.” You’ll hear how faith shapes leadership when it’s more than a slogan—when prayer, Scripture, and service show up in the everyday decisions that affect real families.

But this conversation goes deeper. Charlie speaks honestly about healing and growth, the hard work of building healthy teams, and what happens when people resist the uncomfortable process of change. And as he looks ahead, he pulls back the curtain on a broken healthcare system—high costs, inefficiencies, and medication challenges—while sharing a hopeful vision for the future rooted in relationships, community, and strategic partnerships. If you care about faith, leadership, and what healthcare could become, you’re going to want to hear this.

Brett Thomas brought the heat—and the heart—when he told the story of how Church Street Café came to life in the small town of Hahira, Georgia. After decades in the restaurant world, Brett finally took the leap to create a place of his own… and he built it with purpose.

For Brett, every cup of coffee and every plate served is more than a transaction—it’s an opportunity to treat people like family. He shared how his café operates on faith-based values, from the way he greets customers to the bold decision not to serve alcohol, even when it meant turning down easy revenue.

Balancing faith and business isn’t always simple, but Brett makes it look joyful. His customers feel the difference. His staff feels the difference. And the community feels the difference—especially when he uses his business to help fund mission trips and local outreach.

His advice for other business owners?
Stay rooted. Don’t compromise. Build something that reflects who you really are. Because when your business is anchored in faith, the rewards go way beyond the cash register.

Charlie Banks lit up the studio as he shared the incredible journey behind the Young Minds Podcast. Born prematurely, Charlie has been beating the odds since day one—and he’s brought that same grit and passion into the world of podcasting.

He told the story of how God grabbed hold of his life: saved in April, baptized in November 2022, and now boldly living out his faith on and off the mic. Three years later, the podcast has dropped 160 episodes (and counting!), building a community that’s real, raw, and rooted in authenticity.

Charlie kept it honest—consistency is tough, spiritual attacks are real, and creating content week after week isn’t always glamorous. But he’s learned to push through with the help of a solid community and the calling God placed on his life.

Charlie’s message was simple but powerful: you don’t have to be perfect to start—just willing, authentic, and surrounded by the right people. He can be reached at :

theyoungmindspodcast1720@gmail.com

Scott Willis, owner of Elite Hearing Care, shared his journey from being downsized from a corporate job to becoming a hearing instrument specialist. He recounted a pivotal moment when he witnessed the transformative impact of hearing aids on a 92-year-old woman, solidifying his career choice. Scott emphasized the importance of integrating faith into business practices, treating patients with care, and maintaining authenticity. He also discussed his role as a coach and mentor, highlighting the long-term impact of his relationships with young athletes. Scott's business philosophy centers on providing quality service and fostering genuine connections with his patients and community.