Episode 263

Today I’m joined by Amber Smith, wife of Granger Smith. Amber shares their story of navigating the unspeakable tragedy of losing her 3-year-old son, River, and how that "bathroom floor" moment of ultimate grief and despair became the very place God met her.

If you are walking through a storm or know someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you are not alone and your story is not over. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 262

On today’s episode, I sit down with young author Caroline Shankle for a powerful and honest conversation about navigating the challenging "mean girl" years of high school and how those struggles prepared her for facing bigger giants in life. At just 22 years old, Caroline has poured her heart into her new 100-day devotional, "The Lion and the Bear: A Guide for Facing Your Giants," offering encouragement from her own journey of faith..

This episode is a must-watch for any teenager, parent, or anyone who has ever felt overlooked, unseen, or battled with bullies. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 261

At nine years old, John O'Leary was burned on 100% of his body and given no chance to survive. Today, his miraculous story is the inspiration behind the major motion picture Soul on Fire, releasing in theaters on October 10th. Matthew sits down with John for a conversation about his journey of overcoming the impossible. John shares how God took his greatest liabilities and turned them into his greatest assets, and how a life that the world saw as broken has become a powerful testament to God's redemptive power. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 260

On today’s episode of the podcast, Matthew sits down with pastor and friend, Kevin Queen of Cross Point Church, for an incredibly honest and practical conversation about the struggles and triumphs of faith. Pastor Kevin shares his powerful testimony and what led him to become the leader of a thriving church. He provides a simple, transformative framework for anyone looking to deepen their prayer life and hear God's voice more clearly, even in the middle of life's biggest storms. Let's go to the Story House!

Episode 259

On today’s episode of the podcast, my wife Emily and I recap summer 2025. From the pinnacle of performing at Carnegie Hall to the hilarious nightmare of being stranded overnight in LaGuardia airport. Emily also shares a powerful and timely word about the importance of gratitude and how leaning into thankfulness has been her anchor through a season of worry and change. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 258

Join Matthew for a special edition of the podcast! He dives into scripture, spends time in prayer reflecting on what’s happening in our world, and shares a few songs you won’t want to miss!

Episode 257

 In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I am joined by my friend and world-class photographer, Hannah Corwin. She shares the incredible story behind her stunning book, "But God," and a testimony of learning to trust God's timing, even when it meant waiting 10 years for a dream to come true. Let's go to the Story House!

Episode 256

In one of the most inspiring and motivating conversations yet, I sit down with Dabo Swinney, the two-time national champion head coach of the Clemson Tigers. Coach Swinney shares the powerful testimony and unshakable faith that have guided him from a difficult childhood to the pinnacle of college football. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 255

Megan Woods joins me to share her powerful testimony of faith through fear, and how she learned to trust God when her biggest fear was coming true. This is a story about surrendering your dreams to God and discovering the incredible plans He has in store. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 254

How do you want to be remembered? In this deeply personal and reflective conversation, my wife Emily and I sit down to recap our summer and discuss the ultimate "why" behind everything we do. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 253

“Is this God’s plan or His punishment?” It’s a question many have wrestled with. On the podcast, my friend Rob Roozeboom—founder of RiseFest and author of Broken Still Chosen—shares his raw journey with muscular dystrophy, years of anger toward God, and the moment God met him in his deepest pain to transform his heart. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 252

What if the most difficult parts of your story are the exact qualifications God wants to use for your calling? New York Times best-selling author and world-renowned speaker Rory Vaden joins me for a conversation that will completely reframe how you see your past. He reveals how looking at your past pain, setbacks, and tragedies is the fastest way to find your unique, God-given purpose. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 251

What happens when you trade the traditional college path for a six-month mission trip around the world? I sit down with a very special guest—my oldest daughter, Lulu West—for an incredible conversation about her life-changing YWAM (Youth With A Mission) experience. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 250

He’s the artist whose song "Counting My Blessings" has become a global anthem of gratitude. Seph Schlueter joins me to share the incredible stories behind his music and the powerful "God moments" that have defined his journey. Let’s go to the Story House! 

Episode 249

What if one of the world's most positive people admitted he's "naturally negative"? Best-selling author and top motivational speaker Jon Gordon joins me for an incredibly honest and practical conversation about how to transform your mindset.

Jon, who coaches championship teams like the LA Rams and Clemson, reveals his personal struggle with negativity and anxiety and the ultimatum from his wife that changed everything. He shares the powerful, daily habits he uses to cultivate a positive life, anchored by his deep faith in Jesus. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 248

How does a high school dropout who sang backup for local rappers end up with a #1 Christian song called "Desperate"? Jamie MacDonald shares one of the most powerful and honest testimonies you will ever hear. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on her incredible journey, from a troubled childhood and years of struggling with drugs and alcohol, to the moment at age 21 when she hit "low enough" and cried out to God to rescue her. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 247

Country music star and Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan shares an incredibly raw, honest, and ultimately hope-filled conversation with me about his journey. He opens up about how that painful season taught him that "sometimes our pain is for other people" and how God can bring purpose from our deepest valleys. This is a story about faith, family, and the amazing truth that even when we don't understand His plan, God's work is getting done through us. Let’s go to the Story House!

Episode 246

What happens when you have to let go? My wife Emily and I sit down for a deeply personal conversation about parenting young adults and the challenge of surrendering control. Let’s go to the Story House!