Up from the Muck Podcast

Up from the Muck Podcast

Up from the Muck Podcast seeks to provide encouraging interviews of Christian believers, showcasing their “stories of the middle”, the mucky moments where God steps in, highlighting the gritty middle and not just the polished end.

Episodes

September 9, 2025 32 mins

The distance between West Monroe, Louisiana and Guatemala may be measured in miles, but for Abby Wood and her teenage son Gavin, that gap closed into something far more meaningful during their recent mission trip. What began fifteen years ago with a simple $43 monthly commitment to sponsor a child has blossomed into relationships that transcend borders, languages, and cultural differences.

When the Woods first connected wi...

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Joanna Herman shares her journey through divorce after seven years of marriage and how she discovered that her circumstances don't define who she is in God's eyes.

• Facing fears of financial insecurity, loneliness, and judgment as a worship leader going through divorce
• Battling shame and the feeling that divorce "wasn't supposed to happen" to her despite doing things "the right way"...

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Laura Womack shares her powerful journey through postpartum depression following the birth of her second child. After struggling silently for two years while putting on a brave face for others, she found healing through an unexpected spiritual breakthrough that transformed her relationship with God and restored her joy.

Some highlights of our discussion:
• Experienced postpartum depression after her second child when c...

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Our latest episode dives into the ins and outs  of Hallie Dye's new book, "You're Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have)". Her book addresses what it means to be a good mom on God's terms.

 This conversation emphasizes the worth of a mother. In order to do so, Hallie takes us all the way back to Genesis, where everything good was created. 

This conver...

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Step into the profound journey of faith as we sit down with Dr. Troy Bostick, my father-in-law and trusted dentist, to unravel the incredible story behind the Gideons. Originating from a simple idea to counter the saloon culture of the late 19th century, this evangelistic association has blossomed into a monumental force for spreading the Christian faith across the globe. Discover how two determined businessmen from Wisconsin ignit...

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In this episode, I talk with Tara Fuller as she shares with me a moment from her life that used to clouted with shame, but is now counted as joy. 

Tara is an elementary teacher, a wonderful mother of two, and my friend.  

In this episode, she opens up about her early struggles with identity, anxiety, and depression, culminating in a life-altering suicide attempt in 2015. She shares how seeking approval from God, r...

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When you find yourself at a career crossroads, the leap of faith into your true calling can be both thrilling and daunting. Mr. Damon Nailer, a man of many talents: educator, author, motivational speaker, and beacon of divine inspiration, has walked this path. In our heart-to-heart, Damon unwraps the layers of his journey, revealing how he navigated from a traditional educational role to fulfilling his purpose in leadership and spi...

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" ...We also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,  endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.  This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

This episode with Jana Hutzler speaks pf brokenness and grief, but also courage and compassion ...
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In this episode I sit down with Dr. Woods Watson as we talk about both of his books "Northeast Louisiana: A Community of Innovations" and "What in the World is God Doing in My Life".

Woods has been on staff at First West  church for 20 years, and is currently serving as their Adults Pastor. Last summer Dr. Woods Watson came out with his latest book "Northeast Louisiana: A Community of Innovati...
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April 30, 2024 33 mins
In this episode, I talk with Abigail Avara about the abuse she endured by her first husband, and how the Lord rescued her out of that situation.
 
This story is also about how Abigail has re-learned her value and self-worth and how important it is to be rooted in God's word.

There's also a bit of romance in there as she tells all about how she met her now new husband, Brent.

So take a lis...
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Porn addictions and sexting are two transgressions that would send any marital partner spinning. Beyond questioning the whys? Hows? and How many times? The bigger question is...should we divorce?

In this episode, Cassidy Carpenter, shares with us her most vulnerable hurts and her heart on how she wades through the transgressions and confessions of her husband.

Lamentations 3:1-23
Grit and Grace Media wi...
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Chris Craighead Jr. is currently the College Pastor at North Monroe Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. In today's episode we'll unveil a trauma that he experienced as a child and how that event has impacted his life into adulthood.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9  says, "We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but...
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Mentoring is not just for the young. It's for all of us all at ages and stages. And there is no better place for it than in the body and community of other believers.

 In this episode you'll hear from my friend, Krystal Farnell, and learn how she strives to find good mentors in her life.

Who knows, maybe you'll find someone you need to mentor too?
Listen on and be encouraged!  

Click ...

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For 68 episodes, I have interviewed other people, and not once have y'all heard from me, so I thought it was time to share one of my stories. 

With Easter just a few days behind us, I thought the best story for me to share would be  my Salvation Story. 

May you know that you also are made for more.
So take a listen and be encouraged! 


*Trigger Warning* - I do talk about suicidal thoughts...

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In today's episode I talk with West Monroe High School Senior, Mallie Cole.  She shares with me the moments of her sweet salvation with Jesus, how to came to that decision, and impact that decision has had on her life since.

You're in for a treat! Take a listen and be encouraged!

LINKS
Jason Curry-that weekend's speaker

Verses mentioned in the show.
John 3:16
Matthew 10:32-33

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When life suddenly takes a left turn down a path that we never thought would be our own, it is sometimes hard to remember the goodness of God.

In this episode listen to how Kayla finds herself on a path she never thought would be hers, but was able to cling on to hope by remembering the goodness of God.

Take a listen and be encouraged!

Click HERE for access to my Patreon Account for Merch and other perk...

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In this episode I talk with the Minister to Young Adults at Fair Park Baptist church, Clayton Bryan. We discuss how he dealt with the revelation of his father having a pain killer addiction while he was a teenager-the impact of that revelation on his family and ultimately his relationship with the Lord.

Take a listen to this heroine story and be encouraged! 

LINKS
Lamentations 3:22
Shane and Shane
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I'm wrapping up this series with my current favorite woman of the Bible, Abigail. I look to her example for guidance in so many areas of my life.

In this episode I asked Kristin Cook to come along side me to discuss who the woman of Abigail was and what we can learn from her even still today.

What to know who she is and why I love her so much? Press play and find out.

LINKS
1 Samuel 25
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This week is part three of the Women of the Bile Series. In this episode we'll be exploring the characters of Miriam and Hannah-both Old Testament Women. Both have so many virtues and wisdom to learn from-even a few mistakes.

Take a listen and be encouraged!

LINKS
Age Samuel may have been weened (3 or 4)
Praises Rise by Valerie Barley (feat. Katie Ashcraft & Enrique Magana)
We Bless Your...
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Join me today with Lifeway content writer, Alecia Bryant, as we dig in and discover more about Lydia and Anna of the Bible.


Links
Lifeway
The Gospel Project
Map of Thyatira- Lydia's Hometown
Map of Ancient Greece

ClickHERE for access to my Patreon Account to learn a little extra about the guests I interview. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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