Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey

What if the darkest season of your life was the very ground God would use to grow your calling?

In this episode, Jacob Gilchrist shares a gripping testimony of loss, addiction, and the long road to surrender. From watching his father’s life unravel after a tragic medical mistake to wrestling with doubt, anger, and near-suicide, Jacob opens up about the pain that drove him away from faith—and the moments that brought him back.

We he...

What if the thing that once defined you is actually what God wants to use to set you free?

In Part Two of our conversation with Damian, we dig deeper into the wounds that shaped his identity—and the healing that followed. Damian opens up about the decades he spent carrying guilt, the moment that broke his marriage open, and the slow, powerful journey toward counseling, vulnerability, and grace.

This episode is a raw and redemptive ...

What if the thing that once defined you is actually what God wants to use to set you free?

In Part Two of our conversation with Damian, we dig deeper into the wounds that shaped his identity—and the healing that followed. Damian opens up about the decades he spent carrying guilt, the moment that broke his marriage open, and the slow, powerful journey toward counseling, vulnerability, and grace.

This episode is a raw and redemptive ...

What does healing look like when your earliest memories are marked by trauma?

In this powerful episode, Damian opens up about a childhood scarred by violence and loss—and the long road toward restoration. From witnessing a moment that forever altered his family to spending decades silently carrying the weight of it, Damian shares how God has used even the most painful parts of his story to forge something new.

We explore themes of ...

What does healing look like when your earliest memories are marked by trauma?

In this powerful episode, Damian opens up about a childhood scarred by violence and loss—and the long road toward restoration. From witnessing a moment that forever altered his family to spending decades silently carrying the weight of it, Damian shares how God has used even the most painful parts of his story to forge something new.

We explore themes of ...

What does it look like when the next generation catches fire for Christ—right in front of your eyes?

In part two of our conversation, Trace Smith shares a powerful and deeply personal account of the movement stirring within today’s youth. From humble beginnings in volunteer service to a front-row seat at a spiritual awakening, Trace walks us through a story of faith that’s multiplying across campuses, sanctuaries, and small group t...

What does it look like when the next generation catches fire for Christ—right in front of your eyes?

In part two of our conversation, Trace Smith shares a powerful and deeply personal account of the movement stirring within today’s youth. From humble beginnings in volunteer service to a front-row seat at a spiritual awakening, Trace walks us through a story of faith that’s multiplying across campuses, sanctuaries, and small group t...

What if the seeds you plant today don’t bloom for decades—but still change a life?

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Trace Smith, pastor of Discovery Kids, to talk about the quiet, consistent work of shaping the next generation. From fifth-grade classrooms to global reach through children's curriculum, Trace shares his journey of finding his voice, embracing his calling, and witnessing the beauty of faith in unexpect...

What if the seeds you plant today don’t bloom for decades—but still change a life?

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Trace Smith, pastor of Discovery Kids, to talk about the quiet, consistent work of shaping the next generation. From fifth-grade classrooms to global reach through children's curriculum, Trace shares his journey of finding his voice, embracing his calling, and witnessing the beauty of faith in unexpect...

What happens when the truth you've known your whole life is no longer enough?

In this heartfelt episode, Mike joins Joe to share his journey from a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From religious discipline to gospel transformation, Mike opens up about the moment everything changed—a divine conversation over lunch that challenged the very foundation of his faith.

Together, the...

What happens when the truth you've known your whole life is no longer enough?

In this heartfelt episode, Mike joins Joe to share his journey from a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From religious discipline to gospel transformation, Mike opens up about the moment everything changed—a divine conversation over lunch that challenged the very foundation of his faith.

Together, the...

What if the breakthrough you need is on the other side of a shared project, a simple tool, and a few honest conversations?

In this heartfelt conversation, Brandon joins Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey to reflect on the unexpected power of community-led service and the quiet transformation that happens when men show up—shoulder to shoulder—to work, to grow, and to heal. He shares how a missions trip to Nicaragua sparked...

What if the breakthrough you need is on the other side of a shared project, a simple tool, and a few honest conversations?

In this heartfelt conversation, Brandon joins Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey to reflect on the unexpected power of community-led service and the quiet transformation that happens when men show up—shoulder to shoulder—to work, to grow, and to heal. He shares how a missions trip to Nicaragua sparked...

What if the very story you’re afraid to share is the one that sets another man free?

In this powerful episode of the Forge Podcast, Mark opens up about a life marked by success on the outside and struggle within. From his early years as a standout athlete to years of hidden addiction, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage, Mark walks us through the slow unraveling of a man chasing affirmation in all the wrong places. But his story d...

What if the very story you’re afraid to share is the one that sets another man free?

In this powerful episode of the Forge Podcast, Mark opens up about a life marked by success on the outside and struggle within. From his early years as a standout athlete to years of hidden addiction, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage, Mark walks us through the slow unraveling of a man chasing affirmation in all the wrong places. But his story d...

What if the breakthrough you need is waiting on the other side of vulnerability?

In this powerful episode, Steve Heller shares how God met him in the wreckage—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and began to rebuild his life through confession, community, and surrender. Steve opens up about years of chasing the world, the deep cost of unconfessed sin, and the night he reluctantly walked into the Forge… and found brotherhood.

T...

What if the breakthrough you need is waiting on the other side of vulnerability?

In this powerful episode, Steve Heller shares how God met him in the wreckage—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and began to rebuild his life through confession, community, and surrender. Steve opens up about years of chasing the world, the deep cost of unconfessed sin, and the night he reluctantly walked into the Forge… and found brotherhood.

T...

What does it mean to be truly forged in faith? In this episode of the Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey, Joe Knee sits down with Pastor Jason Belcher to explore the transformative power of community, accountability, and radical devotion to Christ.

Jason shares the incredible growth of Forge, a ministry that has evolved from a small gathering into a movement of men being shaped and strengthened in their faith. He unpacks ...

What’s the power of your testimony if it’s never shared? In this episode of the Forge Podcast: Conversations for the Journey, Joe Knee welcomes Bob Kelton, a man whose journey to faith took 82 years but has since transformed his life in ways he never imagined.

Bob shares his raw and powerful story of searching for meaning, wrestling with doubt, and finally encountering Jesus in a way that changed everything. From decades of feeling...