Off-Balance Podcast

From the streets of Côte d’Ivoire to the bustling cities of China and the classrooms of the United States, Stéphane Akoki’s life is a testament to God’s grace and the power of perseverance. After being scammed and stranded in a foreign country, Stéphane chose faith over fear, learned a new language, and rebuilt his life from scratch. Today, as the founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, he’s helping others break free from poverty through...

What invisible force keeps stopping you from reaching your goals and living your best life? The answer might surprise you.

In this eye-opening episode of Off Balance, Dr. Brooks Deming welcomes mental health expert Charlotte Jones to unpack the complex relationship between mental health and self-sabotage. With over 22 years of experience as a clinical therapist, Charlotte reveals how seemingly disconnected behaviors like p...

 In this episode, we dive into the powerful vision of Ezekiel 37: the Valley of Dry Bones and discover what it teaches us about God’s power to revive what seems dead. Whether you’re facing a season of loss, discouragement, or uncertainty, this message will remind you that valleys are not the end. They are the stage for God’s most significant demonstrations of power. You’ll learn why complaining can’t change your situation, why your...

 How do we serve faithfully in a shifting culture? This episode takes you beyond the application and into the heart of service. Learn how to navigate your role as a faith-filled professional in public service, respond to cultural changes with grace, and lead with both conviction and competence. A powerful close to our three-part series. 

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Say goodbye to five-page resumes and vague qualifications. The Merit Hiring Plan has reshaped the application process to prioritize clarity, competency, and character. In this episode, we break down the new resume limits, required essay responses, skills-based assessments, and communication improvements so you can apply with confidence and purpose. 

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The federal hiring process is undergoing a transformation, and it’s more than a policy change; it’s a values shift. In this episode, we delve into the core of the new Merit Hiring Plan and its significance for faith-driven applicants. Discover how the government is refocusing on skill, service, and constitutional commitment and what that means for those called to serve. 

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In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re diving into the essential topic of reasonable accommodation in the federal workplace. What does it mean? Who qualifies? And how can faith, compassion, and leadership come together to create more inclusive work environments?

With insights from both OPM and EEOC guidance, we unpack the legal framework, real-world examples, and common misconceptions surrounding accommodations for employees with dis...

In this episode of Off-Balance, we delve into the newly signed Take It Down Act, a bipartisan law designed to combat the spread of nonconsensual intimate images and AI-generated deepfakes. This groundbreaking legislation holds offenders accountable and empowers victims with tools to reclaim their privacy online.

Join us as we unpack what the law means for families, why it's a faith issue, and how it affects entrepreneurs naviga...

What happens when your growth, success, or faith journey stirs up something uncomfortable in your parent, something that looks a lot like jealousy?

In this candid and compassionate episode, we delve into the often-unspoken reality of parental jealousy. Whether it's subtle criticism, emotional distance, or dismissive remarks, many adults quietly wrestle with the pain of feeling resented instead of celebrated by their parents.

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Not everyone can afford your high-ticket service, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become a valuable customer. In this episode of Off-Balance, we explore why every service-based entrepreneur should consider offering a product, like a book, an ebook, or a journal, to serve a wider audience and create an additional stream of income. You'll learn how a low-cost product can open doors, build trust, and lead people into deeper work...

What happens when the job you thought was secure suddenly isn’t? In this heartfelt and practical episode, we unpack how to navigate the emotional, spiritual, and financial challenges of job instability especially in federal or long-term government roles.

Whether you’ve experienced a reduction in force (RIF), early retirement, or are facing unexpected changes in your career, this episode is for you. We’ll talk through how to find you...

Loss comes in many forms: a job, a relationship, a loved one, and each can leave us feeling shaken, heartbroken, and unsure of what’s next. In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re creating space to talk honestly about what it means to bounce back after loss. Through a biblical lens and personal reflection, we’ll explore how to move forward with faith, even when life feels off track.

Whether you’re grieving a layoff, navigating a divor...

Most of us avoid making others uncomfortable—even when it costs us our peace. In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re diving into why it’s so hard to set boundaries and speak up, especially when faith, family, and business values are on the line. I’ll share a personal story about a small boundary that caused big frustration and unpack why discomfort isn’t always a bad thing. You’ll learn how to balance kindness with clarity, and why ...

In a world obsessed with approval, it’s easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing — especially when you’re juggling faith, family, and business. But here’s the truth: everyone’s not going to like you, and that’s okay.

In this episode of Off-Balance, we’re having a heart-to-heart about what it really means to release the pressure to be liked, stop forcing yourself into spaces where you’re not valued, and start showing up fully as...

In a world where boundaries are constantly tested and temptation is just a click away, it’s never been more important to protect your heart, your mind, and your eyes. In this sobering yet hope-filled episode, we’re talking about the kinds of compromises that don’t just disrupt your life — they can destroy it.

From high-profile scandals to quiet personal battles, the reality is this: none of us is immune. Whether you're a parent...

Why is it that when other communities set up their children for success, it's called legacy—but when African American families do the same, it's called nepotism?

In this episode of Off-Balance, we unpack the tension around nepotism in the African American community and explore what the Bible really says about generational legacy. From Proverbs 13:22 to the lineage of David and Solomon, we’ll discover that setting up our ch...

 Tired of resume bullets that sound like job descriptions? This episode of Off-Balance shows you how to turn bland responsibilities into powerful impact statements. Learn how to use the Action + Context + Result formula to highlight your value, whether you're preparing for a career pivot, promotion, or post-RIF transition. 

We’ll walk through real examples, give you a simple resume template, and help you find the “wins” hiding ...

In this follow-up to our most-downloaded episode on Reduction in Force (RIF), we’re diving deeper into what happens after the announcement. Whether you're directly impacted or simply navigating uncertainty within your agency, this episode is your practical and faith-filled guide forward.

We break down the resources available to federal employees post-RIF — including CTAP, retraining options, and reemployment priority lists — an...

Can you build a thriving business and be present at home? In this heartfelt episode of Off-Balance, we explore the tension so many entrepreneurs feel: pursuing purpose without losing connection with the people who matter most.

You’ll hear honest reflections on seasons of imbalance, a reframe of what “family first” really means, and practical rhythms to stay rooted in your home life—without sacrificing your dreams. If you’ve ever fel...