Stories of Freedom

Stories of Freedom

Welcome friends, to Stories of Freedom, a podcast about discovering and embracing who you are in Christ. Join hosts Amanda Thompson and Dan Studt, President of FICM-US, as we visit with people who have overcome obstacles, gained freedom, and found abundant life. These conversations will highlight the Goodness of God woven throughout the lives of His people and teach us, as His children, to appreciate that very same Goodness in our own lives. We will journey together growing to better understand how to live this life free and fruitful in Christ.

Episodes

September 10, 2025 33 mins

Join Dan and Manda as they visit with Jojo Bartholomew, a former member of a 1% outlaw motorcycle club. For most of his life, he was addicted, angry, and lost. But 14 years ago, everything changed. Through an unlikely encounter with the very people he once mocked—a Christian motorcycle club called the Melchezideks—he came face to face with the truth of the gospel.

Now sober, saved, and full of purpose, he knows who he is in Christ ...

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In this episode of Stories of Freedom, Dan and Manda spend time hearing Bonnie Sanchez tell her stories of growing up a Generation Chaos kid living as a third coast nomad across the Coastal Bend of South Texas. 

But God wasn’t finished writing her story. Through a powerful encounter with truth, and a divine appointment in the form of one of her clients, that moment became a turning point, and everything began to change. 

Today, Bon...

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In this episode of Stories of Freedom, Dan and Manda spend time hearing Bonnie Sanchez tell her stories of growing up a Generation Chaos kid living as a third coast nomad across the Coastal Bend of South Texas.

But God wasn’t finished writing her story. Through a powerful encounter with truth, and a divine appointment in the form of one of her clients, that moment became a turning point, and everything began to change. Today, Bonni...

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In part 2 of this episode of Stories of Freedom, Dan and Manda catch us up on all the resting and wrestling from the summer and invite us to All Fall In together for the back half of Season 3. They waller their way through a conversation on marriage and the filming of The Freedom in Christ Marriage Course. More guests and stories of the Goodness of the Lord coming-- all starting with cameo guest Warren Jantz. Warren is the outgoing...

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In part 1 of this episode of Stories of Freedom, Dan and Manda catch us up on all the resting and wrestling from the summer and invite us to All Fall In together for the back half of Season 3. They waller their way through a conversation on marriage and the filming of The Freedom in Christ Marriage Course. More guests and stories of the Goodness of the Lord coming-- all starting with cameo guest Warren Jantz. Warren is the outgoing...

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June 4, 2025 82 mins

In this episode of Stories of Freedom, Dan and Amanda reflect on the challenges faced during the first half of season 3, discussing personal experiences and favorite conversations. The conversation is anchored by an introduction to Sue Huber, US National Course Coordinator, who shares insights about her role in Freedom in Christ and upcoming online courses and future leadership training opportunities being piloted.

We’d love to hea...

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In this conversation, Dan & Manda have the joy of welcoming Jackie Leswell to the podcast, and to this side of the pond. Jackie’s life has been an incredible journey of grace, from bullying and abuse to rebellion and redemption, eventually serving 32 years as a minister in The Salvation Army impacting communities across England. As the head of FIC International’s Transform initiative, Jackie equips Christian leaders around the worl...

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In this conversation, Gary and Cana Davidson reflect on the significance of understanding one's identity in Christ and the fulfillment that can be found in both singleness and marriage. They also touch on the challenges and blessings of navigating loss and grief, supporting others, and embracing all stages of life, including the dynamics of blended families. Their story highlights the transformative power of God's love and the free...

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In this episode of Stories of Freedom, Dan & Manda sit-down with Maida Smith as she shares her powerful testimony of overcoming addiction, cultural challenges, and personal struggles through the transformative power of God's grace. Maida discusses her Cuban heritage, the impact of Santeria in her upbringing, and her battles with gambling addiction, ultimately leading to her surrender to God and embracing her freedom in Christ.

We’d...

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In this conversation, Jess Regnart shares her profound journey through chronic illness and the role of faith in navigating suffering. She discusses the impact of her health struggles on her family, the importance of finding worth in pain, and the supportive role of the church. Jess emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion from others, particularly in the face of well-meaning but hurtful comments. She highlights the powe...

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March 26, 2025 62 mins

In this Mid-Spring Wrap Session of Stories of Freedom, Dan & Manda reflect on the impactful stories shared by their guests throughout the first quarter of Season 3. They laugh their way through a rehashing of the behind the scenes stories and on-air antics of the last several months.

We’d love to hear your feedback and field your questions for the hosts @ info@ficm.org

Subscribe to Stories of Freedom on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spo...

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In this episode of Stories of Freedom, Roberto Reed shares his journey of faith, identity, and the transformative power of understanding who we are in Christ. With over 30 years of pastoral experience, Roberto discusses the influence of his upbringing in Ecuador, Mexico, and the U.S. as the child of missionaries, and the challenges of navigating identity as a third culture kid. He Read more

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In this conversation, Dan and Manda visit with guest Crystal Hammond as she shares her powerful testimony of overcoming childhood trauma, the impact of family love, and her journey to healing through faith in Christ. She thoughtfully reflects on her years of experience in deliverance ministry and the need for lasting change in people's lives. Together, they emphasize the significance of seeking whole person healing, both physically...

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In this engaging conversation, Doug and Dorothy Sargeant share their profound journey of faith, loss, and healing. They discuss their backgrounds, the impact of their parents' faith, and how they discovered Freedom in Christ later in life. Their testimonies detail the transformative power of faith and the joy of finding love again after loss, emphasizing God's presence throughout it all. Their stories highlight the power of Truth, ...

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In this episode, Pam Robinette shares her transformative journey of faith, identity, and empowerment. From her early life and family dynamics to her struggles in relationships and eventual reconnection with Christ, Pam emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ. She discusses her work at a pregnancy center, where she helps women navigate their challenges while introducing them to the ho...

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January 15, 2025 54 mins

In this episode, Dan and Manda introduce the third season of the Stories of Freedom podcast, sharing their unique relationship and the humorous beginnings of their partnership. They reflect on the podcast's vision, the importance of sharing personal testimonies, and the growth they've experienced over the years. The conversation highlights the significance of humor in real-life situations and the power of storytelling in providing ...

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January 8, 2025 8 mins

In this episode, Dan Studt introduces the third season of the Stories of Freedom podcast, welcoming Amanda Thompson as the new host. They discuss the vision for the podcast, emphasizing authentic conversations about Freedom in Christ and the messiness of life. Amanda shares her background and excitement for the role, while both hosts express their commitment to creating a space for real discussions about personal growth and spiritu...

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Today’s guests are Sue and Phil Huber. Phil and Sue have been married 30 years this August but it has not always been a dream - rather a nightmare at times. With listening to good counsel as well as taking to heart the Freedom in Christ principles, Phil and Sue are walking in a healthy, ...

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Today’s guest is Brian Westphalen. At a young age, Brian’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, which led him to have a lot of questions about God and life. As a college student, someone introduced him to Jesus and he threw himself fully into ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ. While in ministry he met his now wife, Jewl. Together, he and Jewl served the ministry and even spent time overseas in Russia on missions. Now, Brain and Jew...

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Today’s guest is Alison Cullen. Alison grew up in a home where she was exposed to occult practices, but nevertheless met Jesus and became a believer at a young age. She then spe...

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