Solid Steps Radio

Sabbatical. The concept of the sabbatical is based on the Biblical practice of shmita, which is related to agriculture. According to Leviticus 25, Jews in the land of Israel must take a year-long break from working the fields every seven years. A "sabbatical" has come to mean an extended absence in the career of an individual to fulfill some goal, i.e. writing a book or traveling extensively for research. Does that sound appealing or do you feel restless? On this weeks show, Professor Dr. Brad Shuck talks about his sabbatical experience and the challenges he did not expect, as well as the surprising benefits of an extended time off from work to “sharpen the saw.“ How can we, as men, learn the benefits of solitude, rest, and margin in our life. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

Five minutes. That’s about how long it takes to go though the drive thru at a restaurant or to brush your teeth. What about spending time with God? Can God do a work in someone in only five minutes a day? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome former NFL champion Amos Martin as he discusses his new book Time Out for God. Part autobiography, part devotional, part journal, but all pointing in the direction of God and His transforming power. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

When you hear the words “foster care” what do you think about? Or more importantly, who do you think about? The child? The social worker? The birth parents? Foster parents? If it sounds complicated, you’re right.. So what can you do to help change a complicated situation into a blessing? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome three men who have been involved in the foster care process. They give a father’s perspective on how society (including those in the church) have either intentionally or unintentionally turned a blind eye toward a problem that effects so many. There are 437,000 kids in foster care in the US. 25% have had parents rights terminated. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

When you hear the word “sabbath”, what do you think of? A day of full of rules about what you can and cannot do, or is it a day of things you get to do? Could it be that when we do less we are actually able to do more? On this week’s show, Chad and Kurt welcome Mike Amos and Ross Knecht to discuss what God intended for Sabbath. In addition, the guys talk about the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading” in Latin). Lectio Divina teaches that reading and reflecting on smaller portions of scripture can reap big benefits for our souls, and for those around us. Observing the Sabbath, Lectio Divina, and much more will be covered at the Soul Register now for Soul Transformation retreats put on by Further Still Ministries (beginning again) in 2027. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad host the annual Listener Appreciation Dinner, recorded in front of a live audience. Dan Webster is the guest - he is an author and the founder of Authentic Leadership ( www.authenticleadershipinc.com ). Dan talks about a challenging passage out of scripture that challenges the world’s image of what a leader looks like. It doesn’t matter what your job or position is, every man is called to lead where he is planted. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

“Freedom isn't free.” That's a bumper sticker for some people, but it's been a way of life for the men, women and families of the United States military. On this weeks sh, Kurt and Chad sit down with veterans Don Waddell (Air Force, Vietnam) and Derek Henricks (West Point, Army, Afghanistan). Don and Derek talk about their experiences and perspectives on military service and the high cost of freedom - for the veterans, and for their families as well. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

He was born into a cult. His father left when he was 2. He was fatherless until 9. Is it possible to have reconciliation, and even a relationship between the father and son? On this weeks show, Chad and Kurt talk with Chris Ball about his journey - first as a son and then as a father himself. In his words, this is God’s business - Our Father in Heaven is in the business of bringing dead things back to life and making things new. Chris advises Dads - take the first step.

#539 A Fathers Day Story About A Beautiful Rescue From Legalism 6/22/26 by Solid Steps Radio Kurt Sauder Chad Russell

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart. It is the wellspring of life.” How do we parent our children so they will not only be driven by behaving well and will actually have insides that match the outside? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome Ken Idleman - former pastor, college president and current consultant for The Solomon Foundation. Ken talks about reaching a child's heart without losing the importance of teaching behavior. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy)

Everything is fine. Work is going well, family is in cruise control. Life is good. And then moments later you cannot walk, talk or use your hands like you could when you woke up that morning. On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome Mark Green to talk about life before and after a stroke, and how one of the worst days of his life turned out to be one of the most important. The guys talk about the connection between your inner world and your outer world, and how both need to be cared for in a man’s life.

Imagine you have only a handful of memories about your Dad. They involve drugs, running from the police and coming to watch you play at a basketball game but not sticking around to talk to you afterwards. How would that shape your viewpoint of men and father figures? On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome Pastor Alex Banks to talk about his journey as one of 6 boys in a fatherless home, and how trying to find validation and acceptance in areas of life, some good and some bad, and none of them filling the void. A void that can only be filled by a Heavenly Father.

World class is a term that can get thrown around a little too easily in our society. Few people can say they were among the best in the world at something. This week’s guest beat an Olympic wrestling champion, among many other impressive feats. But for him, the biggest impact he can have is outside the wrestling ring, and for eternity. This week, former Ohio State All-American and international wrestling champion JD Bergman (www.Jdbergman.com) joins Chad and Kurt to talk about life inside and outside competitive sports. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened." - Ephesians 1:18. Your life growing up, the events you've experienced, and the people you’ve known all influence the way you see the world around you On this week’s show author Tom Harper talks about leadership and the role that your worldview plays. Whether it's in a company or in your home, how you see people (and how they see you) matters - to those you care for, and to those you are leading. Tom’s latest book is Through Colored Glasses (available on Amazon) and he is the CEO of Networldmediagroup.com (This is a repeat episode - enjoy)

3 am, addicted to drugs and hating Jesus. Not the place where you would expect to have an encounter with Jesus. But not only do you have an encounter, but a life transformation and journey that only Jesus can take you on! On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome Dove Award–winning, Grammy-nominated Christian worship recording artist, songwriter, speaker, and author (and Solid Steps Radio, opening song writer and performer) Louisville based Stephen McWhirter. “But behind the music is a story of radical redemption. Growing up the son of a traveling evangelist, Stephen witnessed deep hypocrisy at home that drove him into over 11 years of drug addiction, including crystal meth. One night at 3 am, while reading The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel with drugs on the table beside him, God showed up — and everything changed. Stephen never used drugs or alcohol again.” - website: https://worshipjesus.life/about What followed was a career that includes winning awards, over 100 million streams and more importantly a s

This week’s show aired on Derby day in 2016, so Chad and Kurt invited Churchill Downs Chaplain Ken Boehm and Winstar Farms CEO Elliot Walden to join them and talk about their experiences at the racetrack. Both men see the racetrack as a mission field. Listen now as they share their encouraging stories of ministry in the horse racing environment. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

From triumph to tragedy...and back to triumph. Few boys have had a “larger than life” father like Brad Tyrer had. His father, NFL pioneer Jim Tyrer, was physically larger than life - 6’6" and 300 pounds. And, he was as quick on his feet as he was big. His football resume was impressive. Jim played in the first Super Bowl and won in Super Bowl IV. He was an All-Pro Lineman for 9 years. This week, as Brad sits down with Kurt and Chad, he tells how his idyllic childhood took a tragic turn on September 15, 1980, and how his life would never be the same. Brad went on to make a name for himself as a linebacker for Tom Osborne at Nebraska. Bowl games and gridiron glory behind him, Brad developed meaningful friendships with men on and off the football field, and his life would again, never be the same. This time for the better...and for eternity. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

CHOOSE A LINK TO LISTEN to the Solid Steps Radio podcast for April 20, 2026. For iTunes use https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/solid-steps-radio/id1086366166?mt=2 For Soundcloud use “I’ll just do it this one time.” James 1:14–15 (NIV) “…each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Imagine being faced with the idea of taking a thousand dollars that isn’t yours, that you’ve been entrusted with, and lending it to your company so you can make payroll this month. No one will find out and you’ll pay it back and it’ll be over. Now imagine, it’s been over $1 million, and you and your wife are now going to prison as a result. On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome Bob and Diana Muir who talk about their journey from struggling business owners to stealing money from a c

Jarhead, Leatherneck, Grunt, Devil Dog, Boot All the above have been historical names given to members of the United States Marine Corps. When you talk about the history of this country, you cannot talk about it without referencing the Marines. Some of the phrases associated with the Marines are: Semper Fi The Few, the Proud Once a Marine, Always a Marine What’s like being a young man in the Marines and keeping your identity in Christ? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome sniper reconnaissance Marine Nick Veal about his journey into the Marines and how following the Lord and becoming a Marine are helping shape him as a man.

Jesus - the most significant man in history. Holy week - the week of Easter - the most significant week in history. It's a week that changed all of mankind forever. This week’s guest is Dr. Len Moisan, a Bible teacher for nearly three decades. He walks Chad and Kurt through the last week of Jesus's life on Earth - leading up to His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection.

Jesus - the most significant man in history. Holy week - the week of Easter - the most significant week in history. It's a week that changed all of mankind forever. This week’s guest is Dr. Len Moisan, a Bible teacher for nearly three decades. He walks Chad and Kurt through the last week of Jesus's life on Earth - leading up to His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection.