In this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, Chris Hennessee sits down with 2019 Bassmaster Classic Champion Ott DeFoe. Against the backdrop of a morning fishing outing, they dive into Ott’s journey from small-town Tennessee to national acclaim in competitive fishing. Ott shares how his faith has been a guiding force, recounting moments where he felt God’s subtle guidance, such as when he was inspired to cast on an unexpected side of the boat during a tournament.

Ott reflects on his 2019 Bassmaster Classic win, an emotional “God moment” as he celebrated on stage with his daughter. He shares how his faith journey is like fishing—both require patience, trust, and humility. Ott’s faith-based show, “JOJ” (Jesus, Ott, and Jenny), co-hosted with his wife, discusses Bible verses and their spiritual journey, aiming to connect with viewers on faith. Through the scripture John 15:16, Ott has embraced a mission to use his platform to “bear fruit” and influence others positively.

Ott’s story offers lessons in resilience, showing how unanswered prayers can lead to unexpected blessings. He and Chris discuss the importance of prayer, not to change God’s mind, but to align with His will. Ott’s journey exemplifies the power of faith in navigating life’s uncharted waters and encourages listeners to pursue their callings with trust and dedication.

In this special episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee sits down with Ronda Paulson, founder of the nonprofit organization Isaiah 117 House. Their conversation highlights a powerful and moving journey to provide care and comfort to foster children during their most vulnerable moments. What began as a personal call to action for Ronda has grown into a nationwide movement, now helping children in crisis feel loved and supported on one of the hardest days of their lives.

The Story Behind Isaiah 117 House

Chris first learned about Isaiah 117 House after doing a benefit show for the organization. Moved by the mission and Ronda’s story, he invited her onto the podcast to share the full picture of her work and the incredible impact it’s had. Ronda, born and raised near Bristol, Tennessee, recalls her "ordinary" life before Isaiah 117 House, teaching anatomy and coaching cheerleading. Her path shifted in 2014 when she began feeling a call to surrender to a bigger purpose. In 2017, she made the decision to dedicate herself to creating Isaiah 117 House—a safe, welcoming place for children on their first day in foster care.

Ronda shares the heartbreaking reality that children entering the foster system are often taken to offices or even police stations due to a lack of alternatives. Her vision for Isaiah 117 House was to change that experience by providing a comfortable, loving environment where children can feel cared for, not criminalized.

A Mission Born from Compassion and a Call to Action

During foster parent training, Ronda was struck by the stories of children waiting in sterile offices with no belongings, confused and scared. In one powerful moment, she describes how a little girl had slept on the floor of a Department of Children’s Services (DCS) office. The image haunted her, and she recalls asking God, “What are you going to do about it?” The response she felt was, “What are you going to do about it?” This realization fueled her mission to start Isaiah 117 House, beginning with a single house and a small community of supporters.

Since then, Isaiah 117 House has expanded across multiple states. Chris and Ronda discuss the overwhelming community support and divine timing that allowed the first house to be fully funded and furnished in less than a year. Today, Isaiah 117 House offers a place where children are greeted by volunteers, provided with essentials, and given a moment of dignity amid a traumatic experience. As Ronda says, “We’re changing the trajectory of foster care for these children.”

A Safe Space for Kids in Crisis

The goal of Isaiah 117 House is to offer children a comforting, homelike environment as they transition into foster care. Instead of sitting in a cold office or police station, they are met with warmth, compassion, and essentials. Each home is fully stocked with clothes, hygiene products, toys, and more. Volunteers work to make the children feel valued, often baking cookies or greeting them with their names to create a sense of familiarity and love.

The podcast episode also touches on the role of volunteers, who undergo training and background checks to become part of this support system. In just a few short years, Isaiah 117 House has expanded to include 28 homes across 12 states, with thousands of trained volunteers ready to provide a safe and loving environment for foster children in need.

Joining the Mission

This episode is a testament to the impact one person’s faith and determination can have on countless lives. Tune in to hear more about the incredible journey of Isaiah 117 House and how it continues to make a difference, one child at a time.

In the latest episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, country singer-songwriter Chris Hennessee takes a different approach from his usual interviews. Joined by special guest Aubrey McGowan, this episode dives into two often controversial topics: politics and religion. For Chris, it’s not just about discussing divisive issues, but about tackling the deeper question of how people of faith can navigate the tension these topics bring, especially in today’s world.

The episode, recorded on October 5th, lands right in the middle of election season, a time when cultural divisions are heightened. Rather than shy away from these conversations, Chris embraces them, knowing that tension is something we all experience. As a father and a man rooted in Christian values, Chris reflects on the importance of making choices—whether in voting or in life—based on biblical wisdom.

Balancing Politics and Faith

While Chris makes it clear he’s not telling anyone how to vote, he emphasizes the need for common sense and faith-driven decision-making in today’s politically charged environment. Drawing from his own experiences and values, he shares his concerns about the future of the country, especially as it relates to the world his children will inherit.

Throughout the episode, Chris continually returns to Scripture as a guiding light. He references Matthew 28:18, where Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” For Chris, this verse serves as a reminder that no matter what political outcomes arise, God’s authority is supreme, and that faith should remain the foundation of how people engage with the world around them.

Cultural Tension and the Bible

Chris and Aubrey also discuss the broader issue of cultural tension—something that extends far beyond just politics. Using the Bible as their guide, they dive into Titus 3:9, which warns against foolish controversies and quarrels. Chris highlights the importance of having tough conversations without letting them spiral into conflict or division. He encourages listeners to seek understanding and to stay grounded in truth, rather than getting caught up in arguments that lead nowhere.

At the heart of this episode is Chris’s belief that, above all, Christians are called to serve God, not the shifting tides of cultural or political movements. He reminds his audience that their ultimate allegiance should be to Jesus, the King of kings, and not to the temporary powers of this world.

Light in a World of Darkness

Chris reflects on John 3:19-20, where the Bible talks about light coming into the world, but people choosing darkness because of their deeds. This passage strikes a chord with Chris, as he sees it as a reflection of the times we live in. However, he emphasizes that Christians are called to be light in a world that often prefers darkness. It’s a challenging task, but one that brings the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.

Encouraging Action Through Faith

As Chris wraps up the conversation with Aubrey, he offers a final piece of advice for his audience: pray about the choices ahead, especially in the context of the upcoming election. While the podcast isn’t about taking sides, Chris believes that faith must guide decisions, whether it’s in voting or in navigating everyday life.

Chris also takes a moment to thank Aubrey McGowan for joining the show and sharing his insights. Aubrey recently released his book, Filter the Noise: How to Hear God's Voice in a Culture of Chaos, which Chris highly recommends to anyone looking to deepen their spiritual walk. As always, Chris encourages listeners to share the episode with others, to foster real conversations about faith, and to continue seeking truth in a world filled with tension.