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.

In this powerful episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee sits down with Chadd Wright, a former Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, and devout Christian. Chadd shares his journey of faith, his evolving understanding of spiritual warfare, and how God has worked swiftly in his life. This episode is filled with insights on embracing God’s calling, living out faith through action, and understanding the true nature of spiritual battles.

Answering God's Call: From Navy SEAL to Faith Teacher

Chadd Wright's life journey has been anything but ordinary. As a former Navy SEAL, Chadd was trained for physical warfare, but it wasn't until later in life that he fully grasped the concept of spiritual warfare. He openly admits that, despite his deep faith, he did not initially see himself as a preacher or teacher. However, God had different plans for him, and Chadd soon realized the immense responsibility that came with his faith.

During the episode, Chadd reflects on how quickly God can move in someone’s life. He shares how God worked swiftly in transforming his role, from someone who merely shared personal faith experiences to someone who now speaks openly about God’s word and preaches with conviction. His story is a testament to the unexpected and powerful ways in which God calls us to serve.

The Armor of God and Spiritual Warfare

At the core of Chadd’s message is a deep understanding of spiritual warfare. He draws heavily from Ephesians 6, which is foundational to the Fully Armed Podcast, and emphasizes the importance of putting on the full armor of God to stand against the spiritual forces of evil. Chadd explains that, in a world filled with distractions and worldly challenges, the real battle is not against people or situations but against the spiritual forces that work against us.

Chadd’s passion for this topic is palpable. He discusses how recognizing and understanding the enemy—spiritual forces rather than flesh and blood—is crucial for living a life of faith. This realization has shaped his approach to his personal life, his faith, and how he views the struggles we face every day.

The Evolution of Faith

Though Chadd has always been a man of faith, he admits that his commitment to living out that faith has deepened over time. He shares how, even though he stepped out in faith to start his podcast and ministry, there were moments when he wasn’t fully committed. It was only recently, he says, that he fully surrendered to God’s will and embraced his role as a teacher and preacher.

This candid admission of his evolving faith is a humbling reminder that faith is a journey. Even those who are strong in their beliefs may go through periods of doubt or partial commitment. Chadd’s story encourages listeners to remain open to God’s guidance, even if they feel unprepared for the role they are called to fulfill.

Chadd Wright’s episode on the Fully Armed Podcast is a powerful exploration of faith, spiritual warfare, and God’s calling. From discussing the importance of the Armor of God to sharing personal stories of how his faith has evolved, Chadd offers deep insights and encouragement for anyone walking the path of faith.

Through this conversation, listeners are reminded that the battle we face is not against the physical world but against spiritual forces, and the only way to stand firm is through faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Whether through prayer, music, or surrendering to God's will, Chadd’s message is clear: We are all called to be fully armed in our faith and ready to face life’s challenges with the strength that only God can provide.

Be sure to tune into this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast and join the conversation about living a life of purpose, faith, and spiritual resilience.

In this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, Chris Hennessee interviews Tatum Allsep, founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance. Tatum discusses how her organization provides vital healthcare resources to the music industry, transforming lives through advocacy and access to medical care.

Building Music Health Alliance

Tatum’s journey began while working in music industry relations at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. She realized the difficulties self-employed music professionals face in accessing healthcare. Inspired by this gap, she began her mission to improve healthcare access for the music community.

A Personal Struggle

Tatum’s personal healthcare crisis, when she gave birth to twins at 28 weeks and left the hospital with a half-million-dollar medical bill, revealed how broken the system was. This experience drove her to help others facing similar struggles in the music industry.

Founding Music Health Alliance

After co-founding Sound Healthcare, Tatum realized her passion lay in helping people rather than making a profit. She then founded Music Health Alliance in 2013, a nonprofit that provides free healthcare advocacy to music professionals. Their mission is to “protect, direct, and connect” musicians with healthcare resources.

How Music Health Alliance Works

Music Health Alliance helps anyone in the music industry who has worked for three or more years by:

Protecting: Finding ways to cover healthcare costs.
Directing: Guiding clients through their healthcare journey.
Connecting: Linking them to resources like financial assistance.
Services include mental health, dental care, and senior care, all at no cost.

Success Stories and Impact

Tatum shares how Music Health Alliance saved a musician who had a heart attack on tour, negotiating his bills and ensuring his recovery. Heal the Music Day, a fundraiser started by Rodney Crowell, supports their work, raising $400,000 in 2022 alone.

Challenges and the Future

Though Music Health Alliance has grown, funding is always a challenge. Operating on a $2.4 million budget, the organization relies on donations, grants, and corporate support. Despite this, Tatum remains focused on helping one person at a time, while advocating for broader healthcare reform.

Conclusion

Tatum Allsep’s work with Music Health Alliance has made a significant impact, helping countless musicians navigate the healthcare system. Her personal experience and passion have fueled her mission to ensure healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Music Health Alliance provides a lifeline to those in the music industry, helping them receive the care they need.

To support the cause, visit Music Health Alliance and participate in Heal the Music Day https://www.musichealthalliance.com

In this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee sits down with Daulton Varsho, center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. They talk baseball, hunting, and faith, exploring Daulton's journey through a season filled with triumphs and setbacks. The episode offers a glimpse into the life of an athlete balancing career demands with personal values.

The Baseball Journey

Daulton Varsho, son of former Major League player Gary Varsho, grew up around baseball. His early exposure laid the foundation for his own career. He played college baseball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a catcher before transitioning to center field in 2019. Though he enjoys the outfield, Daulton remains ready to catch if needed, embracing the challenges and flexibility of his role.

A Season of Ups and Downs

Daulton's 2023 season with the Blue Jays was marked by high points, like a memorable home run, and setbacks, including a season-ending shoulder injury. He discusses the physical toll of baseball, noting that playing through pain is a constant struggle. Despite the challenges, Daulton maintains an optimistic outlook as he focuses on recovery for spring training.

Hunting: A Passion and Retreat

Hunting is another passion for Daulton. He prepares for deer season each fall by setting up trail cameras on his land in Wisconsin. Hunting provides a much-needed retreat from baseball, allowing him to connect with nature. Though his shoulder injury limits this year’s hunting activities, he remains enthusiastic about spending time outdoors.

Growing Up in a Baseball Family

Daulton's baseball knowledge stems from his father, who played 13 years in the majors. Growing up in a baseball-centric household, he absorbed valuable lessons. His mother also played a key role, coaching his teams until eighth grade, solidifying the family’s influence on his career.

Faith and Perspective

Faith is central to Daulton's life. He and his wife, Brooke, found a Bible church in Wisconsin, which became their spiritual foundation. Initially, he didn’t take church seriously, but now, he draws strength from scripture, such as James 1:2, which speaks about perseverance. This perspective helps him navigate the highs and lows of professional sports.

Maintaining faith amidst a demanding schedule is challenging, with games often on Sundays. However, Daulton values chapel services and the supportive community within baseball, helping him stay grounded.

Moving Forward: Recovery and the Off-Season

Despite his season-ending injury, Daulton remains positive. He looks forward to the off-season in Wisconsin, scouting deer and connecting with nature. While he can't draw a bow this year, he plans to make the most of his time outdoors, focusing on what truly matters.

Conclusion

Daulton Varsho's story is one of resilience, passion, and faith. From his roots in Wisconsin to his career with the Blue Jays, Daulton balances his love for baseball, hunting, and his faith, keeping him grounded. Listen to the Fully Armed Podcast for more stories where sports, faith, and life intersect.

In this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee interviews Gary Denham, a former Navy SEAL and Seal Team Six member. Gary’s story is one of resilience, faith, and personal transformation. From his time in the SEALs to his battle with cancer, Gary opens up about life’s challenges and the faith that has carried him through.

Growing Up and Finding Faith

Gary grew up in Southern California, living a rebellious lifestyle throughout high school, deeply involved in the stoner culture of the 70s and 80s. His life changed just before his 18th birthday when, through the influence of his girlfriend’s mother, he accepted Jesus as his Savior. This decision marked the beginning of a spiritual journey that would later help him through life’s most difficult moments.

Joining the Navy and Becoming a SEAL

At 18, Gary enlisted in the Navy with one goal: to become a Navy SEAL. Starting in 1985, he faced the grueling challenges of SEAL training, particularly the notorious Hell Week. He recalls surviving by focusing on one meal at a time and emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and problem-solving in addition to physical strength.

Walking Away from Faith

After accepting Christ, Gary’s life took a different turn. As he delved deeper into his Navy SEAL career, he began drifting away from his faith. For nearly 30 years, he struggled to balance his core Christian beliefs with the demands of his role in the SEALs. While he never fully abandoned his belief in God, he confesses that his lifestyle didn’t reflect his faith, a common struggle for many in high-pressure careers.

The SEAL Life: Challenges and Sacrifices

Gary’s time with the SEAL teams, including over 10 years with Seal Team Six, pushed him to the limits both physically and mentally. He describes the extreme pressures of constantly being tested, the intensity of missions, and the emotional toll of long deployments. These challenges came at a personal cost, including a difficult marriage and eventual divorce, as his career often overshadowed his personal life.

Rediscovering Faith

After many years away from God, Gary found his way back through his wife’s conversion to Christianity. Watching her baptism in the Pacific Ocean was a turning point for him, marking the beginning of his own spiritual renewal. Although it was difficult to forgive himself for straying, Gary found peace knowing that God had never left him. His story highlights the idea that no matter how far we drift, God is always ready to welcome us back.

Battling Cancer with Faith

In 2020, Gary was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma, with tumors in his lungs and thyroid. Doctors gave him only a few months to live. Faced with this diagnosis, Gary leaned heavily on his faith. He recalls a powerful moment during a church service when he heard God tell him, “I’m going to heal you, but you’re going to go through the process.”

Gary endured immunotherapy treatments, which took a significant toll on his body, but he remained steadfast in his belief that God was healing him. His story of survival is nothing short of miraculous, and he continues to fight cancer with unwavering faith.

Conclusion

Gary Denham’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and redemption. From his rebellious youth to his career as a Navy SEAL and his battle with cancer, Gary has faced immense challenges. Yet through it all, his faith has guided him back to God, offering hope and healing in the darkest moments. His story serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in faith, forgiveness, and perseverance.

To hear more stories like Gary’s, be sure to tune in to the Fully Armed Podcast, where life, faith, and overcoming adversity are central themes.

In this episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee talks with Curt Campbell, a dedicated figure in the Men of Valor ministry, which helps incarcerated men rebuild their lives through faith. Curt shares insights into his journey and the life-changing work being done with Men of Valor, both inside and outside prison walls.

From Music to Ministry

Curt moved to Nashville with dreams of pursuing a music career, but soon found a higher calling—helping incarcerated men find hope. His journey began with organizing basketball games in prisons, where halftime was used to share the gospel. This sparked his passion for ministry, leading him to Men of Valor, a faith-based rehabilitation program offering second chances to men behind bars.

The Mission of Men of Valor

Founded in 1997, Men of Valor’s mission is to offer incarcerated men both spiritual guidance and practical support. The ministry has grown to include reentry campuses where men can live for up to a year after their release. These campuses provide housing, counseling, job placement, and structure to ensure these men have a solid foundation for life outside of prison.

Changing Lives

Curt shares the story of AC, a man who went through the program three times before it finally "clicked." Now, AC is a staff member helping others at Men of Valor’s Knoxville facility. Stories like AC’s highlight the perseverance required to overcome challenges, with Men of Valor providing ongoing grace and support. Despite a 25% graduation rate, the longer men stay engaged, the greater their chances for success.

The Reality of Reentry

Curt talks about the grim reality for most men released from prison: they leave with $30, a bus pass, and no real support. Men of Valor steps in to change this by offering a structured environment where they can build the skills they need for success. Curt notes that while 70% of released prisoners in the U.S. return to prison within three years, fewer than 10% of Men of Valor graduates reoffend.

Relational Discipleship

A key component of Men of Valor’s success is relational discipleship. Curt explains that beyond teaching scripture, the program focuses on building lasting relationships. Volunteers and staff walk with the men through their challenges, offering support, guidance, and accountability. For many participants, it’s the first time they’ve experienced unconditional love and commitment.

Success Stories

Curt shares stories of transformation, including a man who was released after 46 years in prison and given a second chance at life. Curt acknowledges that not all men graduate from the program, but each one is given the opportunity to plant seeds of faith and hope. With nearly all incarcerated individuals eventually being released, programs like Men of Valor play a crucial role in preparing them for life after prison.

Conclusion

Curt Campbell’s dedication to Men of Valor highlights the power of faith and perseverance. The program’s combination of spiritual and practical support is giving men the tools they need to succeed after incarceration. By offering grace and guidance, Men of Valor is making a lasting difference in the lives of those it touches.

For more information about how you can support or get involved with Men of Valor, visit MOVMinistry.com.