The J.C. Newman Cigar Company, America's oldest family-owned premium cigar business, has been keeping the American tradition of handcrafted cigars alive for 125 years. From its humble beginnings in Cleveland, Ohio, to its current location in Tampa, Florida, the company has faced numerous challenges, including the Cuban embargo and FDA regulations. The company's great-grandson, Drew Newman, shares the story of his great-grandfather's immigration to America and how he built a successful business despite the odds. [... more]

Teachers have a profound impact on their students' lives, often sparking a passion for learning and creativity. They challenge, encourage, and inspire their students to reach their full potential, and their influence can extend far beyond the classroom. On Teacher Appreciation Day, we celebrate the dedicated men and women who make a difference in the lives of their students and shape the future of our world. [... more]

The election of 1800 led to Thomas Jefferson's presidency, marking a significant shift in the federal government's power dynamics. Jefferson's informal style and emphasis on Republican values contrasted with his predecessors, particularly John Adams, who strengthened the Federalist control over the judiciary. The Marbury v. Madison case, decided by Chief Justice John Marshall, established the doctrine of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, and had a lasting impact on American politics and the Constitution. [... more]

Defining enough is a crucial step in achieving financial contentment and living a life of purpose. Scripture reframes the question of enough, emphasizing trust, stewardship, and contentment. By setting a financial finish line and prioritizing generosity, individuals can create margin for kingdom impact and live on mission. [... more]

Chess McCartney, known as the Goat Man, left his Iowa farm at 14 to join a circus, where he became a target for a Spanish beauty and eventually married her. After four years, he left her and traveled across America, preaching about the coming of the Lord and selling postcards featuring himself and his goats. He became a legendary figure, with many people remembering his visits and the impact he had on their lives. [... more]

As Christians, we're called to live differently than the world, but when we do, they'll accuse us of everything. Peter's plea is for integrity, to live such good lives that those accusations won't stick. By inward purity and an outward quality, we can demonstrate our faith and make it easy for unbelievers to believe in Jesus. [... more]

The Great Vowel Shift was a significant change in the English language that occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, transforming the pronunciation of vowels from a softer to a harder sound. This shift had a profound impact on the English language, making it more complex and nuanced. The History Guy explores the history behind this shift, including the influence of the Norman Conquest, population migration, and the introduction of foreign loan words. [... more]

A devastating conflict is unfolding in Lebanon, leaving families in fear and uncertainty. Heart for Lebanon is responding with emergency aid and the hope of the gospel, providing food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to newly displaced families. The organization is committed to walking with these families for as long as they need, introducing them to the hope of Christ and the possibility of a lasting eternal peace. [... more]

Dave Van Andel and Barb Gaby pay tribute to their parents Jay and Betty Van Andel, sharing stories of their commitment to family and love, despite the challenges of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. [... more]

Knowing who you are as a Christian is crucial to living a godly life. As sojourners and pilgrims, you are loved by God, but you are passing through this world. To resist temptation and make a maximum impact, you must understand your identity and live accordingly. This means abstaining from fleshly lusts, which war against your soul, and walking in the Spirit to fulfill God's will. [... more]

Chris Maxwell shares his personal journey of discovering contentment through his experiences with brain damage, epilepsy, and caregiving, highlighting the importance of trust, gratitude, and faith in finding peace and contentment in the midst of chaos. [... more]

Washington Irving, an American original, was a literary celebrity who brought literature to the common man using plain spoken English. He created the modern American Christmas story and inadvertently gave us Halloween through the headless horseman. Irving was a huge fan of Spain and lived there, where he worked as a diplomat and ambassador, and he was known for his hustle and loyalty to his friends. [... more]

Exploring the concept of grateful living and how it can transform our approach to money and contentment. John Cortinez discusses the cycle of grateful living, which involves enjoying God's provision, accepting life's brevity, and rejoicing in our toil. He also shares practical insights on how to apply this biblical financial vision in our daily lives. [... more]

George Washington's approach to leadership and the early years of the United States are explored, including his cabinet appointments, the creation of a national bank, and the country's early economic development. The podcast delves into the competing visions of America held by Washington's cabinet members, particularly Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and how these visions shaped the country's future. [... more]

The Brooklyn Bridge, a marvel of the industrial age, was opened to the public on May 24th, 1883, and represented the growth and might of the United States and its largest city. The bridge's construction was marked by significant challenges, including the death of its chief engineer, John Augustus Roebling, and the contraction of decompression sickness by many workers. His wife, Emily, played a crucial role in the project's completion, becoming the de facto chief engineer and navigating the political waters of contracts in the Board of Trustees. The bridge has become a symbol of the city, with over 100,000 cars, 4,000 cyclists, and 10,000 pedestrians crossing it daily. [... more]

Christians celebrate Easter as the day death has been defeated and new life is possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says Jesus was delivered up for our sins, but he rose again to make us right with God. The resurrection is central to Christianity, addressing our fear of death and our hope for the future. [... more]

God's intervention in human lives is a message of hope and peace, as seen in the story of Easter and the teachings of Jesus. The world is a messed-up place, but God cares and wants to have a real relationship with us. He offers life, hope, and peace through his son Jesus, who died on the cross and rose from the dead. The message of Easter is not about morality or trying harder, but about being in union with God and allowing him to do for us what we can never do for ourselves. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater, as seen in the story of the rich young ruler, who struggled with the desire for more and the longing to create treasure, ultimately realizing that true wealth lies in using every resource in service of Christ. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]