In this inspiring episode of Rooted, Josie and Symone sit down with Nate Gustafson, Associate Dean for Campus Engagement at Bethel University. Nate shares his powerful journey of faith, exploring the transformational moments that shaped his calling. From his days as a pastor to his role in fostering community at Bethel, Nate offers practical wisdom on living a life rooted in Christ, serving others, and cultivating spiritual discipline. Tune in for conversations on prayer, the importance of daily surrender, and how small habits can lead to big spiritual breakthroughs.

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[00:00:00] – Welcome and Introduction to Nate Gustafson

[00:01:15] – Nate’s Role at Bethel and His Journey from Pastorship

[00:04:00] – Growing Up in a Pastor’s Home and Early Faith Influences

[00:06:30] – A Wake-Up Call: Wrestling with Identity and Video Games

[00:10:00] – Daily Practices of Faith: The Power of Time with Jesus

[00:14:00] – Meditation and The Lord’s Prayer: Diving Deep into Scripture

[00:18:30] – Building a Servant’s Heart Through Christ’s Example

[00:24:00] – The Mission Behind Welcome Week at Bethel University

[00:31:00] – Seeing Others Through God’s Eyes: A Call to Humility and Service

[00:39:00] – Palms Up, Palms Down: A Simple Prayer for Daily Surrender

[00:44:00] – Truth, Spiritual Practices, and Community: A Formula for Growth

[00:47:30] – Final Words: Being Rooted in Truth and Action

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1. "When you have power, you get low – that's how the world changes."
2. "God is not after our information, He’s after our transformation."
3. "You make time for the things you treasure. What you treasure shapes your life."
4. "The Lord’s Prayer isn’t a checklist; it’s a daily tuning of our hearts."
5. "I didn’t have time’ is rarely true – the reality is, ‘I didn’t make time.’"
6. "What you think about reveals what you value. Take every thought captive to Christ."
7. "God doesn’t give weekly bread – He gives daily bread. Trust Him daily."
8. "If you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. Test Him on that."
9. "True community is not ‘I’ but ‘y’all.’ We grow best when we grow together."

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• Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) – Deep dive into this core scripture.
• The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) – Nate’s daily guide for centering prayer.
• Living Fearless by Jamie Winship – Explores asking God what we need.
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.”
• Philippians 2:5-8 – “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”
• Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

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ABOUT THE GUEST

Tori Robinson is currently a Resident Director (RD) at Bethel University and an alumna of the same university with a degree in Bible and Theology. Tori grew up in Arden Hills, MN, in a family of Bethel alums and is known for her adaptability and peacemaking skills. She is married to Matthew Robinson from Northern Ireland, and they have a unique love story that highlights their shared missional mindset. Tori is also a dedicated mother of two, Asher and Lucy, and is passionate about embracing vibrant, joyful, and faith-filled motherhood.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Rooted, hosts Josie and Symone Harms welcome special guest Tori Robinson, a Resident Director at Bethel University. Tori shares insights from her journey of growing up in a vibrant and hospitable family, her role as a peacemaker, and adaptable middle child. She discusses her experiences in guiding students through their college years, emphasizing the importance of communication and conflict resolution. Tori also recounts her unique love story with her husband, Matthew, and how God brought them together. Additionally, she delves into her passion for motherhood, highlighting the transformative lessons of self-sacrifice and dependence on the Lord. The episode concludes with Tori's advice on trusting God's plan for one’s desires and story.

00:00 - Introduction to Rooted Podcast

00:49 - Meet Tori Robinson: Childhood and Family

03:31 - Navigating College and Becoming an RD

05:40 - The Role of a Peacemaker

07:04 - Maturity and Childlike Joy

10:47 - An Ireland Love Story: Meeting Her Matthew

15:55 - The Journey to Marriage

27:09 - Motherhood and Faith

30:38 - Final Thoughts and Wisdom

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Maturity and childlikeness are not mutually exclusive. Tori emphasizes that one can be mature while still embracing joy, passion, and a vibrant, playful life, reflecting the example set by Jesus.
2. Tori discusses her natural inclination towards peacemaking, attributing much of life’s conflicts to miscommunication. She believes that with good communication, most misunderstandings can be resolved.
3. Tori’s story of how she met and eventually fell in love with her husband highlights the importance of trusting in God’s timing.
4. Tori views motherhood as the ultimate expression of self-sacrifice, teaching her about God’s unconditional love. Her experiences as a mother deepen her understanding of faith and dependence on God.
5. Tori connects maturity with humility, stressing that a mature person recognizes their continuous need for growth and transformation in Christ, while remaining grounded in the reality of the world.

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• "To be mature and to be joy-filled, passionate, and vibrant are not incompatible things together."
• "Most conflict and tension come down to miscommunication and misunderstanding. With good communication, most things can be solved."
• "God is trustworthy with your story and your desires. He knows them and has a plan for them, and will honor them because He put them there."
• "The Lord is trustworthy with your story and your desires. He knows them, and he saw you and put them in you when you were a little girl or a little boy."
• "I have found no better example of testing faith and becoming like Jesus than in the self-sacrifice of being a mom."

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In this episode of Rooted, we’re joined by award-winning journalist and Bitcoin advocate Natalie Brunell. Natalie shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. to becoming a voice for financial freedom in the Bitcoin space. She discusses the impact of inflation, the transformative power of Bitcoin, and her personal mission to educate others about this revolutionary technology. We also dive into her inspiring love story, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and why Bitcoin represents hope for future generations.

1. [00:00] - Welcome and introduction to Natalie Brunell
2. [03:45] - Natalie’s love story: Meeting her husband through Bitcoin
3. [08:20] - Growing up as a first-generation immigrant
4. [12:30] - From journalism to Bitcoin advocacy
5. [18:15] - Why Bitcoin is a solution to inflation and broken financial systems
6. [25:50] - Debunking misconceptions about Bitcoin
7. [32:10] - Advice for college students entering the financial world
8. [37:45] - Challenges of being a woman in the Bitcoin industry
9. [42:00] - Lightning round: Childhood memories, holiday traditions, and more
10. [50:30] - Closing thoughts: Believing in yourself and finding hope in Bitcoin

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1. "Bitcoin is the best-performing asset of the last decade, and it’s just getting started."
2. "Inflation is the most aggressive hidden tax we all pay."
3. "The Bitcoin network is impenetrable—it’s a source of truth tied to math, physics, and energy."
4. "Hope is the most motivating force in our lives, and Bitcoin gives us that hope."
5. "We’re at the starting gate of a major shift in how people save and store value."
6. "Self-custody is the key to protecting your Bitcoin and your financial future."
7. "Bitcoin is not political—it’s about financial freedom for everyone."
8. "This is the greatest opportunity for young people to build wealth and security."
9. "Bitcoin is hope, and hope is the foundation of a better future."
10. "We need a universal dream—a global sense of opportunity—and Bitcoin can help provide it."

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• The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous - https://a.co/d/0Sqn7IC
• Documentary: God Bless Bitcoin - https://www.godblessbitcoin.com/
• Podcast: Coin Stories by Natalie Brunell - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coin-stories/id1569130932
• Website: https://talkingbitcoin.com
• Social Media: Follow Natalie on X (@NatBrunell)
• Learn about Bitcoin: https://www.hope.com/

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YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

-------------------

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In this episode of Rooted, hosts Josie and Symone chat with Adam Bricker, host of the House of Bricks Podcast, Bethel University hockey player, and founder of Divine Golf Co. Adam shares his inspiring journey from living with one foot in the world to fully devoting his life to Christ. He discusses his transformation, the impact of community, and how his faith has reshaped his identity and approach to hockey, ministry, and entrepreneurship. Whether you're a student, athlete, or someone seeking clarity in faith, Adam's story is a testament to the joy and peace found in following Christ wholeheartedly.

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• [00:00] – Introduction: Meet Adam Bricker, his podcast (House of Bricks), and his journey into Christian podcasting.
• [08:30] – Finding His Purpose: Adam shares the vision behind SYNC (athlete worship nights) and Divine Golf Co.
• [15:10] – Wrestling with Identity: Adam reflects on balancing faith and worldly pursuits during his hockey career.
• [23:45] – Transformation Through Community: How mentors, teammates, and his brother's prayers brought Adam closer to Christ.
• [35:00] – Living Fully for Christ: Surrendering worldly desires and living joyfully in God's purpose.
• [48:25] – Faith and Sports: Lessons learned from adversity in hockey and finding freedom in trusting God with his role.
• [57:40] – Entrepreneurship for the Gospel: Divine Golf Co. a platform for spreading the message of Christ.
• [1:04:30] – Encouragement for Listeners: "One foot in the world" and the power of choosing Christ now.
• [1:13:20] – Final Message: Adam’s truth to be rooted in: "Bring your darkness into the light to experience true freedom."

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1. "If you have one foot in and one foot out, you’re missing out on the peace that surpasses all understanding."
2. "Jesus calls us to die to ourselves, let go of worldly desires, and live fully in His purpose."
3. "Your identity is not in hockey, success, or the approval of man—it’s in Christ alone."
4. "There is no perfect time to follow Jesus. The time is now."
5. "Hockey is not who I am—it’s where God has placed me to share His love and joy."
6. "True freedom comes when we stop living for the approval of others and start living for God."
7. "What people will remember about you isn’t your performance—it’s the way you loved and encouraged them."
8. "Bring your struggles into the light. Healing starts in community and accountability."
9. "God uses everything—even the brokenness in junior hockey—for His purpose and glory."
10. "Pursuing Christ is the only way to find lasting joy, peace, and purpose."

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1. House of Bricks Podcast – Adam’s platform for Christian athletes to share their testimonies and faith journeys.
2. Divine Golf Co. – A Christian golf apparel brand designed to spark conversations about faith on the golf course.
3. The Ultimate Training Camp – A transformative camp where Adam learned how to honor God through sports.

-------------------

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In this Rooted episode, hosts Josie and Symone are joined by Donna Winship. Donna is an author and co-founder of Identity Exchange, and passionate teacher on identity and freedom in Christ. Donna shares her journey from the American Dream to spending 25 years in high-conflict zones with her family. She speaks about understanding true identity, overcoming fear, and living in God’s transformative love. Donna explains how living in our true identity, asking God “What do you want me to know?” and "What do you want me to do?”, brings life-changing clarity and connection. This episode will encourage you to live fearlessly and see yourself as God does.

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• [00:00] – Introduction:
• [05:15] – Donna’s Background: Donna’s journey from Judaism to Christianity, her upbringing, and the search for a personal connection with God.
• [15:45] – Understanding True Identity: Donna shares her discovery of true identity in God and explains that we are more than our accomplishments.
• [23:30] – Transitioning from Transactional Religion to Transformational Relationship: How Donna’s move to Indonesia began her journey into understanding God’s love.
• [31:20] – Asking the Right Questions: “What do you want me to know?” leads to freedom, identity, and wholeness.
• [38:55] – Identity Exchange and Its Mission: The purpose behind Identity Exchange and helping people discover true identity
• [47:15] – Overcoming Fear:
• [54:45] – Skateboarding for Jesus: Donna's son, who became a “skateboarder for Jesus” in Iraq and Jordan.
• [1:03:10] – Words of Encouragement for Young People
• [1:09:00] – Closing Thoughts

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• “God, what do you want me to know?” — This question changed our lives and opened us to true identity.”
• “True identity isn’t based on what we do or how others see us, but on God’s love for us.”
• “Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion; He came to show us the heart of God.”
• “Our value doesn’t come from our achievements or our failures; it’s inherent because God made us.”
• “It’s not about what you do; it’s about who you are.”
• “We’re meant to live fearlessly in the identity and purpose God has given us.”
• “Failure is always an opportunity for growth.”
• “God’s voice is the most loving voice you could ever imagine.”
• “Your identity is your gift to the world; it’s God’s gift to you.”
• “Transformation takes time, but God wants us to thrive, not just survive.”

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1. Identity Exchange – https://www.identityexchange.com/ Donna and her husband’s organization, focused on identity training and consulting.
2. Living Fearless – https://a.co/d/gb0jrgv A book by Jamie Winship, exploring themes of identity, fear, and God’s love.
3. Identity Exchange Courses – Including “Finding Hope in Depression,” a free course focused on discovering hope through identity.
4. Seven Hills Skate Park – https://www.7hillspark.com/ A skate park in Jordan that Donna’s son helped establish, inspired by his identity as a “skateboarder for Jesus.”

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Josie and Symone welcome Dr. Pete Sulack, a renowned chiropractor, stress expert, evangelist, and founder of Matthew 10 Ministries. Dr. Pete shares his journey from self-focused career beginnings to finding his mission in using healthcare as a tool to reach and empower others around the world. He discusses his approach to stress, resilience, and how we can live a life of freedom through Christ. From practical advice on handling stress to the powerful role of faith in health and healing, Dr. Pete offers inspiring insights on staying grounded in truth and finding purpose beyond our struggles. As he shares about thousands of souls coming to know Christ and countless miracles of physical healing, this episode will empower your faith and encourage your hope that Jesus is still alive.

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• [00:00] – Introduction
• [03:15] – Early Career and Mission
• [10:25] – Defining Stress and Resilience
• [18:45] – Overcoming the Effects of Stress
• [26:10] – Faith’s Role in Anxiety and Stress
• [35:00] – The Power of Healing and Faith
• [44:30] – Evangelism and Global Ministry
• [55:15] – Living in God’s Perspective
• [59:00] – Final Blessings and Prayer

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1. "Anxiety often arises when we lose sight of truth and start seeing life from a worldly perspective instead of a heavenly one."
2. "Jesus didn’t come to start a religion; He came to restore a relationship."​
3. "Stress is inevitable, but resilience lets us face life’s challenges without losing our peace."
4. "Our bodies were created by God to heal and restore from the inside out."​
5. "Jesus didn’t just die to get me to heaven; He came to set me free from myself."​
6. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Seeing God’s goodness in our future restores emotional balance."
7. "Living from the perspective of heaven brings a rest and peace the world can’t give."​
8. "True healing starts when the Word of God becomes the conviction of our hearts."
9. "Your life has value, and it was worth Jesus dying for."
10. "Only our Creator has the right to define His creation."

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1. Matthew 10 Ministries – https://www.matthew10.com - Focuses on evangelism, healing, and helping families in generational slavery.
2. Redeem Chiropractic – https://redeemchiropractic.com - Focues on natural health, resilience, and using healthcare as a ministry tool.
3. The Joseph Blessing – https://a.co/d/g8n44bh - Dr. Pete's Book on his life and ministry

-------------------

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Josie and Symone sit down with legendary football coach Steve Johnson, who led Bethel University’s football program for 35 years, amassing 252 career wins and a .694 winning percentage. He transformed the team into a national powerhouse and has been inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Johnson shares personal stories from his childhood in Chicago, his father’s influence, and his journey to becoming a coach. He dives deep into the importance of building strong team culture, leading with love and accountability, and staying connected to God through life’s challenges. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or leader, this episode is packed with wisdom on faith, leadership, and teamwork.

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 3:30 – Childhood and Family Roots: Growing up in Chicago, his father's ministry, and the importance of gratitude.
• 10:45 – Faith Journey: Understanding of God’s love and how it shaped his coaching and leadership.
• 18:30 – Coaching Philosophy: Building a team culture where players care for each other and give their gifts away without seeking credit.
• 26:00 – Winning Through Accountability: balancing excellence and character.
• 34:15 – Faith in Action: The importance of praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, and being thankful in all circumstances.
• 41:45 – The Role of Football in Faith: How team-building, joy, and hard work go hand-in-hand.
• 51:00 – Wisdom for Parents & Grandparents: Showing unconditional love, and living out faith for the next generation.
• 1:02:45 – Final Thoughts: Love deeply and walk in faith. We are in a spiritual war but know that the King has already won.

1. "Gratitude leads to joy, and it’s hard to be grateful and grumpy at the same time."​
2. "If you don’t care who gets the credit, you’ll have more joy, and you’ll be more effective."​
3. "God isn’t mad at us—He loves us deeply, and we can’t even comprehend the extent of it."​
4. "Love can be accountability. It’s not just about being soft, but holding each other to a higher standard."​
5. "We’re in a war, and while the King has already won, it’s our job to stay in the fight and walk in faith."
6. "Pray without ceasing doesn’t mean you have to stop everything—it means staying connected to God in everything you do."​
7. "The way you walk, the way you care, and the way you love will make the biggest difference."
8. "Be grateful in all things, because even in trials, God is growing us."
9. "Grandparenting is about letting your grandkids see your joy and love for Jesus—it’s the best gift you can give them."

1. Bethel University Football – https://athletics.bethel.edu/sports/football
2. Coach Johnson - https://athletics.bethel.edu/sports/football/roster/coaches/steve-johnson/2087
3. Brennan Manning Teachings – https://a.co/d/8gMNjYP
4. Hawaiian Pidgin Bible - https://www.bible.com/bible/76 | https://a.co/d/dhgwSky

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EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Rooted, hosts Josie and Symone are joined by their hometown Pastor John Nau from Solid Rock Church. They dive deep into John's inspiring journey of faith, overcoming physical and emotional challenges, and his path to becoming a pastor. From battling a childhood illness that left him partially paralyzed to planting a church and guiding a new generation in Christ, John shares raw, heartfelt insights on trusting God through every season of life. He also provides valuable wisdom on relationships, leadership, and the importance of building a legacy for the next generation. This episode is packed with faith-based wisdom that will inspire and challenge listeners to trust Jesus not just with their eternity but with their day-to-day lives.

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• [00:00] – Welcome and Introduction
• [02:20] – John's Childhood and Family Background: Growing up, small-town adventures, and family influences.
• [08:35] – God's Calling and Pastoral Journey: John shares how he never planned to be a pastor or plant a church.
• [14:10] – Overcoming Physical Illness: John recounts his battle with Bell’s Palsy, the medical treatments he underwent, and how it affected him emotionally.
• [25:50] – Trusting God in Difficult Seasons: How John learned to trust God through his illness, despite not being healed as expected.
• [32:45] – The Journey of Church Planting: John discusses how he was called to plant a church and the challenges and blessings of this process.
• [41:30] – Relationship Advice for Young People: Insights on navigating dating, guarding your heart, and finding identity in Christ.
• [50:05] – The Importance of Legacy: Building a foundation for the next generation and passing down wisdom.
• [57:40] – Final Thoughts and Encouragement: John’s closing advice about trusting Jesus with every aspect of life.
• [59:00] – Closing Remarks

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1. “If you can trust Jesus with your eternity, can you not also trust Him with every part of your life?”​
2. "In our weaknesses, we often see God's strength shine the most."​
3. "I never planned to be a pastor or plant a church, but God had a different plan for my life, and I had to trust Him."
4. "I remember seeing my face on screen, and that’s when insecurity took root in me. But God had a purpose in it."​
5. "We may not always get the healing we expect, but that doesn’t change God’s goodness."
6. “Your worth isn’t found in a relationship or someone else’s approval. It’s found in Christ alone.”
7. "Our ceiling should be the next generation's floor – let’s pass down wisdom, not mistakes."
8. “Jesus doesn’t just care about your eternity—He cares about your life right now, every aspect of it.”
9. "When we step out in faith, it’s not about knowing the outcome but trusting the One who calls us."​
10. “If you’re still in the middle of the hurt, it doesn’t mean the truth of God’s goodness isn’t real. It just means you’re not healed enough to receive it yet.”​

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• The Jesus Storybook Bible – https://a.co/d/ejwNGAT

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