Today, we’re thrilled to welcome two incredible guests to The Storied Outdoors: Pastor Joby Martin and author Charles Martin. Joby, the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida, is not only a devoted husband and father but also an “epic outdoorsman,” as described by our mutual friend Léonce Crump. With countless hunting stories and a deep well of spiritual insight, Joby brings a unique perspective to our conversation.

Joining him is an acclaimed author and now a three-time guest on the podcast Charles Martin. Together, Joby and Charles have co-authored the powerful new book Run Over By the Grace Train, which explores the transformative nature of God’s grace—how it changes everything about us and leaves us powerless in the best possible way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How time in the outdoors shaped Joby’s early years, including lessons from his father about hunting, fishing, and faith.
• The connection between scripture and outdoor experiences, as Joby shares how encounters in nature have deepened his understanding of God’s Word.
• Charles’s reflections on the enduring power of adventure stories and how they create lasting memories are often more vivid than even the grandest celebrations or trips.
• Insights into their unique friendship, forged through shared faith and outdoor adventures.
• The metaphor of grace as a freight train— transformative and utterly life-changing—is explored in their new book.

We also hear some exciting news about Charles’s Keeper Series of novels and a new book that dives deeper into the idea of biblical manhood, addressing the responsibilities and privileges that come with it.

• Joby’s reflections on his father’s influence and early outdoor experiences.
• Lessons on turning down the noise of the world and tuning into God’s voice through a “hunt encounter.”
• Stories of hunting red stag in Scotland and the profound reflections that came from it.
• Charles’s unique approach to parenting through outdoor adventures and their impact on his sons.
• A heartfelt discussion on the responsibilities of manhood and the transformative journey of encountering God’s grace.

• Joby Martin: The Church of Eleven22 | Instagram: @jobymartin
• Charles Martin: CharlesMartinBooks.com | Instagram: @charlesmartinauthor
• The Storied Outdoors: Website | Instagram: @thestoriedoutdoors

Grab a copy of Run Over By the Grace Train and dive into the incomparable, immeasurable grace of Jesus: Link to purchase.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Storied Outdoors. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone who loves adventure, faith, and the great outdoors.

In this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Matt Russell, a 70.3 Ironman Champion, professional triathlete, coach, and one of the fastest athletes in Kona Ironman World Championship history. Raised on a New York farm, Matt shares how his upbringing shaped his determination, work ethic, and love for the outdoors.

Matt’s story is more than just about podiums and records—it’s about faith, resilience, and seeing each day as a gift from God. He opens up about the lessons his father taught him about the outdoors and how his childhood on the farm instilled the perseverance required for his Ironman success.

We explore Matt’s journey from a young athlete to becoming a professional triathlete, the drive that fueled his passion, and the challenges he overcame along the way—including a life-threatening bike accident in 2017. Matt shares the inspiring story of his recovery and what it was like to return to the Kona Ironman World Championships after that near-death experience.

Listeners will hear Matt’s thoughts on turning adversity into an asset, the unforgettable experiences he’s had in nature (like spotting a moose during training), and why time spent outdoors creates deeper, more meaningful memories than any theme park visit.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• "Each day is a gift from God."

• "Everyone has challenging times. You can go down a negative path, or you can turn the experience into an asset for you and for others."

• "Pushing yourself to do new things, you sometimes hit a wall—but you see them as a hurdle."

Join us as we dive into Matt’s incredible story of grit, gratitude, and the transformative power of nature.

Follow Matt on Instagram Here

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For questions or comments, email thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.

Music Written and recorded by Brad Hill

We’re genuinely blessed to welcome back Wade Blevins, a cherished regular on The Storied Outdoors and a man with stories as vast as the waters he loves to fish. In this episode, Wade opens up about a life-threatening experience that forever etched itself into his journey.

What unfolds is more than a recounting of events—it’s a deep dive into how trials can refine our focus, intensify our purpose, and bring breathtaking clarity to the things that truly matter. With the dawn of this new year, Wade’s story will challenge you to reflect on your own priorities, reminding us all of the value of faith, resilience, and community.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a conversation with Wade without some fishing tales sprinkled in, offering a perfect mix of adventure and wisdom around our digital campfire.

Pull up a chair and join us for one of our most powerful episodes yet. Be ready to laugh, reflect, and walk away encouraged. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!