Be the Difference

Azubike Kalu is a husband, father, former tutor, and current Director of Back2Back Nigeria. His journey with the ministry began with tutoring, and over time, he became captain of a children’s home, then an assistant director, and now he leads an entire staff team in providing holistic care to vulnerable populations in his own home-country.

In this episode, Azubike shares who mentored him well in his younger years, the lessons he’s collected from his many roles within Back2Back, and what keeps him up at night. Hear what Azu returns to on the hardest days, why a trauma-informed Back2Back school was so important for the families of Nigeria, and what has been made possible in the lives of kids and families because that school now exists.

Links to learn more:

In the midst of headlines of war, civil unrest, embattled opinions and election news the world can quickly become overwhelming. How can we be the difference when headlines feel so heavy? Sammy and Chris dive into this question and discuss ways they each navigate the call to be the difference even when the world feels overwhelming. 

In this episode, Sammy and Chris share the ways they each navigate the constant influx of news we all experience each day. Hear the questions Chris asks himself before engaging with a difficult topic, how we can approach every situation through the lens of the gospel and when the kindest thing to do for ourselves and others is to take a step back. 

Links to learn more:

On October 11th, many people joined Back2Back staff in-person and virtually at the annual A Night of Hope. It was a night for many to recall just how many different people are being the difference in the lives of those around them. It was a night filled with conversation, emotion, and story. A special part of the evening was hearing directly from Beth Guckenberger, Back2Back Co-Executive Director, about what it means to stay. The ripple effects of her talk have been poignant and life giving for each of us.

In this episode, Beth will dive into the question she is asked most often - what makes you wanna stay? Hear about what Beth means when she says she has steel in her spine, what 65% of our conversations are based on, and how the story of Rahab, a story of Beth’s family, and a story about a young woman in Nigeria are connected. Today, take a moment to listen and be reminded that the story isn’t over yet.

Links to learn more:

Rick and Lisa Bursey are husband and wife, mom and dad to two boys, and officially the new Site Directors for Back2Back’s ninth global site in Linares, Mexico! Originally from Ontario, Canada, the Burseys have long served children and said yes to every big and small moment God has extended an invitation. In 2008, they quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and moved two hours south of Monterrey, Mexico to a small town called Linares. Today, they are excited for the future of the Linares site and all it will provide for the children they serve.

In this episode, Rick and Lisa share the three words they’d use to describe their life in Canada, how saying yes was like building muscle over time, and why they believe comfort can breed discomfort. Hear how Lisa responded when God put hungry, sad, or withdrawn people in front of her, how one of Rick’s worst moments led to the opening of Possibilities House, and why patience and perseverance are words, and attitudes, they live by.

Join Rick and Lisa at A Night of Hope!

Today, Sammy and Chris welcome back Beth Guckenberger! Beth is the Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, an author, speaker, wife, and mom. Today, she is sharing about her newest children’s book! 

In this episode, Beth shares about a conversation she still remembers having with her mom in the third grade and how it still impacts her today. Hear how Beth defines spiritual warfare, how to frame conversations around it with children, and why a children’s book moves those conversations forward for all of us. 

Links to learn more:

Happy September! This month, Sammy and Chris are discussing all things books! How their love of reading began, why reading leaves a lasting impact, and how they have each seen it make a difference in the lives of the children they love and serve. 

In this episode, Sammy shares an article from Child Mind Institute, why it says we should all be reading to the children in our lives, and the many benefits story offers each of us. Hear how Chris has seen reading change behavior, connection, and conversation between children and teens, how Back2Back is engaging with literacy and education around the world, and what equity and access look like when it comes to books. You also get to hear all about Beth Guckenberger’s new book and why it’s so special. 

Links to learn more:

Michael Sickles is former college athlete, a father and leader of the Juvenile Justice Initiative and Youth Development at Back2Back Cincinnati. He is known for his voice, both the sound of it and the way he uses it to advocate for access to hope for every youth in Cincinnati. 

In this episode, Michael shares how he learned to get back up when he tripped over obstacles in his path, how those experiences shaped his character and the ways he knew God was there all along. Hear why he believes hope can transform a life, why he cares about justice and what the high school version of himself would think about his life today. 

Links to learn more:

Continuing the theme of justice and the hope that is possible when we choose to be the difference, Chris and Sammy share their reflections on  the TBRI Trauma-Informed Courts Podcast. Join them as they dive into a conversation on the exponential impact of small changes and the ways these changes can make a difference in our everyday lives. 

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss specific strategies courtrooms around the country have begun to implement. Hear how we can all can empower individuals to feel safe, regulated and calm in even the most stressful of situations. 

Links to learn more:

Michelle Clifton earned her PhD in social ethics at Loyola University Chicago and has worked in higher education for twenty years. Michelle’s passion is interrupting the US’s over-reliance on incarceration, finding creative alternatives, such as equitable and accessible education or restorative justice solutions, through collaboration with those most impacted. In 2018, she founded the “School of Restorative Arts,” an MA program in Illinois’ prisons serving over 100 incarcerated men and women at Stateville and Logan Correctional Centers. She currently serves as founding director of prison education at Lewis University launching BA programs in professional studies in Illinois prisons.

In this episode, Michelle shares how she felt the first time she entered a prison classroom, how she processes the hard stories she experiences, and the moment she knew this would be her life’s work. Hear her describe the joy of a graduation ceremony inside a prison, why she calls herself an abolitionist, and the dream she has to see decarceration and liberation in the state of Illinois. 

Links to learn more:

July is here, and that means Chris and Sammy are sharing a new statistic and a new focus on the Be the Difference Podcast! Join them as they dive into a conversation on justice for juveniles at risk of incarceration, how the Back2Back Cincy team is stepping into this conversation and returning years to local youth who would otherwise be behind bars, and the reasons why these conversations matter.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss transforming punitive consequences into a time of healing for juveniles in Cincy and how conversation is changing the approaches taken for youth with trauma who have committed a crime. Hear how new information is being presented to public defenders and judges and how, together, adults are advocating on behalf of youth who would otherwise be tried as adults, as layers of understanding are being added to the conversation.

Links to learn more:

Want to connect with Chris about this initiative? Email ccox@back2back.org

Sara Jensen is multilingual, the podcast’s first Norwegian guest, and is the Back2Back Monterrey Coordinator of the Transition Program, which comes alongside in transitioning students to independence. Sara has lived all around the world and is very passionate about travel and coffee.

In this episode, Sara shares how old she was when she first felt called to be a missionary, what song influenced her most during that time in her life, and her vantage point on her own story and the changes that have occurred in each season. Hear why where she currently lives is so special, how her growth and understanding of what humans long for in community is influenced by her role, and how she has learned about most of it through the eyes of young adults. 

Links to learn more:

It’s a fresh month, which means a fresh focus on the Be the Difference Podcast! Join Chris and Sammy for a delicate conversation in which they discuss social media, its effects on children and teens, females specifically, and the staggering statistics that accompany them.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss something that influences most of us and dive into discussion on developing good rhythms around it. Hear about the evolution of social media, how it may or may not affect developing brains, and how Sammy specifically, as a female, is impacted by the shared statistics and information.

Links to learn more:

Matt and Julie Cooper met in high school and have since married, parented both biological and foster children, and have been in ministry together for over 20 years. Matt is the Director of Staff Care for Back2Back Ministries and Julie is the Senior vice President of Training for Trauma Free World. Welcome to part two of this in-depth conversation with the Coopers about their aligned passion to serve the vulnerable, no matter where they call home.

In part two of this episode, we pick back up with the Coopers when they are in a spiritual sweet spot - they felt revival, contentment, and happiness. And then God planted Cancun into both their hearts. Hear how God got their attention individually for a new place of ministry, how we give voice to the children who are a part of our family, and how Matt and Julie, while together, were also separate in their calls to ministry.

Links to learn more:

Matt and Julie Cooper have been in ministry together for over 20 years. Matt is the Director of Staff Care for Back2Back Ministries and Julie is the Senior Vice President of Training for Trauma Free World. Matt and Julie met in high school and eventually came to accept Jesus on the same day, at the same event. From a solid friendship to a marriage and years of serving alongside one another internationally and in the states, Matt and Julie have an aligned passion to serve the vulnerable no matter where they call home. 

In part one of this episode, Matt and Julie share their differing vantage points on foster care and their responses to stereotypical gender roles within ministry. Hear how their relationship first began, how they respond when asked how they like working and living together, and all they’ve accomplished together over the last 20 years.  

Links to learn more:

New month, new topic! This week, Chris is joined by Back2Back staff and Be the Difference Podcast Producer, Mikeyy Evans. Mikeyy is a videographer, husband to Katie, and father to five-year old twins.

In this week’s episode, Chris and Mikeyy discuss how our definitions of family change as we age, what led Mikeyy and his wife to foster care, and why defining family doesn't have to come  with time constraints and genetic connection. 

Hear what Chris and Mikeyy believe people need for familial access and receive an invitation from them on being the difference for families right where you are. 

—

Rob Hall is a former educator, administrator, and counselor. He is a husband, father, advocate, and President of Trauma Free World. Trauma Free World is a community based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is dedicated to helping people around the world heal from childhood trauma. Through in-person and online training, their desire is to assist anyone with an internet connection or mobile phone in healing, and helping others heal, from trauma.

In this episode, Rob shares about his 10-year old self and how most of his professional and personal decisions were born from walking through the next open door to see what would happen and why having a plan didn’t necessarily work out. Hear about how 23 years ago, Rob and his family’s lives were altered completely, about what keeps him up at night, and why Trauma Free World is what it is today, and how it impacts each of us individually and globally.

Links to learn more:

It’s a new month, which means our co-hosts have a new statistic! This week, Sammy shares a staggering statistic about children around the world and their experiences with trauma. It is a stat at the root of the holistic care Back2Back seeks to provide globally. 

In this week’s episode, Sammy and Chris discuss what we are to do with numbers like this and how do we keep from remaining in a state of hopelessness? They share what Back2Back has learned, and now teaches, about trauma and how it is not simply a matter of a good guy versus a bad guy, and why mercy should always be at the forefront of our response, especially to the aggressor. 

Hear Sammy and Chris share why it’s important for us to know and understand a statistic like this and remind us that trauma does not concern itself with zip code, tax bracket, gender, or skin color. 

—

Nick Jackson is an educator, a coach, a motivational speaker, and the founder of Speak Love. Through his impactful speaking abilities and his desire to teach on a skill he is practicing himself, Nick has reached over 1,000,000 people through his keynote addresses. Speak Love is a transformative Craveable Culture organization led with the belief that excellent character and unwavering love will allow us all to reach our fullest potential, together. Specializing in conversations, experiences, and restorative practices, Speak Love impels growth in areas of character and culture.

In this week’s episode, Nick shares how he went from an adolescent who hated school to an in-classroom educator with a desire to use his personal power to effect positive change. He shares about his own upbringing and how it propelled him to where he is today, and why.

Hear Nick share what he loves most about teaching, how meeting a woman outside a church changed the trajectory of his work, and why God gave him the word “me” and how he is using his position to evoke transformative conversation for youth.

Links to learn more:

What happens when we speak without considering our words first? Today, Chris shares about an experience on a recent family adventure and how his interaction with a stranger led to considering deeper the power of our words and how and where reconciliation can occur.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss a staggering set of statistics regarding civility, or a lack of it, in the workplace and how it translates to our world outside of work. Hear how incivility and hospitality are related, what two common triggers are for incivility, and how we can each better engage with those around us.

—

Join us this week as we welcome back Fred Oduyoye! Fred first aired on the Be The Difference podcast in episode four! He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and is the Founder of Reachable Reconciliation, Inc.

Fred draws on his nearly twenty years of experience bridging urban and suburban communities to create intentional spaces for conversation about race, diversity, and responsibility in a small group setting. The goal of Reachable Reconciliation is to move a community from where they are to new places of understanding, empathy, and action.

In this week’s episode, Fred answers a key question: why? Why Reachable Reconciliation? And why is it important to reconcile with ourselves, first? He takes us back to his childhood in Columbia, Maryland and how what he grew up seeing and understanding wasn’t actually what he would see everywhere as he grew up and left.

Hear Fred share why he loves figuring out what makes people tick, why ongoing relational learning is key, and why he believes that if we are not having conversations, we aren’t doing the right work.

Links to learn more:

Today is Be the Difference Podcast’s 50th episode! Thank you to all our faithful listeners for joining us in this journey of talking to everyday people about the remarkable ways they’re being the difference.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss a staggering statistic on teens who age out of the foster care system and are thrust into the world. Hear how this impacts them both individually and with the global work Back2Back does, what being a safe adult in the life of a teen with trauma means, and how, as safe adults, we can see coping mechanisms as leadership skills worthy of development. Lastly, we want to know who you know that is making the difference in the life of a vulnerable teen and who understands the glaring need for connection and relationship.

—

Jes Biondo is a daughter, a former Back2Back staff member, a traveler, a teacher, lifelong learner, creator of Sprezza Foundry Shop, and Executive Director and Podcast host of Collected Ministries & Podcast. Jes attributes her desire to say yes, even when she doesn’t know the outcome, to her parents and a teacher from her childhood.  She has taught English camps in Thailand, served the vulnerable in Mexico, and held teaching workshops in Kenya, among many other things. She believes serving is never one-sided - we can both teach and learn everywhere we are, and this model allows for sustainability within communities.

In this episode, Jes shares how she knows when God is leading her to something or asking her to reroute. Hear how she believes leaders can best serve and love their single staff members, why loneliness and singleness are not mutually exclusive, and why cultural representation is imperative in the classroom.

Links to learn more:

Who do you know? When Be the Difference Podcast began, the goal was simple - highlight everyday people making the difference at their jobs, in their communities, and around the world. We realize, though, people don’t often know where to be the difference if there aren’t eyes to see and speak on the difficulties and hardships in the world.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss a staggering statistic around childhood literacy. Hear how this impacts them both individually and with the global work Back2Back does, what you can do right now to help children gain access to books and adults who read, and how you can help the podcast grow! We want to hear from you and those you know who are being the difference for one!

Another full year of stories of how everyday people are being the difference for one! Together, we’ve listened to stories of grit, determination, following promptings without knowing how things will end, and how people, everyday, choose to show up for others and leave an impact that won’t be forgotten. Thank you for joining us, sharing with us, and gathering around others to ensure they feel known and loved.

In this episode, Sammy and Chris share a Back2Back tradition called “picture of the day” and share each of their own “pictures of the year” from the podcast. You’ll hear about moments they’ve loved, felt challenged, and grown as a result of people sharing their stories. Hear about their highlights from Season 2 as they review the last year of change-makers.

Sammy’s Clips

‘Tis the season! For two seasons of the Be the Difference Podcast, we have gathered together to hear of everyday people making an impact in the lives of those around them. We don’t need fancy job titles or a lot of money to come alongside others and offer our time, energy, and resources. As Sammy and Chris reflect on the stories we’ve heard and the lives changed as a result of those stories, they are inviting us to be the difference right now, in the midst of the Christmas season!

In this episode, join Chris and Sammy as they share personal anecdotes and 12 ways you can be the difference today, as we await the celebration of our King’s birth. Hear how they’ve each been impacted by the guests who have shared their own difference-making ways and prepare for the final episode of 2022!

12 ways to be the difference this season:

Kelly and Steve Carr are husband and wife and Co-Founders of Echo Church in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. Steve formerly led the church, but in recent years, Kelly has stepped into the Lead Pastor role. Echo Church was founded in 2005 and is a body of believers united by common relationship with Jesus. They believe when we listen to what God is saying, we begin to see the world in a different light, and invite others to journey with them as they ask questions, seek Jesus, and work out their faith.

In this episode, Kelly and Steve share how they named their church, what Steve wanted to call it before Kelly stepped in with a different suggestion, and why they landed on Echo. Hear about why O’Charley’s and the produce department at Kroger were pivotal points in their lives and how Steve taking a sabbatical made room for Kelly to step into a lead pastor role.

Links to learn more:

Michayla White is a wife, mother, lover of Jesus, and Executive Director of International  Network of Children’s Ministry (INCM). INCM exists  to connect children’s ministry leaders to what they need - training, resources, and community. Michayla attributes her passion for children’s ministry and those who lead it to her mother, a volunteer children’s ministry director, and seeing her commitment to investing in children and seeing them as important to the family of God.

In this episode, Michayla defines children’s ministry and what INCM believes is the best possible curriculum for children’s ministry leaders to possess. Hear about her own challenges as a woman in leadership, how we can all make the future more equitable for women in leadership, and the questions that keep her up at night.

Links to learn more:

November is here! This means many things, but for the Be the Difference Podcast, it means a month of new guests who bring their own stories and experiences in being the difference. It also means we are highlighting a new topic: voices in leadership! To kick off, Sammy and Chris meet with special guest, Beth Guckenberger, and ask for her insight on women in leadership and why it matters.

Beth is co-executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, as well as an author and speaker who has long held leadership positions within the evangelical world. She is currently writing a new book about the very topic of women being used by God in leadership positions. In this episode, hear a little bit more about the heart behind this month’s topic, why Beth’s next book started as a secret between her and Jesus, and how her heart has grown and expanded on this topic. Hear words of encouragement as we engage in this conversation and who Beth’s own examples of women in leadership are. And please join us throughout this month to hear from two other women who lead within their own spheres of influence and ministry, and how we can each support the women in our lives who are leading with grace and love.

Links to learn more:

Brad Wise is a husband, a father, a creative, and the founder of Boonrise - a video production company that exists to tell a better story through videos, experiences, and workshops that spark hope and action. Brad loves looking at things one way and asking if there’s a better or different way to do it; this intrigue and passion started in his adolescence when, instead of writing a paper on the effects of steroids, he asked to do a video instead. What began as a way to make his friends laugh and do work he actually enjoyed has turned into creating space and content where people can share and listen to each other’s stories. Brad shares, “When we tell our stories and we listen with kindness and imagination, something transcendent happens.”

In this episode, Brad shares his own definition of creativity and art, and how everyone can belong within that world. Hear about a woman named Joan he could listen to for hours and the story she shared that is one of his favorites, what exactly Boonrise means, and why Brad and his team chose it for their organization, and what is next for their team and why he is excited for what’s to come. 

Links to learn more:

Check out this bonus episode of Be the Difference! Today, our faithful producer Mikeyy shares a teaser for next week's episode with Brad Wise, founder of Boonrise. Sammy asks Brad who fostered the creative spirit in him, and Brad’s response is a beautiful story of how his mom stepped in, let him experiment, and formed the storyteller that he is today.

Links to learn more:

Katie Guiliano is an artist and the founder of Hosanna Revival, a company that exists to excite people about engaging in scripture by creating beautiful and intentional tools for their lives. Katie’s relationship with Jesus began after she graduated high school and truly flourished, along with her business idea, in Spain while reading her plain black covered, bilingual Bible. What started in a secret Etsy shop with just Katie in 2015 is now well-known globally and is made possible because of a team of 13 dedicated artists and business-minded people, plus two sweet dogs.

In this episode, Katie shares about the very humble beginnings of Hosanna Revival and what spurred her to create and build a business simultaneously. Hear why she and the Hosanna team pray over every product before it leaves their hands, how she believes art and creativity will always point us back to Jesus, and why she felt led to paint the cover of a Bible in the first place.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to season two of Be the Difference! It’s a new month, which means the Be the Difference Podcast is highlighting a new theme. In season two, Chris and Sammy will highlight one big question every month and dive into that question with our guests.

October is here, and we are focusing on one big question - how can we be the difference in others’ lives through art and creativity? Do you consider yourself creative? An artist? Is there a chance we’re all more artistic than we give ourselves credit for? Chris and Sammy answer this question for themselves, discuss how art draws us into community, and how it always unlocks something new within us.

This month, you will hear from two different special guests - Katie Guiliano  and Brad Wise - two founders of creative endeavors who have designed their lives after being present through art. Join us this month as our co-hosts take part in creative, honest, vulnerable conversations about art, how it impacts the creator and those who engage with the creation.

Together, all around the world, we are highlighting those who are being the difference. Join us.

Links to learn more:

Toni Steere is a mother, comes from a long line of women who “give their lives away,” and is the Director of Legacy 68:5 - an adoption, foster, and orphan care ministry within Houston’s First Baptist Church. Legacy 685 connects, equips, and sustains families and organizations locally and internationally with resources, education, and practical help.

In this episode, Toni shares about how her heart for Africa led her to Guatemala, what her 10-year old self would say about her life today, and how fasting and prayer changed everything. Hear how God used a young boy named Gus to teach Toni that attachment matters, and why mowing a field with a machete opened doors no human could close.

Links to learn more:

Check out this bonus episode of Be the Difference! Today, our faithful producer, Mikeyy Evans, shares a teaser for episode 38 with Toni Steere, whose work is all about walking alongside kids in difficult spaces. Sammy poses a question - “Why do you keep doing it?” And Toni’s response is just the motivation we all need to step into the gap for the vulnerable and to remember that Jesus trumps trauma.

Links to learn more:

Mike Wilson is a husband, biological and adoptive father, and the Co-Founder of myLIFEspeaks - a non-profit organization whose vision is for every Haitian child to experience family. Mike and his wife, Missy, have never wanted to come in and “Americanize” the culture of Haiti. Rather, they celebrate the Haitian culture while investing in locals to lead others and together elevate the future of Haiti. They know true sustainability and change comes from within.

In this episode, Mike shares about where he was on January 12th, 2010 and how it was a moment he will never forget. Hear how God continually reminds him, “I’m still here,” about what keeps him up at night, and why he will always tell people not to give up on Haiti.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to season two of Be the Difference! In this episode, we are kicking off a new season filled with fresh stories and intentional conversations. In season two, Chris and Sammy will highlight one big question every month and dive into that question with our guests.

September is here, and we are focusing on one big question - how can we be the difference in the world of adoption and foster care? Has this topic always felt far away? Has it felt like something only wealthy people can take part in? Chris and Sammy admit it used to feel far away for each of them, but over the years, they’ve come to understand one thing: adoption and foster care is all about being present for someone else. Whether it’s being community around foster and adoptive families or coming alongside bio families as they navigate working to bring their family back together, we all want to feel like we belong.

This month, you will hear from two different special guests who have designed their lives after being present in the world of foster and adoption, and every month of season two, you can listen to a new episode every week!

Together, all around the world, we are highlighting those who are being the difference. Join us.

Links to learn more:

After one life-altering moment, Brian Berman sold everything he owned and walked away from a successful career in business to move to the Dominican Republic. He has spent over a decade of his life since then investing in people. In 2010, Brian and his wife, Nebraska, co-founded Project Mañana International. They are dedicated to helping to break the cycle of poverty through nutrition, education, and discipling projects.

In this episode, Brian shares exactly what happened that turned his life upside down. God has used every part of Brian’s story and taken him on a journey he never could have imagined. Hear stories of the miracles he has witnessed, the lessons he has learned, and why he will never stop investing in people.

Links to learn more:

Anna Valdez is the Director of Programs at Fostering Hope in Austin, Texas. Anna trains and coordinates trauma informed efforts for volunteers, churches, foster parents, caregivers, and institutions, both locally and internationally. She served for five years with Back2Back Ministries in Monterrey, Mexico as a full time caregiver to teenage girls. Drawing from this learning and experience, Anna has successfully implemented programming as a Texas Christian University Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Practitioner and a Trauma Competent Caregiver Affiliate Trainer for Back2Back Ministries.

In this week’s episode, Anna shares how God called a shy girl from southern Texas into a journey that would lift the veil on the emotional pain of the world and shift her perspective on hope and healing forever.

Hear stories of her first night as a caregiver in a children’s home, the way God changed her view of success, and why she is passionate about training and equipping caregivers today.

Links to learn more:

(This episode was originally published on May 25th, 2021)

Mashawn Rigmaiden is the co-founder of Strip Church Dayton and co-owner of Bangs Salon and Spa. She is convinced Jesus loves every person and the church can be a place that welcomes hard stories. Strip Church Dayton’s goal is to offer hope, healing, forgiveness, and freedom to the women and men in the adult entertainment industry.

In this week’s episode, Mashawn shares how God intentionally uses her “rebellious wiring” to be the difference in unexpected places like strip club dressing rooms. She has learned there is a story behind every face and a cross shaped void in every heart.

Hear stories of how Jesus is redeeming her past, teaching her to share His love without judgement, and transforming lives in the process.

Links to learn more:

(This episode was originally published on Mar 2nd, 2021)

Todd and Beth Guckenberger live with their family in Cincinnati and serve as the co-executive directors of Back2Back Ministries. After college graduation, the Guckenbergers packed up an Isuzu trooper and moved to Monterrey, Mexico where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised eleven children.

In this week’s episode, Todd and Beth share some of the experiences that led them to realize they had something to offer, the emotions they were feeling as they crossed the Mexican border for the first time, and how their dream of being the difference has grown and changed in the past 25 years.

Hear why they still say people are worth the work, 25 years, 5 countries, 8 ministry sites, and thousands of co-laborers later.

Links to Learn More:

(This episode was originally posted on October 26th, 2021).

For 13 years, Chuck has served as a teaching pastor at Crossroads Church. Prior to being a pastor, Chuck spent nine years in the corporate world at Procter & Gamble. Today, he is the founder of Courageous Love, a nonprofit organization built to unite and ignite people for racial justice through programming and intensives that take participants through life-changing moments of racial healing.

In this episode, Chuck shares why he walked away from a successful corporate career to become a pastor in his local community. Hear how one brave step at a time launched him into a journey he never imagined for himself and why courageous love has and always will be the fuel that keeps him moving forward.

Links to learn more:

This week, we announce the end of season 1, and the plans for season 2! Take a listen to hear some of the things we have in store, and all about our plans for the summer. Thanks for being the difference with us! 

—

In this week's episode you’ll hear from 20 children and teens who regularly spend time with the Back2Back Cincinnati team. Hear their thoughts on what’s great about the world, what problems they see that need to be solved, and how they hope to be the difference in the world.

—

Rick and Lisa Bursey are husband and wife, mom and dad to two boys, and officially the new Site Directors for Back2Back’s ninth global site in Linares, Mexico! Originally from Ontario, Canada, the Burseys have long served children and said yes to every big and small moment God has extended an invitation. In 2008, they quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and moved two hours south of Monterrey, Mexico to a small town called Linares. Today, they are excited for the future of the Linares site and all it will provide for the children they serve.

In this episode, Rick and Lisa share the three words they’d use to describe their life in Canada, how saying yes was like building muscle over time, and why they believe comfort can breed discomfort. Hear how Lisa responded when God put hungry, sad, or withdrawn people in front of her, how one of Rick’s worst moments led to the opening of Possibilities House, and why patience and perseverance are words, and attitudes, they live by.

Links to learn more:

Dynette Clark is a wife, a mother to three, and sees the best in everyone she meets. She is also the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K), a Cincinnati-based organization with a vision to create community for all children, regardless of challenges, through support, resources, and scholarships. As a child, Dynette always wanted to babysit and long considered being a teacher before getting her degree in business. After having her first son, and attempting to return to work, she realized she wanted to be with her child and started an in-home daycare service. She later received certification for Montessori education and taught while her own children were in school. She and her husband were blessed with a third child, and shortly after he arrived, everything changed.

In this episode, Dynette shares about a baby girl named Sydney who was born in 1998, and how her story was the foundation for Building Blocks for Kids. Hear how Dynette believes our stories are changed when people are beside us, why community is the foundation of what Building Blocks for Kids does, and the one thing every child served through BB4K gives back.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to Be the Difference: Clips from the Cutting Room Floor! In these bonus episodes, we turn the reins over to our amazing producer Mikeyy, to share with you some of his favorite conversations from previous episodes that didn't quite make the final cut.

Kevin Schwieger was born on the mission field and has served within ministry for over 30 years, from serving as a missionary to Marketplace Pastor at Grace Chapel. Two and a half years ago, Kevin discovered a new hiking trail and in his excitement to share about it, the vision for of Luke5Adventures was born. Luke5Adventures makes the impossible possible by gathering dedicated volunteers and special equipment to give outdoor experiences to people with disabilities. From Ohio to Colorado, Kevin and his team bring Luke 5 to life by helping everyone experience Jesus through nature, no matter their abilities.

In this episode, Kevin shares about how a conversation that never happened sparked curiosity and, ultimately, the founding of Luke5Adventures. He talks about “target versus tool,” how it applies to this work, and how God convicted him. Hear how God focused Kevin’s attention on a population of people that had before been “out of sight, out of mind,” and why he considers it “soul-quenching work” whenever they help provide a way to nature that was previously inaccessible.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to Be the Difference: Clips from the Cutting Room Floor! In these bonus episodes, we turn the reins over to our amazing producer Mikeyy, to share with you some of his favorite conversations from previous episodes that didn't quite make the final cut.

Troy Culbreth is husband to Sharmaine, father to Troy Jr, Kaleb, Riley, and Austin, and founder of Cross Worship Music. Cross Worship is a collective of worship leaders and musicians based out of Cincinnati, Ohio with a heart to reconcile the body of Christ across denominational and racial divides. They believe there is something special when we all come together, and the musicians capture that divine guidance and share it with their audience.

In this episode, Troy shares about how he went from a 12-year old boy who just wanted to be a basketball star to leading cross-cultural denominations in worship. He talks about the impact one song can have in a person’s life and why he believes the message doesn’t end when the melody does. Hear how God burdened Troy to do something about His people worshiping as one and what Troy sees for Cross Worship in the next nine years.

Links to learn more:

Follow Cross Worship on Social Media:

LaMarqué Ward, Sr. is a husband, father, author, pastor, and former professional basketball player. In 2015, LaMarqué founded Dream Builders University (DBU) to educate young men and women about leadership skills. Since then, DBU has been a leader in providing professional development services for schools.

In this episode, LaMarqué shares about who inspired him as a young man, and why their combination of strength and compassion drew him in. He talks about how the words “I see gold in you” were the catalyst for finding his bigger purpose and why he’s always believed there’s more to the story. Hear how LaMarqué lives with Kingdom-mindedness, why being effective is key, and the one thing he says at the end of every talk or guest appearance.

Links to learn more: