How does an encounter with God change the way you treat people in some of the darkest places on earth?

In this episode, I talk with author Lee Monroe to explore his near-decade of experience as a corrections officer. We navigate the gritty realities of the prison system , uncovering wild contraband like homemade swords and D&D dice , and dispelling myths about what it means to be a "guard."

Lee shares how his conversion to Christianity completely altered his interactions with inmates and shifted approach. We discuss the extreme tension between strict justice and unmerited grace.

Check out Lee's Book:

https://a.co/d/095PvRRS

Follow Charting Life:

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https://www.youtube.com/@ChartingLife

Topics Discussed: Prison System Realities, Corrections Officers vs. Guards, Prison Contraband, The Imago Dei (Image of God), Christian Vocation, Balancing Justice and Grace, Evangelism in Hostile Environments, Overcoming Anger.

For Episode 30, I am stepping out of the interview chair for a special solo reflection on the journey of Charting Life. I share my personal struggle with "analysis paralysis" and why the greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is the profound necessity of simply taking the first step. I have discovered that a 1% improvement is infinitely more valuable than 0%. I look back at some of the most impactful stories from past guests—from the heartbreaking realities of neglecting physical health for the sake of providing, to the objective beauty of a life well-lived to the very end. Along with my past guests, I attempt to answer the following questions (and invite you to do the same):

• If you could spend the next year improving one area of your life, what would that be?
• What does it mean to be "good"?
• What is your final life advice to family and loved ones?

Topics Discussed: Leaving a legacy, overcoming analysis paralysis, 1% better every day, incremental growth, physical health and family, the objective beauty of a well-lived life, Christian living, life advice, podcast milestone.

Does true creativity require absolute freedom, or do restrictions actually breed imagination?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow "bearded bishop," Jonathan Baker, to redefine what it means to be an artist. Jonathan and I explore how the daily grind—from crunching numbers to driving a school bus—can become a canvas for the creative life we are meant to live. Ultimately, we chart a course toward finding the divine spark in the ordinary, everyday moments of life.

Follow Charting Life:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093839421655

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1euu9YnHPwKoD2r3eLAOJA?si=37e8ecef729a48ad

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChartingLife

Are we just as boneheaded as the characters we critique?

Can a made-up story reveal the truth about who we are? R.L. Akers (Overtwixt, Gray Gaynes series) shares his journey from computer programmer to storyteller, revealing why he believes creativity is not just for "artists" but is a calling for everyone made in the image of God. From the discipline of treating creativity like a job to the challenge of forgiving "boneheaded" mistakes, we chart a course toward a life lived for more than just yourself.

Connect with R. L. Akers:

https://rlakers.com/

Connect with Charting Life:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Charting-Life-Podcast/100093839421655/

https://www.youtube.com/@ChartingLife

Topics Covered: R.L. Akers, OverTwixt, Christian Fiction vs. General Market, The Creative Process, Faith and Art, Writing Advice for Beginners, Parenting & Fatherhood, Forgiveness, Living for More Than Yourself, Gray Gaynes Series.

Are you fueling your body, or just feeding an emotion?

In this episode, I welcome back health coach JoJo Tabares to discuss why 90% of us are metabolically unhealthy and how our modern food environment fuels addiction. We explore the vital shift from viewing food as a friend to viewing it as fuel, offering a grace-filled approach to breaking bad habits.

Follow Jojo Tabares:

https://www.facebook.com/jojo.tabares

https://www.youtube.com/@Heaven-and-Health

Resources:

Https://www.heavenandhealth.net/wlmyths

www.FaithOverFibro.com

Follow Charting Life:

https://www.youtube.com/@ChartingLife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093839421655

Topics Covered: Metabolic Health, Food Addiction Recovery, Christian Weight Loss, The "Stop Challenge Choose" Method, Biblical Stewardship of the Body, Sick Care vs. Healthcare, The Food Pyramid Myth, Emotional Eating, JoJo Tabares.

Where do you go to reclaim true manliness?

In this episode, I sit down with Dustin Wright (The Homestead Theologian) to move past the cultural caricatures of grit and black coffee and explore a deeper vision of biblical manhood. We discuss why the "real man" is often a myth, and how the "good man" is defined not by stoicism, but by presence, vulnerability, and sacrifice. Together, we chart a course away from the isolation of the "lone wolf" and toward the example of Jesus, finding that true strength often looks less like a movie hero and more like a father fully present with his family.

Follow Charting Life:

https://www.youtube.com/@ChartingLife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093839421655

Follow Dustin:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheHomesteadTheologians

https://open.spotify.com/show/4nAkqeH8wUkcDfPzCokTll?si=a7ebbad21ab74f4d

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564600215684

How do you keep your faith honest and alive when identity, culture, and ministry expectations all pull at you at once?

In this conversation, I sit down with Carrie Burge, a college student preparing for youth ministry, to talk about faith formation in the middle of busyness, doubt, and cultural pressure. Together, we explore spiritual balance, identity in Christ, and why the Gospel loses its power when grace and holiness are pulled apart.

Follow Carrie:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555270784395

https://open.spotify.com/show/1jT4o3dKWjvrQOsWlpfEYR?si=e537a9274777436e

Follow Charting Life:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093839421655

https://www.youtube.com/@ChartingLife

This conversation is what happens when two theology nerds, a Pentecostal and a Reformed Baptist, get together and share life stories.

Charting Life Podcast:

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=charting%20life%20podcast

For a free book on Audible, follow this link: https://amzn.to/46XVQC2

Follow George and his podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/059o65rKKbWtOzqhiFJGT1

https://www.facebook.com/george.sissoniii