How are you influenced? Also, do you disregard influence and purpose based on circumstances, or do you remain undeterred by struggle?

In this episode, Bill and Scott share personal stories of how God has influenced and interrupted their lives in unexpected ways. They also reflect on the difference between blessing and success, and how true blessing always leads to purpose—sometimes through suffering. Together, they remind us that trusting God’s interruptions is the path to discovering our destiny and learning to influence others with humility and authenticity.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:03) How blessing is often mistaken for success and shows how true purpose involves suffering.

(03:41) God is always the initiator and introduces the idea of divine interruption.

(06:51) Why God values humility more than excellence.

(09:56) How Bill’s brothers were first influenced through a boys’ club.

(11:13) Bill’s salvation at 17 after being asked, “What are you going to do with Jesus?”

(13:31) Scott contrasts his Lutheran roots with how his wife and stepmother’s influence deepened his faith.

(17:57) Trusting God when He interrupts and redirects life.

(19:43) Obedience means trusting God and surrendering the results to Him.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What possibilities open when you embrace God’s purposes for your life?

In this episode, Bill and Scott unpack what it means to live in freedom rather than in the bondage of shame. Drawing from Scripture and their own experiences, they highlight how trust in God’s truth reshapes identity, relationships, and daily choices. Together with guest Waldemar, they invite listeners to step out of the cage of familiarity and embrace the endless purposes of God.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(00:03) Freedom in Christ

(01:43) Experiencing Bondage vs. Freedom

(03:56) Possibilities and Purpose in Freedom

(07:48) Saying Yes to God’s Purposes

(12:20) Living Out Freedom Daily

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Does God declare who we are, or are we on a continuous improvement plan?

In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore how theology directly shapes our experience of either bondage to shame or freedom in Christ. They unpack the difference between reading Scripture as a list of “shoulds” versus embracing it as a declaration of who God says we are. The conversation highlights the life-changing reality of grace, the gift of a new heart, and the freedom to live without condemnation.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(00:03) Theology, shame, and living in freedom through Ephesians 4.

(01:27) How theology can keep believers trapped in shame or free them to live without condemnation.

(03:01) The shift from “I ought to” toward “I can” as the language of grace.

(06:06) Waldemar’s personal story of moving from self-punishment to freedom in prayer and grace.

(08:09) Scott reframes repentance and forgiveness as gifts of grace rather than commands to keep God happy.

(09:33) The feeling of “not enough.”

(11:07) Focusing on the harder work of love—loving neighbors and enemies—rather than just avoiding sin.

(12:34) Gifts, strengths, weaknesses, and the pitfalls of “sin management” theology.

(15:01) How a theology of a deceitful heart keeps believers trapped, while a new heart in Christ brings lasting freedom.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Is Jesus able to give you new life? Did He really rise from the dead? Is the resurrection of Jesus the proof of all He accomplished?

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be alive in Christ. We discuss how shame and condemnation no longer define believers because of the resurrection and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We also highlight that righteousness is evidenced by love, and that new life in Jesus brings both healing and purpose.

Topics that Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(00:08) The Question of Being Alive

* The idea of resurrection life and God’s declaration of a new identity.

(04:12) What It Means to Be Holy

* Believers often resist believing they are holy or righteous.

* How misunderstanding identity leads to confusion and doubt.

(06:47) The Holy Spirit as Evidence

* The Spirit cannot dwell in an unholy place.

* The Spirit’s presence proves believers’ holiness.

(10:52) Love as the Proof of Righteousness

* Love, not morality or striving, is the evidence of new life.

* The vulnerability of receiving love and its healing power.

(17:30) Purpose in the New Life

* Scott shares his experience teaching grace despite resistance.

* Bill concludes with the Great Commission, calling believers to live their new purpose through influence and love.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

At Calvary, is Jesus able to bring me into His death? And, what does it mean when I say, “I am crucified in Christ”?

In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore the radical reality of being crucified with Christ. They unpack what it means to die with Him—leaving behind shame, condemnation, and the law—and to begin living under grace. This conversation will invite you to trust God’s finished work and discover the freedom of a new identity.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(0:30) – The Reality of Death in Christ

* Galatians 2.

* At Calvary, believers were brought into Christ’s death, freeing them from shame and sin.

(3:30) – Surrender vs. Death

* Challenging the idea of surrender as the solution, emphasizing that death is the ultimate surrender.

(6:19) – Dead to Law, Alive to Grace

* If we are dead to the law, then shame and condemnation no longer define us.

* Experience does not define identity—God’s declaration does.

(11:31) – It Is Finished

* Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “It is finished.”

(17:15) – Freedom Through Grace and Love

* How love covers sin and creates healing relationships.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you defined by God or your experience? Also, if you’re defined by your experience, is your experience your God?

This episode dives into the roots of shame and its lingering presence even after becoming a Christian. Bill, Scott, and Waldemar discuss how sin management, comparison, and fear are often signs of unresolved shame. Through biblical truth and personal stories, they explore how the redemptive work of Jesus offers a new identity free from condemnation.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(00:00) What Is Shame?

* Bill contrasts guilt and shame and explains how shame rewrites identity.

* How shame distorts the way Christians see themselves despite God's truth.

(04:12) Sin Management Theology

* “Sin management” keeps Christians in shame.

* Churches may preach grace but still convey a message of needing to “measure up.”

(07:49) Adam and Eve

* Genesis 3 and sin management.

* How fear and hiding reveal shame hasn’t been healed.

(10:00) Shame, Blame, and Comparison

* How shame leads to blame and relational distance.

* Shame often causes us to see others and ourselves through the wrong lens.

(15:20) Wearing the Coat of Righteousness

* The symbolism of God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins.

* Personal stories of when shame distorted how Scott and Bill saw themselves.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What if shame or condemnation no longer had the power to define you?

In this episode, Waldemar Kohl joins Bill and Scott to explore how grace offers a radical alternative to a life shaped by shame and condemnation. They also discuss what it means to trust Jesus not just with sin, but with our insecurities, failures, and fears.

Topics Waldemar Kohl, Bill Thrall, and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(0:33) Waldemar’s Story

* Waldemar’s early life of performance-driven faith and corporate success.

(5:56) From Shame to No Condemnation

* Thinking of trust as the bridge between belief and transformation.

(10:01) The Object of Our Faith

* Trust isn’t about quantity—it’s about the One you’re trusting.

* Jesus can not only forgive sin but also take on shame itself.

(14:21) The Power of Safe Community

* Grace-based environments create safety, allowing people to be known.

* When shame loses its grip, people discover trust through vulnerability.

(20:15) Redefining Theology and Identity

* Many Christians are still living as sinners instead of saints.

* Learning to be loved leads to loving more—and sinning less.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What if your destiny isn’t about what you do for God, but what He does in you and for you?

This episode explores how grace radically shapes our destiny—not through performance, but through trust. Bill and Scott discuss how identity, humility, and influence are transformed when we receive God's view of us. They challenge listeners to stop fixing themselves and start receiving the life-changing truth of grace.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:03) Grace and Destiny

* Doing things for God is not the same as receiving from Him.

* Influence begins with how we see ourselves—either through shame or through God’s view.

(03:16) Humility and Transformation

* True humility is trusting what God is doing in you, not minimizing yourself.

* God wants to exalt us because we are saints, not sinners trying to perform.

(07:54) Strategic Plans vs. Divine Declarations

* God’s declaration of who we are is more powerful than incremental improvement.

* Our purpose begins with trusting that God's choice of us includes a calling.

(16:22) Influence That Earns Trust

* Our destiny includes earning people’s trust so they can receive our love.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/