What does real encouragement look like when you're running on empty?

In this episode of Pulse Check In, we’re joined by Jonathan Evans — Salvation Army bandmaster, assistant headteacher, and leader of a team that brings energy, noise, and hope to runners on the Manchester Marathon route.

From playing brass for hours at mile 11 to helping young people thrive in the classroom, Jonathan shares how faith, family, and purpose fuel everything he does.

We explore:

• Why encouragement matters more than we think
• How small moments can shift someone’s journey
• Living and leading from faith (not just your own strength)
• The power of showing up — even when you’re tired

Whether you're running a race, facing a tough season, or just trying to keep going — this episode will remind you: you don’t have to do it alone.

Support Gracie Here: https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-l6nw5m9wvq66y

In this episode of Pulse Check, Sam and Gracie ask a surprisingly big question: what does it really mean to age well?

Inspired by the podcast “What’s My Age Again?”, they explore the difference between chronological age and biological age — and how lifestyle, stress, faith, and community can all impact the way our bodies age.

Along the way they share funny stories about getting ID’d, questionable Woolworths shopping experiences, and the mystery of Colin the Caterpillar birthday cakes. But beneath the humour lies a deeper conversation about loneliness, belonging, hope, and why faith and community might be more powerful for our health than we realise.

From worship music and prayer to forgiveness and gratitude, Sam and Gracie unpack how spiritual practices can reduce stress, build connection, and give us hope — even in life’s hardest moments.

This episode is a reminder that ageing isn’t just about the number of candles on the cake… it’s about the health of your heart, your mind, and your community.

Take a beat and join the conversation.

Join our small group bible study, Thursday Mornings at 10:00 on Zoom. Visit https://plexus.church/ or Email Plexus@salvationarmy.org.uk for details.
Abide Worship - https://www.youtube.com/@abide.worship

• (00:00) - - Theme Song
• (00:26) - - Check In
• (04:06) - - 3 Beats Ahead answers
• (10:25) - - What's My Age Again?
• (17:46) - - Listener Thoughts
• (19:28) - - The power of community and belonging
• (25:21) - - Claim the age you are and impact our biological age
• (37:06) - - Keeping You On Track
• (40:42) - - 3 Beats Ahead

In this special Check In With… episode of Pulse Check, Sam and Gracie sit down with Carlos (aka Carl) — a man who is, quite simply, all heart.

From dog walks at 6am to summer schools, faith, work, and finding your passion, this one is full of laughs and genuine insight. We moves from laugh-out-loud moments to deeply honest reflections on faith, work, purpose, and people.

Carlos shares his passion for encouraging young people, his 30-year journey in the workplace (where he literally puts holes in things), the role summer schools have played in his life, and why doing everything “with a good heart” might be the best advice you’ll ever hear.

A warm, funny, and encouraging conversation about staying open, staying humble, and staying human.

• (00:00) - Intro Sketch
• (01:29) - Theme Song
• (01:51) - Introducing Carlos, Who is Carl?
• (08:12) - Tattoo parlour
• (08:49) - What is your motivation?
• (11:42) - What has made you smile recently?
• (19:07) - Listening to God's voice.
• (21:23) - What's this hole punch business?
• (24:17) - What got you to where you are? What keeps you going?
• (25:06) - Who would you want to be an apprentice to?
• (29:49) - Advice for achieving your goals.
• (32:36) - Tom Allan
• (33:14) - How has your faith been deepened?
• (36:24) - How are you really feeling? … Deep
• (40:07) - Keeping you On Track - What's your workout track?
• (42:03) - Kitbag For Life
• (44:10) - How can we pray for Carlos?
• (45:13) - Three Beats Ahead - Game