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Forget everything you thought you knew about self-publishing.

In this episode of The Better Together Podcast, we sit down with pastor, author, and strategist Chad Brooks to explore what it really takes to self-publish in today’s digital world. Chad walks us through how he wrote and released his first book—Is My Church Healthy?—in just 90 days, and why self-publishing is no longer a last resort but a strategic, creative move for writers and ministry leaders alike.

From leveraging AI tools to refining content through workshops, Chad shares how self-publishing can be a deeply personal, agile, and community-driven process. You’ll hear his behind-the-scenes journey—complete with lessons learned, mistakes made, and unexpected wins—and discover how self-publishing can open new doors for ministry, thought leadership, and impact.

Whether you’ve got a book idea burning inside or you’re just curious about the process, Chad offers a transparent, practical guide to getting your message into the world—without waiting for permission.

📚 Grab Chad’s new book: Is My Church Healthy?
📱 Find him on socials: @revchadbrooks

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What if your greatest wounds could become your greatest teachers?

In this episode of The Better Together Podcast, we sit down with pastor, veteran, executive coach, and author Tony Miltenberger to talk about his upcoming book Wisdom in the Wound (releasing September 23, 2025). Tony shares how pain, failure, and disappointment aren’t detours—they can be sacred starting points for transformation.

Drawing from his own story—military deployments, ministry moments, and family life—Tony invites us to embrace our emotional edges and examine the hidden impact of unhealed wounds, especially in leadership. We discuss how healing doesn’t mean hiding, the cost of numbing, and what self-awareness really looks like in a world that prefers pretending.

Whether you're a leader, a pastor, or someone trying to make sense of your past, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and hope.

📖 Learn more about Wisdom in the Wound: www.wisdominthewoundbook.com
Follow Tony on Instagram: @twmilt
Visit: Follow2Lead Coaching

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What if rest isn’t a reward for finishing your work—but the place where your real work begins?

In this episode, Rosario talks with Peter White, Anglican priest, spiritual director, and founder of The Sabbath Life, about why sabbath isn’t just for church leaders—it’s for all of us. Together, they explore how slowing down helps us become more human, not less, and how sabbath rhythms can lead to deeper joy, healing, and purpose.

You’ll hear:

• The heart behind The Sabbath Life
• How to resist hustle culture and embrace sacred rest
• Why rest isn’t lazy or optional—it’s foundational
• The surprising ways God meets us when we stop striving

If you’re feeling stretched thin or wondering if there’s more to life than just keeping up, this conversation will speak peace to your soul.

Learn more at: www.thesabbathlife.com

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In this episode, we sit down with pastor, entrepreneur, and author Joe Graves to explore how a spirit of innovation can breathe new life into church leadership. Joe shares candid insights from his own church planting journey—what sparked it, what surprised him, and how his entrepreneurial instincts have shaped both the triumphs and tensions along the way.​

We also dive into his latest book, The Progressive Planter: A Handbook for Ecclesial Entrepreneurs, which offers practical guidance for launching inclusive, theologically grounded churches that resonate with today's communities. From spiritual rhythms to practical advice, Joe offers wisdom for anyone looking to step out in faith and lead boldly in the Church today.​

Explore more about Joe Graves and his work at www.joegraves.org
Check out The Progressive Planter at Cokesbury

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In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Dustin Mailman, founding pastor of Deep Time in Asheville, North Carolina. Dustin shares the story behind this innovative faith community rooted in radical hospitality, restorative justice, and opportunities for returning citizens.

With a background in traditional ministry and a heart for creative expressions of the Church, Dustin explores what it means to build spiritual community alongside social impact. Whether you're in church leadership or simply curious about new ways to live out the Gospel, this conversation will challenge and inspire.

🔗 Connect with Deep Time:
Facebook: Deep Time AVL
Instagram: @deeptimeavl

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In this inspiring episode of Better Together, we sit down with Charles DiRico, the visionary behind Word on the Street—a growing network of dinner churches reaching nearly 400 people weekly. Charles shares the powerful story of how this movement began with simple meals and has grown into a vibrant ministry rooted in worship, community, and mutual transformation.

Charles discusses the evolution of dinner churches, the importance of listening and loving as we follow Jesus into the streets, and the deep connections formed across economic and social lines. He also shares about Word on the Street’s next chapter: launching a social enterprise to employ neighbors experiencing homelessness and create bridges with new residents in their gentrifying neighborhood—all through a shared cup of coffee.

Tune in to hear how this ministry is offering more than meals—it’s creating space for dignity, relationship, and the gospel in action.

🔗 Follow Word on the Street:
Facebook

Charles DiRico

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In this episode of Better Together, I sit down with Rev. Dr. Rob Hutchinson to explore the vital role of the Holy Spirit in Christian community and decision-making. Rob shares his passion for fostering spiritually discerning church gatherings, advocating for a listen-first approach that prioritizes trust, mutual submission, and a shift in priorities toward collaborative discernment.

We discuss how churches can move from debate to dialogue, cultivate a culture of openness to the Spirit’s leading, and implement practical steps for Spirit-guided meetings. Rob also introduces The Futuring Church Project, a resource designed to help church leaders integrate these practices into their communities.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.thefuturingchurch.com
📖 Read Rob’s insights on Substack: [Rev. Rob Hutch](https://substack.com/@revrobhutch)
📢 Share this episode with leaders and friends eager to bring deeper spiritual discernment into their church settings!

Listen now and discover how prioritizing the Holy Spirit can transform group decision-making and church leadership.

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In this episode, I sit down with Travis Smith, a doctoral student researching the loneliness epidemic, a pastor, counseling center operator, and adjunct professor. We explore the deep impact of loneliness on individuals and communities, the role of faith in fostering meaningful relationships, and practical ways to cultivate authentic connection in an increasingly isolated world. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on this pressing issue and offers hope for genuine belonging.

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