In this powerful and timely conversation, Gavin sits down with Pastor Michael Dow of Habitation Church to explore what it truly means to live as a Christian in today’s political climate. With local elections on the horizon, they unpack how believers can engage in civic life without losing sight of their ultimate allegiance—to Christ and His Kingdom.

Together, they discuss the tension between faith and politics, the difference between being in the world but not of it, and how to navigate complex cultural conversations with truth, love, and integrity. From the importance of raising image-bearers (our children) to the biblical call to be ambassadors and bridge builders, this episode challenges listeners to think deeply about identity, representation, and the eternal hope found in Jesus—not in any political party or policy.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to balance your faith with civic responsibility, or how to stand for truth without adding to division, this episode will equip and encourage you to build bridges, not walls.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to approach politics through a Kingdom lens and live as a faithful witness in a polarized world.

In this special joint episode, the Do Life Well Podcast teams up with Southwell Medical’s Live Well With Southwell podcast to tackle an issue that impacts us all—mental health.

Host Gavin Merwin sits down with Liza Tillman, Public Relations Director at Southwell and host of Live Well With Southwell, along with Amanda Ramshead, Behavioral Health Service Line Director at Southwell. Together, they dive into what it means to care for your mental health in today’s noisy, always-on world.

From breaking down stigmas and sharing personal experiences, to exploring therapy, medication, and practical lifestyle tips like exercise, sleep, and gratitude—this conversation is packed with honest insights and encouragement. Whether you’ve been considering therapy, want strategies for daily wellness, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers wisdom and hope.

🎙️ Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue on how we can all navigate life’s challenges, quiet the noise, and embrace mental wellness as part of doing life well.

Raising Daughters in a Loud World — Gavin and Jess sit down with Matt & Nikki Thomas to talk about building a Christ-centered home for girls in an age of constant noise. They unpack the power of a united marriage, the unique gifts dads and moms speak into their daughters (identity, security, nurture, wisdom), and the rhythms that keep a family grounded—like their annual “Family Selah,” a set-apart time to pause, pray, and reconnect. Expect plenty of practicals too: age-appropriate steps into social media (with tight guardrails and a firm “no” on Snapchat), clear boundaries for devices, and everyday ways to train kids to hear God’s voice over culture’s. It’s grace-filled, real-life parenting—equal parts conviction and encouragement for girl dads and strong moms.

Gavin welcomes friend & colleague Hunter Hudgins for a candid look at fasting. They begin by defining it in its simplest form—abstaining from food—and reminding listeners that, biblically, it’s expected of believers “when you fast, not if.”

Drawing on Gavin’s recent 24-hour liquid-only fast, the duo describe the mix of mental struggle and the “super-natural grace” that often meets those who choose temporary hunger to sharpen focus on God and personal growth.

Hunter breaks down how fasting disciplines both body and spirit—quieting distractions (even social media), cultivating humility, and delivering well-documented health benefits. They stress starting small (intermittent or single-day fasts), hydrating well, and building capacity gradually instead of jumping straight into an extended fast.

If you’re curious about weaving fasting into a busy modern life—or why embracing hard things is key to “doing life well”—this episode offers real-world stories, practical tips, and plenty of encouragement to give it a try.

Episode 14 · “Chocolate Gardens & Unicorn Workouts: Emma Claire’s Guide to Doing Life Well”

What happens when a five-year-old with a chocolate obsession and a vivid imagination hijacks Dad’s microphone? Pure, pint-sized wisdom—plus a few belly laughs. In this father-daughter special, Gavin lets Emma Claire steer the conversation and remind us why Jesus said to have faith like a child.

• Rapid-fire favorites: pastel-purple everything and a dream of “walking through a garden of chocolate”

• Story time: a horn-pumping unicorn that crushes CrossFit WODs and still finds time for burpees

• Kid-sized theology: Emma explains the Easter story in her own words

• Life advice: why the “Do Life Well” podcast exists—straight from EC’s heart

• Courage hack: pretend Mommy’s right beside you when things get scary

Whether she’s planning what to buy with $1,000 in sweets or telling Dad how to live on purpose, Emma Claire proves that big truths can come in small packages. Hit play for twelve minutes of delight, perspective, and a reminder that our little people are always watching how we “do life well.”

Rate, review, and share if Emma Claire made you smile—then go find your own chocolate garden today.

In this powerful episode, Gavin sits down with Dr. Eric McFee, Superintendent of Grady County Schools, to unpack why mentorship isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. With over 35 years of experience in education, Dr. McFee shares his personal journey, the impact of mentors in his life, and how mentorship shows up in both leadership and everyday interactions.

From defining what true mentorship looks like, to exploring ego, humility, and the lens through which we experience life, Gavin and Dr. McFee discuss how mentorship can be a game-changer — whether you’re a student, a leader, or someone simply trying to do life well. They talk about the different types of mentors (some lifelong, some seasonal), the value of listening over advising, and how being mentored and mentoring others is a two-way street.

Whether you’re seeking guidance, offering it, or just trying to figure out what mentorship can look like in your world, this episode is packed with insight, practical wisdom, and inspiration to pursue growth through meaningful relationships.

Welcome back to The Do Life Well Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into Part 2 of our Fundamentals of Personal Finance series with my good friend, John Tanner. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, I highly recommend going back to last month’s episode before jumping in here.

In this episode, we get into the practical side of personal finance—covering key topics like:

✅ Renting vs. Owning a Home – Is buying always the right move?

✅ Mortgage Strategies – The power of a 15-year mortgage vs. a 30-year mortgage

✅ The Role of Insurance – How to protect yourself without becoming “insurance poor”

✅ Investing & Wealth Building – How compound interest works and why starting early matters

✅ Understanding Credit Scores – What impacts your score and how to build solid credit

✅ Boosting Your Income – Increasing your value in the marketplace to create financial freedom

This episode is packed with real-world insights and actionable strategies to help you take control of your finances and make smart money moves. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your financial plan, this conversation will give you practical steps to move forward with confidence.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a financial boost!

🔗 Follow the podcast for more insights on fatherhood, business, health, and doing life well.

#DoLifeWell #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom

Money is one of the most powerful tools we have—when used wisely. In this episode of The Do Life Well Podcast, Gavin Merwin is joined by wealth advisor John Tanner to dive into the fundamentals of personal finance. They break down the importance of mindset, cash flow, budgeting, and living within your means while sharing personal strategies for financial success.

John, with 24 years in the financial services industry, shares his insights on how to build a strong financial foundation, avoid common money pitfalls, and shift your perspective on wealth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, employee, or just getting started, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about money.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series—stay tuned for Part 2, where we get into practical steps and actionable strategies to apply these principles in your own life.

👉 If you’re ready to take control of your finances, hit play and start the journey toward financial freedom!

💡 Found value in this episode? Leave a review, subscribe, and share it with a friend!

#PersonalFinance #MoneyMindset #FinancialFreedom #DoLifeWell