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What if the way forward was actually to look back?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Live Faith First podcast, Elliot sits down with Pastor and author Isaac Serrano to discuss his latest book and the cultural moment we find ourselves in. Together, they explore how materialism—both philosophical and practical—has shaped our lives and how ancient Christian practices can help us rediscover purpose, beauty, and connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

Isaac unpacks the consequences of removing transcendence from society, the rise of Gen Z's hunger for sacred experience, and the importance of practices like communion, baptism, music, and service. Whether you're a long-time believer or exploring faith for the first time, this conversation invites you to re-engage the rhythms of the Church in a fresh, deeply meaningful way.

Topics Covered:

• Philosophical vs. consumer materialism

• Why Gen Z is returning to the sacred

• The rise of modern despair and the loss of meaning

• Transcendentals: Truth, Goodness, Beauty

• Why church traditions aren’t dead religion

• Recovering wonder in communion and baptism

• Why singing is more than “just music”

• The power of spiritual community and mission

Isaac Serrano is the Lead Pastor of South Valley Community Church in Gilroy, California. A husband, father of five, and gifted communicator, Isaac has served in ministry for over 20 years. He’s known for making deep theological ideas accessible and practical, particularly around culture, spiritual formation, and the sacred rhythms of Christian life. Isaac is the author of When Live Feels Empty: 7 Ancient Practices to Cultivate Meaning, a compelling call to reclaim the beauty and power of the Church’s ancient traditions in today’s fragmented world.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Isaac Serrano

Website: https://svccchurch.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/isaacserranoiii/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaac.serrano

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What if your worst moments, broken places, and deep insecurities weren’t the end of the story—but the beginning of healing? Author, actor, and filmmaker Nathan Clarkson joins the Live Faith First podcast to talk about his bold and vulnerable book I'm the Worst (and I Love It). In a world obsessed with projecting our best selves, Nathan makes a radical claim: freedom begins when we stop pretending.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Nathan and Elliot explore:

• Why admitting your failures is a spiritual superpower

• What cancel culture gets wrong about redemption

• How mental health struggles shape (not disqualify) us

• Why the Church needs to recover the practice of confession

• And how God’s grace transforms even our darkest places

This is an episode for anyone who’s tired of faking it and ready to live in truth—with God, with others, and with themselves.

Nathan Clarkson is an author, actor, filmmaker, and producer passionate about telling stories that reveal the beauty in brokenness. He’s written several books including Different (with his mother Sally Clarkson), Good Man, and most recently I'm the Worst (and I Love It)—a vulnerable and redemptive look at sin, grace, and the power of confession.

Nathan has appeared in films, TV shows, and is the founder of a production company currently working on his sixth film. He has been diagnosed with OCD and ADHD and often speaks and writes about mental health, creativity, and faith. Nathan lives between New York and Los Angeles, where he continues to write, act, and explore what it means to live a beautifully honest life.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Nathan Clarkson

Website: https://nathanclarkson.squarespace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanjclarkson/

X: https://x.com/nathanjclarkson

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

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What if the key to your next resolution isn’t more willpower—but more wisdom? In this New Year’s episode of Live Faith First, Elliot sits down with speaker, coach, and author Josiah Harling, whose book Stride reframes how we set goals and build lasting habits. Together, they explore the difference between striving and striding, the psychology of change, and how sustainable transformation happens when faith meets action.

With humor and depth, Josiah shares stories from his own life—about goal-setting disasters, big wins, and what he’s learned about forming habits that actually stick. Whether you’re dreaming big or simply trying to stay consistent, this episode will help you approach the new year with grace, clarity, and momentum.

🔑 Topics include:

• The problem with all-or-nothing thinking

• Why identity > outcome

• How to fail and still move forward

• Spiritual insight on consistency and calling

• The rhythms and questions that shape lasting change

Josiah Harling is a speaker, coach, and author of Stride: Creating a Life of Meaningful Momentum. With a background in leadership development and spiritual formation, Josiah helps people bridge the gap between vision and action—whether in faith, relationships, or work. He’s passionate about helping others build healthy habits, live intentionally, and move forward with confidence and consistency.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Josiah Harling

Website: https://www.josiahharling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahharling

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jj.harling/#

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst