Let’s Talk Fortitude

88. The Power of Discipleship and Accountability | Jon & Todd

In this conversation, Todd and Jon explore themes of faith, community, and the importance of discipleship. They reflect on personal stories, biblical teachings, and the significance of breaking bread together as a means of fostering connection and spiritual growth. The discussion emphasizes the power of faith in healing, the role of brokenness in personal transformation, and the necessity of accountability within a community of believers.

87. Restored by Faith | Unimaginable Loss and Finding Hope | TAC-P Gold Star Wife Alyssa Gavulic Howk

In this powerful episode, hosts Todd and Jon sit down with Dr. Alyssa Gavulic Howk—Gold Star widow, grieving mother, seasoned psychotherapist, and Director of the Omnia Trauma Healing Institute. Alyssa holds a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision from Liberty University and is both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Drawing from her extensive research on trauma and resilience, Alyssa candidly reflects on the staggering losses she has endured—losing her Special Forces husband in a training accident, her two-year-old daughter to a drowning, and two brothers to violence and suicide, all within a two-and-a-half-year span.

 

Despite facing wave after wave of grief, Alyssa’s unwavering faith led her to discover hope and joy in the most devastating circumstances. She combines the keen insights of a scholar-practitioner with a raw, transparent authenticity that resonates deeply with anyone struggling to find purpose in their pain. You’ll hear how she learned to cling to God’s sustaining power amid heartbreak, as well as practical wisdom for forging ahead in the face of tragedy.

 

Join us for an unforgettable conversation that will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to keep believing in restoration, even when life seems impossibly hard. If you’re searching for a deeper faith and renewed perspective, Alyssa’s story will show you how hope can prevail—no matter the darkness.

86. The Power of Grace in Everyday Life | Lights, Camera, Faith: Chad Garrett’s Hollywood Journey

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fortitude, hosts Jon Garrett and Todd sit down with Chad Garrett for an inspiring conversation about faith, resilience, and the power of storytelling. From working with Hollywood legends like V. Neal to building Forerunner Productions, Chad shares his experiences in the entertainment industry, his passion for faith-driven filmmaking, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Plus, hear about his upcoming projects, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Don’t miss this engaging discussion filled with wisdom, humor, and a call to action for aspiring creatives!

 

🔔 Subscribe & Share

🎬 Watch Chad’s Work: https://www.youtube.com/@forerunnerproductions

📢 Leave your thoughts in the comments!

85. The Power of Mercy: Divine Compassion and Our Calling to Forgive

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fortitude, Todd, Jon, and Pastor Curtis Jarrell dive deep into the profound meaning of mercy. Building on their previous discussion about grace, they explore how mercy is intertwined with God’s love, justice, and compassion. What does it mean to show mercy? How did Jesus exemplify divine mercy on the cross? And how can we extend the same forgiveness to others—even when it seems impossible? The conversation touches on Romans 9:14-23, Ephesians 2:1-10, and 1 Timothy 1:12-17, emphasizing that mercy is more than just withholding punishment—it’s about love in action.

 

📖 Key Scriptures Discussed: • Romans 9:14-23 • Ephesians 2:1-10 • 1 Timothy 1:12-17 • Luke 23:39-43 (The Thief on the Cross) • The Parable of the Good Samaritan

 

🔔 Subscribe for more faith-based discussions on grace, mercy, and spiritual growth!

84. Grace: Cheap vs. Costly – A Deep Dive into Faith and Discipleship

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fortitude, hosts Todd and Jon are joined by Curtis Jarrell for a powerful discussion on the meaning of grace. Drawing from scripture, personal experiences, and insights from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they explore the difference between “cheap grace” and “costly grace.”

 

What does it mean to truly live by grace? How do faith, works, and discipleship tie together? And why do so many people struggle to extend grace to themselves? Join us as we tackle these deep theological questions in an open, honest, and engaging conversation.

 

📖 Key Scriptures Discussed:

•Romans 5:12–6:14

•Ephesians 2:8–9

•Matthew 19:16–22

83. Abiding in Christ vs. Striving | When to Rest, When to Push Forward | John & Todd

In this episode of Let’s Talk Fortitude, Todd and Jon take on a deep discussion about abiding in Christ vs. striving in our faith. Are we called to rest in Him, or should we be constantly working to pursue Him? Through Scripture, personal struggles, and real-life testimonies, they break down how faith, obedience, and gratitude shape our walk with God.

 

💡 Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Abiding in Christ – What does it mean to dwell in His presence? (John 15)

✅ Striving for Faith – When should we push forward, and when should we rest? (Luke 13:24, Acts 24:16)

✅ Spiritual Breakthroughs – Learning to stop judging and start loving (1 John 2:23-28)

✅ Gratitude in Worship – The power of thankfulness in our faith journey (Psalms 91:1-2)

✅ Personal Testimonies – Overcoming doubt, surrendering control, and trusting in God’s plan

 

🎯 Big Takeaway: Sometimes we push too hard, trying to “strive” for things that only come through abiding in Christ. It’s a balance of faith, trust, and obedience.

 

📢 Shoutouts & Resources:

•🛍 6-Eleven Armory – Christian apparel supporting missions: 611armory.com

•🎬 Forerunner Productions – Independent Christian filmmaking: forerunnerproductions.com

•🎣 Old 18 Outfitters – Veteran-owned fishing gear: old18.com

•📖 The Power of Gratitude – Listen to Gratitude by Brandon Lake for worship inspiration!

 

🙏 If you’re struggling with your faith, feeling stuck, or unsure whether to push forward or rest in God, this episode is for you. Remember, Jesus loves you, and He is working in your life even when you can’t see it.

 

#Faith #Abide #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianPodcast #LetsTalkFortitude

82. Faith in Action | Why Works and Deeds Matter | Jon and Todd

Welcome back to Let’s Talk Fortitude! In this episode, Todd and Jon dive deep into faith, works, and spiritual endurance. They discuss how faith isn’t just a belief—it’s accompanied by action, as seen throughout Scripture. From Abraham’s obedience to Rahab’s courage, they explore how faith and deeds go hand in hand.

 

🔥 Topics Covered in This Episode:

✅ The power of faith in action (Hebrews 11 & James 2)

✅ Why “faith without works is dead”

✅ The struggles of doubt and spiritual warfare

✅ Encouragement for those feeling distant from God

✅ Real-life testimonies of God’s work in everyday lives

 

💬 Key Takeaway: Faith moves us to action, but it’s not about earning salvation—it’s about living out what we believe.

 

📢 Shoutouts:

•6-Eleven Armory – Christian apparel supporting missions: 611armory.com

•Forerunner Productions – Independent Filmmaking: forerunnerproductions.com

•Austin Gavilic’s Mission Work – Support his journey to North Africa: https://donate.stripe.com/00g4

•Intentional Encouragement (Brian Sexton’s Book) – A powerful read on encouragement and faith

 

🙏 If you’ve been struggling in your walk, let this episode remind you: Jesus loves you, and He is still working in your life. Keep chasing after Him!

 

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🔔 Hit the bell for more faith-driven conversations!

#Faith #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianPodcast #LetsTalkFortitude

81. Legacy, Faith, and Intentional Encouragement | Building a Life That Inspires | Brian Sexton

In this engaging episode, Jon Garrett reconnects with longtime guest Brian Sexton (making his 17th appearance! Kind of...) and the ever-insightful Todd Langdon. Together, they dive deep into topics ranging from navigating life’s unexpected snowstorms (literally and metaphorically) to creating legacies through intentional encouragement.

 

📚 Highlights:

•The story behind Brian Sexton’s new book, Intentional Encouragement, and how it’s changing lives.

•Tales of faith, family, and resilience, including moments with the Robertson family and their legacy of inspiration.

•Practical wisdom on building intentional encouragement into everyday life and leadership.

 

Brian also shares a heartwarming and powerful reflection on his father’s impact, the legacy of love, and how encouragement can be a transformative force in our lives.

 

🛠️ What You’ll Learn:

•The right way to encourage others (hint: it’s not about pats on the back).

•Why self-encouragement is the foundation of supporting others.

•How to stimulate, edify, and amplify positivity on purpose.

 

Don’t miss this uplifting conversation that’s equal parts humor, wisdom, and heart.

 

👉 Find Brian:

•Intentional Encouragement Podcast with Brian Sexton: Listen Here!

•Check out Intentional Encouragement: Click Here!

 

🎧 Listen, share, and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments!

80. J D Malone | Husband, Father, Widower Twice | Cancer and Brian Aneurysm | Standing On His Faith

In this deeply moving episode, hosts Jon Garrett and Todd Langdon sit down with special guest JD Malone, a man whose faith and resilience have been tested through unimaginable trials. From navigating the loss of his wife and raising four children as a single father to finding redemption in God’s grace, JD shares his journey of perseverance and hope.

 

✨ Episode Highlights:

•JD’s upbringing in Tennessee and lessons learned from his family. 🌄

•Losing his wife to cancer and the spiritual battles that followed. 💔

•A powerful story of forgiveness, resilience, and finding purpose in life’s challenges. ✨

•Insights into the transformative power of faith and discipleship. 📖

 

This episode is a heartfelt testimony to God’s strength in our weakest moments. Whether you’re seeking encouragement or looking to deepen your own faith, JD’s story will inspire and uplift.

 

🔗 Subscribe and Share to join the journey of faith, family, and fortitude. Your support helps us bring more incredible stories like JD’s to light!

 

#Faith #Inspiration #Resilience #Podcast #Testimony

79. A New Year of Faith and Growth | Jon & Todd

 

 

 

Join hosts Todd Langdon and Jon Garrett for an inspiring episode of “Let’s Talk Fortitude,” where they dive into a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and transformation. This episode is packed with personal stories, reflections on spiritual growth, and updates from their impactful ministry.

 

✨ Highlights include:

•A recent baptism ceremony that brought families together in faith. 🙌

•Personal testimonies of trials, miracles, and hope. 💬

•Exciting plans for 2025, including featuring more female voices on the podcast. 👩‍👧‍👦

•A thoughtful exploration of Ephesians and its teachings on living a life of faith. 📖

 

Whether you’re seeking encouragement, spiritual insights, or just an honest chat about life and faith, this episode is for you. Tune in, be inspired, and join the conversation!

 

🔗 Don’t forget to check out the links to support the missions and projects mentioned in this episode. Your contributions make a difference!

 

#Faith #Inspiration #SpiritualGrowth #Podcast #Testimony