Rooted in Truth, Growing in Freedom, Prospering in Life with Josie & Symone

EPISODE SUMMARY:As America celebrates its 250th birthday, what can its history teach us about freedom, leadership, citizenship, and the future of the nation?In this episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone sit down with Tony Venhuizen, Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota, for a fascinating conversation about the ideas and events that shaped the United States.Tony shares his journey from growing up in the small town of Armour, South Dakota, to serving in state government alongside multiple governors. He explains how listening, courage, cooperation, and an understanding of history have shaped his approach to public service and leadership.Together, they explore the roots of the American Revolution, taxation without representation, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the revolutionary belief that human rights come from God—not government. Tony also explains why the Founders designed the federal government with checks and balances, why George Washington’s example was so important, and why citizenship in a republic comes with responsibility.The conversation also tackles difficult questions about slavery, racism, women’s suffrage, political division, and how Americans can acknowledge the nation’s failures without abandoning the ideals that have guided it toward greater freedom and equality.You will also hear Tony’s perspective on underrated presidents, the historical reality of political division, America’s greatest achievements, and why civic participation remains essential.This episode is an encouraging reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted. It must be understood, protected, practiced, and passed on to the next generation.—---------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:21 — Welcome to Rooted01:27 — Tony’s Journey into Public Service04:37 — Life as Lieutenant Governor05:13 — Leadership Through Listening07:30 — Churchill, Lincoln and Leadership08:35 — Tony’s Love of History10:10 — Learning from the Past11:14 — What Caused the American Revolution?13:20 — Rights Come from God14:34 — Religious Freedom and Limited Government16:48 — Patriots, Loyalists and Revolution18:32 — Why We Celebrate July 419:57 — The Meaning of the Declaration21:34 — Creating the Constitution22:42 — Checks and Balances23:37 — What “We the People” Means24:35 — Preserving Freedom25:18 — Has America Always Been Divided?27:29 — A President, Not a King31:35 — America’s Most Underrated Presidents35:06 — Reconsidering Woodrow Wilson35:37 — Confronting America’s Failures36:55 — Slavery and the Civil War38:13 — America’s Progress Toward Its Ideals39:14 — American Achievements41:27 — What Would the Founders Think?42:56 — Protecting Freedom for the Future43:32 — Why Every Vote Matters46:13 — Closing Thoughts—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“If you don’t understand your history, you’re going to make mistakes that you could have avoided.”“You need to take the time to listen to people and understand where they’re coming from.”“The rights come from God to the people, and the government comes up from the people.”“The idea of breaking away and forming our own country was a radical idea and a very risky idea.”“Citizenship comes with responsibility.”“Freedom is only one generation away from extinction.”“You can’t just assume that the next generation is going to understand the value of this system and what makes it work.”“Decisions are made by the people who show up.”“Take the time to try to understand who people are, where they’re coming from, and why they believe the things they believe.”“In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that, I learn from him.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Governors of South Dakota - Book written by Tony Venhuizen Running Mates Podcast - Tony Venhuizen’s podcastThe Complete Book of U.S. Presidents - Reference book for U.S. PresidentsJohn Adams - Book title by David McCullough-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:In this special episode of Rooted, hosts Josie and Symone sit down with their parents, Isaac and Kirsten Harms, for a meaningful and joy-filled conversation about family, faith, forgiveness, marriage, parenting, money, and travel.Fifty episodes after first sharing their story on the podcast, Isaac and Kirsten return to reflect on the lessons that shaped their family. They talk about why they made it a goal to travel to all 50 states, how family trips created lifelong memories, and how seeing history firsthand helped bring faith, freedom, and purpose to life.They also share practical wisdom on generosity, marriage, and parenting, including the importance of explaining the “why,” prioritizing presence over presents, and remembering that children ultimately belong to God. Isaac opens up about the impact of bitterness and how forgiveness became a path to freedom and healing.From hilarious family memories involving road trip snack bags, a rough Alaska boat ride, an Anakin Skywalker mask, and a hidden tea set, to powerful reminders about keeping your eyes on Jesus, this episode is full of wisdom, laughter, and encouragement for families in every season.—----------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 — Why forgiveness sets us free.00:20 — Isaac and Kirsten Harms return to Rooted 50 episodes later.00:52 — How traveling to all 50 states became a meaningful family goal.02:16 — How family travel brought history, freedom, and purpose to life.03:08 — Favorite family trips to the East Coast, Hawaii, and New York City.04:44 — The funny travel disasters that became lasting family memories.05:55 — A rough Alaska boat ride and the reminder to keep your eyes on Jesus.07:38 — How to approach travel and family goals when finances are tight.09:00 — Practical memories and lessons from traveling with young kids.11:20 — What Isaac and Kirsten learned about money, marriage, and generosity.14:10 — How bitterness affects the heart, mind, body, and spirit.16:35 — Jesus as the ultimate example of radical forgiveness.18:20 — The importance of forgiving others and forgiving yourself.21:05 — Parenting as stewardship and remembering children belong to God.24:35 — Raising children with wisdom, community, and godly influences.27:00 — The importance of humility, discipline, and explaining the “why.”30:00 — Why presence matters more than presents in parenting.31:40 — Building a strong marriage and handling conflict as teammates.34:10 — Helping children face fear instead of letting fear grow.38:00 — A fun rapid-fire round with Isaac and Kirsten.41:35 — Final encouragement to fear not and rest in Jesus’ love.—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“Forgiveness is setting a prisoner free and discovering that that prisoner was you.”“God wants us to forgive because He loves us and wants us free.”“When the storms are going around in our lives, we have to look at the horizon, which is Jesus.”“Change ‘we can’t afford that’ to ‘how could we make that happen?’”“God taught us not to be a reservoir with our money, but to be a river.”“Whatever God gives us should go through us.”“We cannot give what we do not have.”“You’re not mine, you’re God’s, and He entrusted me to help raise you.”“Do not prepare the path for the child, but the child for the path.”“Your children remember your presence long after they forget your presents.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Rooted Episode 5 — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep5-our-roots-dad-mom-share-their-cancer-story-faith/id1744046877?i=1000660044210Unoffendable — Book by Brant Hansen - https://a.co/d/0eGvIXad-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:In this episode of the Rooted Podcast, we sit down with Ross Allen, President of Bethel University in Minnesota, to explore what it means to lead with faith, presence, and trust in God—without hurry.Ross shares his remarkable journey through global leadership, crisis management, and higher education, reflecting on how God shaped his leadership through seasons of uncertainty, international living, and spiritual surrender. From learning cultural humility overseas to discovering the spiritual discipline of rest, Ross challenges the American obsession with busyness and invites listeners into a deeper, more rooted way of living and leading.Together, we discuss why rest is holy, how leadership flows from abiding with God, and why remembering that this is God’s work—not ours changes everything.This conversation is an encouragement for students, leaders, pastors, and anyone longing to live faithfully without burnout.—----------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 – Introduction to Ross Allen and his leadership journey02:30 – From corporate leadership to higher education05:40 – Crisis leadership and learning to trust God’s direction09:20 – Running for God’s glory: faith shaping leadership decisions13:45 – Surrendering control and letting God lead18:10 – Living and leading across cultures around the world22:40 – How international life reshaped faith and perspective27:50 – Yosemite, surrender, and learning to let God be God30:00 – What Americans overlook about work, pace, and presence33:30 – Cultural honesty, communication, and humility35:10 – Busyness, burnout, and the neuroscience of stress37:20 – Why rest is holy and Jesus was never rushed38:45 – Leadership through presence and personal connection40:00 – “It’s God’s work, not ours”41:20 – Eliminating hurry and abiding with Christ42:30 – Final encouragement: what it means to be truly rooted—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“God doesn’t need me to glorify Him—He will glorify Himself.”“This isn’t my ministry. It’s God’s work.”“Rest is not lazy. Rest is holy.”“Jesus was never rushed, even when urgency surrounded Him.”“We sacrifice ourselves on the altar of ministry and think God will honor that.”“Our identity isn’t in what we accomplish—it’s in Him.”“Leadership begins with presence, not productivity.”“Busyness can distract us from God just as much as sin.”“When you let go, God takes over.”“Abiding with Christ changes how you lead and how you live.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerBiblical References:Psalm 23 (rest, quiet waters)Spiritual Practices:Silent solo retreatsSabbath restAbiding with Christ-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:What happens when your identity is no longer tied to performance—but rooted in being loved?In this powerful episode of the Rooted Podcast, hosts Josie and Symone sit down with David Melms, Twin Cities Metro Director and Sports Chaplain with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). David shares his journey of faith, leadership, and calling—from starting FCA as a college student in a spiritually resistant environment to now serving athletes at every level, from youth sports to professional teams.Together, they explore what it means to “play loved” instead of playing for approval, how people-pleasing subtly becomes an idol, and why sports can be both beautiful and broken. David unpacks how identity, worship, and faith intersect in athletics—and how God often uses competition to surface what’s truly going on in our hearts.This conversation is deeply practical, honest, and freeing—whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone learning to live rooted in truth rather than performance.—----------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 Playing loved instead of playing for approval01:00 Welcome to Rooted + introducing David Melms02:00 What the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is04:00 David’s call to ministry through college sports07:00 Starting FCA at a secular college campus10:00 Courage, calling, and pioneer leadership13:00 Faith roots and early spiritual influences16:00 People-pleasing and identity struggles19:00 Root idols: approval, power, comfort, control22:00 Why sports reveal the heart25:00 Sports as worship and excellence27:00 What a kairos moment is29:00 Winning, losing, and identity in Christ31:00 Adventure camp and spiritual formation33:00 Mentorship for Millennials and Gen Z35:00 Core truth: play loved37:00 How to connect with FCA + closing—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“I don’t play to win God’s love—I play from His love.”“Sports reveal what’s already in your heart. You can’t hide in competition.”“People-pleasing is subtle, but it’s one of the strongest identity traps.”“Playing loved makes you freer, faster, and fiercer.”“Sport is morally neutral—it becomes beautiful or broken based on who’s leading it.”“God often uses pressure to expose what needs healing.”“Approval, comfort, control, and power—those are the idols beneath the surface.”“Worship isn’t just singing—it’s how you live, play, and compete.”“Leadership is constantly being formed on the field, whether we realize it or not.”“Kairos moments are invitations from God—we choose whether to slow down and listen.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – https://www.fca.org/FCA Minnesota – https://www.minnesotafca.org/-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:What does it mean to grow up in the most well-known evangelistic family in modern history—and still need to personally choose Jesus?In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Rooted Podcast, hosts Josie and Symone Harms sit down with Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham and executive vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, to talk about salvation, obedience, calling, and the unchanging power of the gospel.Will shares the remarkable story of coming to faith at just five years old—not through fame or pressure, but through a quiet realization of sin, grace, and the need for a Savior. He opens up about life inside the Graham family, discerning God’s voice, learning obedience the hard way, and how God led him step by step into full-time evangelism.The conversation also explores how the gospel should be shared in a fast-paced, distracted culture, why technology is a tool (not the message), and how believers can stay rooted in Christ while living with urgency and purpose.This episode ends with a clear, compassionate invitation to salvation—and a timeless reminder from John 3:30 that defines a life well lived: He must increase, and I must decrease.—----------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 – John 3:30: “He must increase, I must decrease”01:00 – Introduction to Will Graham and his global ministry02:00 – Growing up in a Christian home—and why faith can’t be inherited04:00 – Childhood honesty, sin, and learning accountability07:00 – The moment Will personally gave his life to Jesus at age five10:00 – Living with the Graham name and embracing personal identity13:00 – Feeling called to ministry without knowing the destination16:00 – Pastoring, resistance, and God shaping the heart20:00 – Hearing God’s voice through Scripture and obedience23:00 – A rare but powerful moment of divine direction26:00 – The 13-State Tour and praying for America31:00 – Evangelism in a distracted, digital culture34:00 – How Billy Graham embraced technology for the gospel37:00 – Obedience, regret, and the urgency of sharing Christ40:00 – Clear gospel presentation and invitation to salvation48:00 – Final encouragement: what it means to be truly rooted in Christ—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“You can’t be born a Christian—you have to choose to be a Christian.”“I was religious, but I had never personally asked Jesus to forgive my sin.”“God was doing heart surgery on me.”“You don’t need to know the end—just the next step.”“The best way to hear God’s voice is to read His Word.”“Technology changes, but the gospel never does.”“It’s not about promoting ourselves—it’s about lifting up Jesus.”“God delights in every detail of your life.”“Heaven is eternity—life is short.”“He must increase, and I must decrease.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Billy Graham Evangelistic Association – https://billygraham.orgYouVersion Bible App – Scripture access and translationsLiberty University – Will Graham’s alma mater-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:Paul Allen — the iconic NFL voice of the Minnesota Vikings — joins the Rooted Podcast for a raw, powerful, and deeply faith-centered conversation. Known for his passion behind the mic, Paul shares the lesser-known story behind his rise in broadcasting, his love for horse racing, and the long, winding road God used to shape his calling.In this episode, Paul opens up about coming to faith later in life, how Scripture transformed his understanding of purpose and rest, and why Matthew 11:28–30 became a defining passage in his walk with Jesus. He vulnerably reflects on hardship, public pressure, cancel culture, and the moments God made him rest — breaking false idols and re-centering his life on Christ.This conversation is an encouragement to anyone navigating calling, burnout, suffering, or transition — and a reminder that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, even when the path feels uncertain.—----------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 – Iconic Vikings play-by-play cold open00:20 – Welcome to Rooted + introducing Paul Allen02:35 – Paul’s journey into broadcasting begins04:45 – Early career struggles, racetrack announcing, and perseverance07:10 – Breaking into radio and the NFL with no formal experience11:55 – Faith awakening later in life14:55 – First Protestant church experience & Matthew 11:28–3017:35 – Learning Scripture as an adult20:10 – God’s sovereignty, calling, and predestination24:10 – Psalm 23 and being “made” to rest27:35 – Cancel culture, persecution, and God’s protection31:50 – False gods, burnout, and redefining success35:55 – Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also39:10 – Final encouragement: living rooted in Christ—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“I didn’t get here because I was qualified — I got here because God was faithful.”“I’ve always looked at my radio job as serving the listener.”“Come to Me and I will give you rest — that’s the most inviting thing I’ve ever read.”“God makes us lie down in green pastures because we won’t stop on our own.”“I didn’t lose my platform — God refined why I have one.”“The Bible didn’t just inform me — it came alive.”“My free will doesn’t outrank God’s sovereignty.”“False gods were broken in my life without me even asking.”“Christian persecution didn’t weaken my faith — it strengthened it.”“My treasure isn’t in sports anymore. My treasure is in Jesus.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Faith Family Church (Burnsville, MN)Grace Church (Eden Prairie, MN)Discovery Church (Orlando, FL)Teachers & InfluencesKirk Cousins, Pastor Don Cousins, Tim Keller-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:In this milestone Episode 50 of the Rooted Podcast, sisters Josie and Symone answer listener-submitted questions in an honest, faith-filled Q&A conversation. From lighthearted topics like dream cars and favorite fictional worlds to deeper reflections on adulthood, post-grad life, health trials, and trusting God in seasons of waiting, this episode blends joy, wisdom, and spiritual depth.Josie and Symone share personal stories about navigating transitions, learning to ask for help, cultivating humility, and remaining rooted in Christ when life feels uncertain. They explore powerful biblical themes from Ruth, Daniel, and Matthew 6, reminding listeners that even when it feels like nothing is happening, God is still working — and day 41 is coming.Whether you’re in college, post-grad, or simply walking through a waiting season, this episode will encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus, steward your heart wisely, and trust God’s timing.—----------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 – Welcome to Episode 50 Celebrating 50 episodes and introducing the Q&A format01:20 – Dream Cars & Fun Icebreakers Pink Broncos, Teslas, and classic vs. modern taste04:10 – The Perfect Burger Debate Grass-fed burgers, lettuce wraps, sweet potato fries, and Chick-fil-A sauce.07:10 – New Year’s Resolutions & Reading Goals Reading habits, presence, humility, and learning to listen.11:20 – Fictional Worlds We’d Live In Star Wars, Toy Story, mermaids, and childhood imagination.14:45 – Favorite Bible Stories Right Now Ruth’s “God-wink” moments and Daniel’s prayer-filled confidence.20:05 – Childhood Secrets & Made-Up Language A sibling language that’s still used today.22:10 – Hardest Trials & Faith Formation Post-grad life, health challenges, comparison, and freedom in Christ.30:05 – What’s Bringing Joy Right Now Community, movement, friendships, and being intentional with joy.32:55 – Second Favorite States (After Hawaii) Utah, California, travel memories, and God’s creativity.36:10 – Advice to Our Younger Selves Trust Jesus, release stress, and choose rest over anxiety.39:20 – The Rooted Question: One Piece of Truth Treasuring Jesus, trusting God in the waiting, and hope for “day 41.”42:00 – Closing Encouragement & Farewell—----------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“Reading is like downloading someone else’s wisdom while avoiding their mistakes.”“My name means one who listens — and I want to live that out.”“It just so happened… but really, God was working.”“You can choose to be stressed, or you can choose to be at rest.”“Don’t be afraid to ask for help — people want to help you.”“The only thing that matters is God’s opinion of me.”“Working out with people recharges me — community matters.”“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”“Even when it feels like nothing is happening, God is working.”“If it feels like day 40 — day 41 is coming.”-------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Book: Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben StuartBible Passages: Ruth 2:3, Daniel 2, Matthew 6:21Concepts: Bible-in-a-Year reading planOrganizations & Places: YMCA (community & fitness)-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper-------------------

EPISODE SUMMARY:In this powerful episode of the Rooted Podcast, Josie and Symone sit down with evangelist Doug Elks, founder of Doug Elks Ministries, to discuss the power of the gospel and the call for every believer to share their faith. Doug shares his journey from a challenging upbringing and building his identity around basketball to encountering Jesus in a life-changing moment of surrender in 2023. After meeting mentors who discipled him and challenged him spiritually, Doug felt called to give every breath of his life to spreading the good news of Christ.The conversation dives into practical evangelism, leadership modeled after Jesus, the importance of mentorship, and how physical endurance through sports strengthened Doug’s spiritual life. Doug also shares powerful stories from preaching around the world—including a moment when a young man told him, “I’ve been waiting for this day” after giving his life to Christ.The episode closes with Doug explaining the gospel message in simple terms and encouraging listeners to respond to Jesus and live boldly for the truth.This episode is a reminder that every believer—no matter their profession or platform—is called to be an ambassador for Christ and to plant seeds of faith wherever God places them.—--------------------------TIMESTAMP SUMMARY:00:00 – The gospel message and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.01:00 – The mission behind Doug Elks Ministries and sharing the gospel globally 02:30 – Growing up and searching for identity in basketball, success, and approval.05:00 – Sharing the gospel with the people right in front of you.08:30 – Leading like Christ through humility, service, and putting others first.10:00 – The moment of full surrender to God in November 2023.12:00 – The importance of mentorship and discipleship in spiritual growth.15:00 – Lessons from endurance sports and how physical challenges strengthen faith.17:30 – Traveling the world and preaching the gospel across cultures.19:00 – A powerful story of a student saying, “I’ve been waiting for this day.”22:00 – Learning to recognize and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit.27:00 – Serving alongside Will Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.30:00 – Visiting Israel and seeing the places where Jesus lived and ministered.32:30 – A clear explanation of the gospel and the need for salvation through Jesus.36:00 – A prayer to receive Jesus and a relationship with Him.37:30 – Closing encouragement to be rooted in the truth of Jesus.—--------------------------NOTABLE QUOTES:“If we know Jesus personally, the overflow of our life should be sharing His love with others.”“You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to share the gospel—start with the person right in front of you.”“Leadership that honors Christ begins with humility.”“Jesus was in my heart before that prayer—but after that moment, my heart was set on fire for Him.”“The harvest really is plentiful. People are ready to hear the gospel.”“We are called to sow the seed and water it—God is the one who brings the increase.”“When we pray for compassion for the lost, God changes our hearts.”“The cross is the greatest exchange of all time—Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness.”“God doesn’t force us to love Him—that’s what makes His love real.”“Know Jesus, know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—--------------------------RESOURCES MENTIONED:Doug Elks Ministries: https://www.dougelks.com/Doug Elks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DougelksPrison Alliance: https://prisonalliance.org/Jaywalkers Worship: https://www.jwlkrs.com/Run With Christ: https://www.instagram.com/runwchrist/Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: https://billygraham.org/Holy Landings: https://www.instagram.com/holy_landings/Ignite Men’s Ministry: https://ignitemen.net/-------------------FOLLOW & SUPPORT ROOTEDInstagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosperYouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosperSupport: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper