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Courageous Conversations

Jason Ellis

Join Jason Ellis and his guests as they dive deep into the Word of God and offer practical applications to everyday problems, empowering parents and students to have courageous conversations regarding critical cultural issues. Courageous Conversations is a production of Briarcrest Christian School.

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21 episodes
monthly
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 21

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S3 · E4
Thursday · 33 min
Leaning on God During Uncertain Seasons - with Special Guest Matt Saunders
Jason Ellis joins Matt Saunders (BCS HS Athletic Director) for an inspiring conversation about trusting God through uncertainty, leading with a purpose that goes beyond winning on the field, and pointing our student-athletes to something eternal. Key Highlights: Comfort is the enemy of growth, and growth happens in the valley – not the mountaintop Building the Briarcrest Leadership Academy Fight, Finish, Faith — Matt breaks down the philosophy behind these three words now emphasized throughout our athletic department Matt also recounted his experience coaching at Ole Miss under Ed Orgeron, his high school and youth football coaching experience, and how his experience in the world of corporate franchising led him back to a leadership role at BCS.
S3 · E3
September 9 · 26 min
Life as a Missionary in Japan - with Special Guest Cameron Wright
Japan: one of the most advanced nations on earth, yet less than 0.5% Christian. Some people there have never even heard the name Jesus. Briarcrest alum Cameron Wright ('16) shares how high school Ecuador trips at BCS planted a seed that led him, his wife, and their kids to move across the world for the gospel. 🇯🇵 In this episode, learn why Japan has been called a "missionary graveyard" — and why Cameron was called to raise his family there for God's glory. "There's sacrifices involved, but what God calls you to is worth it."
S3 · E2
August 27 · 30 min
Using Your Voice for Christ - with Special Guest Houston Kelly
In the latest episode of Courageous Conversations, Houston Kelly (’23), shares how his faith, family, and Briarcrest experiences shaped his journey as a musician and his time on NBC’s The Voice. Houston joined host Jason Ellis to discuss using a national platform to reflect Christ, showing kindness and grace in settings where faith may be unfamiliar, and learning to put God’s purpose above his own ambitions. He also shared how a challenging season in college taught him the importance of Christian community, accountability, and trusting God’s faithfulness, even when we make mistakes. Listen and subscribe today on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube!
S3 · E1
August 11 · 41 min
Put Your Oxygen Mask on First! Intentional Parenting - with Special Guest Leah Walker
🎙️ New Episode - Launching Season Three of the Courageous Conversations Podcast! In this edition, Jason sits down with Briarcrest mom Leah Walker for an encouraging conversation about faith, motherhood, community, and family discipleship. Leah shares how God taught her to move from simply adding Jesus to a busy life to truly surrendering her life fully to Him—and how that led to deeper community, Bible study, intentional parenting, and serving others. Topics include: · Why busyness crowds out community · Practical ways to disciple kids in everyday moments — car rides, family prayer, and modeling weakness as much as strength · Why reading Scripture for yourself matters more than secondhand opinions about it · Leah's encouragement for any parent feeling like they don't have time for the Lord: "Put your oxygen mask on first!" 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Courageous Conversations on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
S2 · E10
July 8 · 36 min
Keeping the Course: Authenticity and Consistency in Building a Christian Community - Special Guest Garrett Vaughan
In this episode, Jason sits down with Garrett Vaughan (the second of three generations of Briarcrest Saints, and co-founder of BCS Dads in Fellowship) for a genuine conversation about faith, fatherhood, and friendship. Garrett shares how drifting from a close-knit Christian community in college led to spiritual stagnation, while being surrounded by other believers in his current stage of life has kept him grounded as a husband and father. Garrett and Jason discuss the importance of Christian men sharing struggles – spiritual and physical – and overcoming obstacles together. They also dive in on the importance of authenticity and consistency in marriage and parenthood. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify and YouTube today! 🎧 Want to be a part of BCS Dads in Fellowship? Learn more on our new website by visiting Current Parents > Parent Ministries. #ChristianPodcast
S2 · E9
May 6 · 29 min
"Be Still, and Know that I am God." - Special Guest David Nugent
“Be still, and know that I am God.” David Nugent - a Briarcrest dad, Super Bowl champion, and business owner, joined the Courageous Conversations podcast to share a story of identity, burnout, and learning how (and when) to be still in God’s spirit. David went from rooming with Tom Brady to collapsing in a weight room, finding God in the stillness of that defining, life-altering moment. A self-described "all-in" personality, David kept saying yes until his body forced him to stop. Hear his courageous story about being diagnosed with a potentially fatal condition, his recovery, and his rejuvenation and restoration in Christ. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube today! #ChristianPodcast
S2 · E8
April 1 · 33 min
From Corporate Burnout to Kingdom Purpose - Special Guest Chad Gilbert
What does it look like to chase success, attain the things you desired, and still feel completely empty? How does God restore us in those moments? In this episode Jason Ellis sits down with Briarcrest's Director of Marketing, Chad Gilbert, who shares about his journey finding real peace and purpose after 20 years in Corporate America. Chad opens up about battling anxiety and depression at the height of his career, a turning point moment on an airplane, and what happened when he finally surrendered control to God. They also dig into practical wisdom for parents navigating youth sports, intentional family time, and how to raise kids whose identity is rooted first in Christ, not their academic or athletic performance. More from this episode: · Why success without purpose always leaves you empty · How to recognize when God is opening (or closing) a door · Using "windshield time" to disciple your kids · The power of gratitude in your darkest moments · Advice for young adults just starting out in the "real world" 🎧 Listen and Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube!
S2 · E7
February 17 · 29 min
"It's OK to not be OK. It's just not OK to stay that way." - Special Guest Gerardo Gonzales
In this powerful episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Coach Gonzalez shares his journey from his upbringing growing up near the California-Mexico border to finding Christ at 15. After losing his mother at 17, he faced a choice: run from God or draw closer to Him. His message to students: "It's okay not to be okay. It's just not okay to stay that way." Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch the full episode on YouTube to hear how his surrender transformed tragedy into a testimony of God's faithfulness.
S2 · E6
Dec 10, 2025 · 37 min
Seeds Planted in Seasons of Struggle - A Sit-Down with Dr. Edd Lawrence
"Arise, go forth, and conquer." That's the daily exhortation Dr. Edd Lawrence offers his students when they leave his classroom. But what does it really look like to “go forth and conquer” in today’s world? Check out the latest episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast where Dr. Lawrence shares practical advice formed from decades of experience in parenting, teaching, and serving in the ministry. Here are a few of the insights Dr. Lawrence shared, as only he can! On Boundaries: Kids secretly want them—they provide safety and show love. They don’t know how much they need them…until they know how much they really need them. On Consistency: Parenting is all about intentionality. Training up a child in they way they should go means you're creating appetites for good things: faith, integrity, hard work. On the Gospel: At the end of the day, we're all sinners in need of a Savior - parents and kids alike. Good parenting begins with intentionality but is grounded in humility. From curfews to character, “seeds planted in seasons of struggle”, this conversation is full of truth, encouragement, and lived wisdom. If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone investing in the next generation, you don't want to miss this. Listen now on the Courageous Conversations Podcast!
S2 · E5
Nov 4, 2025 · 37 min
Finding the One Thing that Satisfies - Special Guest Trey Lawrence
What is the one thing that truly satisfies? On the latest episode of Courageous Conversations, Jason is joined by special guest Trey Lawrence to discuss the freedom of surrendering to God’s grace and the truth that transformation comes not from what we do, but from what Christ has already done. 🎧 Tune in as we talk about finding faith, purpose, and what it means to glorify God in every season.
S2 · E4
Oct 16, 2025 · 33 min
Confessions from a Former College Athlete: Finding Identity in Christ Alone - Special Guest Sydney Ham
If you could step back in time and talk to your 17-year-old self, what would you say? In this episode of Courageous Conversations, BCS Strength and Conditioning Coach Sydney Ham reflects on her journey as a D1 soccer player and how her identity shifted from performance to purpose. She opens up about the struggles of idolizing success, the highs and lows that came with tying her worth to her sport, and the freedom she found in seeing soccer as a way to glorify God rather than herself. Sydney’s message is one every athlete—and anyone chasing achievement—needs to hear: “Your sport is temporary. Your faith is eternal.”
S2 · E3
Oct 1, 2025 · 33 min
Finding Gospel-Centered Balance During Stressful Times - Special Guest Lauren Cocke
Why does God allow suffering? How do we balance grief and hope at the same time? In this episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Jason Ellis is joined by guest Lauren Cocke as they consider some of life’s hardest questions—why tragedy and struggles happen, why burdens feel so heavy, and how to discover the unique hope Christ offers during hard times. Even when prayers feel unanswered, we live with confidence that the victory is already won! ✝️✨
S2 · E2
Sep 10, 2025 · 45 min
Mission Ecuador: Finding True Contentment in the Jungle
Join host Jason Ellis and a panel of Briarcrest students and faculty members as they share their experiences from a summer mission trip to Ecuador! Hear their stories about how they found true peace and contentment by serving - and being served - on a summer mission trip.
S2 · E1
Aug 20, 2025 · 50 min
Mission Ethiopia: Student Stories from an Unforgettable Journey
Join host Jason Ellis as we kick off Season Two of the Courageous Conversations podcast. In this episode, a panel of students and faculty members share their experiences from a summer mission trip to Ethiopia! Hear their first-hand accounts about what surprised them most about the journey, as well as unexpected and unplanned ways God blessed their ministry experience.
S1 · E17
Jul 2, 2025 · 21 min
You Have the Gifts Needed to Serve in the Mission Field!
Briarcrest’s third international mission cohort of the summer is currently serving with Jungle Kids for Christ in Ecuador! Hear from Jason Ellis and Tyler Salyer, Briarcrest High School Principal, about their experience serving in Ecuador last year in this week’s podcast. It was Mr. Salyer’s first week on the job at BCS, and within minutes of arriving the group experienced an earthquake. God has empowered you with a specific gift to serve in the mission field!
S1 · E16
Jun 3, 2025 · 21 min
Taking the Leap into Your First Mission Trip
The Courageous Conversations hosts are in Ethiopia this week serving with a Briarcrest short-term mission team! In this episode, Jason and Jonathan discuss the 15-month process planning this incredible service opportunity and how the Lord has ordained every step of the journey. You’ll also hear about some of the many benefits of serving the nations to grow God’s Kingdom, along with practical tips for how to serve in the mission field for the first time.
S1 · E15
May 29, 2025 · 25 min
How to Use the Summer Break as an Opportunity to Draw Closer to God
Summer is here! (So…now what do we do?) For parents of school-aged children, the summer break presents an incredible opportunity to be a catalyst for intentional, Christ-centered conversations. Join Jason and Jonathan as they discuss best practices for parents and kids looking to unplug from digital distractions this summer.
S1 · E14
May 20, 2025 · 25 min
Why Does God Allow Bad Things To Happen To Good People?
“Why do bad things happen to good people?” It’s an age-old question that is not devoid of hope, because we serve a loving God! How we respond to bad times and the weight of suffering that is common to humanity defines our view of God and of ourselves. Our hosts dive into real-life examples of how God has brought them out of suffering and revealed His purpose for them through the process.
S1 · E13
Apr 16, 2025 · 32 min
Biblical Dating
This week on the Courageous Conversations podcast, we’re diving into a listener-requested topic: How do we approach dating from a Bible-based perspective? Jason and Jonathan break down how to navigate modern dating while staying rooted in Scripture — from setting clear intentions to having meaningful conversations that lead to a God-honoring, long-term relationship. Tune in now on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify – and be sure to share with your friends!
S1 · E12
Apr 2, 2025 · 38 min
Scriptural, Not Cultural
Scriptural vs. Cultural. It's the sign many have seen along Houston Levee Road in front of Briarcrest. What is the meaning behind it? Join our hosts Jason Ellis and Sandra Longworth as they dive into what it means to use the Biblical worldview as our lens through which we do everything - including educating students, analyzing culture and equipping parents.

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