Brandon Thomas welcomes special guest Brandon Finnegan, the only player to appear in both the College World Series and MLB World Series in one year. The two men have an honest conversation about Finnegan’s rapid rise, the struggle after baseball, and how surrendering to God reshaped his identity and gave him renewed purpose off the field.

QUESTIONS:

1. When do you feel a deep sense of joy and purpose in what you’re doing?
2. What happens when we place our identity in our achievements but then life changes?
3. What would it look like for you to fully surrender your plans, success, and identity to God right now?

READ MORE:

• Finding your identity in Christ in Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17
• The temporary nature of worldly success and fulfillment in Ecclesiastes 1:2; Mark 8:36
• The joy of doing what God created you to do in Ecclesiastes 3:12–13; Colossians 3:23
• Surrendering your plans and trusting God’s purpose in Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 12:1–2
• Abiding in Christ in John 15:4–5; Psalm 16:11
• God’s grace in seasons change in Isaiah 43:18–19; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Susan Thomas sits down with fellow counselor and author Debra Fileta to discuss the often-misunderstood topic of people skills. Together they explore how humility, communication styles, and healing from past wounds all shape the way we connect with others. Taking ownership of our own “ingredients” allows us to reflect Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.

QUESTIONS:

1. 1.When you think about a difficult relationship in your life, what “ingredients” are you bringing into the dynamic?
2. Why is it important to focus on the “plank” in your own eye before addressing the “speck” in someone else’s eye?
3. How does your communication style communicate honor (or a lack thereof) toward the people in your life?

READ MORE:

• Removing the plank before the speck in Matthew 7:3–5
• Becoming “all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 9:19–23
• Being known by our love in John 13:34–35
• Speaking truth in love in Ephesians 4:15
• God searching the heart and revealing what needs healing in Psalm 139:23–24

We unpack how Scripture calls us to work smarter, not harder. From Moses to the early church, God shows us how delegation, empowerment, and lifelong learning multiply impact. Getting the job done isn’t about control—it’s about trust, shared responsibility, and stewarding your God-given strengths.

QUESTIONS:

1. 2.Where are you working hard but not working smart right now?
2. What tasks or decisions do you need to delegate or empower others to handle?
3. What is your “20 percent” sweet spot where God has uniquely gifted you to lead?

READ MORE:

• Delegation and shared leadership in Exodus 18:13–26
• Empowering others for ministry in Acts 6:1–7
• Equipping the saints for the work of ministry in Ephesians 4:11–12
• Working faithfully according to your calling in Colossians 3:23
• Wise counsel and multiplying impact in Proverbs 11:14
• Growing, learning, and pressing forward in Philippians 3:12–14