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What happens when global conflict suddenly becomes personal?

In this gripping episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Finny Abraham, Local Compassion Pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley, to talk about a surreal moment: being on a commercial flight over Iranian airspace when bombs began dropping below.

What started as a routine flight quickly turned into a moment of reflection about fear, faith, and the fragile nature of our world.

Finny shares the emotional tension of that experience and what it revealed about trust in God when circumstances feel completely out of control. The conversation moves beyond the dramatic moment into a deeper discussion about compassion, faith in uncertain times, and how followers of Jesus can respond to global instability with courage and hope.

Finny also reflects on his work serving vulnerable communities in Silicon Valley and why compassion and action must remain central to the Christian life.

This episode is a powerful reminder that faith isn't just theoretical — it's forged in the moments when we realize we’re not in control.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• The moment Finny realized something serious was happening beneath his flight

• What goes through your mind when geopolitical conflict suddenly becomes real

• How faith anchors us when circumstances feel unstable

• Why compassion is a necessary response to a broken world

• Lessons from serving vulnerable communities in Silicon Valley

• Finding peace when the world feels uncertain

Finny Abraham is the Local Compassion Pastor at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and the Executive Director of Coalition Alleviating Poverty – Silicon Valley (CAP-SV), a faith-based initiative mobilizing churches and organizations to serve vulnerable communities. He has spent years building partnerships between churches, nonprofits, and local governments to address poverty and community needs in the Bay Area. Through large-scale service initiatives and collaborative outreach efforts, Finny works to mobilize the church to serve both locally and globally.

Finny holds a Master of Social Work from St. Joseph’s College in Bangalore, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University.

He and his wife Susan live in Silicon Valley and are passionate about helping the church live out the compassion of Jesus in practical ways.

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 Finny Abraham

Westgate Church: ⁠https://www.westgatechurch.org⁠

Coalition Alleviating Poverty – Silicon Valley: ⁠https://capsv.org⁠

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What if one of the strongest apologetics for the gospel is sitting right in front of us — and we’re missing it?

In this powerful conversation, Elliot sits down with pastor and author Bryan Loritts to talk about his vision for the “Offensive Church” — a church that plays offense in ethnic unity rather than lagging behind culture. Bryan makes a compelling case that ethnic unity is not a political issue — it’s a gospel issue.

From John 17 to Ephesians 2, from Acts 6 to Revelation 7, this episode explores:

• Why unity matters more than diversity

• The difference between race and ethnicity

• Why “colorblindness” isn’t biblical

• How leadership must own the vision

• What it looks like to cross divides in real life

• How discipleship includes both formation and deformation

If you care about church unity, leadership, or gospel witness in a divided culture, this episode is for you.

Bryan Loritts is the Teaching Pastor at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. A respected pastor, author, and speaker, Bryan is widely known for his work on gospel-centered ethnic unity and leadership. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Atlanta during the era of reverse migration, Bryan has spent decades helping churches think biblically about reconciliation, diversity, and discipleship.

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 Bryan Loritts

Website: https://bryanloritts.com/

Website: https://summitchurch.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.loritts.2025

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What if we stopped seeing life as either/or—and started living in the “and”? In this conversation with therapist and author Kelsey Blahnik, we explore how to hold complexity, live with grace, and cultivate what Kelsey calls a “clay mindset.”

From political tensions and family dynamics to parenting guilt and personal growth, this episode offers real tools to navigate a divided world. We talk peacemaking vs. peacekeeping, conflict at the dinner table, assertive communication, sleep, nutrition, exposure therapy, and the power of compassionate imagination.

Whether you’re walking through grief and joy at the same time, navigating tricky relationships, or just trying to be a better parent, partner, or friend—this episode will help you live the “and” way with grace and hope.

Kelsey Blahnik is a therapist, author, and speaker based in Austin, Texas. With a Master’s in Social Work and over a decade of experience, she works at the intersection of mental health, relationships, and social impact. Kelsey is the founder of The And Way Therapy, where she provides virtual therapy with a focus on anxiety, trauma, and relational healing.

She’s also the author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World, a practical and deeply personal guide to navigating complexity, conflict, and connection in today’s polarized culture. Her signature “clay mindset” helps individuals embrace growth, hold tension, and practice compassion with themselves and others.

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 Kelsey Blahnik

Website: https://theandwaypress.com/

Website: https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/

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

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

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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

Connect with Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

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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

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TikTok: @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

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Generosity isn’t just a seasonal idea — it’s a way of life. In this heartfelt Christmas‑Eve conversation, Mary Pudaite, CEO of Generous Living Global, joins Elliot to explore what it means to embody generous living in an abundant, world‑shaping way. Drawing on years of ministry experience and global work with leaders and churches, Mary reframes generosity as something far richer than financial giving. Together, they discuss generosity as freedom from scarcity, a spiritual formation practice, and a testimony to the Gospel in action.

Mary shares stories, biblical insight, and practical wisdom on how generosity can transform individuals, families, churches, and communities — especially during a season when cultural pressure can dwarf the heart of Christian joy. Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, financial strain, or simply want to live more freely, this episode offers encouragement for embracing generosity as a lifelong rhythm.

Mary Pudaite is the CEO of Generous Living Global, a faith‑based nonprofit committed to nurturing and equipping ministry leaders, churches, and communities around the world to live whole‑life generosity rooted in the Bible. Under her leadership, Generous Living Global partners with global church networks to foster cultural shifts from scarcity to abundance, freedom to give, and joy‑filled stewardship. The organization emphasizes generosity not just as financial giving but as a spiritual and cultural practice that reflects the heart of God in everyday life

Previously, Mary’s journey has included missions work, strategic generosity coaching, and creating spaces where honest, biblical conversations on generosity flourish. She and her husband live in Colorado and are passionate about seeing people and organizations embrace a generous way of living that reflects Christ’s abundant provision.

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 Mary Pudaite

Website: generous.living

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

Contact: connect@generous.living

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Some people face adversity and wither—others face it and rise. Terry Healey is one of the latter. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of facial cancer during college, Terry endured multiple surgeries, scarring, and deep emotional challenges. But his story didn’t end in pain—it turned into purpose. In this episode, Terry shares his powerful journey through suffering, healing, and building a life of meaning and resilience.

We explore:

• How gratitude rewires our response to pain

• The angels who showed up when he needed them most

• Faith and the courage to keep going

• Building a Resilience Mindset through the REBAR method

• The difference between confidence and resilience

• Productivity culture, burnout, and healthy outlets

• Leadership, empathy, and authenticity

Whether you’re in a hard season or walking with someone who is, this episode offers practical hope and tools to live a resilient life.

Terry Healey is a speaker, author, and marketing consultant who shares a powerful story of resilience and faith. As a college student at UC Berkeley, Terry was diagnosed with an aggressive fibrosarcoma that led to life-altering facial surgeries. His journey of physical and emotional recovery shaped a lifelong mission to help others face adversity with courage and grace. Terry is the author of The Resilience Mindset, a book built around his REBAR framework—Reflect, Build, Act, Renew—which equips readers with tools for facing change, challenge, and trauma.

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 Terry Healey

Website: terryhealey.com

Instagram: @terryhealeus

Linkedin:Terry Healey

Book:The Resilience Mindset

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst