In this episode of Stuart’s Walk, I'm working out at a gym with my longtime friend, Lee Cook. We knew each other before either of us came to Jesus, but in 2022, Lee experienced a powerful transformation that led him to Christ.
We discuss his journey through depression and uncertainty during COVID-19, how he found peace through faith, and the challenges of fully surrendering to God’s plan. The conversation touches on the role of discipline in faith, the struggles of letting go, and how being a follower of Christ influences relationships, decision-making, and daily life. We also explore spiritual energy, biblical wisdom, and how faith manifests in personal growth.
Whether you’re new to faith, exploring Christianity, or just interested in deep, meaningful conversations, this episode offers insight into the transformative power of belief.
0:00 Introduction – Setting up the podcast, discussing the purpose of these conversations
1:30 Why Start a Podcast? – Talking to people about life, faith, and spontaneous discussion
3:00 AI & Podcasting – How AI helps automate content creation and timestamping
5:00 Gym Talk – Deciding on a workout routine during the conversation
6:30 Winter & Adult Responsibilities – Shoveling snow, dealing with winter struggles
7:50 Introducing Kelsey – Lee’s girlfriend and her thoughts on faith
8:30 Lee’s Journey to Jesus – Finding faith in 2022 during COVID-19 struggles
10:00 Depression & Searching for Meaning – How the pandemic led to spiritual exploration
11:50 Trusting God’s Plan – Learning to let go and surrender control
13:00 Faith, Prayer, and Manifestation – The intersection of spirituality and mindset
15:00 Facing Sin & Guilt – How people avoid confronting their mistakes
17:00 Christianity as a Way of Life – Why it doesn’t feel like restriction, but freedom
19:30 Misconceptions About Church – Money, structure, and what church is really about
20:45 What is Church For? – Exploring the purpose of church gatherings
22:30 Judging Others & Early Christian Experiences – Reflecting on past friendships and faith journeys
24:00 A Gym Encounter – Debating spirituality with a fellow gym-goer
27:00 Jesus’ Impact – How a three-year ministry changed the world forever
28:30 The Rise of Faith – Why more people are returning to Christianity
30:00 Writing Down Your Beliefs – The importance of externalizing spiritual insights
33:00 Bringing Kelsey to Church – Discussing how to introduce faith in relationships
34:30 Finding the Right Church – Different styles of worship and connecting with the message
36:00 The Challenge of Following Jesus – The difficulty of staying disciplined in faith
38:00 Letting Go & Trusting God – Surrendering control and following God’s will
40:00 Conscious vs. Unconscious Faith – How awareness shapes our spiritual journey
44:00 What Comes Next? – Understanding the purpose of faith beyond just knowing Jesus
46:00 Christian Gym Talk – Faith and fitness as complementary disciplines
48:00 Gender Roles & Spiritual Leadership – The balance between men and women in faith
51:00 Family vs. Faith – The challenges of prioritizing faith in relationships
53:30 Building Community – The importance of real-world connections in faith
55:00 Talking to a Pastor – Seeking mentorship and spiritual guidance
58:00 Career & Trusting God – How faith influenced job decisions and opportunities
1:01:00 Wrapping Up – Final reflections and planning for future conversations
