Cheri Hogrefe is never content with average and loves challenges. She’s a wife, a mother of three, and serves as the children’s curriculum developer at her church. Cheri enjoys drawing from her passion and experience as a college athlete, physical education teacher and coach not only to write curriculum, but to face the challenges of life. I grew up with Cheri and learned first hand how much she loves life and those around her. And if there’s anything I appreciate as much as her infectious laughter, it’s the fact that she’s my cousin. You’re going to enjoy this conversation as she shares three thoughts that have been on her mind during this current global crisis. Finding purpose is essential Liking who you are makes life easier Mental health is as important as physical health 

Word for the Week

#66: 3 Thoughts with Cheri Hogrefe-Finding Purpose & Passion in the Crisis

 Jason Forte and I deployed to Iraq together from 2009-2010. I quickly learned how passionate he is about serving Soldiers and their families, and we’ve been good friends ever since. Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash I’ve learned a lot from Jason about intentional leadership and  serving others. His example has made a big impact on my life. Recently, I asked Jason to share several of his thoughts regarding the current crisis our nation is facing. One of the big themes he's experiencing has to do with the opportunity he sees to invest in family. Here are those three thoughts. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Devotional time with my own family Reconnecting with extended family Ending the day well with family 

#65: Jason Forte-This is a Family Investment Opportunity

 There is a fascinating dimension in the mind that has incredible power to determine how we perform—in our professional and in our personal lives. That space is the sweet spot where Dr. Mary Rose Blank loves to operate. Mary Rose (or “M.R.” as her clients affectionately call her) is a mental performance coach specializing in sport and performance psychology. Her passion for excellence fuels her work with professional athletes and warriors to optimize their performance. I always enjoy sharing conversations with her exploring the space where mind, body and soul overlaps. In this conversation, M.R. shares her 3 thoughts on the current crisis challenging us today. You can check her out at: www.tier1mindset.com. Here are her “3 thoughts." Enjoy! Perception of the situation Be mindful of our sphere of influence—Controlling what you can control (what you can control, what you can influence, what is outside your control) Work-life balance—pause to recover You can hear previous conversations with Mary Rose at the following links: #40: Mental Performance: The Negativity Bias-Pt. 1 [Interview with Dr. Mary Rose Blank] #41: Mental Performance: The Negativity Bias-Pt. 2 [Interview with MPO, Dr. Mary Rose Blank] #42: Mental Performance-The Pervasive Magnitude of Gratitude [Interview with MPO, Dr. Mary Rose Blank] #44: Mental Performance-Active Constructive Responding [Interview with MPO Dr. Mary Rose Blank] #48: Practicing Compassionate Awareness [Mental Performance with Dr. M.R. Blank] 

#64: 3 Thoughts with Dr. Mary Rose Blank-Perceptions Shape Performance

James Evans founded the Nashville-based nonprofit, Benchmark Adventure Ministries (www.benchmark.org), because of his passion to use outdoor adventure to foster experiential learning. James designs adventure programs that are specifically tailored for different teams and uses his programs to enhance building teamwork and resilience, and to generate self assessment. I’ve gotten to know James through his work with the military and have enjoyed seeing him in action. You’ll see why in our conversation as he shares his three thoughts on the current crisis. Enjoy! Here are James’s three thoughts: Honestly assess where you’re at and take responsibility for it 15 minutes Blame less, be more content 

#63: 3 Thoughts with James Evans-It Begins with Self-Assessment

One of the great privileges of serving in the military is getting to know and work alongside others who see the world from different perspectives than my own, while at the same time partnering with them to serve others. I have come to respect and admire John Christian for his passion to help others through his work as a psychologist, and while there are ways we do see the world differently, we share a mutual appreciation for how our professional disciplines intersect for the good of those around us. I’ve had so many wonderful conversations with John about how faith and psychology intersect for good in people’s lives. I’m glad we finally got to record one of those conversations. I hope you enjoy listening to the three thoughts that have been on his mind during this global crisis.   We need a struggle to engage Action leads to a change in attitude (behavioral activation) Human beings are meant for connection 

#62: 3 Thoughts with John Christian-A Psychologist’s Perspective

 Whether talking sports, current events, classic literature or theology, conversations with Jay Outen never disappoint. In this conversation Jay shares three thoughts that have been shaping his perspective as he observes our culture in the current Covid crisis: 1) The control we have in our lives is just an illusion 2) What is my comfort? 3) How can I capitalize on this time? We also dive into the classics and a little pop culture and discuss Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, the Netflix documentary, "Tiger King," and ESPN's documentary, "The Last Dance." Here’s a song that Jay has been listening to: https://youtu.be/h-xQDm-KZw8 “Three Thoughts” is a series of podcasts I’m producing to offer fresh perspective in this difficult time, and to offer help and hope for the challenges we are facing. I hope these “3 thoughts” episodes with  a range of people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds offers encouragement for you today.  Success by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com; Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

#61: 3 Thoughts with Jay Outen-the Illusion of Control

 Chip Satterlee shares three thoughts that have been shaping his perspective over the last few months, and talks about a couple books that have been influencing his mind and heart amidst the Covid-19 crisis. This, too, shall pass—there’ a season for everything Use this as an opportunity to grow God is with us...Matthew 1:24 

#60: 3 Thoughts with Chip Satterlee--This, Too, Shall Pass

 Nick Stavlund shares two essential insights that have been keeping his heart and mind in the right place during the current global crisis. 1) God is pursuing us, and (2) contentment and happiness doesn’t lie on the other side of achievement. He also shares about why he became a CrossFit coach and eventually started a box, CrossFit Chaparral, before becoming an Active Duty Army Chaplain.  Before becoming an Active Duty Army Chaplain, Nick ran a CrossFit box called CrossFit Chaparral Credits for concluding music: Inspire And Motivate by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

#59: "3 Thoughts" with Nick Stavlund

 Mike Krog is the kind of friend that always builds you up with truth, speaks words of encouragement, and offers timely words of wisdom that are insightful and relevant to whatever situation you’re in. I first got to know Mike when we worked as Army Chaplains together in the mighty 101st ABN Division at Fort Campbell, and since then our paths have crossed on several occasions in school and at work. I asked Mike to share three thoughts that offer the right perspective, and which offer help and hope in the midst of this current global crisis. What he shares is really good, and as always, Mike draws his insights from a broad menu of personal reading, reflection and study. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.  You've got to hear his three thoughts, but I'll list them here for quick reference: Listen to the voices that give you hope and life Find meaning in this time of hardship Go outside Also, Mike shares a song that has made an impact on him during this time: Crowder, Johnnyswim, Tori Kelly - Because He Lives (Easter At Passion City Church) https://youtu.be/La9Zy917JcQ “Three Thoughts” is a series of podcasts I’m producing to offer fresh insight that helps us maintain the right perspective in this difficult time, and to find help and hope for the challenges we are facing. I hope these “3 thoughts” episodes with  a range of people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds offers encouragement for you today.  

#58: "3 Thoughts" with Mike Krog

 Brandon Bayne is a religion professor at the University of North Carolina. We attended seminary together in Boston and have stayed in touch ever since. I have admired his journey through academia and love how passionate he is about pursuing knowledge and understanding the world around him. As the COVID-19 crisis first unfolded, and universities were sending students home and trying to figure out how to restructure the university classroom, Brandon sat down and wrote out five principles that would guide his approach to his syllabus. He published it on Facebook and Twitter, thinking it might offer several meaningful ideas for other educators, but the response was so broad and receptive, that Time heard about it and asked him for an interview. In our conversation, Brandon shares those five principles and how recently losing his mom to cancer shaped some of his thinking. His publications include:  “Converting the Pacific: Jesuit Networks between Asia and the Americas,” Oxford Handbook of Iberian Borderlands (Forthcoming, Oxford, 2016) “Crossings and Contact Zones: Religion, Borderlands, and Las Fronteras of the Americas,” Religion Compass, (Wiley, November, 2014) Dissertation: “A Passionate Pacification: Salvation and Suffering in the Jesuit Missions of Northern New Spain, 1594 – 1767” (Harvard, May, 2012) “From Saint to Seeker: Teresa Urrea’s Search for a Place of Her Own,” Church History (Cambridge University Press, 2006) 

#57: UNC Professor Brandon Bayne— “Nobody Signed Up for This”

I was classmates with Brock Morgan at Bryan College, and the last time I saw him was 26 years ago when he was moving out of his dorm after graduation. Since then, Brock has written 15 books and works as a speaker and youth pastor. His most recent book, Beautiful Rebellion, was written for teenagers, encouraging them to join a movement that brings lasting change to our personal lives, and to the world. He and his wife currently live in Washington D.C. I recently caught up with Brock and asked him for three thoughts on the current state of affairs in the world. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and that it provides a fresh perspective for you today.   You can reach Brock here: @realbrockmorgan, and learn more about his books and speaking at www.brockmorgan.com.

#56: 3 Thoughts with Author & Speaker Brock Morgan

Chris Auger enlisted in the Navy in 1987, earned his Navy SEAL Trident in 1988, then served in the SEAL teams until his retirement in 2015. In his almost 28 years he deployed six times all over the globe. After 10 years of service, Chris came to realize that the man in the mirror was not who his wife deserved as a husband or the man he would like his daughter to marry someday. His bride of almost 28 years help Chris with this revelation with a note she left him one night he came home after midnight.  The note and realization began a transformational journey that would forever impact his and his family’s lives forever. Chris retired from the Navy and SEAL community in 2015. His final Command where he was the executive officer was responsible for leadership development and education for all Naval Special Warfare. Chris received his Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in leadership coaching from Regent University. He has a Masters in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego with his undergrad in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland University College. He is a Board Certified Coach from the Center for Credentialing and Education and is certified to administer the DiSC assessment and EQi 2.0 suite of emotional intelligence assessments. Today, Chris serves with the WinShape Foundation Founded by Truett Cathy of Chick fil A. WinShape named after shaping winners is home to 6 ministries consisting of a College program, Camps for boys and girls, Foster homes program, WinShape Teams, Retreat and Marriage programs. Dr. Chris Auger is a team and leader development consultant with WinShape Teams. They facilitate meaningful and impactful experiences for clients that yield innovative and enduring solutions. In this role, he uses his experience and certifications to specialize in combining emotional intelligence with servant leadership to build leaders, followers and teams that are highly self-aware.

#55: SEAL Team Veteran Shares About Leadership and Coaching

Joey Odell graduated from West Point, and then served 10 years as an Army Kiowa Pilot. After a conversion of faith, he left the Army to become a pastor before God called him back to the military as an Army Chaplain. His first tour as a chaplain was with 1/327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Joey shares some of his experience as a chaplain serving in combat with Screaming Eagles in the Pech River Valley of Afghanistan during OEF 10-11.  Since that deployment, Joey has served several years in Special Operations and then at his alma mater, West Point. Joey is a father of 13, and recently he wrote a book called Faith Is Not Blind, where he challenges sincere Christians to answer four critical questions. We discuss these questions, fatherhood, and his recent theological transition Anglicanism in this interview. You can learn more about Joey’s book at https://www.joeyodell.com. If you’d like to learn more about Joey’s experience at West Point, you can watch an interview at the West Point Center for Oral History website.

#54: Chaplain Joey Odell Discusses War, Fatherhood, His Recent Book, and Why He Became an Anglican

I recently met SGM Jesus “Chuy” Almonte at a leadership conference in Fayetteville, NC. He was asked to sit on a panel of military leaders advising chaplains on how to more effectively care for Soldiers and Families. As I listened to Chuy, two things became immediately clear to me. First, this guy is serious about good leadership, and second, this guy loves his family. As a senior Green Beret, I was curious to know how he and his wife have navigated the challenges of raising a family of 5 children, with 1 on the way, while serving under the rigorous demands of leadership inside Special Forces. I asked Chuy if he’d be willing to sit down after the conference and share some of his thoughts about that journey. In this conversation, Chuy shares about how his faith plays a central role in equipping and empowering him and his wife as they raise their kids within the challenging context of military service. He also shares some of the leadership techniques he and his wife have learned along the way that help keep their family strong and close. I asked him to explain how he views success for his children, and how he is teaching his sons to become men. There’s a special bonus included in this conversation: the consummate military professional, Chuy sings a classic old school double time cadence for us. You’re going to love it.

#53: Green Beret Leader “Chuy” Almonte Shares Lessons About Keeping His Family Strong and Close

Casey signed up to fight his nation’s wars the year after 9/11. After 17 years of service—12 of them in Special Operations—and after going on 42 different training trips and combat deployments literally all around the globe, he has gained some perspective on being a husband and father. He’s quick to declare up front how failure has played a big role in shaping his understanding of what it means to be a good father, and how much grace his wife and kids have extended to him throughout his frequent absences from home. But it is this grit and determination he and his wife share that has forged the relationships he has with his 4 children today, one of which he and his wife adopted five years ago. In this interview, Casey shares some of the most powerful lessons he has learned, and some of the most valuable insights he has gained, from staying engaged and remaining intentionally invested with his family, despite the challenges of being gone half their lives in service to our nation. 

#52: Special Operations Warrior Shares the Joys & Challenges of Fatherhood

Word for the Week Podcast is dedicated to intentional living. My goal is to encourage you to live a life with purpose on a foundation that won’t be shaken. I will publish podcasts about a range of topics having to do with spiritual growth, personal development and relationships.

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