On today’s episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen, you’re going to hear one of those stories that make you go, “Wait. WHAT???” Terrell and Brandy Scott are married with five kids. They live in  McDonough, Georgia and pastor a church. They run a ministry that serves families, children, and individuals in need, which is about as far away as you can get from where the story starts. When in the depths of drug use and gang activity, Terrell’s gang members held two women at gunpoint. One of those women was Brandy, who is now his wife! You have to hear this story!! It’s a story of rescue, forgiveness, and restoration. From drugs, gangs, and prison to founding The Malachi Project and River Refuge, serving in the same Henry County streets where Terrell and Brandy grew up, their story is a story that ONLY God could write!!! Links:  CBN Video The River Refuge Passion Life Church

Today’s mine & Pete’s anniversary! Last year, we sat down at our kitchen table and told our story. It was out of that podcast (Episode 14) that birthed the idea of us renewing our vows. With the help of one of my best friends, Kellie, we planned a 50th birthday party (for me) with a surprise Vow Renewal! In this episode, you’ll here’s how it all came together... CONNECT @carmenbrown@themorningcruise@southern_grace_weddings@kayliegill@kellielhughes@goodmorningbill MENTIONS OFF-AIR with Carmen - Pete & Carmen’s StorySouthern Grace WeddingsContact Kellie: KellieLHughes@gmail.com BIBLE VERSES Psalm 19:1 VENDOR LIST Venue: Southern Grace @southern_grace_weddingsoutherngraceweddings.com Floral: Mary Nell Chadsey Floral Design @marynellchadsey_floraldesignmarynellchadsey.com Dinnerware: Kate Ryan Event Rentals@kateryaneventrentals kateryanevents.com Furniture: Style House Rentals @stylehousefloridastylehouserentals.com Linens: Over The Top @overthetoprentallinensoverthetopinc.com Linens & Decor: Nuage Designs @nuagedesignsincnuagedesigns.com Photographer: Jenn Soos@jennsoosphotojennifersoosphoto.com Cinematographer: Voila Cinematic @voilacinematic voilacinematic.com Caterer: Chef Doug funwithfoodcatering.com Invitations: Dogwood Hill@dogwood.hillDogwood-hill.com

Laura Whitaker is the Executive Director of Extra Special People (ESP). ESP helps people see the abilities in people with disabilities.  My first interaction with ESP was in Athens a few years ago with Java Joy, their coffee service program. Java Joy is completely run by people with disabilities and special needs. They call themselves JOYristas! Every cup of coffee is served with joy AND with a hug! In our conversation, Laura tells us about ESP and the programs that help assist, encourage and EMPLOY these wonderful friends. And oh my goodness…wait till you hear about the “White Apron” Ceremony! CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @laurahopewhitaker @java.joy @esp_inc   MENTIONS Extra Special People Java Joy Young Life Capernaum Laura’s Ted Talk - The Dandelion Shift: Seeing the Ability in Disability

My guest this week is Chris Tomlin! Chris is the most sung worship artist of all-time! And because of this, he is often viewed through a “ super spiritual” lens. But here what you may not know… Chris is one of the funniest guys I know! And, boy can he tell a story!  In this episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen, you'll hear THIS side of Chris as he shares some of our all time favorite Chris Tomlin stories. My morning show partner, Bill, and co-worker Jayar were on this catch-up Zoom call with me. Chris is unscripted as he catches us up on the birth of his new baby girl, working with some of the biggest names in Country music, and a whole bunch more! You’re going to enjoy this episode! CONNECT @carmenbrown @goodmorningbill @thejayarshow @themorningcruise @christomlin   MENTIONS Who You Are To Me - Chris Tomlin ft. Lady A | Grand Ole Opry Thank You Lord - Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett & Florida Georgia Line God Who Listens - Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett

Happy Easter, y’all! On this episode of OFF-AIR, I sat down with three of my favorites…Bill, Lindsay & Haley. We’ve been doing an online bible study together led by Paige Brown called “Bible History Overview.” That title sounds dry, but we were riveted! She connected to Old and New Testaments together for us and changed our perspective so much that we started a text thread with a few others called “5 Broads + Bill” to talk about each week’s lesson. So, that’s the starting place for our conversation. We ask two questions: “Why Jesus?” and “Why Jesus for us?” In today’s culture, Jesus often shows up as our pal who rubber stamps our feelings, and our “truth” who affirms everything we feel. While that’s a very sentimental way to view the Lord, it’s not biblical.  As we celebrate Easter this weekend, we share our love for the Jesus of Scripture, the Divine Son of God and Savior of the world!   CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @goodmorningbill @lindsaymccaul @haleyradeka   MENTIONS Paige Brown Wednesday Bible Study - subscribe for future studies TMC Talks about Paige Brown Bible Studies When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada & Steve Estes The Final Days Of Jesus by Andreas Kostenberger and Justin Taylor    BIBLE VERSES Psalm 34:18 Philippians 4 Psalm 40:3 1 John 4:15 Jude 1:3 1 Timothy 1:9 2 Timothy 1:13 1 Timothy 6:20 James 4:8

Repp & Summer Gordon experienced every parent's worst nightmare. They lost their sweet five year old son, Sawyer, in a horrific accident when he pedaled his bike onto a busy road. In this vulnerable conversation, Summer shares their journey through unspeakable grief and inexplicable forgiveness, held together by an unwavering faith. Of all the episodes of OFF-AIR with Carmen, THIS one will inspire you the most, especially if you have experienced personal loss. Repp and Summer’s belief in the goodness of God, despite this tragedy, will help you realize when all seems lost, HOPE REMAINS. CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @summer_e_gordon   MENTIONS JOY Story Video with Summer, Rep and Casey Hope Remains by Reppard and Summer Gordon LeGrande Jewelry

My guests this week are sisters Taylor and Madison from the band, Cain. I met Taylor and Madison along with their brother Logan about a year ago. It’s been fun to watch their debut single, Rise Up, shoot to #1 on the charts and stay there for several weeks! We'll talk about the dynamics between siblings being in a band together, what they all learned in their first year of marriage, and what it was like for us all (me included!) to grow up in Alabama! CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @caintheband @tcainordie @mcainjohnson @logodash MENTIONS Rise Up (Lazarus) Music Video

My guest today is Temple Stewart. Temple is married to Ross, and they recently adopted sweet Ellie! They are also pregnant and expecting baby number two next month. Temple and I go to church together and have walked similar roads in trying to figure out our health through Functional Medicine. Temple is a WEALTH of knowledge in the Ketogenic world, and she is a “must-follow” on Instagram. She has helped many, many folks find long term success for their health goals.  You'll also hear Temple talk about adoption and faith. I can’t wait for y’all to meet Temple!   CONNECT  @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @the.ketogenic.nutritionist  MENTIONS Temple Stewart - Registered Dietitian  Radiant Church A Door of Hope Foster Care Information  The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung Temples’s Keto Mistakes Gin Stephens - Intermittent Fasting Books  

Today you’ll meet Sarah Faulkner. I randomly met Sarah at a Christmas Market a couple of years ago. Like so many of us, Sarah thought her “story” would be one thing. But after surviving not one – but TWO – brain aneurysms, Sarah realized God’s story for her life had some unexpected chapters. Sarah’s faith inspires me, and I know it will inspire you too! CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @mvpearlgirl   MENTIONS Milk Velvet Pearls Caron Treatment Center Goliath Must Fall by Louie Giglio   BIBLE VERSES Jeremiah 29:11 Psalm 37:33  

Like so many people, I’ve had a life-long struggle with weight. I’ve tried everything under the sun. You name it, I’ve done it. That all changed in 2019 when I was introduced to FASTer Way to Fat Loss. It was through this program that Amanda Tress introduced me to Alex, who practices Functional Medicine. In February of 2020, I had my first appointment with Alex, and I can confidently say that I have FINALLY found the answers I spent decades looking for. In today’s episode, I talk with Alex and Amanda about Functional Medicine (What is it?), Intermittent Fasting, Carb Cycling, and more. If you struggle with weight – or you just want to FEEL better, this episode is for you!   CONNECT @carmenbrown@themorningcruise@amandatress@fasterwaytofatloss@thewellnesscodebyalex   MENTIONS Young Foundational Health to book your appt with AlexFASTer Way to Fat Loss - The JOY FM Round Sign-up (use code JOYFM for $50 off) Instagram Q&A with Amanda Tress The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung The Complete Guide to Fasting by Dr. Jason Fung

Welcome to my 20th and final episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen in 2020!  This week’s guest is my girlfriend, Natalie Grant!! Folks have said for years that we could be sisters, and I take this as a very high compliment! Natalie is equal parts hilarious, prone to TMI (like me!), and so full of wisdom. I just love her!! We recorded this episode in February. Since then, Natalie has released a new project called “No Stranger.” In this pre-pandemic episode, we talk about Team Freedom (something we birthed together), raising teenage girls, and identity and truth in today’s culture. Natalie and I twin pretty hard, up to and including both of us having COVID this year, just a few weeks apart. Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in 2021! CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @nataliegrant   MENTIONS Spanx Faux Leather Leggings  “James” by Beth Moore No Stranger Carmen couldn't contain herself    

Because you asked for it, here’s a special ELECTION DAY 2020 edition of OFF-AIR with Carmen! With all the political noise and social tensions this year, we need some solid guidance. So, somewhat unplanned, my morning show partner Bill Martin and I sat at my kitchen table the weekend before the general election to have a conversation about a biblical view of government. Really, it’s more of a Bible study, so there are notes—3 pages of them—with all the Scriptures Bill referred to. You might want to print them, then grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn!  CONNECT @carmenbrown  @themorningcruise @goodmorningbill   MENTIONS Bill’s Notes PDF   GO DEEPER God and Government A Tale of Two Kingdoms

Thirty years ago today, my oldest, Haley Amanda, made me a momma! I was young, nervous, and had no idea what I was doing! But, looking down at her sweet little face, I felt a love I had never felt before. As much as we can protect them as parents while they’re little, life happens, and they eventually have their own journeys they have to walk.  I asked Haley if she would be my guest this week to talk about singleness. Of course every girl has childhood dreams of finding that one Prince Charming that was made just for her! From the time we’re little, we dream of the wedding, the house, the babies. For Haley, that hasn’t happened yet. And there are days she wonders if that will happen at all. BUT, she knows Jesus so intimately, and as her Mom, I am so thankful she wrestles these emotions and desires out WITH Jesus, instead of away from Him. If you are living in a waiting season of your life, or maybe you’re not where you thought you’d be at a certain milestone in your life, I hope this conversation encourages you. CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @haleyradeka   MENTIONS  A Beautiful Story Podcast Prayer Journal - Every Single Moment Book about Sabbath - The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Radiant Message - In A Dark Place Bible Study – God of Creation Haley’s Worship Playlist   BIBLE VERSES 3 John 1:4 2 Peter 3:8-9  

On this week’s episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen you’ll hear a conversation I had with Zach Williams BC (Before COVID!) It was actually the last big event that we did before everything shut down. We talk about Zach’s redemption story, new music (at the time), and candles! You’ll also hear a hysterical story about the first time Zach met Chris Pratt in person.   FOLLOW @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @zachwilliamsmusic   MENTIONS Thymes Fraiser Fir candle PF Candle Co Song: “Less Like Me” Song: “Empty Grave” Jason Greitzer Before & After

We all walk with a limp. Some are literal. Some are figurative. But we all have things with which we struggle. For my co-worker and friend, Jules, you’ll hear her share “the limp she walks with.” You can’t see it, but it’s there. And it affects every area of her life, including her job of reading the news for us on The Morning Cruise. I often say what Jules may lack in one area, she certainly makes up for with hustle. She inspires me! You’ll also hear her gush about her husband, David’s spray tan talents. Yep, you read that right. And don’t think I haven’t gone to Amazon and checked out the actual kit they use for myself! For anyone needing an inspiring story of how God truly does use us in our weakness, I have no doubt this episode with Jules will be that for you! CONNECT  @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @jules_show    MENTIONS Spray Tan Kit  Dyslexia Resources

Welcome to Season 2 of OFF-AIR with Carmen!!   We're starting this season off a little differently. Aaron Burke, Pastor of Radiant Church in Tampa,  recently joined us on The Morning Cruise to give us his 10 Reasons why it's to your benefit to be un-offendable.  Since Aaron is my pastor, when I heard this message a few weeks ago, I decided EVERYONE needs to hear this Top Ten list!  It had such GREAT response (first as a sermon, then on the morning show), and so many asked where they could get all 10 reasons together, that I decided to make it my first podcast of this season.   Given the climate we're in right now, don't we all need to become a little more like Jesus--a little more un-offendable?   I hope you enjoy Pastor Aaron! If you do, please hit "subscribe," and then share this podcast with someone you love!   Thanks for listening!!   CONNECT @carmenbrown @themorningcruise @aaronrburke @weareradiant     MENTIONS Radiant Church Choosing to be Unoffendable Message Decade Defining Decisions - Release the Offense Message 10 Reasons to be an Unoffendable Person List     BIBLE VERSES MENTIONED Psalm 51:12 Proverbs 19:11 Ephesians 5:15-17 Ephesians 4:26 Proverbs 22:24 1 Peter 4:8 Romans 12:18-19 Psalm 119:165 Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 Colossians 3:13 Matthew 5:23-24 Ephesians 4:32 2 Timothy 2:23-24 Proverbs 19:11

Season #2 of OFF-AIR with Carmen starts tomorrow (Tuesday, September 22nd)! She kicks the season off with some great guests! Season 2 will begin a little differently: we're starting it off with an ON-AIR conversation The Morning Cruise had with Carmen's Pastor, Aaron Burke of Radiant Church in Tampa, Florida.  He joined The Morning Cruise to share 10 Reasons why it's to our benefit to be unoffendable. We got A TON of response, so Carmen decided to make it the first podcast of the season.  You'll also hear from Natalie Grant and Zach Williams in the next few weeks! Subscribe today to OFF-AIR with Carmen on your favorite podcast stream and you'll get the entire conversation bright and early tomorrow morning!     

Today is mine & Pete’s 30th Anniversary. If there’s anything I’ve learned in thirty years, it is this: Marriage does not “fix” you. Marriage does not heal you. Nope, marriage does not fix your problems. It reveals them. Whenever two broken people join together to become one, you simply double the brokenness. When I tell you that our marriage is a miracle, I mean OUR MARRIAGE IS A MIRACLE. The fact that we’re still standing – happier than we’ve ever been – THIRTY years later, is simply the result of the grace, mercy & kindness of God. The last thing I would say is “There is always, always, always HOPE!”      MENTIONS: Beth Moore Blog – My man and me Casting Crowns – Broken Together   FOLLOW: Instagram: @carmenbrown  

On this week’s episode, you’ll hear from one of my great guy friends, who can totally hang with the girls. He’s probably going to kill me for saying that! I met Mike years ago when he was in a band. We did several mission trips together, and he’s truly one of my dearest friends. He’s married to Molly (think Sunday Bakes that you’ve heard on The Morning Cruise). They have two daughters and one on the way. Mike is a Worship Pastor in Nashville, and has been leading his congregation through this online church season. Like many of us, he’s leaning in and listening to what the Lord is wanting to teach/show him during this time.   MENTIONS: Message: “Don’t Waste the Wilderness”  by Kevin Queen, Crosspoint Church Grailey’s 5th Birthday - Watch the highlight “Graileys 5” on Molly’s Instagram  Book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer   CONNECT WITH US: Follow Mike @mikegrayson Follow Crosspoint Music @crosspoint.tvmusic Follow Carmen @carmenbrown

On this week’s episode of OFF-AIR with Carmen, you’re going to meet Ford Taylor. Ford has been coaching me the last year and a half through some professional transitions. He has taught me so much about leadership, navigating change, conflict resolution, and how to sincerely apologize. {Yes, there is a healthy and meaningful to ask forgiveness.}   Ford is the founder of Transformational Leadership and author of Relactional Leadership. He’s married to Sandra, and they have three daughters. This particular episode is very meaty! You’re going to want to take notes. We’ve helped you, though, by providing the outline below! You’re going to learn lots from Ford today!   NOTES from the show today:  For the Transformational Leadership Dynamics of Change, Six-Step Apology, Approaches in Conflict and VPMOSA, download the PDF.  Relactional Leadership book  Transformational Leadership  Six-Step Apology Video