Ransom Experience
85 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsRansom Experience will bring you Raw and Real stories of everyday people. Who have gone through Ransom Reprogram or have volunteered with Ransom Ministries over the years We will talk with men and women that share their stories of Struggles of incarceration, trauma, abuse, homelessness and addiction which has propelled them to perseverance, restoration, and joy. They will share their lives with the listeners in order for others to understand the obstacles that they have overcome to get them where they are now. We will also hear from people who have had their lives changed from building relationships and serving those who many times are forgotten in our society. Our hope is that people will see that these individuals are still people - normal, everyday people, who just need someone to listen and to care. The goal of this podcast is to help us see people the way God sees them. "This is Raw, This is Real, This is the Ransom Experience"
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Episodes
Ransom Reprogram-Rebuild
June 30, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 37.2 MBLast week we talked about the repair stage of Ransom Reprogram. Today we will talk about the rebuilding stage. This is the stage that we learn about being the ideal employee, Goal Setting, Vision Boards, Vocational planning, Resume Writing and Mock Interviewing. Matt will go through the process of Rebuilding what crime and addiction has taken away. If you want to learn more about our programs go to
Ransom Reprogram- Repair
June 23, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MBThroughout the first 31 episodes our guests talked about the how Ransom Reprogram has affected them. We decided to take your through some of the classroom material that has had lasting effects on those that not only go through it but also teach it. Today we will go through the first 5 chapters and let you experience a little of that they do in these classes. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did putting it together. For more info go to:
Brandy- Wanted by God
June 16, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 51 MBTodays episode is a real and raw story from Brandy. She is a participant in this Reprogram class and was part of last weeks episode "Story Day" We really felt her story needed to stand alone. We know it will open your eyes to how trauma can effect you for the rest of your live. For more information on Ransom Ministries check out all our social media accounts as well as
Today is Story Day
June 09, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 69.1 MBThis episode is going to be a little different. Each group that goes through Ransom Reprogram share their story with the class. This is to help them to speak in front of people but also understand we all have a story. This time Matt was sitting in the back of the room and realized if more people could hear these stories it would change the way they look at others. We know you will be blessed by these 4 stories of struggle and victory. For more information check out our website
Richard- Waterfront Mission
June 02, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 53.4 MBToday we talk with another partner organization. We will talk to Richard Fisher the Executive Director of Waterfront Mission. We will discuss our partnership, what the mission does and how coming together lets us offer more services for individuals. We are so excited to talk about how this partnership has made both our organizations better. We have learned that we dont have to re-invent the wheel to help others. To find out more go to www.ransomminstries.com
Shannon- Partnership is a blessing
May 26, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 46.1 MBToday we talk with Shannon Long a counselor and leader at our partner organization Home of Grace. Over the past episodes we have heard from clients of Home of Grace that have went through Ransom Reprogram. Today we talk with Shannon about her story as well as how the Collaboration between Ransom and Home of Grace and how it has made each of these programs have better success. You will enjoy this conversation and realize its ok to come together for the common good. For more information about t...
Kathryn- God of Reconciliation
May 19, 2021 09:00 - 30 minutes - 55.8 MBToday join us as we talk with Kathryn Kihyet. Kathryn went through Ransom Reprogram in 2018. She shares of a great childhood where she was loved and having a great support system. She shares a series of choices that led to a life of addiction, homelessness and jail time. We will then hear of Gods redeeming grace and reconciliation. Jesus has transformed Kathryn into a beautiful young women who is using the gifts He has given her to help others and bring Glory to Him. We know you will be bles...
Deroy- Seeds Planted eventually grow
May 12, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 39.9 MBToday we get to learn about Deroy McDowell. Deroy shares growing up learning to work from those around him. He then tells of losing someone close to him and seeing his life take a turn. In and out of jail he finally decided he need to change his life. During the time we have been building a relationship with Deroy we have seen those seeds of work ethic planted by his uncle start to grow. We saw so much growth that we have added him to our Ransom Staff as the Staffing lead. We know you will be...
Where are they now?
May 05, 2021 14:19 - 31 minutes - 57 MBToday we give you an update on those that we interviewed over the last 24 episodes. Our mission is to empower those we serve to utilize their God given gifts and talents in their career Community. Doing this episode really encouraged us to keep moving on and We hope it encourages you as well. I did want to update you on James since recording this he reached out to us and he is back on the road to recovering from his set back GOD IS SO GOOD!! Please share this with your circle of influence. v...
Kaleb- Prison, Probation, Prison again
April 28, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 37.3 MBJoin me as i talk with Kaleb on the day of his graduation. He shares about a life of crime, Jail and bad choices. You will hear him tell of how things go so much better when you make good choices. We are excited for you to meet Kaleb and hear his story.
Chrisshun- Don't be afraid to be different
April 21, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 37.2 MBToday we spend some time getting to know Chrisshun Bullard. When you meet him you cant help but smile. His big personality lights up a room. Chrisshun will share his story with our listeners and you will see that even through adversity you can move forward. He shares about bad choices trying to fit in and chasing the dollar. You will here from a talented guy that has the potential to change the world.
Jay- Really God?
April 14, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 73.1 MBWOW!! This is one of the most real and raw interviews we have done. You will meet Jay Sweningson as he tells us bout being asked at age 5 1/2 to decide if he wanted his mom to give him or his sister up to go to foster care. The next day he was in a foster home a life of abuse and fear. Jay shares of so many ups and downs in his life and coming to a point in his life when he asked Really God? Many have asked that question and many have become bitter. But Jay uses it ever day to relate to th...
Ethan- Forgiveness is the key
April 07, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 71.6 MBWe talk with Ethan his 19 years of growing up with no real role model and having to grow up faster than anyone should. Ethan shares his story of a life of turmoil and confusion. He will us how forgiveness can help you heal and move forward in your life. Ethan has every reason to not succeed based on how he was raised but he has decided he cant use that as an excuse. Ransom has played a role in his understanding that these things are what happened to him not who he is. We think you will learn...
Dylan- Choices change our direction
March 31, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 30.6 MBToday we bring you our 20th episode where we talk Dylan Stutts about his life growing up through divorce, high school, choices, change and learning basic life skills. Dylan will tell us the choice that changed his direction in life and how his choices led to him being in Ransom Reprogram. We will hear of how not having a dad really in the picture to show him how to love and do the right thing affected his direction in life. Dylan is a amazing young man who has goals now and also has the abili...
Lynn- EVERYONE has a story!
March 24, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 52.8 MBWe have a conversation with Lynn Oldshue from Our Southern Souls and The Southern Rambler. Lynn will discuss with us how she started going around talking to strangers and listening to their story. We will also talk about how Lynn felt led to tell the story from start to finish of our Recycling/Reprogram participants. She has built a relationship with each of the guys and seen the transformation in a short time period. We know you will enjoy hearing about how she has been changed by just liste...
Brian- Even when life beats us down He has a plan
March 17, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 60.1 MBToday we get to hear from Brian Farmer. We had met many years ago. Brian shares about a childhood of abuse, drifting around family to family, deaths of those close to him, dealing drugs, drug abuse and a terrible car accident where he had to learn to walk again. God directed Him to Ransom Ministries through volunteering with Ransom Cafe. Nine years later he shows up for an interview for our Recycling program. He will share where he is now and how God directed him back to Ransom and how that...
Rob- Stay true to your calling through hurt and bitterness
March 10, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBWe talk with a great friend of ours Rob South as he shares about growing up with a single mother and learning how to be a man of God through trials. We talk about our perception of how God see us and how we see ourselves. You will learn of taking hurt from others and letting us grow in our walk with God. You will laugh with us as we discuss the funny part of this crazy world and walking a life that glorifies God. I know you will see why he is our friend and fellow laborer of the gospel.
Jessica- When you are a people pleaser
March 03, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 42.1 MBIn this episode we talk with Jessica about growing up in a life that did not resemble a Disney movie. Jessica shares about her life of people pleasing that lead to a toxic relationships and drug addiction. You will hear how coming to faith changed the way she looked at herself and others. She then shares how her Ransom Experience has showed her how to use the gifts God has given her to be a great employee.
Cameron- Becoming a Man of God
February 24, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 39 MBToday we talk with an awesome young man named Cameron Green. Cameron attended our Summer Mission Camps and later came back to help lead them and to volunteer with Ransom. He shares his journey with foster care and God placing Him and his siblings in Winshape Homes, a foster system funded by Chick-fil-A and the Chick-fil-A Foundation. Cameron shares how much growing up with a loving family and friends affects a young persons life. We know you will be encouraged by his story!
Gina- No can be the hardest but most loving thing you can say.
February 17, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 47.1 MBWe are excited for you to hear our conversation with Gina today. Gina shares her story of a great childhood and growing up on a farm in Fairhope Alabama. Gina shares about having her son and having a long distant marriage. Her life then takes a turn with a divorce and a toxic relationship. Join us as we unpack what caused her to go into a life of addiction and bad choices and eventually going into rehab and now living her best life.
Robyn- Isolation is Dangerous
February 10, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 39.4 MBWe talk to Robyn about life growing up then a college student and a Body Builder. She talks of being a person who did everything all out whether that be working out, School, Drinking or Drugging. Her story is a story of perseverance, determination and victory. You will hear of the moment she realized she needed Jesus to overcome these things in her life. We know you will enjoy meeting Robin.
Abbey- Serve Him like a child
February 03, 2021 10:00 - 17 minutes - 31.2 MBI get the honor of interviewing my 19 year old daughter about life growing up serving others in the context of a nonprofit ministry. We will talk about here perspective as a child, teenager and now a young adult. I think you will see the amazing young woman she has become and as well as her bold honesty.
Matt and Tara- Just do it!
January 27, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 70.7 MBToday Tara and I talk about starting a nonprofit. We discuss the ups, downs, frustrations and victories. We explore the other emotions of balancing a marriage, kids and ministry. Sharing stories of how God moved us along in this journey sometimes kicking and screaming.
Marquis-Change starts with you
January 20, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 42.8 MBToday we talk with Marquis. Over the last few months working with Marquis I have learned so much about Racial issues, prison system, injustice and that if we just listen to each other it can bring us closer together. Marquis shares about his life in prison and how it almost broke him and his goals for the future. You will hear a young man that has so much ahead of him and how he has overcome anger, bitterness and trust. Marquis has become a great friend who has helped me see that communicatio...
Joyce- A Crooked Path Made Straight
January 13, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 42.8 MBToday we talk with Joyce! She shares her amazing story of overcoming a family dynamic of verbal abuse, alcoholism, shame, and hurt. We hers of how building her relationship with the Lord helped see what true love was. She will share of a history from a young age of bad choices and searching in the wrong places to fill the void she was feeling. We are honored to bring you her story and give hope to those going through this same thing. We hope you will see that there is hope even when it seems ...
Jocey- A Crooked Path Made Straight
January 13, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 42.8 MBToday we talk with Jocey! She shares her amazing story of overcoming a family dynamic of verbal abuse, alcoholism, shame, and hurt. We hers of how building her relationship with the Lord helped see what true love was. She will share of a history from a young age of bad choices and searching in the wrong places to fill the void she was feeling. We are honored to bring you her story and give hope to those going through this same thing. We hope you will see that there is hope even when it seems...
Clifford: Living by example
January 06, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 43.6 MBThis episode we talk to local Business man and Ransom Volunteer Clifford Waite about his journey walking with Jesus. Keeping focused on the tasks at hand and Living by example to those around him from an early age. Growing up in a middle upper class family and realizing His purpose was to serve others and all that that means.
Blake- Serving to find your purpose.
December 30, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MBJoin us as we talk to Blake Martin a Mobile Native and a volunteer of Ransom Ministries as well as a board member. You will hear of his journey from growing up in a supportive family who really never wanted for much to becoming a foster parent and serving those most of us forget. Taking on the burdens of these kids and parents knowing his calling to serve others was a very important calling. You will here him talk about the time he remembers it starting to click and understand that many peopl...
Lyndsey- Back to the Basics
December 23, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 44.4 MBToday we hear from Lyndsey as she shares about using ministry to cover up the trauma of abuse eventually turning to addiction to cope with these hurts. She then shares about how God took her back to the basics and relearned what it means to be a follower of Christ. We know you will be encouraged by her story. Thanks so much for listening. To learn more about Ransom Ministries and the work that they do Go to
James- Your past does not define you!
December 16, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 39.6 MBJoin us as we talk to James and he shares about his life of bad choices controlled by Alcohol. Then His transformation and realization that he could do life sober and become driven towards the goals he sets and live a life that Glorifies God . He will be an inspiration to many who struggle to believe in themselves and put their past behind them. Join us as we take this journey over the next 20 min.
John Pack- Crab's in a Bucket
December 09, 2020 10:00 - 21 minutes - 38.6 MBJohn Pack is one of the most driven people We have ever met. He is a motivator and a goal setter. We hope you enjoy hearing from John about Being in the coast Guard, Airline pilot, Servant, Teacher, Husband and dad. We think you will see the importance of using your gifts in service to others as well as living out your purpose
Sickness is not always a bad thing
December 02, 2020 10:00 - 19 minutes - 34.9 MBToday we will talk with Bill Robinson a longtime volunteer and servant of Ransom Ministries. Bill will talk about how becoming sick redirected his life and made him realize what was important. Bill is a humble loving person who wants to glorify the Lord through his life. We know you will enjoy our conversation with Bill and our hope is you will receive a desire to seek the Lord for your purpose. We all have things in our lives that redirect us we can use them to help us or make us bitter it i...
Learning to Live again
November 25, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 46.5 MBOn this episode of the Ransom Experience, we talk with Julie. Julie shares with us how addiction affected her relationships. We will also hear about the importance of parental stability, and how addiction can plant seeds early on in childhood. We also learn to understand what it is like to learn to live again. Julie's is a story of strength, perseverance, and hope. We hope you enjoy it!
Wisdom through trials
November 18, 2020 10:00 - 19 minutes - 37.1 MBIn this episode we talk with Khristian a 21 year old that has wisdom beyond his years. We will talk of what trying to take short cuts to success does to ones life. We will discuss fast money, dishonesty, impatience and the affects of wrong decisions. Over the last few months Kristian has changed his direction, Attitude and Goals. He has grown into a leader and a vital team member of Ransom Ministries and Ransom Recycling. You will hear what the Ransom Experience has meant to him and to those...
Welcome to the Ransom Experience
November 16, 2020 17:31 - 2 minutes - 4.16 MBHey everyone I want to tell you about a new upcoming Podcast called “The Ransom Experience”. This podcast brought to you by Ransom Ministries t is ABOUT SOME of the most amazing people that we have met over the years. Ten years ago when Ransom started we never realized how many heroes we would meet in this time period that would change our lives and the way we look at others. We will bring you new stories each week to inspire you to step out of the boat and experience the life you were inte...