What if something as simple as a pulled pork sandwich could remind people they aren’t forgotten? In this episode of Your Biggest Breakthrough, we sit down with Stan Hays, co-founder of Operation Barbecue Relief, whose story began in the aftermath of the devastating Joplin tornado. What started with a few smokers in a parking lot has now grown into an organization that’s served over 13 million meals in disaster zones and communities in need.

We loved this conversation because it’s not just about barbecue, it’s about faith in action, taking that first step without having all the answers, and discovering your “why” through serving others. You’ll hear how God used ordinary skills and a willing heart to meet extraordinary needs, and how something as simple as food can unify people, restore hope, and remind them of love.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find your purpose, where to start serving, or whether your gifts really matter, this episode is for you. Stan’s story will challenge you, inspire you, and encourage you that God can use your passion, no matter what it is, to change lives.

👉 Learn more about Operation Barbecue Relief, get involved, or support their mission by visiting https://operationbbqrelief.org/

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:10] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:58] The Joplin Tornado That Started Everything

[09:12] Cooking Under Tornado Sirens

[11:57] Serving Thousands of Meals on the First Day

[15:25] A Woman’s Words that Changed My Perspective

[19:18] Building a Sustainable Relief Effort

[24:51] How Faith Reshaped Stan’s Priorities

[27:55] The Growth of Operation Barbecue Relief

[29:22] Why The Simplest Acts Matter Most

[33:26] Volunteering as a “Selfish Act”

[34:42] Culinary Therapy for Heroes and Veterans

[36:15] Being Called a CNN Hero

[39:02] Find Your Passion and Start Serving

[42:36] Three Ways YOU Can Help Today

Guest's bio:

Stan Hayes is the CEO and co-founder of Operation Barbecue Relief, a nonprofit organization founded in the aftermath of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado. What started as a simple idea to serve meals to disaster survivors has grown into an organization that has provided over 13 million meals across 42 states and the Bahamas.

A seasoned competitor on the barbecue circuit, Stan’s passion for cooking and helping those in need came together through Operation Barbecue Relief. His work has earned national recognition—he was named a CNN Hero in 2017—yet he remains humble, always pointing back to the volunteers and community behind the mission.

Stan has also showcased his culinary talents on television, finishing as the runner-up on Food Network’s Chopped Grill Masters in 2015 and winning Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters in 2019. He is the author of two cookbooks: Operation Barbecue and Grilling with Golic and Hayes (co-authored with Mike Golic).

Call to action:

Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles, which may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please seek local hotlines or immediate professional help in your country.

What do you do when the one prayer you’ve begged God to answer doesn’t get answered the way you hoped?

In this powerful conversation, Ted and Hazel Semper open up about losing their daughter to suicide and the heartbreak that followed. They share the raw truth of wrestling with faith, questioning God, and learning to keep moving forward when life feels impossible.

Their honesty will encourage anyone who’s faced grief, walked through unanswered prayers, or wondered where God is in the middle of tragedy. This is a story of pain, yes—but also of healing, love, and the hope only God can bring.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:25] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:40] Introduction to Loss and Grief

[04:45] Marcy’s Struggles with Anxiety and Depression

[07:35] Understanding Mental Health and Suicide

[09:19] Signs of Mental Health Struggles

[13:39] Praying and Still Facing Loss

[17:30] Finding Peace After Tragedy

[25:45] Grieving as a Couple Without Division

[28:34] Why Suicide Needs to be Talked About in the Church

[32:06] Grief Upon Grief: Multiple Layers of Loss

[34:32] Respecting Each Other’s Grieving Process

[37:35] Career Transitions in the Middle of Grief

[42:02] Finding Purpose After Loss

[45:10] Leaving a Legacy of Faith and Resilience

Guests' bio:

Ted Semper—also known in his radio days as Ted Kelly, Hollywood Harrison, and Brother Ted—is a veteran broadcaster with over five decades of experience as a program director and on-air talent. In 1983, he discovered a deep passion for Christian radio and music, a calling that shaped the rest of his career.

In 2002, Ted launched HisAir.net, a pioneering digital trade publication dedicated to serving the Christian radio and records industry. For more than 20 years, HisAir.net has been an invaluable resource, connecting industry leaders, sharing news, and strengthening the Christian radio community.

Alongside him is his wife, Hazel Semper, a dynamic and successful realtor. Together, Ted and Hazel have built a strong marriage of over 23 years. Their life and ministry reflect resilience, faith, and a desire to encourage others through both their professional work and personal story.

Call to action:

Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.

All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.

And if we like it, we might just read your review on the podcast!

You may never strap on hiking boots or climb a 14,000-foot mountain… but you’ve got mountains of your own. In this episode of Your Biggest Breakthrough, we share the raw, real, and sometimes hilarious lessons we learned while summiting our very first “fourteener” — Mount Bierstadt in Colorado.

What does mountain climbing have to do with your health, career, relationships, or faith? Everything. Because life is full of summits, false summits, unexpected detours, and moments when you wonder if you can take one more step.

If you’ve ever faced a challenge that felt too steep, this episode will remind you that you’re stronger than you think, you’re not meant to climb alone, and God has already marked the trail for your breakthrough.

By the end, you’ll see your own mountain differently — and you might just start the climb.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:09] Introduction to Life Lessons from Climbing

[03:17] Vision, Goals, and Intentional Challenges

[05:47] Research, Planning, and Training

[08:30] The Power of Commitment Before the Climb

[10:54] First Steps & Trail Markers (and Getting Lost)

[13:02] The Importance of Support and Community

[14:23] False Summits & Shifting Perspective

[15:30] Navigating Obstacles and Pain

[19:00] Self-Talk and Perseverance

[20:06] The Boulder Scramble to the Top

[22:00] Reaching the Summit & Celebrating Victories

[23:18] The Emotional Descent After a Big Win

[24:46] Lessons from Going Downhill

[26:22] Asking God, “What’s next?”

[27:37] Final Encouragement

Resources mentioned:

Episode 162: Navy SEAL Don Mann on How to Conquer Pain, Build Resilience, and Never Quit

Call to action:

Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.

All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.

And if we like it, we might just read your review on the podcast!