Have you ever grown up in church, done “all the right things,” and still battled with a deep ache inside, the kind you just can’t explain to anyone? In this episode, we sit down with our friend Charles Wagner, and wow… his story is going to speak to so many of you who have carried silent pain, hidden shame, or unanswered questions about God’s love.

Charles grew up immersed in Scripture, Christian school, and church life… yet he spent decades believing God didn’t — and couldn’t — love him. His journey took him through trauma, identity confusion, depression, a painful divorce, and even suicidal thoughts. And yet, God interrupted his life with a love so powerful it melted years of fear, lies, and inner brokenness.

If you've ever wondered why you keep cycling through old wounds… or why you’re still battling thoughts that don’t match what you believe… or if you’ve questioned whether it’s “too late” for God to turn things around, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:18] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:47] Charles’ early church background

[05:00] Childhood trauma and identity confusion

[08:30] Hitting the lowest point: divorce & despair

[10:55] Meeting the counselor God used to heal him

[12:53] Why it’s never too late for God to transform your life

[14:21] Understanding rebellion & letting God take His rightful place

[17:26] The power of personal testimonies in the church

[18:45] Why “simple stories” matter too

[21:56] How brokenness transformed his prayer life

[23:27] Writing 700-page prayer books

[25:54] Overcoming depression through community & confession

[27:43] When secular counseling falls short

[29:25] Encouragement for late bloomers

[31:34] The biggest lesson about God’s redemptive love

[33:04] How to renew your sense of God’s love

[35:17] The Gramazin Testimony Center

[36:50] Charles’ fun hobbies & new music journey

Resources mentioned:

Gramazin Testimony Center

Charles Wagner's Books

Guest's bio:

Charles Wagner is a prolific author with a deep passion for God's Word. He has written five books, including powerful prayer commentaries, and is known for being an avid, lifelong student of the Bible. Charles doesn’t just study Scripture—he lives it, writes it, and teaches it with clarity, vulnerability, and authenticity.

He’s also a radio host and the founder of Gramazin, a ministry inspired by “Amazing Grace,” dedicated to equipping believers and churches to share the real-life stories of how God shows up. Through this growing testimony movement, Charles helps believers find their voice, share their journey, and build a stronger, more connected body of Christ.

Beyond his ministry and writing life, Charles is the husband of Karen, father to Chad and Stephanie, an avid walker, and even a pickleball enthusiast.

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...

We’ve got an episode today that’s going to stop you in your tracks. You’re going to meet Joel Sheagren, an award-winning filmmaker whose story feels like a movie itself, only this one’s real, raw, and full of God’s fingerprints.

Joel grew up in a funeral home, had demonic encounters as a kid, found himself guiding canoes in the wilderness as an agnostic teen, and somehow, through a horror movie of all things, found his way to Christ. But that was only the beginning.

What happens when the bottom falls out of your career, your faith gets tested through years of anxiety, and you’re suddenly raising two adopted children, one with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and you realize God’s been writing a redemption story through it all?

In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear how Joel turned his pain into purpose through prayer, perseverance, and creativity. His story will help you see your own trials differently. Because sometimes, what feels like chaos is actually the setup for your calling.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:38] Topic and Guest Introduction

[04:24] The Awakening: From Agnosticism to Faith

[13:00] The Long Path: Growth Through Trials

[19:48] Learning Patience When God’s Timing Feels Slow

[22:45] Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Trust

[25:25] The Moment Joel and His Wife Said “Yes” to Adoption

[28:00] The Miraculous Two-Month Adoption Story

[30:00] Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

[34:30] Navigating Parenting Challenges with FASD

[36:48] How God Used Filmmaking to Raise Awareness for FASD

[40:07] Teaching Neuroplasticity and Renewing the Mind

[43:05] Spiritual Breakthroughs and Mindset Shifts

[47:21] About the Embracing Hope Caregiver Guide

[49:35] Final Encouragement and Where to Find Joel’s Resources

Resources mentioned:

Embracing Hope Book

Guest's bio:

Joel Sheagren is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller whose greatest inspiration comes from home—raising two children, one of whom lives with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

His incredible journey from agnosticism to faith began in the most unexpected places—a canoe in the wilderness and a night watching The Exorcist—moments that led him into a lifelong pursuit of telling redemptive stories through the lens of God’s grace.

Joel is the founder of Sam in a Can Productions (named after his son) and the visionary behind The Embrace Movement, a media-driven initiative shedding light on the hidden link between prenatal alcohol exposure and societal issues like homelessness, trafficking, and fatherlessness.

Through his films, books, and caregiver resources, Joel equips families, churches, and communities to better understand and support neurodiversity while bringing hope to those navigating life’s challenges.

He and his wife continue to walk in faith—turning pain into purpose and using their story to help families find strength, healing, and breakthrough through Christ.

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

In this episode of Your Biggest Breakthrough, we sit down with former New York State Trooper turned motivational speaker David Atkins, who proves that one courageous decision, rooted in faith, can completely change your life.

David’s story will resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled with debt, doubt, or direction. From battling financial stress and burnout to leading thousands through health, mindset, and faith-based transformation, David shows how one conversation, one leap of faith, and one act of courage can create a ripple effect that transforms your marriage, finances, and future.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:08] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:24] The Breaking Point: Living Paycheck to Paycheck

[05:24] A One Decision to Have a Conversation with His Wife

[06:36] From Debt to Millionaire: the Beachbody journey

[08:16] Discovering His God-Given Gift to Speak

[09:19] Taking a Leap of Faith and Retiring Early

[10:10] How Faith Became His Foundation

[12:54] The Secret to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

[14:25]The Morning Routine That Changed Everything

[16:58] How Courage and Faith Work Together

[19:31] What “One Decision Away” Really Means

[21:17] The Riffle Effect of His Decision to His Family

[24:24] Losing Everything and Responding with Gratitude

[26:47] The Truth About Loneliness and Staying Motivated

[30:57] Surrendering to God in Every Season

[32:18] Breaking Free from Comparison

[35:22] It’s Never Too Late to Start Again

[38:18] David’s Hobbies

[39:24] David’s Go-To Bible Verse

Resources mentioned:

Grab David’s book “One Decision Away” on Amazon

Guest's bio:

Website: davidatkinsspeaks.com

Facebook: @CoachDavidAtkins

Instagram: @david_w_atkins

David Atkins is a former New York State Trooper, 9/11 first responder, and recipient of both Trooper of the Year and Investigator of the Year honors. After more than two decades in law enforcement, David transitioned into entrepreneurship—building a multi-million dollar direct sales organization from the ground up.

Today, he’s a sought-after keynote motivational speaker, author, and the founder of the “One Decision Away” philosophy—a mindset that empowers people to take bold action, overcome fear, and create meaningful breakthroughs in every area of life.

David has inspired audiences of over 20,000 people, including Fortune 500 companies, through his message of courage, faith, and resilience. A devoted husband and proud father of three daughters, David’s life and story reflect his belief that you are always one courageous decision away from changing your life.

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