In this transparent and spirit-filled conversation, Eric Stephens welcomes back author, life coach, and Christian counselor Maurice F. Martin to dive deep into what it truly means to cast your cares on God. Recorded at Breakthrough Studios, the two brothers in Christ reflect on 1 Peter 5:5–7, unpacking the personal, emotional, and spiritual weight of anxiety, fear, and pride—and how God’s love gives us the freedom to let go.

Maurice speaks candidly about his own struggles with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that casting your cares isn’t just obedience—it’s an act of trust and love. This episode is full of powerful imagery, honest testimony, and practical encouragement for believers facing real-life pressures.

If you've ever struggled with trying to carry it all yourself—this one is for you.

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Connect with Maurice here: https://www.instagram.com/mauricefmartin/

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🎟 Cleveland! Don’t miss “Beyond the Walls 2” at House of Blues – Nov 1st

Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050062B69FE72C38?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeGB5rCbQN3aAspmAgeDX1Uah_qUtN4OpCPgxHsAJI6gUuvtIONAXA8lXpR5Q_aem_NR0U3Ra-Hv44kE7vlXyYog

In this raw and redemptive episode, Eric Stephens of Redwood Christian Ministries sits down with Christian hip hop artist and evangelist Bobby Bendito to share his extraordinary testimony. From a life consumed by addiction, drug dealing, and violence to complete surrender to Christ, Bobby recounts how God's grace rescued him from the darkest valleys.

He opens up about his early years in the streets, starting to sell drugs at 17 and struggling with addiction while trying to support a growing family. But when his wife was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, Bobby hit rock bottom—and cried out to God. What followed was a life-altering transformation that led to healing, restoration, and a mission to minister through music and truth.

Topics Covered:

• Bobby’s early life in gangs and the drug trade
• The spiritual wake-up call through his wife’s illness
• Struggles with addiction, pride, and identity
• How God used Christian hip hop as a tool of redemption
• Reaching others through transparent testimony and truth

This episode isn’t just about music—it’s about miracles, mercy, and the message of hope for anyone who feels stuck, broken, or forgotten. Bobby’s story is proof that God can redeem any life, no matter how far gone.

Watch now and be inspired to trust God’s timing, power, and purpose.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of transformation.

Find Bobby Bendito here: https://www.instagram.com/benditomuzik/?hl=en

Episode 150 marks a major milestone — and this time, the host becomes the guest. Maurice F. Martin sits down with Rooted in Christ founder Eric Stephens for a deeply honest, purpose-driven conversation about the journey behind the podcast, its spiritual mission, and the road ahead.

From wild college nights to radical transformation through Jesus, Eric shares the real-life moments that shaped his faith — including a powerful encounter with God during his grandmother’s final days, his battle with rejection, and the impact of mental health on the walk of Christian men.

We also go beyond the mic to talk about:

• The birth of Beyond the Walls, Cleveland’s premier Christian concert series
• How Eric makes his faith practical in every room — from boardrooms to the block
• The launch of Redwood Christian Creative with his wife, combining booking, life coaching, and music education
• What’s next for the mission — and why it’s all for Jesus

🔥 Real stories. 🔥 Real growth. 🔥 Real faith.

Whether you've been here since Episode 1 or this is your first listen, this one will stir your soul. Like, comment, share — and get your tickets now for Beyond the Walls: Nov 1st, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tickets and more information are available here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050062B69FE72C38?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeRWdxb1BMK5_T53JNcr0mXc1eXCx1UFv4HzQDa1E9GLOJdC1GFD5IBI9DKgQ_aem_ER6Is_71JQWfNQqDjCQBpA

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, we sit down with real estate investor, life coach, and foster care advocate Samuel Dorvil. Samuel opens up about his incredible journey—from surviving a near-death burn accident as a toddler in Haiti, to growing up during the crack epidemic in the U.S., and ultimately finding faith, purpose, and calling through Christ.

Samuel shares his testimony of divine healing, family sacrifice, and how a vision from God during college led him and his wife into a life of fostering and adopting children. Now a devoted father, husband, and business owner, Samuel blends faith with action—building homes through his company Pro Design Builder, mentoring others, and advocating for children in need.

This episode dives deep into themes of trauma, resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of faith. It’s a candid and inspiring look into what it means to live with intention, serve others, and walk boldly with God.

Like, share, and subscribe to hear more real testimonies and faith-filled conversations.

Watch Samuel’s podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@DoitlikeDorvil8

In this powerful episode, Eric Stephens sits down with Charles Pratt — artist, studio owner, and man of faith — for a raw and deeply moving conversation about purpose, provision, and the power of obedience. Charles opens up about his unlikely journey from secular hip-hop performer to the founder of Breakthrough Sounds, a Christ-centered recording studio and media production facility built on excellence, humility, and service.

They dive into:

• Charles' faith journey, including how questioning led him to conviction
• Navigating the tension between music, identity, and calling
• The origin story of Breakthrough Sounds and its mission to serve artists with integrity
• Why spiritual conviction changed what he listens to, creates, and consumes
• The importance of honoring clients and creatives in business
• How God’s guidance transformed every step of his professional and personal walk

This episode is equal parts testimony and challenge — a reminder that surrender isn’t loss, but the beginning of God doing more than we could ask or imagine.

🙏 Stay tuned till the end for a heartfelt prayer that may just be the encouragement your spirit needs today.

Learn more about Breakthrough Sounds: https://www.btsoundscle.com/

Connect with Charles: https://www.instagram.com/toobefresco/

In this episode, Eric Stephens sits down with Krista Tressa, Christ-centered CEO and chief copywriting officer of CaringMessenger Copywriting. Krista shares her powerful journey from pharmacist and educator to purpose-driven copywriter, explaining how her faith led her to entrepreneurship as a form of ministry. Together, they discuss how emotionally intelligent messaging can elevate both profits and Kingdom impact, and why being authentic, spirit-led, and mission-focused matters in the marketplace.

Krista opens up about:

• Her transition into copywriting during the pandemic
• How she helps Christian entrepreneurs clarify their message and connect with their audience
• Walking in obedience, even when the next step is uncertain
• Balancing faith, family, and business with intentionality
• Why success is personal, and how she defines it beyond just money

With contagious energy, Krista reminds listeners that God doesn’t call us to be perfect—He calls us to be obedient. Whether you’re a business owner, creative, or believer seeking encouragement, this episode will remind you that your voice, story, and calling have purpose.

Learn more about Krista: www.caringmessenger.com

In this episode, Eric sits down with Olivia Figuered to hear her deeply personal testimony of walking through the challenging journey of her sister’s stage four cancer diagnosis—and the unshakable faith that carried her through it. Olivia shares how God met her in the darkest nights with signs, scriptures, and a peace that surpassed all understanding. From prayer rallies to unexpected healing moments, she believed for a miracle every step of the way.

Through this experience, Olivia's faith was strengthened, and she was called into ministry, launching the Peaceful Presence Podcast to help others find clarity and hope in Christ. This episode is for anyone navigating grief, disappointment, or unanswered prayers while clinging to the promises of God.

Tune in for encouragement, heartfelt wisdom, and a reminder that even when the outcome isn’t what we expected, God’s presence never fails.

Connect with Olivia here: https://oliviafiguered.com/

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens welcomes back author, speaker, and man of God, Casper Stockham, to discuss his latest book, Mastering Adam: Becoming the Best Adam for Your Eve.

Casper unpacks the spiritual, emotional, and cultural challenges men face today and how Mastering Adam offers practical, biblically grounded solutions to help them step into their God-given identity. From communication and responsibility to leaving a legacy and walking in alignment with Christ, this episode challenges men to rise, lead, and reflect the heart of Jesus in every area of life.

Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers truth, encouragement, and real tools for living as a man after God's heart.

Grab the book + FREE resources at https://www.iamlovebuilders.com