[0:00] Hello friends, welcome to another episode of Tell Us a Good Story. Today, like every fifth episode, it’s Steph and I sharing our own stories with you and some of our closest friends. And this conversation is with Adam Bennett and Courtney Simmons. You guys, this is the first time Courtney has been on a fifth episode with us and she was so much fun to talk to. From what annoys Kevin, to what annoys me, to what Kevin should not be volunteering to do ever. And we provide a big announcement at the very end of this episode in regards to the next steps of Tell Us a Good Story. So you will want to hang with us to the very end. As always, we can’t wait for you guys to hear this very fun fifth episode, sharing our stories with you, with our friends, Adam Bennett and Courtney Simmons.

[0:42] I’m Kevin. And I’m Stephanie. And during our marriage, we have dealt with an electrocution, a brain tumor, brain surgery. Then doctors telling us that children were not in our future, followed by miscarriage and then Kevin’s cancer diagnosis. However, today we live a life completely healed and restored. With three healthy children who doctors said were not possible. And we’re here to tell stories that inspire, give hope, and brighten your day. Welcome to… Tell Us a Good Story.

[1:11] Okay, friends, before we get to this episode, just a friendly reminder to please hit the subscribe button on YouTube and Apple Podcasts, or give us a review. Five stars, please. In our world, this is super, super important because it will help with the algorithm to make it easier for people to find us. And thank you for sharing our post across your social media. That really helps with engagement and with us getting guests. Yes. So, hey, if you want us to keep working our way up to talking to Chip and Joanna, please share us with your friends. But regardless, thank you for listening to Tell Us a Good Story.

[1:44] Steph? First time in Tell Us a Good Story history, two guests are coming together, babe. For the first time. I’m so excited. Welcome to episode 220. Jeez. And today we get to share stories with our friends, Adam Bennett and Courtney Simmons. Thank you both. That’s so exciting. Saying yes to us. Adam is a veteran of this. Courtney, this is your first, fifth episode, but second time on Tell Us a Good Story. You were episode 52 when you shared your adoption story, which was fantastic.

[2:12] I cried. You’re not the only one. That was a fantastic story. So like always, I have a list of potential topics to discuss tonight. Yes. And as always, my wife here was not helpful at all. I wasn’t any help at all. So two nights ago, I asked Steph, hey, is there anything you would like to talk about on episode 20? And immediately she goes, nope, not at all.

[2:37] Nothing, nothing. So then Courtney, last night at our daughter’s softball game, and we’re sitting there, I’m trying to think of topics and all that. And I said, Steph, listen, tomorrow night is going to be Courtney’s first time on a fifth episode. Is there any topics you think would be fun to talk with her?

[2:53] And that’s the response I got right there. Like radio silent. So I thought, okay, maybe she didn’t hear me. Hey, Steph, tomorrow night, anything would be fun to talk about with Cordy. I got nothing. Okay, so here’s the problem. It’s a Thursday night. I have worked my full four days. I was tired.

[3:14] Again, get up at four something a.m. We don’t get home from the ball diamonds until 9.30. Nine o’clock, yeah, at least. So we are exhausted. I said, so come Thursday night, mama’s tapped. I’m done. And he’s like, I need you to put on your thinking cap. I was expecting one idea. I had nothing. Just one. No. One. Thursday night, y’all, you’re not going to get my best. I’m going to be honest. So if we record on a Thursday night, I might just sit here. So it’s a good thing it’s a Friday because I feel so much better on Fridays. So did you come up with something in the intervening 10 hours? No. Not at all. He asked me to do it tonight.

[3:47] So tonight at dinner, I tell Steph, listen, one of the topics is going to be things that annoy you. Yes. And I go, what annoys you? And immediately, what did you say? Your face. Oh my gosh. That hurts. Yeah. No, seriously. Don’t feed her a straight line like that. It’s your fault. I go to bed at night and I see your face and I’m like, ugh. And then what happens? The next morning, I wake up and there’s your face again. And yes, I’m annoyed. Let’s do a shorter show called Things That Don’t Annoy Me.

[4:19] I was teasing though. You thought it was funny. I could do, for material, 10 minutes on that new microphone.

[4:27] That gives you a Paul Harvey-like groggy toss. I literally just took it out because I wanted to test this, so I didn’t have to hold this all night. And yeah, I’m like, oh my gosh, that sucker’s… Yeah, the old headphones, you look like a ham radio enthusiast, too. You know, hadn’t been out of his mom’s basement in a while, but that, it’s like this… Serial deal. Limbaugh, Harvey, Carson, all rolled into one.

[4:51] So, before we get to things that annoy my wife, let’s talk about things that annoy me. There’s one thing in particular. Oh, I didn’t know we were going there tonight. That one thing that annoys me is Steph and Courtney’s fake Bible study. It’s not fake. It’s not fake. It is totally fake. It’s real. The fact that you just said fake. That hurts. He’s going on the prayer request.

[5:15] It’s going to be one of those where they look and they go, I have an unspoken one when they look over. And then people’s imaginations just run wild.

[5:23] Oh, that hurts. So here’s what happened, Adam. This is what, two years ago, probably? At least. We’ll say two years ago. So at our church, they have small groups. You can sign up to lead a small group, and then they put it in the announcements. Here’s a list of small groups, all of that. So Steph starts talking about this new small group that she’s going to go to at Courtney’s house here. I’m like, oh, okay. Well, when is it? What was it, Saturday morning? It was either Friday night or Saturday morning. They vary. Like a three-hour small group, Adam. It corresponds with half-rice margaritas. Well, we do have communion. We do offer communion at most small groups, Bible studies. Peace be with you. Do you want salt on your room or your glass?

[6:11] Yes we do so this was an awfully long small group this this first session so steph got home and i started asking her questions like hey like who spoke who spoke in your group just like uh, you know we didn’t really get into a whole lot like well who was there and then you listed off basically your very close group that you have right i’m like oh okay well what devotional did you go through and then after probably the third or fourth question stuff’s like listen listen, this is just mama getting out of the house, okay? There’s no Bible study. And I thought this was a legitimate small group through our church and a Bible study. And no, you had been manufacturing something here that it was literally just, I want to get out of the house. Which you could have just told me. You asked too many questions. And I just come from my small group and I felt bad lying to you because I just asked, my sins were wiped clean during this group. And then you kept asking questions and I just want you to not talk. And we knew that we could ride this out for, I mean, six, eight weeks, I think is an average small group at our church. Before the real tough questions started. So Kev is on this, like he’s going to stay home with the kids. Steph really needs this time with the Lord. And what better way to do it once a month with communion and at my house.

[7:32] So it worked. And, you know, he eventually caught on, dang it. He put a clear piece of tape around the Bible. Yeah. See if it got broke. It hasn’t moved. It hasn’t. So then that next Sunday, I asked the group leader here, Courtney,

[7:49] because it was at her house. She’s the one who hollows out the Bible to put the flask in it. I asked, okay, so what’s this week’s session on? And you said, hey, send me your prayer request. Your prayer request ahead of time, and we’ll get those on the list. Any special songs you want us to sing during the meeting? Oh, yeah, we get out tambourines. We’re handling snakes at this point. Yes. If you want to take it a step further, you could be a fake missionary. You could like, oh, that’s good. It’s our bring up donation. You hear this stuff? We’re taking notes. Keep talking. You can take a fake mission trip. I mean, that’s the next progression where you’re like, I’m taking a mission trip to Cabo San Lucas. We are rebuilding an orphanage slash bar.

[8:36] It was destroyed in the same hurricane. So, I mean, either way, there is fellowship there. Amen. Adam, the worst is when, and I’ve seen this before where of course you get asked a lot to sponsor teenagers, right? Young people for mission trip, all of that. Oh, you know what they’re doing. And then they, they come back and they share pictures and all this. And so they share the pictures and it’s like, wait a sec. I didn’t know this was like a football camp that you were doing there in Haiti. Right. And then you have this teenager who gets these Haitians and they’re doing like the OHIO with their arms, taking pictures. And you’re just like, This was to fill out your social media profile with people who don’t look like you. Oh, it’s so trite. One time a guy at our church wanted a sponsorship for a mission trip to Belgium. They got a higher standard of living there than we have here. They should be sending missionaries to us. My gosh, this country’s a dope. I was like, what a turnaround. You don’t get to go to a better country to be a missionary. That’s not the rule. I mean North Korea I mean Haiti something like that right that’s an interesting idea I’m on it yes I’m on it our leader is here I’m gonna take up an offering for that what could go wrong what could go wrong I’m on it.

[9:51] All right Steph I’ve got a question for you what’s your favorite book of all time obviously you met her where oh I thought you were gonna say the Bible oh oops oh, what’s your second favorite book of all time you met her where Yes!

[10:10] A distant second totally distant it’s pretty good book sorry god it’s still a pretty good book but we’re so excited where can people get our book okay i know this uh amazon.com yes barnes noble yes and and our website kevinsteff.com and what happens if they buy it off our website what do they get uh an autograph from us yes who wouldn’t want that so listeners if you’ve already read the book. Thank you so much. We’ve had such good feedback. One thing that helps us, if you can give us a review on amazon.com, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much. And thank you for listening.

[10:50] So Steph, let’s talk about things that annoy you. Okay. Are you ready for this? Yes. All right. Apparently number one is my face. No, I was teasing. I love your face. I think you’re cute. You okay number two my coughing oh i can’t stand it i can’t stand it is it too loud too high it’s constant i’m like hold that sucker in to now tate’s doing it i’m like buddy i didn’t teach him i didn’t teach him how to do that do you think it’s for attention yes clearly it’s for attention oh my gosh no you just caught hold it in yeah see he’s doing it again hold it in okay here’s Here’s the thing. Any time my sleep is disturbed. Yes. Drives me crazy. Because again, get up early. I go to bed early. Like I have, I have to get my sleep. Like it’s so important to me. If I cough, I sleep in the guest room. Oh, I do it every time. That’s what I did last night. Every time I cough, I just, I don’t even, I cough once, twice. Steph’s like, uh, you got to get out of here. You have to leave. No, you have to leave. And so, yeah, that’s what I did last night. That’s exactly what I did last night. It’s just so loud. Hold it in. I don’t understand it. I just, I don’t understand it. Is it seasonal allergies? Yes, that’s exactly what it is. All right, number three. Sponsored by Zyrtec. I was trying to segue that.

[12:12] Another thing that annoys my wife. Emmy’s softball team, 12U, their coach is giving them water breaks. Oh, I can’t stand it. Water breaks during the game. I can’t stand it. Okay, let me preface it by saying, Emmy’s coach is the most amazing, kindest, most beautiful soul. She’s the sweetest woman.

[12:35] However, these girls, they’re pitching. Let’s be honest. They are not Jenny Finches. they are not you know world series pitchers it is 78 degrees they have to stop after four to five batters to get a water break a water break wow yes i can’t i can’t because we’re saying like wait what and then it’s like can i get water and then the catcher who has the gear on can i get water i’m like no no no you can’t if you if you want to want water strike out the side get your butt back over the bench get yourself a game exactly step nuts and i made the comment like okay when you’re watching tv how many times to take a water break during cincinnati reds game how many times to take water breaks no the college world series no during the inning you don’t no you don’t but it was kind of like they’re calling oh you need water we’ll make sure you get it but you can’t be the parent like hey enough’s enough right but it’s driving you crazy crazy wednesday emmy’s pitching and they’re like emmy would you like a water break she knows my stance on this i’m i’m I’m just looking at her like, don’t you dare. Don’t you dare. She’s like, yeah, sure.

[13:42] When that child got in the car, Mama Bear let her have it. We do not take water breaks. Even though it was already a dead ball, like timeout, you were upset because she said, yeah, sure, I’ll take the water. I’ll take the water. No. Like Adam said, strike the girls out. Sure. Then take your water break. The other kids on the field. Yeah, earn your water break. Oh, y’all. It’s called pitch efficiency. Greg Maddux never needed a water break in the middle of the inning. He knew he had nine pitches and he was done. Major League. They’re in full gear. You know, they’re playing in 90, 100 degree weather, humidity.

[14:17] There’s no breaks. Like, oh, I can’t. I can’t. The next thing that annoys you, going to our next daughter’s softball game, Elle. Taking a time out to tie shoes. We had this this past week and the coach went out, tied the girl’s shoes. It’s eight you. This girl, it looked like he was teaching her how to tie the shoe out in the outfield. It was a five minute break. Teachable mama. It’s going nuts. No one has time for that. Let’s keep it moving.

[14:45] Let’s go, people. Now’s not the time to teach her how to tie a shoe. Come on. We don’t get home until 9.30 at night. I’m like, we still have baths. The kids want their third dinner of the night. Oh my God. Don’t they have the two-hour rule in your league? They do. It was within that two-hour, though. But it wasn’t going to stretch out the game any longer. I mean, it technically did because it will go past the two-hour. Got it. All right. Next thing that drives you nuts, and you already mentioned it because

[15:08] it drives you crazy and annoys you. What? Kids sneaking into our bedroom. Oh. Can’t do it. Oh. So.

[15:15] Okay. I sound like this horrible person tonight. I love my kids. I love them. But again, sleep is so precious to me. It’s gold. It is. I’ve always been that child that needs eight hours of sleep. I need eight hours of sleep. Do they stream? Like right now, I can watch my girls’ softball game right now. Do they do that for yours? Yeah. That’s kind of cool, isn’t it? It is. On Game Changer? Yeah. Yeah, it’s really cool. Yeah, it’s kind of slick. I feel like less of a neglectful parent when they ask me, did you see my hit? I’d be like, well, I was at a bar, but yes is the answer to your question.

[15:57] So kids sneaking into the bedroom. This happened multiple times this past week. So the first time was I woke up, I went to the restroom. You woke up, came in, and apparently I was taking too long. So you went out in the hallway and went to the kid’s restroom. He was taking a nap on the can. It happens. It’s the only place you can get some peace. Close that door, turn that fan on. So during that time, I came back in. I laid down on my side. When Steph came in, you basically laid down on Emmy. I did. You literally laid down on her. She had crawled into bed. When I was getting to bed, she must have slid over into your side, and then you laid down and laid right on top of her. I was so annoyed. I’m like, ah! Oh, you were giving her the business. I was not happy. You were not happy. No, you know what? I don’t think I was, because at that point, I might have raised my voice, but I was like, whatever, and I went and slept on the couch. I’m just like, it’s not even worth it right now. Did you? Yeah. Oh, I didn’t know that. I didn’t know that. Yeah. So the week before, I believe, again, I’m like out of it at night. So i went to the restroom came back and our eight-year-old had come into our bedroom and apparently i just walked in as i’m walking back to our bed oh she gets scared literally i ran into her and i’m like.

[17:17] Why do people do that oh my gosh i mean it was almost the end of me and l I ran right into her pitch black, like tripped over her and just like the whole neighborhood oh my gosh and then yeah you woke up like why are you yelling I’m like I just ran into a kid but why are you yelling the kids that live here yeah so I would think that would sort of be expected, he is not the brave one sometimes oh my gosh when it’s pitch black and I ran into another human being even though they’re tiny It doesn’t matter if it’s pitch black, I could be around the corner and pop out and you’re screaming. Like, that is you, I can scare you so easily. I am. I am. If I come home and I open the door and one of my kids goes, ah, I go, yeah, I live here. I just say that every time. How many times are we going to go through this? Steph’s the same way. You cannot scare her. You cannot rattle her. Same thing. Same as you, Adam.

[18:20] All right, another thing that annoys you is about this house. There’s a handful of things that annoy you. I’ll mention one in particular.

[18:27] If anyone puts something in their microwave without covering it. That’s fair. This woman loses her mind. That’s a blender with the lid off. Thank you. Even if it’s something that is not going to explode. Oh, no, that’s just idiosyncrasy. Not going to explode. This woman loses her daggone mind. No, that’s not true. Can I ask a question real quick? Yes. Out of the five of you that live here, how many people are putting something in the microwave? Just three or four? Probably three. Three. Okay. So it’s basically me and Kevin. Okay. That know the rules. That’s what I was going to ask. But they still just don’t do it. They know what’s expected. Yes. Okay. But they don’t do it. And then I’m the one that still has to clean the microwave. So it’s just like. Yeah.

[19:13] Yes. You were across the room. I put something in the microwave like two weeks ago. And you lost your mind across the room. Well, was it stew or was it? No, it was like a cup of coffee or something. No, Kevin. It was nothing that was going to explode. It was not. It’s always something. It’s the stuff like soup, Adam, or something that he can. Yes, I do cover that.

[19:36] Okay, which reminds me of this story. This was maybe three years ago at your parents’ house. It was somebody’s birthday. So we’re having a birthday party there. They had little kids, plastic plates. And on it i didn’t know this but it was like metallic something metallic inside of that paper plate kids got a firework show didn’t they yeah and that’s exactly what happened so i put it in your parents microwave and within six seconds it is a firework show in the microwave like your mom’s yelling at me what are you doing as like the fireworks you start hearing the sirens come down the street it was like how did that happen i mean this guy knows how to party i remember as a kid remember like racks or species yes the tin foil yes i remember as a kid put that in the microwave that’s what i learned hey that don’t put this that is still funny i had the same experience so i pulled it out and i’m like brent i like i’m so sorry i didn’t know this and then we looked i’m like oh there’s metallic stuff on the paper plate so about a half hour later your brother wasn’t there at the time same thing happens it’s not 30 minutes later he puts something in the microwave same thing happens we’re having a firework show and your mom about loses her mind like these kids are trying to burn the house down the party is over we were gonna hire a clown but shoot this is way better.

[21:04] This is better than balloon animals oh I’m like oh I’m so sorry like he and I both about burnt the house down with that. Next, we’ll put nickels in the garbage disposal. We’ve got all sorts of great ideas. All right, I’ll skip a couple of these stuff. The last one here is things that annoy you would be me mispronouncing things. I just, it doesn’t annoy me. I’m just like, you are probably one of the smartest men I know. I think you are brilliant. I think your brain, it amazes me sometimes until you try to say certain words or until you know your animals. And then it’s just like, I don’t understand what’s going on with you. I’m trying to sound it out. Okay. So one of the worst, one of the worst examples guys was one of the first episodes we had was an individual who I’m drawing a blank on his name, but he’s sent us a list of stories that he had. And one of the stories was a trip that he had recently taken to La Jolla, California. So we, that’s a tricky one. so i’d had this in my notes and i’m like hey you were recently in la jola california.

[22:26] And you really just say that like what is it merlot i’m like there’s no i was gonna say when he started la jolla i’m like i was like okay that’s how he’s just gonna that’s how he’s gonna talk about it I’m like, that’s still not how he’s supposed to say it. You’ve now twice mispronounced. When he thought it was right the second time. He’s like, I’ve now fixed it. Wow. I was vexed when the story started. I’m like, wait, is this the mispronunciation? Or is this the correction? Says he’s still not done. He still doesn’t. Is somebody going to tell him? Is somebody going to tell him here tonight? Well, it’s so funny when you said my heart. Words are hard. Adam just kind of looked at me like, is this the way he’s saying it? Yep, sure is. This is my husband. Something I noticed about you two that I just want to point out, because again, Steph is my girl, and maybe Adam, you could take this home as a lesson learned from tonight. I love how Steph will build you up and then correct. And I really think that’s an important key factor here that we need to zone in on. That’s what the Marines do. Break them down first. You’re one of the smartest men I know. You’re brilliant. you’re so good looking but your face you know you are da da da da da but but like it’s your coffin but.

[23:51] But I like that because you still pull out the best while correcting. And so I noticed that and I just didn’t want it to go unseen. See?

[24:02] Let me know the opportunities. La Jolla. La Jolla. La Jolla. La Jolla. Oh my gosh. I hate it. But every time I say something, for the most part, you didn’t do it just now. But Steph is always, are you serious? Are you for real? I do say that. Please tell me you didn’t. You just think that. Please tell me you’re pretending right now. For example, can I say the example? Of what you did a few weeks ago last week oh my gosh we are playing a board game with the kids, and i forget it’s i think it’s family face off so you have to ask questions at the kids level the kids have to ask parents questions at their level beat the parents beat the parents thank you so much so kevin is asking the kids a question and i think the question do you know the question yeah what what is yeah yeah i i read it as what is a chihuahua.

[24:51] That is inappropriate that’s inappropriate are you serious right now he’s like what and the kids are like i don’t know what that is kevin and i was like kevin and he’s like what and i’m like do you mean chihuahua and he’s like oh and i was like are you being serious right now Now, did you really think that’s how you pronounce it? Yeah, because that’s a good question. Oh, my gosh. And he thinks he’s so funny. He’s like rolling on the ground laughing. Because I messed up when I was sounding it out. And I re-looked at him like, okay, that was dumb. That was a complete dumb moment. Is the answer the dog or the province in Mexico? It was definitely the dog. Okay. Definitely the dog. So, anywho, a few things you annoy you. I fixed it. I’m like, you’re cute, but sometimes we just have to. See, here we go. See how this works? There you go. I like it. See? That’s a great point. I think it’s patronizing. I don’t know. Nope. Nope. I appreciate it.

[25:53] All right, Steph, I’m going to test you again here. What is your favorite book of all time? Obviously, it’s the Bible, Kevin. Yes. Nailed it. Very good. This time you didn’t say the book we wrote called You Met Her Where. But it’s still a really good book. That is true. And it would make a great gift for friends or relatives on their birthday or for Christmas. Friends, you can order your copy of our book titled You Met Her Where at kevinandsteph.com. And we will make sure to personally sign a copy for you or whoever you want. And as always, thank you for listening to Tell Us a Good Story.

[26:25] So steph of the things that i i’ve done or volunteer for what is one thing that i should not be doing you should never be an umpire or a referee ever ever ever never really ever okay no sport at all no because yeah tell them why you can’t do this i do not like being yelled at but I can’t handle it. If someone’s yelling at me and especially if I think they’re wrong, I make it worse. I’m either going to yell back at them or I’m going to be passive aggressive and say something to make them look stupid. Yeah. We don’t use our Jesus thoughts.

[27:04] Put that on the prayer request for the next Bible study. Here’s the thing. In some youth sports, the coaches are loud on the field or on the basketball court, right? So there’s been times where I’m, I’m referring a basketball game in the past. And the coach is following me on the court yelling at me. I don’t handle that well. And I don’t know if it goes back to childhood getting yelled at, which it probably does, but I don’t handle that well. So I have a short leash when it comes to getting yelled at by an adult, especially if they’re following me around the court. And you turn around and scream, I hate you, Dad. I’m like, wait a minute, wait a minute.

[27:40] We’ve uncovered something. So in the last two months, I’ve been volunteered for or asked multiple times to umpire or referee a game. And you have been like praying nonstop. All the time. I am literally in the stands praying over him, praying over the people. Like, just be nice to him. Just don’t argue with him. Make the right calls, Kevin. It’s awful. It is awful. Last week, our nephew, Sam, is on a travel baseball team. They take it very serious in travel baseball. Well, the umpire ended up being 45 minutes late. 45 minutes late, you guys. 45 minutes late. So we get to 20 minutes. I’m like, oh my gosh. And then we see an umpire get in the parking lot, and he’s just taking his good old time. And we’re like, come on, hurry it up, dude. So he finally gets to the plate, brushes off the plate, and he’s like, is this the 12-U game? And we’re like, no, it’s the 9-U. Oh, sorry, I’m on the wrong field.

[28:38] So then he leaves, and I look at my brother-in-law, and I’m like, listen, if you need somebody to start the game here, I’ll step in. I will gladly help. and so he’s like okay so he goes to the coaching staff and they’re like you know what we might need that so they go over to the uh the home team and like yes please if you have a parent volunteer let’s do it i thought they were gonna have me and one of their parents do it okay too sure that’s not what happened they just had me go out there and start doing it so they have no clicker to keep track of balls and strikes they have no gear no helmet no nothing so they’re like just stand I stand behind the pitching mound, I’m like, okay. So I go down the line and look in the outfield and I start to talk to the one coach and tell him, hey, can you help me on these foul lines because I didn’t think they were marked. So it’s gonna be hard to see whether it’s a fair ball or a foul ball. So I go over, I’m like, hey, can you help me? And then I see it’s marked, I’m like, oh, I should be good. And he’s like, listen.

[29:38] We don’t have a very high expectation of you. So go ahead and just do it. So I did it for what? A half an inning, maybe a little bit more than half an inning. And then finally this dude shows up 45 minutes late. So I, I umpired for what? 15 minutes or whatever. And you said, when I got back, you said you were praying in the stands the whole time, the whole time. I was like, babe, you did so good. That was so good. He’s like, well, thank you. I was like, you’re so proud of you right now. Cause I was like, Oh my gosh. He’s like, what’s wrong? I was like, I was praying the whole time. I was like, I was praying for everyone. Just be nice to him. Don’t yell at him.

[30:10] So it was wonderful. So I passed the test on that one. However, my nephew Zeke recently got married. Joe’s son. Yes. Okay, so he’s 25, I believe. I believe he’s 25 years old. Yes. So part of his bachelor party and buddies thing was he organized a basketball game with his buddies that were going to be in town. So when I say organized, that means he wanted a referee. Referee he had the scoreboard he got shirts for everybody had their names on it like they’re keeping stats he hired some friends to film it all of this he’s mini kevin legit at this point so he texts me and asked me or called me and asked if i would do it i was like zeke for you buddy i will do it i’ll referee however he only had me doing it there was nobody else now on basketball basketball, typically you always have two referees because if somebody’s guarding another person as a referee, you can’t see through the body, right? So if they like smack down, you can’t tell unless you hear their arms getting hit. You can’t tell if they got ball, if they got arm, anything like that. So it’s very challenging if you only have one referee.

[31:19] I didn’t know that until like the week before that it was only going to be me. So I get a random text from Zeke that week. Hey, uncle Kevin, um, Just want to ask you, do you have a referee shirt by chance?

[31:33] No, I’ve never worked at Foot Locker. And no, I have never bought my own referee. Like, no, I don’t wear that around the house or, you know, to church. No, I don’t have one of those. So he actually bought me a referee shirt. So I had a referee shirt, get there, and it’s all like mid-20s year olds, right? They’re still in decent shape. A lot of them are former athletes, and they’re taking it very serious. Especially my nephew zeke yeah he’s taking it very serious he’s mini kevin he’s so mini kevin so he gives me a whistle gives me a referee shirt to put on and tells me you know here’s the rules that we have all of this so he like everything so we start the game and on the way there to the gym, i’m praying god help me to do well and help me to have the right attitude give me peace, that there’s no issues at all, right? So I literally, I am praying on the way there. So first quarter, guys start chirping, including my nephew, all right? So midway through the first quarter, Zeke is yelling for substitutions. Well, it wasn’t a dead ball. So I tell him, hey, you play, I ref. There you go.

[32:46] So shut your pie hole, right? Keep that pecking order in place. By the end of the quarter, the team that was going at Zeke, a couple of them started chirping at me. And that was enough. I couldn’t handle it. It was done. So the one guy yelled out, you’re the worst referee I’ve ever seen. The other guy’s like, this is the, we’re playing football out here. We’re supposed to be playing basketball. He yells this, right? So end of the quarter, I turn, black team, that’s your first warning. I need y’all to shut your mouth. I said it really stern, and it got completely quiet. So then I go over to the scorer’s table where they’re keeping stats, not knowing that the people keeping stats that was their son that i just yelled at okay and they were completely fine with it they totally understand so i had said i’m like well we’ll see if that shuts them up right like that was the line that i drew and i literally yelled that right back at him like i’m done and so the rest of the game was fine it was totally fine and i they totally understood like hey i’m the only referee here there’s things i can’t see on the other side i can’t see through your body all of that but i got through it for the most part unscathed yeah you still have the shirt i do still have you better believe it all worth it.

[33:57] I’m proud of you for keeping up with those 25 year olds well i wasn’t running as much as they were okay i was literally going from like basically foul line to foul line but um yeah it was still i was still kind of a sweaty mess after that so then what happens with our eight you daughter softball team you tell me do not volunteer for anything no don’t we are so busy please let us let’s just watch the game together so we can actually have some time together while we watch our girls play. And they’re like, we need a parent volunteer. Okay, I’ll do it. I’m like, well, they’re, they’re when our time together. I don’t think that’s how it happened. Pretty sure that’s how it happened. So I did not volunteer for anything. We get to the first practice.

[34:40] Everyone had helped out, but in this particular league, each team has provided a parent volunteer to umpire oh so nobody volunteered no one would volunteer and so it starts going i’m like listen i will help out and i was thinking if i don’t do this it could be very very bad well and i also think if you don’t have a parent volunteer you end up having to forfeit the game yeah like you have to provide an umpire from each team so and i i love that role but i end up getting stuck doing that. Now granted, I enjoy doing it, but here’s what happened. The very first game, come to find out, there is a jerk coach on this one particular team. On 8U, which makes me so sad. Like again, they’re kids, right? Yes. So I confirmed a few of the rules with them in that league ahead of time. I go out there and what happens is when your kids’ team’s batting, you’re out in the field. When they’re batting, you’re behind the plate, okay?

[35:39] So, this coach was already complaining about me and where I was positioned on the field. I was positioned behind the pitching mound, like close to second base. He wanted me on the outfield. Exactly, Adam. Exactly. So, he’s complaining to our team’s coach about where I’m positioned. So, then there is a foul ball and he starts complaining about something. And I go, sir, I’m behind the play. I’m like, sir, is everything okay? He’s like, yep, it’s fine. I just totally disagree with you. And remember, he said that out loud in front of everybody. Buddy and my response was i’m like okay like thank you for telling me that yeah and i just you know zipped it and then in between innings i went to you and you’re like are you trying to pick a fight with this guy or what are you doing please be careful just be nice please be careful please don’t run your mouth back to him if he starts yelling so that was the worst that we’ve had but then last game adam we had a parent come to me afterwards and say hey you should be a ref and go through the training and stuff and get certified to do it. For softball? Yes. You should be an umpire. Umpire. You should be an umpire and get certified. I’m like, no, I’m good. He’s like, no, I’m serious. I’m like, I am too.

[36:45] That is one thing I should not be doing. As am I. Yes, I cannot do that. He’s like, okay, well, if you think about it, he’s like, I did it for 30 years. I’m certified. Let me know. I’m like, please no. He’s good. But one of the most fun, though, was the prior game. There was a coach on the other team. he had umpired for 20 years okay and he told me this you know the second inning and he said when he was umpiring he said there was one game where he’s umpiring high school baseball he’s out in the field his partner’s behind home plate and they announced in like the last inning that the pitcher for this high school team had just tied the record for strikeouts for the game and so he said you know over that loudspeaker hey next strikeout you know mason bowling alley is going to give everyone a free night of bowling or whatever so he was one strike out away from of course breaking the record so he said the count was like two and two and the pitcher throws one and it’s outside but his buddy the umpire turned looked at the batter and said sorry kid we’re going bowling and then goes strike three calls him out and he said the place just erupted like like, you know, banging on the fence and stuff. We’re going bowling, all that. He’s like, I will never forget that. He was like, sorry, kid. We’re going bowling.

[38:08] I’m sacrificing the integrity of this sport so we can play a different one. Yes.

[38:17] Steph, what is one of the most asked questions we get about Tell Us a Good Story? Do I really get that excited? Besides that one. Oh, how do we get all these incredible guests? Correct. And some of our best conversations have been with guests who our listeners have reached out to us and said, you should talk to this person. To name just a few, Nick Vujicic, Coach Tom Ryan, Carol Matico were all recommendations from our listeners. So if there’s someone you would like us to interview and think they might be a great fit for Tell Us a Good Story, please let us know at kevinandsteph.com. You don’t even have to personally know them. True, but do me a favor. Before you submit their names, please make sure they are still alive. That has actually happened, and it is super hard for me to find their contact information. But regardless, thank you for listening to Tell Us a Good Story.

[39:04] Okay, so Courtney, it’s the first time you’re on a fifth episode. Do you have any questions for us or anything that you’re curious about behind the scenes? Well, I feel like I get the inside when I do get time with you because I know you’re so busy all the time, and that does drive me nuts. At your Bible study? Is that what you’re talking about? At Bible study. We need an extra hour at Bible study. We do. Bump it to twice a week. Well, when we go on that missions trip, we’ll get caught up. We change that one light bulb for one family. I’m like, mission. Done. Mission accomplished. But first off, I want to applaud you. Because I’m sitting here. I remember when we were just talking about this. We, because I’m on the team now. Obviously. We were talking about this. And- How many episodes? Two? Twenty? Is this 220? It’s 220. Two hundred, like… Yeah, four and a half years now. This is crazy, because like I said, I remember when this was just on paper, or this was just a talking point, sitting around playing cards. And it’s just wild to see what y’all have done. But I want to know, like, when you guys started, did you ever say, like, hey, let’s just try five episodes, or let’s just… What was your vision, like, for this? You know, that’s such a good question. And I think it’s very fitting that Adam is here because Kevin had the vision of he and Adam.

[40:28] Oh, that’s right. Like that was their podcast. The four of us doing this. Take it on the road. Yes. I’m like the fifth beetle. What could have been? What could have been? That’s right. That was the original. This was never my vision. This was Kevin’s vision. And it was with his buddies. He wanted this podcast as like something fun to do because whenever they did their football trips, he just loved. That time together and he loved talking and that was only one idea, right? That wasn’t like the main reason for doing tell us a good story, but that was one idea about tell us a good story and it never would have worked. Yeah. The first episode was like, how long do we have to talk? And I said, let’s try to do it for 27 minutes. And you’re like, Kevin, we don’t talk that long in a day, 27 in a row, in a row. I’m like, well, let’s do our best. And you’re like, can we put a bunch of ads or something in this? What can we do to break this up? Yes. So the follow-up question is, Kevin, when did you lose creative control exactly? I think we’ve pinpointed that.

[41:32] Well, then I have, my next follow-up question is, then what’s next? Like, you didn’t see this. I never saw this. 220. Like, guys, that’s huge. Thank you. And the people you brought on. I mean, like, there’s so many wow factors to, it’s so unique. But we’re here. Do you guys ever say that? that like when you have time coming back from a ball game like it is how long are we gonna do this what are you gonna do because you’re at a high right now like keep going but like do you ever like uh when we retire when we stop doing the show or when we is that ever talked about or is that not in sight like what is next interesting we’ve never talked about being done with the show okay good i mean we started it and we didn’t know if this was going to be good we didn’t know if it It would connect with people. I remember we got to episode 16 or 17 and we did an interview two in one day. The first interview went really long. Like he wanted to keep talking to us and we had to get going, right? Because we had another interview. And then the second interview, we stopped it.

[42:35] And he said, but I had more stories I wanted to share. And we’re like, okay, go ahead. Let’s keep sharing. And so we got out of those two interviews. And I remember thinking for the first time, maybe there’s some runway here. I didn’t know how long because the average podcast is like seven episodes. So this is rare to be able to do this for four years. Absolutely. But I never saw this. And people ask me because my personal life, I’m a CPA. I’m a fractional CEO. Everything I do, I measure. Everything’s measured.

[43:03] Everything’s scrutinized. Everything’s looked at. And so with this, it’s like, what’s next? And I never saw this. I didn’t know what the end was going to do. And it just next steps and next steps. Because originally, Steph, it was just you and I sharing stories. Then it turned to us talking to other people who had great stories. And then some of the feedback we got was they enjoyed fifth episodes. They enjoyed hearing us more than maybe guest interviews. Which I don’t understand. I still don’t either. I don’t get that at all. But the fifth episodes, when you look at the downloads and all that, it’s actually the most popular. Which I’m, again, I’m shocked. Well, it’s so relatable. It’s real. Like, people know you now. And it’s so, oh, Kevin, Steph, people that never met you. Like, oh, Kevin, Steph, son, you know. Like, that’s what it feels like. So bravo to you guys for even bringing that so organically and natural. Thanks, Court. And what’s happened is it has snowballed where we’ve had guests who has recommended us to other guests. Yes. And then recommended us to other guests. And so the names that we’ve had over the past five, Steph, we’ve had Helen Smallbone. So that’s a great story in itself, right? Where a listener reached out and said, hey, you know what you should talk to? And again, people having a very high opinion and more confidence in us than we do. Where they say, hey, you need to talk to us for King & Country. And you’re like, I don’t know if we’re there yet.

[44:24] But reached out, found their PR team, and they’re like, hey, let’s try to make this happen. I love what you’re doing, tell us a good story. For King Country was busy at the time, but that new movie, Unsung Hero, was coming out. So they hooked us up with their mother. She’s like the featured person in that movie. So we were able to talk to her. Then we talked to former president of Magnolia Network, Doug McKinney. And again, all these people, who knows when you show them a video clip, right? Or if we share something, who knows what that leads to and what doors that opens up. But who are the other people that we’ve talked to lately?

[44:57] John Gordon. I was going to say, John Gordon. John Gordon, who is a 16-time New York Times bestseller. When we’re doing the research, he’s one of the top three authors and speakers on leadership in the world. So it’s like him and Tony Robbins and John Maxwell, right? And just like insane. And so that will drop, I think, next week. Yeah, that will drop next week. At the end, he was incredibly complimentary of Steph and I. Of you. Let’s be honest. It was more of you. Of us. Which it should be. It was us. but um and then the other people who keep saying yes to us right and i can tell you more you know off the air who said yes we haven’t actually booked them yet so like adam and i will get like the inside like do we have to sign anything inside the other one that we are interviewing that will drop gosh in two months his name’s alex kendrick okay he’s with the kendrick brothers they are christian filmmakers so they have made war room courageous yes facing the giants, All the good ones So their peer team Set things up to interview them Their next movie is coming out in August And so they sent me a link to the new movie And said you can’t give a movie review About this but we can watch it Two months ahead of time from Sony Music And so we’ll talk to him here Shortly as well So in Facing the Giants he’s the coach He’s the main character in all those movies, Don’t give up! Don’t give up!

[46:19] Again it’s wild the people that, And we’re going to keep going. We, again, we’re on a team. You are on a team. So there’s no talking about like… Well, Steph, you want to announce the next step? No. This will be our final episode. I knew it was coming. We have something to tell you. I’m happy to be here for it. Oh, no. This is it. This is our closing. I guess five episodes we’ve recorded in a studio here in Columbus to potentially turn this into a TV series. Shut up. so we can show you the video clips offline but there may be some opportunity that we could pitch this we’re going on tv i mean you guys are going on so shut up there goes my contribution.

[47:02] Oh well sorry i already asked hey can you fit four in here they’re like no we can’t we can fit two dang it we’re done i already asked like hey can we do these fifth episodes in here and he’s like no you can’t do that so we’ve recorded i think five now in the studio and like every time we’ve got to change clothes like the one time we did three in one day wardrobe we had to do three different wardrobe changes and it was man we did three interviews in what within four hours i think with guests and um i’ll show you that how it looks on video that is but like the lighting’s better stuff’s like oh my gosh i love this filter oh my gosh can i just walk around with this filter like can i just i want it all the time it really does look much different when you’re somewhere Somewhere that has good lighting and a 4K camera as well makes a big difference. But then I watch the replay and I’m getting very self-conscious. Watching yourself on camera and I’m like, oh, I’m just sitting there with my mouth open the whole time.

[47:59] And so now you have to pay attention to your mannerisms and stuff. All those eye rolls. Oh, boy. How was it like seriously, Kevin? Are you serious right now? Please tell me you’re joking. How was his cough? Was he coughing? Yeah. Oh, it’s so annoying. The barrel hostility comes through. You cut the tension with the knife. Just look at it there. Wow. You can see it now on camera. Audio, they sound like they like each other, but you add the visual. There is some seething rage. She is daggering him right now. Hilarious. So, yeah, it’s definitely a different experience. It’s definitely different. But again, just next steps because it’s too overwhelming when we think, yeah, I mean, when we think originally, Steph, that the podcast would turn into national radio show, which would turn into a potential TV show, all of this, right, and not getting intimidated by that, but also not getting intimidated by the people we talk to. That’s, you just gotta put it out. I’m just a regular person like you guys. I put on my pants. Yeah, I really do, I mean.

[49:05] Relax yeah when you talk to a jim trestle to dog the bounty hunter to yes john gordon right just like these incredible people not getting flustered and just try not to fan out you don’t do a very good job of that you will fan out you give your authentic self but with me trying to stay calm like hey it’s just a regular person here i’m talking to jim trestle no big deal right you were you were definitely fangirling it um there has been a few so john gordon was one you’re like i cannot believe i’m talking to him that was you know who the one that you freaked out maybe the most like during the interview maybe before when we got him oh i mean i yeah i do that all the time i know like i’m basically running around the house like steph you’re not gonna believe he’s I didn’t know who it was. No.

[49:50] John Schneider. That was yes. Oh, yeah. Yeah, Dukes of Hazzard. And I had no clue who it was. Yeah. No clue. No. Hey, but if you say Bo Duke, she knows exactly who it is. Well, yeah. Did you grow up in the country? I did. But I don’t know his real name. Most people don’t know the name John Schneider. No. But if you say Bo Duke, people know like, oh, yeah, that’s a blonde haired guy from Dukes of Hazzard. I will do it all. She’ll put her shorts on. I will put the baby Dukes on. I will slide across the hood. but yes she will don’t ask me what his real name is we all right we break out the windows in our in her minivan we just jump in we still make fun of coy advance that’s gonna be a too obscure reference for your crowd we’re not getting that it’s literally this whole thing is just next steps it is we have no idea like we never saw this happening people ask me all the time like you did earlier is this what you saw no i didn’t see any of this yeah and again i go back to like what I do professionally. Yeah, which I love that you do that. It’s the opposite of what I do professionally. I’m always looking ahead. And with this, it’s like, no, just next step. It’s like, that’s all you got to worry about. Literally, it’s blind trust. It’s faith. I saw myself just going out for milk one day and never coming back. Be like. I’m out. I’m out. I mean, look what happened. I mean, that’s still on the table. Look what happened. I’m here tonight instead of watching my girls softball. Yes.

[51:13] Dad of the year. Right here. Yes. You’re watching them on video right now. I’m streaming you, babe. There’s no point because I can’t scream at them. I gave you a like. I gave you a like. I hearted that last walk you had. All right. I’ll tell the nanny to take you out for ice cream. Tell the nanny that’s raising you.

[51:39] So what’s next, Steph? Just keep doing what we’re doing. We’re walking this out. Walk it out. And again, just next steps. But if this continues, we’re not going to be able to self-fund this. This is going to be a completely different venture. We legit are paying for all of this. All of it. So it’s time. It’s time. Moving on up. Well, Steph, any other stories you’d like to share? in this episode. You know I’m very good with great stories. I don’t even know why I’m asking. I’m so good at this. Adam and Courtney, are there any stories you’d like to share before we end this episode? All right. Well, Courtney and Adam, thank you so much. Absolutely. Certainly. Friends, we want to encourage you to please follow us wherever you listen to this, whether it’s on the Apple Podcast app, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or one of the other platforms. You guys, it’s completely free. And while you’re there, feel free to give us a rating or a nice review. Thank you for listening to Tell Us a Good Story.