[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 this conversation is with our friend Courtney Simmons and Steph’s sister, Katie Keller Schnetzer. You guys, in this episode, we talk about our recent trip to Dallas for the big NRB convention where we won not one, but two awards for our podcast. Friends, imagine being told you’re a finalist for some type of an award. And in our case, it was for a podcast video of the year award. But then you show up and you find out this award is actually being presented at an Oscar awards like ceremony. No joke. And then you find out this award ceremony is also being filmed as a show for TV, just like the Oscars, which also means the winners have to give a speech on TV if they win the award. And then imagine telling your spouse what to say just in case they call your name and then your wife, I mean, your spouse gets ticked off at you because she says there is no way they’re actually going to call your name. Well, you guys, they actually called our name and we can’t wait to tell you all about it. Hope you enjoyed this fifth episode with my girls, Courtney Simmons and Katie Keller-Snetzer.

[1:12] I’m Kevin. And I’m Steph. And during our marriage, we’ve 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, completely 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.

[1:39] Okay, friends, before we get to this episode, just a friendly reminder to please hit the subscribe button on YouTube and Apple podcast, 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 posts 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.

[2:12] All right. And the winner of the gold crown award for best video podcast goes to Tell us a good story with Ben and Seth.

[2:21] Music.

[2:30] Thank you. Thank you. What an honor it is to be in this room with such amazing people like yourself. We’re so happy to be here. We started Tulsa Good Story five years ago because during the most challenging times of our lives, every single day, in addition to reading our Bible, we needed to hear something funny, something encouraging, something inspiring, just to get through the day. So why don’t you share with folks just a few of the things we went through during our first 20 years of marriage. So in the first two years of marriage, I was electrocuted and could have been killed by the grace of God I survived. Then was diagnosed with a brain tumor, had brain surgery. We were told that we would never have children. I had a miscarriage. Kevin was diagnosed with cancer. And then we had a son born with two holes in his heart.

[3:16] But today, we live a life completely healed. Completely healed.

[3:21] Music.

[3:27] And we have three beautiful children, who y’all just sent with them. And that’s why we started talking to this daughter, because we wanted to help people, hurting just like we were every single day and also to reach the unchurched and so here we are today it’s such a blessing to be here i want to say a big thank you john and these videos thank you john and what an honor to be here thanks for this award thank you god bless you all right stuff welcome to episode 255 255 with my girls i’m so excited we’ve never done this before it’s gonna be fun and hopefully i don’t regret this decision so today we have miss courtney simmons yeah and your sister katie keller schnetzer they’re here they’re here.

[4:29] Late night for the first time yes we have three ladies i am outnumbered you are how’s it feel well this is the latest we’ve ever recorded because you ladies haven’t stopped talking since you walked in the door we got a lot to catch up on we had a lot a lot of words we need to get it out emotions yes so we are now stuff an award-winning podcast and tv show you crazy it’s a big deal i’m looking at awards it’s crazy yes wild look at this wild so let’s tell some stories about a trip to dallas from a couple weeks ago okay the first thing is this was we were going to the national religious broadcasters convention which is an annual convention is like over 5,000 people there. And it was international. I didn’t know that. I didn’t realize. People from Germany were there. Russia were there. Like South America were there. Like it was crazy. I met so many people. I bet you did. No doubt. Did you greet them like you’re German? I did. Ja. Ja. Guten Tag.

[5:37] Yes. As you should. And then I just hugged them. So I lied. They started talking. I was like, let me just give you a hug. That’s how I greet. I was actually surprised you didn’t get that award. The best hugger award. You know, right? Yes. Super greeter next year. Okay. That’s one thing I was going to get to. That’s in my list because it was hilarious to see people’s reactions to stuff. Hands down. She turned into a mini celebrity there in Dallas. No. Tell us more. Yes. No. Continue. And it was hilarious to see the reaction because people would shake my hand. And when I say people, I’m talking like TV executives, media people, and they would introduce themselves. I would shake their hand and then they would turn to Steph, introduce himself and Steph before like they even got their hands out. Steph has them in a bear hug. Yes, that’s our Steph. Chugging them. It was so funny. Because every time, and John Ondo and I are like laughing because to see people’s reactions, they put their hands out and Steph every time ignores them. Every single time. I don’t think I shook one hand. I don’t think you did either.

[6:44] I’m like, I don’t know what that is. What are you doing? Nope. What is that? It’s not what we do. Every time. So it was very funny to see people’s reactions. But I mean, just starting off day one, Steph and I. Well, let’s talk about the plane ride. Because I’m like, again, even before we were trying to pack, I was like, babe, what am I supposed to pack? And he’s like, I don’t know. He’s like, we have to present, we had to present like our sizzle reel. And I’m like, do I wear a dress? Do I wear dress pants and my jeans? He’s like, I don’t really know. So we’re going into this kind of blind because we don’t really, yes. We don’t really know what to expect. How many people will truly be here? Like you want to dress good, but not like overdressed. But then you want to be like cool trendy But conservative Can’t be trashy You can’t be trashy I was stressed In fact our son’s birthday party Was that Saturday And before Katie would leave I made her come pick out my clothes I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing here So here’s what we knew We knew on the Monday We had a two minute sizzle reel That we were presenting, And then we had a two minute pitch To some Christian TV networks That’s all we knew Okay, so we get four minutes on stage.

[7:59] That’s all you got. Yeah. Okay. And then the next night we were a finalist for podcast video of the year award. Of the year. Yes. And that’s kind of all I know. And that was international. Yes. Which I didn’t even know it was international until we, they’re like, this is the international like, whoa, there’s different countries represented. And we’ll get to that. Yeah. Yes, we will get to that. So that’s kind of all we know. I had a ton of emails. I mean, I’m so busy. I didn’t read through all 500 emails. So I did not do a ton of research ahead of time. But we were well prepared on that Monday when we got there. So I mean, I was happy just to get out of the house. And you were excited to get away from the kids.

[8:37] I love them so much. So much. Mama was done. Mama was done. I needed some time. Yes, I did. But we get there. And it is at the Gaylord Convention Center. It is a humongous place in Dallas. And it was one of those things where we get there. And I mean, have you ever gone somewhere and you feel completely out of place? Yeah. Like, what are we doing here? At work. I don’t belong here at work. Surprise, my desk is still there. Yes.

[9:09] That’s how we felt. I mean, it’s like, what are we doing here? I mean, it’s this huge exhibit hall, kind of like the Arnold classic, with all these exhibits. and you just walk through and you’re meeting people and all that. And it’s just like, I don’t know, just out of our element. Yeah. And that was in the convention center. In the hallways, though, there was all these like TV networks. Their studios were like set up in the hallway. And actually recording live. Yeah. Oh.

[9:37] Oh, okay. So it was pretty crazy. There was a lot there. Yeah. So it was funny because I’m like, okay, what do I do? And John Ondo is the producer of Tell Us Good Story on the video side. So he’s introducing us to people and he said just go through these and he’s like Kevin do not go by yourself I’m like are you concerned for my safety or something? He’s like no no no, Make sure your wife is with you at all times. I’m like, Oh yes, that’s exactly what he was saying. Make sure she is with you at all times. I’m like, okay, I gotcha. So we get to that Monday afternoon. I don’t know about you. I was so freaking nervous. You get really nervous. I do because I am not one of those like to memorize lines.

[10:22] Like I’m just like, this is you show up here. I just show up. This is what you do. I put a headset on. You yawn. I yawn. And you do your job. And I do it. That’s how I do it. But Kevin had a. I had a script. We had a script. And I said, okay, here’s two minutes. Let’s practice this to make sure it’s within two minutes. Yes. And so, I mean, I give Steph, what, three lines?

[10:45] In two minutes. And it’s like, how do I do this? Yeah. Well, just because I didn’t want to flub it. Because again, Kevin is so good in front of a stage. She’s so good presenting. And there’s me like, hi, I’m present. You’re underselling yourself. You’re acting like you’re Marla Hooch. You’re acting like you’re Marla Hooch from A League of Their Own. I have no idea what you’re talking about. I love Marla. Well, then you should look it up. It’d make you very happy. It is so funny. Marla’s the best. But anyway, so like we kept practicing and kept practicing because it had to be two minutes or less. Or you were done and we were practicing it was like a minute 58 oh yeah and that doesn’t include all the applause and the standing ovation in those 120 seconds so i mean we might it might be tight.

[11:41] All right, friends, we want to hear from you. Every fifth episode has been us telling our own stories, but now we want to share some of your stories. That’s right, you guys. If you have a fun story you would like to share, please send it to us. You can email us, DM us, or even leave us a voicemail. And I will share our contact information, including a phone number in the show notes. If you call us, just leave us a voicemail and I will transcribe it and read it on one of our upcoming episodes. And don’t worry if you’re not a master storyteller. That’s okay. We want to share your stories, and then you will hear us comment on them. I promise you, this will be so much fun. Oh my gosh, you guys, so much fun. You guys, thank you for listening to Tell Us a Good Story.

[12:22] So we get in there, and it’s like… A few hundred people. Yeah. Let’s say 200. Yeah, and John said previously there’d be maybe, what, 50? Yeah. Then we’re like, oh, well, it’s not going to be as big as what I’m expecting. By the time they’re starting there’s over 200 people right around 200 yeah yeah and i was like uh and john’s like this is fantastic like is it is it though is this good are they staying, are they gonna be here the whole time.

[12:58] So we were ended up being like in the middle which i was really happy about so we could like kind of watch how people do it feel it out how we were going to be compared to them so it was a nice feeling okay so they have two hour time slot and it’s the nrb showcase of like new tv shows documentaries films all of that okay and there’s i think 27 that is going to be showing us as a reel right and pitching to tv networks okay so we’re in the middle.

[13:26] You and I have, here’s what we’re going to say after the sizzle reel, all that. And so the sizzle reel was fantastic. John did a great job on putting it together. And then we had two minutes. Okay. So we get up on stage and we basically just gave a little bit about our testimony and why we were there. Right. And we’re looking for distribution. And I thought it went really well. Okay. And then sat down. I think you could then breathe after that. Okay. But you see the categories you’re in. And I didn’t realize there were three awards that were going to be given out at the end of that. I didn’t realize this. And we thought awards, like maybe preview, like we didn’t know it was about what we had just done. I don’t know if you thought that, but I thought the awards were like for something completely different than what we had just presented. Oh, okay. So they had three categories. One was outstanding TV show, outstanding film,

[14:16] outstanding short film or something, right? Short video. and so in our category y’all is flashpoint okay we all know flashpoint flashpoint is a christian political show millions of people yeah the host of that gene bailey gets up on stage after us and he he was very confident i will say and he rattled off how many millions of viewers they have and he said flashpoint we are not just a tv show we are a movement and i was like oh okay, That’s bold Move right on to second place.

[14:56] So, we’re in the category with Flashpoint. And I turn to Steph before they announce the winners. I’m like, listen, if they call our name, and you’re just like, blah, blah, blah. I’m so mad. I’m like, what do you mean if they call our name? You’re annoyed. I was so annoyed. I’m like, what are you talking about? Like, no. And I’m like, listen. And I’m just like, listen. He’s being bold. Yes, I’m being bold. We know we don’t do well. I go, listen, I’m just saying, if they call our name, you accept the award. Grab the award, not me. You were like, you run up to the stage. But he said it in that bold way, which you know I don’t like to be talked to in a bold way. So now I’m annoyed. You don’t tell me. You don’t tell me. You be kind and talk nicely. So now I’m just sitting there. My legs crossed.

[15:41] Listen, I don’t have time to be soft and beat around the bush. Like, you’ve got five seconds here. Yes. And I need to directly. Talk nicely. Yeah, talk nicely. Change your tone. Did you tell her how to walk past Jean Bailey? Too like did you get that in there before they announced i just said you grabbed the award and you’re just like whatever right that’s what i said but i was i know i was like annoyed with that’s like don’t because i never want to assume and i wasn’t never i was just saying i was just preparing if they call our name you grab the award not me but to me i’m like that’s not even on my radar like don’t even say that because that’s not why don’t put it out there don’t even put it out there no no because then that makes me like feel like i don’t disappointed yes i don’t want to be sad no i’m so happy to be here you’re so happy to be invited i was i had a nomination thing on my old date tag i was like nominated for xyz i’m like that’s why i’m here i already won.

[16:48] So the gentleman gets up there and announces the outstanding tv show goes to dun dun dun, Tell us a good story. And I bust out laughing. And Steph gasps. My mouth is open. My eyes are bugging out. And I’m just gripping Kevin’s thigh. And I’m like, oh my gosh. Oh my freaking gosh. That just happened. Out of body experience. Yes. Well, that wasn’t for me. The out of body experience was the next night, which we’ll get to. Because I wasn’t even on your radar. No. I just thought we had to present the scissor reel. You know, people might come and talk to us afterwards. Like, that’s all I was expecting. And they’re like, now we have an award. I’m like, okay, who’s going to get the award? I’m going to clap. I’m here to clap and cheer for you. I don’t remember voting. Yeah. So we got up there and graciously accepted. It was amazing. Well, there’s a little more to that, right? We get up there. Steph gives the presenter a humongous hug. Obviously. Hands the word to steph i go to shake his hand and but because he just hugged my wife he feels like he has to give me a hug i love so i shake the hand i’m like oh okay now we’re going in for a hug so then i go for a hug bring it in come back and then steph goes in for a hug number two.

[18:14] And do your listeners know when steph gives a hug it’s with her arms legs it’s with her soul It is with her soul. Courtney, it’s also holding on to that hug a little too long as well. Well, depends on who you are. Yes. But she goes in for a hug number two. And when she gets, he’s like, oh, okay. Right. Yeah. Goes in for a hug. And then of course, the audience just busts out laughing. Right. Because Steph’s so excited. I was so excited. I was so happy. So then we won. Yes, we won. So then it’s one of those moments where like you turn to the camera. They’re taking pictures of you on the stage or whatever. And everybody’s just waiting for you to be done taking pictures, right? Thank you so much. And then he goes back and announces the next winner. So it was very, very cool moment. It was very. Not expected. Yeah. Absolutely amazing. But then afterwards, we were the last people in that room to leave. Oh. We were there for over an hour with people coming up and talking to us. Oh, that’s awesome. Over an hour from people pitching themselves to be guests of Tell Us Good Story to TV people, to radio people to people congratulating us to people interviewing us to i mean a lot which was which was very cool it was a very cool experience not what i was expecting.

[19:30] So then what happens is now people are starting to recognize us in the hallways.

[19:36] Which was interesting because people are loving my wife right she turns into during those two three days again steph turns into a mini celebrity and does not stop hugging people does not stop hugging people and so it turned into it was kind of awkward for me because it’s weird getting asked by another dude to take a selfie with him with someone i’ve never met before right and that’s what’s happening and that was kind of odd right like used to it yeah sounds like you’re gonna have to get used to this yeah that’s never happened before like some random dude hey can we take us oh sure yeah whatever okay so then people stopping stuff and the one woman was a professional comedian can’t remember her name but she turns to me she’s like i just want you to know i love your wife and i’m like thank you i do too and she goes i like you but you’re great i love your wife i’m like i totally get that you’re not gonna remember my name at all I totally understand that. Stephanie’s husband. Yes. That’s 100%. So then day two comes. And we walk through the exhibits and we feel completely out of place. You guys, these exhibits, like you said, it’s like the Arnold classic where it’s just like, you know, rows, rows of booths. Thank you. I couldn’t think of the word. So rows of booths and we’re going through these exhibits, feeling out of place.

[21:03] And I’m overwhelmed by like everything going on. And I’m just like, Steph, can we go in the hallway for a minute? Like I need to get some air. Yeah. Right. Let’s get out of here. walk out sit down and i start playing on my phone and i’m enjoying that more than walking in the exhibits were there snacks no you had to pay what i was so expensive that is the freaking gay lord it was expensive snacks i know well we packed some snacks though no kevin packed snacks because i wasn’t thinking because i was thinking of everything else no i’m the one who thinks ahead you were thinking about your outfit my outfit and the kids and the birthday party and the 10 shoes that you packed in the suitcase. Just in case. You have to be prepared. No, he’s like, can we have a minute? And I’m like, yes, because I was very overwhelmed too. So we went out at the far end of the hallway, sat in this low windowsill.

[21:54] He starts playing on his phone. I don’t know if you had to answer any emails from your clients. And I’m just sitting there. And all of a sudden, you guys, I got so sad. I was just like, Kevin, I don’t think we belong here. Like I’m sad I’m like disappointed like we’re trying to like sell ourselves like we’re like our producers like you have to sell yourself like that’s why you are here like you’re trying to sell your show that’s not that’s not you that’s not us like so hence why you know we’ve been paying for this on our own we’re self-funding it and we really need help there but because what it’s hard for us to ask for money. It’s hard for us to sell and pitch ourselves.

[22:39] It’s just very hard. So I’m sitting in the window sill, not pouting, but kind of pouting and sad, like, God, I’m getting defeated. And I turn to Kevin as he’s trying to work, and I’m like, Kevin, I’m sad. And he’s like, why are you sad? He’s like, look what just happened to us yesterday. It’s amazing. I’m like, I know, but what are we supposed to do? We’re not going to sell ourselves. Not with that attitude.

[23:04] We’re going home on the next flight. No, but you were so good because he’s like stuffed, God has brought us this far. He’s like, look what he’s already done. Look, like we weren’t even expecting this. And look what he’s already done. And I’m like, okay, okay. Like, you’re right. You’re right. You’re right. So. You tell me, let’s get off our phone. Let’s go back in. Yep. Okay, so we. Round two, baby. Yeah. So we get to the front of the doors and someone yells at us to stop. And I turn and they’re like, we’ve been trying to find you. I’m like, really? And so it was, uh, the VP of a TV network that was in the room. And he said, I told my producer here, there was one show that I saw that we have to go get. And it was tell us a good story. I sent you an email this morning. And so I, I didn’t look at that email account. And so he’s like, we’ve been looking for you. I’m like, oh, okay. And so the one person’s Dale and then they were older and they just loved us. They’re like, you are nothing like anybody that we see here. I’m like, well, it’s probably because we’re not trained to do this, right? We don’t come from this industry. We’re as organic as it gets. Yes. And so he’s like, is it true you’re an accountant? And I go, that is true. And he goes… You hide it well.

[24:28] That’s a compliment. I hope that’s a compliment. I hope it’s not like, did you actually go to school? Yes. You hide it well. I’m hoping that’s what it is. Then he starts to say something like, all the countenance I know. And he pauses. And then Steph’s like, they’re boring, right? They’re boring. Say it, Dale. They’re all boring. Boring. Like, Steph, let the man talk. He ends up being he was a tv executive flashpoint and i’m like let him talk like can we at least act like we belong here right you’re like singing boring.

[25:08] So he he laughs he think it’s funny he’s like yes kind of kind of that and so then the other gentleman he was with walked us to the booth to get us some information about his network and all that so yeah so it was great so that immediately happened when we’re in there so then we’re hungry then we’re looking around for food so i go to get food steph goes and grabs a small table and of course i come back with food and there’s a random stranger sitting there with my wife, and this individual is male and he is probably in his 60s i would say all right and he’s just talking Steph’s ear off and I’m like I leave for a few minutes and literally this guy is what is going on yes swooped in so then I sit down introduce myself and he had an incredible story he had been in prison for 22 years he worked for the government during the Reagan administration.

[26:05] And was put in prison for like espionage political crimes yes and so he was like I was framed and he’s going through all this stuff and I couldn’t follow follow it the stuff he was saying it was very interesting but he was all over the place yeah and i kind of pitched himself like hey you should interview me sometime and i’m like, why don’t you just tell me your story and then I’ll share it because we couldn’t follow it, but it was an amazing story. His wife waited for him. Yeah. He was in prison literally 22 years. Yes. Little kids. Yes. And then had this business. But wait, wait. So did they free him because he was not guilty or he served his full term? I think he got off early. Yeah. But getting off early was being in prison for 22 years. Stop. and one of the people that was trying to get him out was tim la hay do you guys know who tim la hay is i feel like i do he’s the one that’s authored the left behind books oh yeah so his tim la hay became a mentor and visited him a lot in prison i knew he was innocent was trying to get him off yes that’s wild and so that’s a good story then he built this business i think became a multi-millionaire is what it sounded like and then he’s like okay so what are you guys doing here and we tell him and we’re looking for a marquee sponsor of tell us good story the tv show because this is turning into a very expensive venture and he’s like how much do you need.

[27:32] And i tell him and his response was that’s it oh and i’m like yes he’s about ready to write us a check is what i’m thinking and then he’s like well i know somebody who could write you a check i’m like oh he’s like he’s gonna be here like friday i’m like well we leave wednesday so, shoot he did not write us a check is what i’m getting at yeah did not write it yet there you go there you go there we go friends we have been asked to speak at a few events recently in regards to sharing some of our story and it has been an absolute honor we have a lot of personal stories to share that will hopefully inspire encourage and maybe even make you laugh so if you’re hosting some type of event or need a guest speaker, we’re here to help. That’s right. Just go to KevinAndSteph.com and click on the contact button. Like Steph said, let us know if we can be of help in any way, whether it’s our personal testimony of healing and hope or me just telling some jokes. Oh, God, please, you guys, please don’t ask him to do that. But seriously, just go to KevinAndSteph.com to contact us. And as always, thank you for listening to Tell Us a Good Story.

[28:41] And then we go back to the hotel and get ready for an evening award ceremony so at this point step what do we know about this award ceremony i know that i have to wear a dress that’s all i know i thought this was going to be just a like the same thing it’s in a big huge conference room huge ceilings maybe 200 people and that’s it i packed a suit no tie and i thought I was going to be overdressed. Okay. I honestly did. So as we were walking there, I’m like, wow, these people are really dressed up. And what were the women wearing? Some of them were wearing ball gowns. And I was like, oh. Uh-oh. And you look, Steph. Where are you guys going? Where are you going? Well, and what are you wearing? You look beautiful, but you’re not in a ball gown. No. What are you wearing? Just like a cute little express dress, long sleeve, hit above my knees, just something I thought cute. Yes, it was beautiful. You looked adorable. Yes, absolutely. And I was in a suit, no tie. No tie, no problem.

[29:48] Yes whatever that means just kind of like you’re chill like it’s not a fancy event it’s like no time no problem you’re going casual easy breezy there we go i’m easy breezy okay so we go in this room and stuff immediately we’re like okay this is a humongous room and it looks like we’re at the oscars the backdrop is like the academy award yes and i’m like uh what’s what’s good are we in the right room right that’s where we’re supposed to be like what is happening right now it is literally stuff like the oscars then you realize there’s tv cameras everywhere a humongous stage with humongous screens on each side and i’m like okay this is different than what i was expecting there are hundreds of people in this room and then i get the program we start looking through there’s multiple categories one is podcast video of the year and we’re one of five finalists then And you’re going through the list and you’re like, oh, crap.

[30:47] There is a legacy award here and the award is given to the chosen. Oh, what are we doing here? Oh, this is fancy. Then we come to find out this is a TV show award ceremony.

[31:00] We had no clue. So right before seven o’clock, the head of this organization gets up and explains the rules, explains the layout. Here’s what we get. Okay, we have three award winners for every category. There’s a gold, silver, and bronze. If you win the gold, you get 60 seconds on stage to give a speech. And I’m like, oh my goodness. Okay, this is like the Oscars. Yeah, it literally is. And he warned everybody, you get 60 seconds. If you go over, you’re going to see us get upset because we have to remain on schedule. This is a TV show. It’ll air in April. He’s like, we will take you off the stage. We’ll take you off the stage. Like, we’ll cut you off. Yeah. They’re just going to play the music. I’m like oh my gosh this is literally like the Oscars super legit so I turned to John I’m like did you know this he’s like yes did you know you have to give a speech yes, Why didn’t you tell me this? And he goes, well, I just thought if you guys won, Steph would just go up on stage and scream for 60 seconds and go hug somebody.

[32:03] I’m like, okay, that’s a great assumption. Yes. Yes. Still, it might happen. Yep. So we’re like, holy cow. All right. So immediately in my mind, I’m thinking if they call our name, what can we say in 60 seconds? And that is not what you’re thinking. Take me off again. I got so bad. Don’t you tell me. He’s like, Steph, if we win, I’m like, stop, stop. Like, we’re just here. We’re nominated. We’re nominated. I stand your bullet right now. I miss congeniality. I’m just happy to be here. So she stops me. Yeah, so I’m like, stop talking, Kevin. So I keep thinking again, and then I’m like, okay, Steph, here’s what you’re going to say. And you’re like, stop, stop. Like, you did everything except put your hands over your ears. When I’m trying to tell you, So here’s what you need to say. Okay. So again, my brain is rallying. What would we say? Because y’all, this is literally like the Oscars. I mean, the lights, the camera. The stage. The stage.

[33:05] Everything. The presenters. Yes. Like all of it. Okay. So the category before us was best new documentary. And it was a documentary of Jesus. And I can’t remember the name of it. I don’t think it’s just Jesus. but the entire movie is sign language oh okay because they said 98% of the deaf population have never heard of Jesus are not aware of Jesus, so in this film that’s awful yes so in this film the entire film is signed, And then all the directors, all the producers, everyone on set, the actors were all deaf and they were all talking to each other. It was amazing. So goosebumps. So the presenters like, listen, when I present the producer and director of this film, they’re both deaf. So when they come up on stage, the way to applause is put your hands up there and like jazz hands. Yes, jazz hands. So presenting this award for best film is and then they come on stage and then everyone’s. Doing the jazz hands and all that and then they show the film and you’re like a 10 second clip and you’re just like oh my gosh amazing so then he signs it the interpreter speaks what he said and he’s you know thank you god bless you and then ends it well immediately when they end here’s my wife, and then i hear you go oh.

[34:33] I got so into it, yes raising the roof i mean, john onto his thing next to me and he goes i bet stuff’s too loud even for these guys, these guys were like whoa this chick is loud it vibrated no they were like i’m healed.

[35:08] So that is what was presented before video podcast of the year award, so we were there for maybe 45 minutes 45 yeah at least 45 so they’re getting to us and i’m like oh here it goes and you guys I could hear my heart like I think it was jumping out of my chest right, And this is the point where I’m like, okay, I’m going to be bold with Steph. I don’t care if she’s going to get mad. So for the third time, I’m like, listen, here’s what you’re saying. Okay, I like this. And you’re like annoyed. And later on, after this, we were out in the hallway, you apologized. And I wish I would have got on recording because this is very rare.

[35:52] But I said, listen, here’s the thing, Steph. I know we’re the long shot here. We’ve seen God do some crazy stuff in our life from healing to tell us good story to whatever if they call our name here that will fall under the category of crazy stuff.

[36:07] And you and I have to be prepared you and I have to do our part so that’s why this is how he needed to approach it with me like when he said it like that I’m like oh oh you’re like amen like let’s not be bold i don’t have time oh yeah this is what we had 45 minutes you had 45 minutes to talk nicely to that like that to me yeah but by that time when i’m like okay here’s what we’re gonna say you’d cut me off every time yes didn’t want to hear it didn’t like the tone talking boldly i need to be direct i didn’t have time to explain the why behind of this right so i explained that afterwards but yes i told you okay here’s what you’re saying and you’re just like yeah whatever, so there’s five videos in our category and so they go and the bronze award goes to blah blah blah and it’s not us like okay all right then the silver word goes to what we have a tie we’re like oh okay there’s a tie here for the silver and if you get one of you know the the bronze or the silver word you go off to the side they give you some type of certificate or whatever right and you take pictures all the day wake me up when that’s over oh.

[37:26] Nope so so they say the silver award goes to blah blah blah and blah blah blah and it wasn’t us and so and i i think i grabbed your leg i’m like i’m like steph we’re either first or last, literally we’re either first or last that’s our accountant doing the math, first or last doing the numbers always doing the numbers you’re either first or last Talladega night,

[37:58] It’s a good family movie. And the winner of the gold award goes to tell us a good story. And I gasped and you’re just grabbed my leg. We’re shocked. Mouth open. Unbelievable. Like it happened. So then we have to walk up on stage and there’s several hundred people in this room. The row behind of us is empty because they had just won like, you know, one of the previous awards. And then when you win, you end up going out in the hallway on like a red carpet. They interview you out there it’s on the tv i think it’ll probably be for that tv show.

[38:33] So we go up on stage and as we’re walking up on stage they do a 10 second clip of your show okay so everyone sees a 10 second clip of us while we’re going on stage we get up on stage and they had dimmed the lights and again this is so new so like getting on stage you’re walking past the sign language person and like i would love to just said random things right to see how they would sign it but next time next time next awards ceremony so we get up there the lights are dimmed and then all of a sudden i mean again like i’ve never experienced this before all of a sudden the video stops they turn the lights on and it is like five cars headlights oh pointing right at you pointing right at you it’s like poof and you can’t see anything it got really warm yes that’s exactly they’re right. And so again, it’s not something I think I’ve ever experienced where it’s dim, you see everybody and then it’s poof, lights are on you and you’re blinded. Okay. And it’s like, okay, you’re speaking into this. Yeah, you’re speaking in this microphone. 60 seconds. Blindly. 60 seconds starts now.

[39:38] So we start it. And then I go, Steph, why don’t you share some of the things we’ve gone through in our marriage over the past 20 years? And then you rattle off the six or seven things in the audience literally gasps out loud. And then I say, but today, we live a life completely healed, completely restored. And then everybody starts cheering. Jazz hands? Yeah. Jazz hands?

[40:04] They’re on their feet. That would have been funny if the deaf guys were doing that to us. Yes. We would have seen it. We would have seen it. We could have seen anything. Blind. They probably were. Yeah. So we shared what we were going to share. And then on the way home i looked at the video that john had taken sent us so kevin’s like hey i’m looking at this video how long do you think we talked for well surprisingly when kevin and i speak and we have like a time limit we typically nail it like if it’s two minutes a minute 58 what yeah a minute 58 or a minute 59 or if like we have three minutes you know it’s 255 and we’re cut off and they’re like it’s perfect like so i was like ah okay we had to talk for 60 or we couldn’t talk longer i’m gonna say 59 like we just barely got it in and then when i looked it was 90 seconds we went entire 90 seconds now granted we paused when they were applauding in between but that wasn’t 30 seconds worth of applause and they didn’t cut us off they didn’t cut the microphone they didn’t start the music it was too good 90 seconds they didn’t cut us off it was It was unbelievable. It was unbelievable. So then we say it, thank you, God bless you. We start walking down and then they play the music again, right, for the next presenter to come up. Because again, this is like the Oscars.

[41:27] Before we get to our seat, there is a vice president of the company. It was CTN, Christian Television Network. They’re the ones who’s filming this award show. The VP of this tracks us down before we even get to our seat and says, we want to interview tomorrow morning on such and such show. Like, okay, yeah, that’s great. He’s like, walk with me. So, walk in the background. He’s like, okay, here’s what we want to do. Can you do 9 a.m.? Can you do whatever? Like, literally, we didn’t even sit down and people are tracking us down.

[41:56] So then another guy comes up and asks about something and then we’re like hey let’s go in the hallway so we go in the hallway and then there’s that red carpet right and then they interview us out there so the presenter she she was not in there and she’s like what did you win for and we tell her and then she’s like okay tell us a little about yourself and then we kind of said the same thing we did out there and she about fell down when Steph rattled off I was electrocuted and I had a brain tumor and brain surgery and all this stuff and she’s like like this all happened to you guys yes yes it did and we’re here right and so the people who were interviewed before us again we don’t know anybody like we work jobs we’re not in this industry yet so then the people in front of us they wait they wait for interview to be done and then they want to talk to us and then so we start talking to them and then come to find out i look them up later i know who they were they’re like the head of tbn oh my gosh i’m like okay i it was the crouch crouch family yeah we all know that i grew up i grew up with them on tv i didn’t know them i looked them up and wrote about their families hey he didn’t get to watch tv oh yeah it’s true he wasn’t allowed.

[43:09] So so yeah i didn’t i didn’t know these people and then another person comes up and is like her husband started pray.com we want you to be part of our platform we’re like huge i had no idea, I know her name and then start talking and then, you know, Steph’s hugging her and it’s just crazy. Right. And then all these people are coming up to us and it’s like one after another. And we, we never went back in for the rest of the show because people were coming out and wanted to talk to us.

[43:34] It’s how the other side live, Katie.

[43:39] If you like what you hear, please tell someone about us. As soon as this episode is over, go tell your spouse, your closest friend, a parent, a coworker, or share one of our posts on social media. However, if you don’t like what you’re hearing, please do not. Don’t tell anyone. Don’t tell anyone. Don’t tell anybody. Just disregard this message. Don’t worry about it. Forget about us. Yep. Go on with your merry day. And to get more information about us or our entire catalog of episodes, be sure to check us out at kevinandsteph.com. Thank you for listening to tell us a good story.

[44:09] It was wild. We actually won the award, which was amazing. It was huge. And I don’t think, I know when we heard the news, us little people back home yes you guys were so just calm cool and collective about it like you didn’t even want to tell us no because we won yeah yeah we came home with something no big no biggie not a big deal what like what so humbled and it’s i mean it’s still like that’s pretty cool i know like and i’m just staring at it right now like there’s no fingerprints on that thing I’m allowed to touch it. There’s a cage around it, guys. Kevin polishes it every night. We’re getting some special lighting in here for this. Security. You’re going to have it when people walk in. As soon as the door opens, the lights are going to kick on and music’s going to start playing. You’re going to have a little turntable. They’re beautiful. It’s better than an Oscar. Yes. After the word ceremony, another person we got introduced to was this actor. And it’s one of these actors where you’re like, I’ve seen him before. Or what has he been on? And then you look him up. He was on The Fugitive.

[45:21] He was the FBI agent with Tommy Lee Jones. And then he was on the Late Shift movie that was Jay Leno and David Letterman. He played Jay Leno on The Late Shift. And so when you look up this actor, you’re like, oh, yeah, I’ve seen him before. You’re like, I totally know him. But he was like, I would love to be on Tell Us Good Story. So these are your boys now. These are your people. They gave us his cell phone number. and all that. So I have not reached out to him. But I mean, our people will reach out to his people, right? Obviously. Katie, that too? Here’s his number. I want you to reach out to him tomorrow. 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, too. Tell us a good story.