Faithly Stories

What if the church of tomorrow looked less like an institution and more like a grassroots movement? Tune in to today’s episode of the Faithly Stories podcast as host Alicia Lee sits down with Eugene Kim, founder of New Wine Collective and Executive Director of the Wild Fig Network, to explore a bold, necessary reimagining of Christian community in today’s spiritual landscape.

Drawing from over 25 years in ministry, Eugene shares how his own journey led him to re-evaluate traditional denominational structures and develop new models of church grounded in interdependence, mutual accountability, and justice-oriented community. Through powerful initiatives like New Wine and Wild Fig, he’s helping to create spaces where innovation and authentic listening guide spiritual formation.

This week, join host Alicia Lee on the Faithly Stories podcast as she welcomes Dr. Joseph Mattera, a global leader, theologian, and author known for calling the Church back to biblical foundations and cultural renewal.

Throughout their discussion, Dr. Mattera shares how an early passion for music gave way to a powerful calling to ministry, leading him from the streets of Brooklyn to international mission fields in Turkey and the former Soviet Union. His story is a testament to the power of obedience and the resilience of stepping into leadership without a roadmap.

Speaking to the challenges facing today’s pastors, Dr. Mattera offers wisdom on navigating burnout and guarding yourself against isolation, while prioritizing spiritual disciplines over performance-driven models. With deep conviction and pastoral care, he reminds us that cultivating a sustainable ministry begins with prayer and relies on both community and accountability to flourish.

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with husband and wife duo SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt, co-founders of the Godwink Brands.

SQuire, the author of 13 books and a former television executive, led Good Morning America to its first-ever #1 ranking and pioneered Schoolhouse Rock and The ABC Afterschool Specials, which together earned 75 Emmy Awards. Louise is a celebrated comedic impressionist whose acclaimed career spans Broadway, television, and national tours. She is also the co-author of six books in the Godwink Series. Join us for an inspiring conversation about their creative legacy, the power of faith-driven storytelling, and the story behind the Godwink movement.

Website: https://godwinks.com/

(00:01) Godwinks
(14:14) Godwinks for Moms
(21:48) The Power of Praying Together
(28:32) Praying Together
(43:06) The Power of Prayer and Faith
(51:32) Godwinkscom and Faithly Podcast Connection

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This week, host Alicia Lee sits down with Kevin Long, Founder and CEO of @SocialImpostor and self-proclaimed Social Media Bounty Hunter. From starting his career in Congress to coaching Olympic athletes in media training, Kevin’s journey led him to the frontlines of digital protection.

He now helps individuals, influencers, and ministries guard their social presence from impersonators and scams.

This week, host Alicia Lee sits down with Kevin Long, Founder and CEO of @SocialImpostor and self-proclaimed Social Media Bounty Hunter. From starting his career in Congress to coaching

Olympic athletes in media training, Kevin’s journey led him to the frontlines of digital protection.

He now helps individuals, influencers, and ministries guard their social presence from impersonators and scams.

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Brian Alarid. Brian is a servant of Jesus Christ, a Husband and Father of 3 beautiful children. He has served as a pastor and preacher of the gospel. But his ministry is perhaps defined as a prayer mobilizer. Brian is the President & CEO of World Prays and America Prays and the Chairman of Pray for All. He also serves as the Chairman of the Empower21 Global Prayer Alliance and collaborates with global leaders in the Finishing the Task Movement. 

(00:00) Unexpected Journey
(09:23) Trust in God Amid Unanswered Prayers
(18:56) Journey Through Faith and Struggle
(23:45) Power of Prayer in Transformation
(29:01) Global Prayer Movement for Gospel Transformation
(36:27) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso speak with Pastor Ty’Ann Williams about her ministry journey. Affectionately known as the Sneaker Preacher, Ty'Ann is a transformative voice in Christian leadership and spiritual growth. She currently serves as the Executive Pastor of IIM Church in Brooklyn, alongside her husband, Lead Pastor Alex Williams. She also expresses her love for God through musical worship, and has led praise and worship at churches and recorded with notable artists over the years. Ty’Ann is also the founder of a number of non-profit organizations that serve her local community, including Girls Going After God and SonShine City. 

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Danny Sanabria—husband, father, and a dedicated missionary to the young people of New York City. Danny’s journey of faith began when he had a radical encounter with Christ at just 16 years old. His life was transformed, and he felt an undeniable calling to share the gospel with his friends and neighbors—a mission he has never stopped pursuing.

Now serving as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ NYC, Danny is passionate about reaching the next generation for Christ. To him, ministry isn’t just about preaching—it’s about presence. Whether it’s sharing a slice of pizza or simply hanging out with teenagers, he believes in meeting young people where they are.

Danny also emphasizes the crucial role of the local church in this mission. Right now, Youth for Christ NYC is calling on churches to "adopt a hall" within the juvenile justice system. With 20 halls, each housing around 10 kids, he envisions just 20 churches—out of the 7,000+ in New York City—stepping up to support these young lives.

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso talk to Pastor Willie Alfonso. Pastor Willie grew up in Williamsburg to an abusive father. By the age of 11 he was kicked out of his home and forced to live with relatives and on the streets. He was addicted to drugs and felt he had no future, until he came to faith in Christ. He went on to become the Chaplain to the Brooklyn Nets and Chapel Leader for the Staten Island Yankees and the Hispanic players of the New York Yankees. In his new book “On the Other Side of Fear”, Pastor Willie encourages people to let go of failures and past hurts to find freedom from fear and the peace that waits on the other side. Pastor Willie is also the author of “It's A New Beginning: How to Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks.”