The Knock Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

"God's voice doesn't always shout—it often whispers in the middle of your routine."

In the very first episode of The Knock Podcast, Bobby and Gerrad Kough sit down with Chelsea Thomas—a wife, mother of three, business owner, and a woman who knows what it means to answer when God calls. Chelsea and her husband operate three F45 training studios, but her most important title is Mom. With a life full of responsibilities, she shares how she leans fully on God's guidance to carry the weight of it all. 

Chelsea talks about growing up in a faith-filled home and feeling the presence of God from a young age. After earning a finance degree and landing a full-time job in the corporate world, she quickly realized God was pulling her in a completely different direction. Just six months in, she made the bold decision to walk away and become a teacher and coach—following His voice without knowing exactly where it would lead.

In this honest and powerful conversation, Chelsea shares what "The Knock" looks like in her life and how answering it has shaped her journey as a woman, a mother, and a follower of Jesus. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the boldest step you'll ever take… is simply opening the door. Listen now, and don't miss your moment to answer The Knock.

Revelation 3:20 – "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock..."

In this episode of The Knock Podcast, Bobby and Gerrad Kough sit down with their friend and business partner, Jimmy Vreeland—a husband, father of four, former Army Ranger, and successful entrepreneur with a powerful testimony of transformation.

Jimmy opens up about growing up in the Catholic faith, walking away from it during college, and what happened when 9/11 changed the course of his life. After three combat deployments and years of wrestling with trauma, anger, and spiritual conflict, Jimmy found himself chasing worldly success but feeling empty. It wasn't until a pivotal moment—sitting in a car outside of church with his kids in the backseat—that he truly heard the knock.

Jimmy shares how the trauma of war deeply challenged his perception of God, creating an inner conflict between what he experienced and what he believed. He opens up about the long journey of reconciling his faith with his ambition, masculinity, and sense of purpose—areas where he once felt tension and contradiction.

Through spiritual discipline and the powerful act of confession, Jimmy began to rebuild his relationship with God from the inside out. He also reflects on what it truly means to be a hero to his children—not through perfection, but through presence, growth, and surrender. Ultimately, his story reveals how God doesn't waste hardship—He uses it to refine us, not to punish us. Whether you're in the middle of your own battle or leading a team through a storm, this episode is a reminder that when you answer the knock, everything changes.

If this story moved you—share it.

🙏 If it spoke to something deep inside—pray on it.

🎙 And if you're ready to take a step in faith—keep listening. God is always knocking.

The question is: will you answer?

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Youtube Episode: https://youtu.be/ICebpW3qV7w

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4H0VSxMD9V8?si=e346ceef5ec44352 -------------------------------------------------------

Connect with our Guest:

Jimmy Vreeland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyvreeland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.vreeland

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyVreelandC

Connect with us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579074172725

In this episode of The Knock Podcast, Bobby sits down with Brad Papez—husband, father, former D1 offensive lineman, college graduate in actuarial science, and a man whose faith story is as raw as it is redemptive.

Brad opens up about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, feeling like a "mistake" in kids' ministry, and praying to be anyone but himself. The breaking point came after a devastating spinal injury in college—and even a painful relationship that confirmed he wasn't "enough." In that low moment, sitting in his car with a gun in the glove box, "Who You Say I Am" came on the radio and led him to Matthew 11:28. That moment changed everything.

From there, he found healing through faith and community—even when the road led him back into addiction, painkillers, and loneliness. But God didn't stop knocking. Brad shares the peace and purpose that followed once he surrendered, started a Bible study in a warehouse gym, and began rebuilding—spirit, mind, and body.

Brad's story shows that God doesn't waste your pain. He uses it to refine you. And the most powerful transformation isn't perfection—it's when you choose to keep going despite how broken you feel.

Whether you're wrestling with identity, walking through recovery, or wondering if God's still speaking—this episode will remind you: when you open the door, everything changes.

If this story moved you—share it.
🙏 If it spoke to something deep inside—pray on it.
🎙 And if you're ready to take a step in faith—keep listening.

God is always knocking. The question is: will you answer?

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/N2mPDeoHwdM

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4...

Connect with our Guest:
Brad Papez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brad_papez50/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.papez.9

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564557217045

In this episode of The Knock Podcast, Bobby and Jared sit down with Nick Tallo, Pastor of Two Rivers Church—a husband, father of four, and shepherd who's been faithfully leading others to Christ for over two decades.

Nick shares his story of growing up in Warrenton, Missouri, in a loving home with little interest in God. Sports, friendships, and a "good life" made him feel like he didn't need faith—until God began planting seeds through a transformed teammate, his girlfriend's (now wife's) prayers, and a small-town Baptist church service that changed everything.

What started as a reluctant visit turned into an undeniable encounter with Jesus. Nick describes walking into church wanting nothing to do with God and walking out ready to surrender everything. That night, with the help of a friend, he opened the Bible, connected the pieces of the gospel, and gave his life to Christ.

Nick also shares how the transformation didn't stop there. From battling pride, and the temptation to argue his faith online—to realizing the true strength is found in humility, gentleness, and grace—his journey shows that walking with Jesus isn't about perfection. It's about surrender, daily.

This conversation dives deep into faith, family, and how God uses both our high points and our lowest moments to reveal His power. Whether you're skeptical, searching, or in need of renewal—Nick's story is proof that God can grab hold of any heart, at any time.

🙏 If this story stirs something in you—pray on it.
🎙 If you're searching for more—lean in.
Because God is always knocking. The question is: will you answer?

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/4DaLgVaMsKQ
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4H0VSxMD9V8?si=PZ9s3kqmRzixBXpB_hQRyQ

Connect with our Guest:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallonick?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.tallo.9

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564557217045

What happens when achievement, discipline, and control aren't enough?

In this heartfelt episode of The Knock Podcast, Maria Granados shares her powerful journey of faith, surrender, and rediscovering her true identity in Christ. From being the high-achieving student and athlete to facing personal battles that brought her to her knees, Maria opens up about the moment she realized her strength wasn't enough—and how God met her there.

Maria also shares how her daughter's battle with a rare pediatric disease reshaped her faith and calling. What began as heartbreak became the spark behind the Take Part Foundation, where Maria now advocates and raises support for other families facing similar challenges. Through her daughter's story, she discovered what true surrender looks like—trusting God to provide purpose, community, and hope in the midst of suffering.

She talks openly about the tension of using social media as a tool for ministry while guarding against ego and distraction. Maria reminds us that even with just a few followers, the impact of one God-centered post can change a life.

This conversation is an encouragement for anyone who feels weighed down by the pressures of performance or the noise of the online world. Maria's testimony is a reminder that freedom comes not from striving harder, but from surrendering fully—and living out the truth that our unshakable identity is as children of God.

🙏 If this story stirs something in you—pray on it.

🎙 If you're searching for more—lean in.

Because God is always knocking. The question is: will you answer?

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/Sgw0kWKTBnc

Spotify:

Connect with our Guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riarambles/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.rose

Connect with us: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61...

• Losing his dad to brain cancer and the two-to-three year spiral that followed.
• The identity crash after football and why success in sales still felt empty.
• The "gift basket" invite, the first Sunday back, and the moment God met him.
• How men's group, Scripture, and baptism began real change (sanctification).
• The ongoing war with pride, anxiety, and numbness—and the armor he wears now.
• Practical first steps if you're curious, distant, or barely hanging on.

Watch now and share it with someone who needs proof that God still meets people right where they are.

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/NWwqNPx2r98
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4H0VSxMD9V8?si=w54aSQhXSjqCB-BF_AuzaA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-knock-podcast/id1829544728

Connect with Gerrard Kough:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrad_kough?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerrad.kough

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579074172725

In this episode of The Knock Podcast, Bobby and Jared sit down with Bobby Kough—a husband, father, and business leader who vulnerably shares how his marriage nearly ended, and how faith transformed everything.

Bobby opens up about a season marked by selfishness, and the day he told his wife, Molly, "I'm done." But what he expected to be the end became the beginning of restoration. Molly's unwavering faith and her unforgettable knock on the table made it clear—divorce was not an option in her house.

What followed was a journey through brokenness, confession, and the long road of rebuilding trust. Bobby reflects on how God used Molly's strength and his own surrender to bring their marriage back from the brink.

This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply hopeful. Bobby doesn't shy away from the pain, but he also testifies to the power of God's grace—the kind that turns betrayal into redemption and transforms walking away into walking together. Whether your marriage feels strong, shaky, or shattered, this episode will remind you that no story is beyond repair.

If this story stirs something in you—pray on it.
If you're struggling—lean in.

Because God is always knocking. 
The question is: will you answer?

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/c05lKwFG8s4
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4H0VSxMD9V8?si=hfaL-c6bQuKd9jV4azlRRw

Connect with Bobby Kough:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbykough99/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.kough

Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564557217045

In this powerful episode of The Knock Podcast, Bobby and Gerrad sit down with Matt Granados—author, entrepreneur, leader of the men's ministry at North Road Church, husband to Maria, and father of three. Matt opens up about his journey from building million-dollar businesses in his 20s to realizing that worldly success could never fill the emptiness inside. He shares the turning point moments where God placed mentors, Scripture, and life-shaking experiences in his path, all designed to bring him to a place of full surrender. What began as a pursuit of achievement and control eventually turned into a life centered on obedience and faith.

Matt dives into the struggles men face with pride, insecurity, and the fear of submission, reminding us that true strength comes from surrendering to Christ. He challenges listeners to rethink how they approach the Bible, offering practical advice like circling verses you don't understand, continuing to read, and investigating later. His story highlights how important it is to surround yourself with Spirit-led mentors who are willing to walk beside you, speak truth, and call you higher. 

Another theme Matt unpacks is the shift from chasing high performance to embracing optimal performance—living with high output at a sustainable pace, rooted in faith rather than pride or pressure. He explains that people aren't the problem; people have problems. When properly equipped and guided, individuals can experience transformation in business, family, and faith. Matt also opens up about his daughter's miraculous survival after a life-threatening medical emergency, an event that reshaped his understanding of stewardship and reminded him that God alone is in control. 

This conversation is raw, challenging, and deeply encouraging. It's a reminder that obedience itself is the prize—not the outcomes, not the accolades, but the willingness to follow God's call no matter where it leads. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a husband, a father, or simply someone searching for meaning, Matt's story offers a roadmap for trading self-reliance for stewardship, results-obsession for obedience, and momentary wins for eternal impact. If this story stirs something in you—pray on it. 

If you're searching for more—lean in.

Because God is always knocking. The question is: will you answer?

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/yxOPQpTfvc8 

As a special gift, Matt is giving you free access to his LP Methodology eBook, which walks you step-by-step through the philosophies and processes behind Life Pulse that he discusses on the podcast. You'll also receive the Motivational Catalyst Assessment Tool—a practical way to evaluate what truly drives you. There's no fee, no catch—just resources to help you live and lead with greater intention.

Get it here: http://www.lifepulseinc.com/tk

Connect with our Guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt87granados/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt87granados

Website: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/

Connect with us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61...

In this episode of The Knock Podcast, we sit down with Will Bates—a former law enforcement officer, 1st Phorm athlete, and founder of the WillBinspired Foundation, a nonprofit serving military veterans and first responders battling PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the weight of unseen scars. Will's story is one of obedience, transformation, and purpose. From surviving officer-involved shootings to confronting the culture of drinking and destructive habits that surrounded him, he shares how faith, fitness, and community became the lifelines that carried him through. 

Will explains how fitness became his weapon against anxiety and depression, how the drinking culture inside law enforcement and the military can quietly erode the soul, and why vulnerability is real strength for men who are used to carrying everything alone. He talks about the danger of tying identity to a badge, a rank, or a jersey—and the freedom that comes from finding identity in Christ. His foundation has already sponsored over one hundred gym memberships, funded mental-health counseling, and built retreats that restore both body and spirit, giving warriors a place to heal and belong. 

This conversation is a call to action: step in when someone is struggling, be the first to go first in vulnerability, and answer God's knock before it's too late. If you're a veteran or first responder—or you love someone who is—you'll hear practical hope and a path forward rooted in faith, discipline, and community.

If this story stirs something in you—pray on it.

If you're searching for more—lean in. Because God is always knocking.

The question is: will you answer?

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/yxOPQpTfvc8

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4H0VSxMD9V8?si=2f5aa39a19cb4d06

Connect with our Guest: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WillBinspired/#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.bates.888516

Website: willbinspired.com

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61...

This week on The Knock, Justin "Stu" Stewart—police officer, coach, and founder of The Guild Fellowship (executive-level coaching camps for first responders and veterans at no cost)—shares how God met him in the darkest place and rewrote his life. From touring in metal bands and owning a tattoo shop to battling alcoholism, isolation, and suicidal thoughts while living in the back of his studio, Stu describes the moment his wife said, "Let's go to church," and how a single line—"Peace is not the absence of calamity"—broke through his pride and opened the door to Jesus.

Now nine years sober and praying over a future in church planting, Stu explains what it truly means to live on mission. He reminds us that you didn't create you, so your purpose isn't yours to define, and shares how God used even a 22-mile ruck to teach him humility, dependence, and surrender. His story reveals the reality that the Church is not a hotel for saints, but a hospital for sinners—and that real discipleship means moving beyond belief into obedience and service. 

This conversation is raw, powerful, and filled with hard-won wisdom about identity, purpose, and the eternal value of living a life surrendered to Christ. Stu's story is a reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, God is still knocking—and when you answer, everything changes.

If this story stirs something in you—pray on it. 

If you're searching for more—lean in. 

Because God is always knocking. The question is: will you answer? 

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/rXyH1Ct323c

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4RHnXYNOrJi4H0VSxMD9V8?si=2f5aa39a19cb4d06 

Connect with our Guest: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinstewarthd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.stewart.435008

Website: JustinStewartHD.com 

The Guild 

Fellowship Website: https://www.guildfellowship.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guildfellowship/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuildFellowship

Connect with us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knockpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61...