Advertise on podcast: Reaching For Real Life with Sean Azzaro

Sean Azzaro hosts Reaching for Real Life remotely while caring for his wife, Lauri, and reflecting on role reversal, selfishness, and the call to lay down one’s agenda in service, drawing on John 15:13 and the idea of spouses “out-serving” each other and learning love languages. He and Baron discuss the joy and humility of both giving and receiving care, especially as people age and face caregiving for spouses or parents. The conversation shifts to how social media reactions often become the story without facts, illustrated by memes about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ injury, and warns about trusting anonymous online voices. They then discuss AI as a valuable research tool with limitations, emphasizing attribution, double-checking sources, and practical sermon use as idea prompts rather than plagiarism. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 02:35 Caretaker Role Reversal 04:20 Crucifying the Flesh 06:50 Outserve Your Spouse 08:14 Beauty of Receiving Help 10:09 Bears Game Caretaking 11:30 Quarterback Injury Talk 12:26 Social Media Reaction Culture 14:14 Social Media Misinformation 15:20 Accountability and Sources 16:13 Rumors and Ken Paxton 18:00 AI Hype and Caution 19:15 AI for Bible Research 24:19 Avoiding Plagiarism in Sermons 25:55 Originality and Attribution 27:08 Marriage Series and Wrap-Up

Sean Azzaro speaks about C.S. Lewis, the Inklings, and The Chronicles of Narnia, then the conversation shifts to Netflix’s upcoming IMAX film of The Magician’s Nephew (February 2027) directed by Greta Gerwig, with concern over Meryl Streep voicing Aslan while still calling the character “he,” discussing faith, audience reaction, and keeping Christ central. 00:00 Show Cold Open 00:26 Granddaughter Volleyball Talk 01:31 Sunday Series Update 02:24 Midweek Discipleship Night 03:50 C S Lewis Love 06:35 Narnia Gospel Themes 07:57 Audiobook Sleep Hack 09:34 Narnia Returns 2027 10:40 Aslan Casting Debate 12:07 Aslan Voice Casting Debate 13:25 Faith Symbolism and Audience Backlash 15:25 Other Casting and The Shack Parallel 17:12 Progressive Agenda vs Artistic Choice 17:43 Gerwig Background and Respecting Classics 18:43 Turning Controversy into Gospel Talk 20:57 What C S Lewis Might Say 23:47 Seeing the Film Without Supporting It 24:40 Christian Response

Sean Azzaro and Baron chat about rising holiday stress and family estrangement, often fueled by bad counseling that labels disagreement as “toxic.” Sean emphasizes Romans’ call to pursue peace as far as possible, encourages honest conversations, and warns that cutting people off over politics, church hurt, or preferences leads to isolation. He distinguishes forgiving someone (a one-sided release of debt) from restoring trust (a two-sided process) and urges keeping communication doors open while setting appropriate boundaries. They address navigating conflict between a spouse and extended family, and honoring parents while making adult decisions. 00:00 Show Intro Banter 00:36 Office Art Tour 02:11 Weekend Sports Recap 04:17 Fall Weather Holiday Rush 04:57 Holiday Anxiety Estrangement 06:34 Boundaries Versus Cutoffs 07:43 Politics Church Hurt 10:58 Reconciliation Forgiveness 12:35 Handling Pushback Leaving 14:06 Blessing People Out 14:42 Forgiveness Versus Trust 16:11 Releasing the Debt 18:09 Spouse Versus Sibling 20:53 When to Let Go 22:17 Honoring Parents' Boundaries 23:53 Is It Biblical Oil 24:50 Healing Simple Faith 27:42 Final Encouragement

After briefly talking NFL opening weekend, Tony Romo owning mistakes to the Lord, and athletes “sowing seeds” but also bring reproach when failures become public, the episode reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, cultural memory, patriotism, forgiveness versus trust, and learning to see God at work amid tragedy. They close with an “Is That Biblical?” segment on judging, success, and altar calls. 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:24 Family Worship Team 01:48 Critiquing Your Kids 03:25 Follow the Leader Series 04:40 NFL Sunday Plans 05:20 Tony Romo Faith Talk 06:42 Athletes Sharing Jesus 09:03 Spurs Bible Stories 10:33 Remembering 9/11 11:19 Ideological Odd Couple 11:51 Unity After 9/11 12:09 Time Distance Generations 13:00 Blame America Debate 14:03 Biblical Remembering 15:22 Vigilance And Faith 17:09 Forgive Not Trust 18:38 Have We Healed 20:12 Is That Biblical Game 20:37 Christians And Judging 21:29 Success And Prosperity 22:44 Altar Calls And Baptism 23:59 Final Takeaways

Sean Azzaro and Baron discuss River City Community Church’s Vision Sunday after months of prayer and reflection on possible fatigue and drifting toward program orientation, drawing on Acts 2 and Ralph Moore’s disciple-making model to refocus on Spirit-led relational discipleship rooted in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer. They then address cultural and political outrage, distinguishing righteous indignation from fear-driven anger, separating faith from patriotism, remembering people are not the enemy, and urging Christians to speak truth in love, resist clickbait rage, avoid needless estrangement, and weep for the culture more than scream at it. 00:00 Meet Sean Azzaro 01:49 Vision Sunday Reset 02:48 Ralph Moore Influence 04:33 Acts 2 Blueprint 08:32 Groups Are Ministry 09:19 Men Women Ministry 10:37 Different Not Programs 11:52 Church Events Invite 12:31 Family Discipleship Night 13:14 Pastors Masters Golf 14:59 Anger In Culture 17:03 Faith Versus Patriotism 18:21 Bold Without Fighting 21:03 Clicks Versus Christ 21:27 Love Enemies Practice 23:25 Cutoff Rage Culture 25:07 When People Feel Attacked 26:48 Weep Over Culture 27:39 Final Encouragement Outro

Sean opens the show with an update on Vision Sunday and new “A Church for Real Life” branding, a Wednesday Family Discipleship Night, expanded Awana, and youth ministry. Sean shares updates about River City Believers’ Academy, including growth and head of schools Jennifer Conant’s leadership, and they mention their studio “audience” (Sean’s wife’s dog, Winnie). They grieve the reported passing of Dolly Parton, noting her genuineness, charity, and gospel-oriented music. The conversation then turns to controversy around men in women’s sports, citing Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White’s WNBA draft statements and Kanter Freedom being removed for wearing a “Woman… adult human female” shirt. Sean outlines a Christian response: submit to God’s order, speak truth in love, and focus on sharing the gospel for heart change. That's the bottom line. 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:49 Vision Sunday Tease 01:58 Family Discipleship Nights 02:37 School Update and Studio Dog 03:24 Remembering Dolly Parton 05:07 WNBA T-Shirt Controversy 07:09 Defining Womanhood Debate 11:16 Culture Shift and Feminism Roots 14:13 God's Created Order 15:38 How Christians Respond 16:16 Surrender Before Speaking 17:34 Truth In Love Defined 19:18 Pronouns And Language 20:57 Avoiding Conflict Zones 23:03 Heart Change Through Gospel 26:43 Church Invitation And Vision 27:33 Final Prayer Reminder

Pastor Sean Azzaro interviews actor, director, and Fellowship for Performing Arts founder Max McLean, known for his stage work bringing C.S. Lewis to life and for recording the NIV Listener’s Bible (along with ESV and King James). McLean shares how The Screwtape Letters stage adaptation began nearly 20 years ago, why Lewis’s “morally inverted universe” offers unique insight into spiritual warfare, and how the character Toadpipe helped make the show theatrical. They discuss The Most Reluctant Convert, a docudrama drawn from Surprised by Joy about Lewis’s conversion, Lewis’s lasting relevance, and McLean’s mission to integrate faith and theater. Screwtape comes to San Antonio’s Tobin Center August 30 at 3:00 PM, 00:00 Show Intro and Tease 01:26 Discovering C.S. Lewis 02:58 Screwtape Tobin Details 04:15 Interview Begins Max McLean 04:23 Recording the Audio Bible 05:28 Why Adapt Screwtape 07:34 Staging and Toadpipe 09:43 Lewis Wit and Temptation 11:33 Most Reluctant Convert 13:00 Why Lewis Still Matters 16:23 Fellowship for Performing Arts 18:12 Screwtape Film Plans 19:10 Post Interview Reactions 20:35 Humor Quote and Truth 21:33 Church Invite and Wrap 22:38 Final Thanks and Goodbye

Sean Azzaro welcomes Melanie Shankle and her daughter, author Caroline Shankle, to discuss Caroline’s book, "The Lion and the Bear: A 100-Day Devotional for Teen Girls." Caroline shares how she discovered a love for writing in college, how a difficult breakup coincided with a pivotal publisher Zoom call, and how she felt God leading her to accept a book contract at age 20. She describes the devotional as an honest, big-sister voice for girls facing issues like mean girls, sports injuries, and heartbreak, and talks about the challenge of writing 100 entries and adapting to public speaking despite a fear of it. Melanie reflects on seeing God’s multi-generational plans and encourages mining life experiences for ministry. Caroline’s speaking requests can be made at carolineshankle.com. 00:00 Show Intro Banter 00:36 Book Gift Talk 01:15 Meet The Guests 03:17 Caroline Writing Origin 05:44 Melanie Sees The Calling 07:09 First Contract Breakup 12:15 Writing Is Hard 13:30 Mentoring And Mining Stories 15:34 Devotional Overview 16:41 Public Speaking Nerves 19:04 Generational Ministry Joy 20:47 Wrap Up And How To Book 22:05 Final Blessing Outro

Devoted: Spirit-Filled Rhythms, Sabbath, and a Rule of Life | River City Community Church Sean Azzaro and Baron invite listeners to River City Community Church and describe a current Acts 2 series, “Devoted,” emphasizing that the early believers’ priorities changed because they were filled with the Holy Spirit, not merely disciplined, and calling out a lethargic, over-busy approach to faith. Sean then introduces Clay Burkholder, who has moved from youth pastor to minister of adult discipleship, with Jaden Wall stepping into youth and young adults. Clay shares how Bible knowledge without transformation led him toward spiritual formation. He explains a flexible “rule of life” as a trellis for growth, highlighting practices like prayer, Scripture, Sabbath, and fasting, and urges people to examine existing habits. 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:51 Acts 2 Devoted Series 02:23 Spirit Filled Real Life 03:39 Church Times and Invitation 04:26 Staff Updates and New Role 05:48 Meet Clay Burkholder 06:40 Passion for Formation 09:11 Monastery Retreat Lessons 13:15 Rule of Life Trellis 17:21 Practices Sabbath and Fasting 23:10 Quiet the Flesh Tune Spirit 25:14 Wrap Up and Next Steps 29:10 Final Invitation and Goodbye

Pastor Sean and Pastor Ryan Azzaro of Landmark Church in San Marcos discuss how Christians can discern truth amid the abundance of popular teachers and resources. They address the pastoral challenge of steering people away from errant or false teaching, citing examples such as prosperity doctrine, movements claiming the church has misread the Bible for centuries, and skepticism toward Paul’s writings. Ryan offers a framework for discernment: study Scripture by the Spirit, take responsibility for formation, learn in community and church tradition with humility, test resources by their view of Scripture and Christ-centeredness, and watch for red flags like revisionism, confusion on core doctrines, lack of accountability, and worldliness aligned with culture. 00:00 Podcast Intro and Support 01:07 Meet Ryan and Landmark Update 01:49 Landmark Growth and Two Services 03:34 The Discernment Problem 05:52 Examples of False Teaching 08:06 How to Respond Wisely 09:48 Grow in Discernment 15:52 Test Teachers and Resources 18:08 Red Flags to Watch For 20:48 Wrap Up and Where to Listen 21:09 Closing Announcements and Song

With school starting soon, Sean shares that Jennifer Conant has been promoted from assistant principal to head of schools at River City Believers Academy after 13 years on staff, and interviews her about her journey from stay-at-home mom to teacher and administrator, her love for students and families, and the school’s mission to disciple students as passionate followers of Jesus while maintaining strong academics. Conant highlights benefits like a family culture, small class sizes, and a safe environment, shares how to learn more at rcbaonline.com or 210-656-2999, requests prayer for building expansion, staff refreshment, and wisdom. 00:00 Fathers Day Catch Up 01:14 Jerky Stick Tradition 02:04 School Leadership Update 03:24 Meet Jennifer Conant 03:57 Her RCBA Journey 05:55 Called to Lead 08:43 Strengths and Relationships 11:20 School and Church Mission 13:02 Faith Over Achievement 13:32 Leading Through Highs Lows 14:07 God Provides Stewardship 15:18 Humility Builds Trust 16:40 Why Private School Matters 17:03 Family Culture Love 18:46 Small Classes Safe Growth 20:45 How to Learn More 21:56 Prayer Needs Expansion 24:01 Closing Reflections Signoff

Pastor Sean Azzaro and Baron Wiley discuss Sean’s upcoming sabbatical, the difficulty of truly unplugging from work and leadership, and urge church boards and elders to understand the unique demands of pastoral ministry. The conversation shifts to hope for America as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, encouraging gratitude, travel and history study, and distinguishing patriotism from “Christian nationalism.” Sean recommends Tom Holland’s book “Dominion” and closes with a prayer for America, repentance, generosity, and revival. 00:00 Sabbatical Banter 01:16 Unplugging From Work 03:14 Why Pastors Need Rest 04:45 Boards Elders And Support 06:58 Sharing The Pulpit 07:28 God Is Series Preview 08:45 Hope For America 10:24 Travel And Gratitude 12:30 Media Myths And Visitors 15:13 Land Acknowledgements Debate 18:54 Christian Nationalism Clarified 20:33 Christian Roots Of The West 24:40 Give Thanks This July 25:11 Closing Prayer For America

The Texas primaries are complete and now we look to November where the big race is with Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico. Sean speaks to Talarico’s public statements about Christianity, “Christian nationalism,” gender (including a clip where Talarico claims God is non-binary), and abortion (including his argument about Mary’s consent). Sean argues these are distortions of scripture and warns believers about deception and a “different gospel,” while emphasizing love for people, compassion for women facing unwanted pregnancies, and participation in elections without bitterness. 00:00 Welcome and Camp Plans 01:10 Spurs Game and City Culture 03:57 Election Matchup Preview 04:51 Talarico Claims and Straw Men 09:44 Trans Ideology and Kids 11:20 God Is Nonbinary Clip 15:07 Abortion Consent Argument 19:43 Pastors Politics and False Teachers 22:19 How Believers Should Respond 23:08 God Is Series and Closing

Love as Holiness: Dr. Les Holland on Reconciliation, Pastoral Leadership, and COVID-Era Ministry Pastor Sean Azzaro talks with Dr. Les Hollan, longtime pastor of Trinity Baptist Church and author of Love as Holiness: Dare to Live It, joined by his wife, Vicky. Holland reflects on following Buckner Fanning, building “love bridges” after a difficult church transition, and his emphasis on reconciliation, listening, and early-morning meditation. He explains the book’s origin in his PhD work and frames love as the way of experiencing God’s holiness, offering leadership lessons such as loving God first, casting clear vision while building consensus, and being willing to say “I don’t know.” Holland discusses leading through COVID, boundaries after retirement, and Vicky highlights the story-driven nature of the book. 00:00 Show Kickoff Banter 01:03 Introducing Dr Les Hollan 01:50 Call to Trinity Baptist 03:33 Leading After a Predecessor 04:34 Reconciliation Artist Story 06:31 Love as Holiness Book 07:32 Pastoral Pressure and Practices 11:36 Leadership Lessons for Pastors 13:53 Revelation And Humility 15:12 Leading Through COVID 16:27 Crisis Ministry Breakthrough 17:40 Advice To Younger Self 19:46 Retirement And Community 22:46 Boundaries With Successor 24:08 Vicky On The Book 25:10 Wrap Up And Next Series

Sean Azzaro speaks to the value of Vacation Bible School and River City Community Church’s summer camps (2nd–12th grade), emphasizing discipleship through concentrated relationships, worship, and community. Sean urges parents to organize family life around the things of God, not treating church as negotiable or replaced by sports, activities, or Christian school, and to help kids sustain “camp high” by connecting to youth group. He shares scholarship opportunities via youth pastor Clay Burkholder ([email protected]) and announces camp June 8–12 at Camp Buckner and VBS July 13–17, with details at reallife.org. 00:00 Welcome and YaYa Week 00:43 Outnumbered Parenting 01:14 Why Camp Memories Matter 01:57 Daily Devotions and Activities 04:29 Church Camps and VBS Options 05:34 Why Youth Camp Works 06:34 Choosing Faith First 09:30 Parents Lead the Way 16:27 Camp High to Lifelong Habits 18:56 Scholarships Dates and Wrap Up