When Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes first began moving neighbors up off the streets of Austin and into permanent homes in Community First! Village in 2015, the neighborhood was a small, close-knit community. Now, with almost 350 formerly homeless men and women living in the Village, it takes more of an effort to really get to know your neighbors. Alan's guest on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, Bowie, has been living in the Village for just over a year, but this is the first time the two of them have met! After alcohol consumption controlled his life for many years and eventually led to his time living on the streets, Bowie is now almost 20 years sober. Today he finds hope in his relationship with God and enjoys sharing this joy with the rest of his neighbors in the Village.  

When Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes first began moving neighbors up off the streets of Austin and into permanent homes in Community First! Village in 2015, the neighborhood was a small, close-knit community. Now, with almost 350 formerly homeless men and women living in the Village, it takes more of an effort to really get to know your neighbors. Alan's guest on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, Bowie, has been living in the Village for just over a year, but this is the first time the two of them have met! After alcohol consumption controlled his life for many years and eventually led to his time living on the streets, Bowie is now almost 20 years sober. Today he finds hope in his relationship with God and enjoys sharing this joy with the rest of his neighbors in the Village.

Going Back to God, with My Neighbor Bowie

Gospel Con Carne host Alan Graham often describes Community First! Village as a peaceful place with a side salad of tension—and when many of these moments of tension arise around the neighborhood, the team knows just who to call. Michelle Ates helps our neighbors resolve conflict through restorative justice. Growing up as one of the only black people in her school classes, it wasn't until Michelle went to a Historically Black College that she realized her upbringing had been more privileged than the majority of her classmates. She uses her experience to help our friends transitioning out of homelessness to transform stereotypes they had of people who don't look like them, and ultimately helps us all to realize that we're not so different from one another.   

Gospel Con Carne host Alan Graham often describes Community First! Village as a peaceful place with a side salad of tension—and when many of these moments of tension arise around the neighborhood, the team knows just who to call. Michelle Ates helps our neighbors resolve conflict through restorative justice. Growing up as one of the only black people in her school classes, it wasn't until Michelle went to a Historically Black College that she realized her upbringing had been more privileged than the majority of her classmates. She uses her experience to help our friends transitioning out of homelessness to transform stereotypes they had of people who don't look like them, and ultimately helps us all to realize that we're not so different from one another.

Resolving Minor Conflict with a Major Impact, with My Friend Michelle

A self-proclaimed free-spirit with a merry laugh, Alan's podcast guest and neighbor, Kate, grew up in the UK where she and her mother gardened every day, spending much of her time in nature. After traveling to the United States and later divorcing her husband in search of freedom, Kate eventually found herself living under a bridge. Although she enjoyed being surrounded by the creatures of nature that she loves, Kate chose to adjust her living situation and made her way home to a place of permanence in Community First! Village. Today she stays active gardening throughout the Village as part of the property beautification team, and also enjoys painting and writing poetry again. Facing adversity at several points along life's journey, Kate has learned how to best overcome challenging times simply by never giving up.

A self-proclaimed free-spirit with a merry laugh, Alan's podcast guest and neighbor, Kate, grew up in the UK where she and her mother gardened every day, spending much of her time in nature. After traveling to the United States and later divorcing her husband in search of freedom, Kate eventually found herself living under a bridge. Although she enjoyed being surrounded by the creatures of nature that she loves, Kate chose to adjust her living situation and made her way home to a place of permanence in Community First! Village. Today she stays active gardening throughout the Village as part of the property beautification team, and also enjoys painting and writing poetry again. Facing adversity at several points along life's journey, Kate has learned how to best overcome challenging times simply by never giving up.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade, with My Neighbor Kate

Our guest on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne goes by 'Sippi' – short for Mississippi – and has been a neighbor in Community First! Village for just more than a year. While it's easy to realize where Sippi's roots originated, he made his journey west to Austin, Texas as a young adult where he encountered a more challenging season of life in and out of homelessness for the greater part of a decade. Growing up as a star athlete with access to things that could get him into trouble, Sippi says he quickly learned that "there's a bad guy in all of us." Even during the dark times he experienced, however, Sippi kept his faith in God's plan, listened to His call and feels that he has now found the place he can call home.

Our guest on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne goes by 'Sippi' – short for Mississippi – and has been a neighbor in Community First! Village for just more than a year. While it's easy to realize where Sippi's roots originated, he made his journey west to Austin, Texas as a young adult where he encountered a more challenging season of life in and out of homelessness for the greater part of a decade. Growing up as a star athlete with access to things that could get him into trouble, Sippi says he quickly learned that "there's a bad guy in all of us." Even during the dark times he experienced, however, Sippi kept his faith in God's plan, listened to His call and feels that he has now found the place he can call home.

Don't Leave Before the Miracle Happens

If you've ever taken a tour of Community First! Village, then you're probably very familiar with this week's guest on the Gospel Con Carne podcast. Our neighbor Ute has been living in the Village for about five-and-a-half years and is one of our incredibly talented artists who earns a dignified income from the pieces she creates and sells through our on-site Art House program. Although she is extremely grateful for where she is in her life right now, Ute remembers the rougher times she endured while she was homeless for 10 years. Listen in as Ute shares her beautiful journey of living in Germany to eventually finding her home in Austin, and how she is able to extend grace and patience to her neighbors after restoring these necessary qualities in herself.

If you've ever taken a tour of Community First! Village, then you're probably very familiar with this week's guest on the Gospel Con Carne podcast. Our neighbor Ute has been living in the Village for about five-and-a-half years and is one of our incredibly talented artists who earns a dignified income from the pieces she creates and sells through our on-site Art House program. Although she is extremely grateful for where she is in her life right now, Ute remembers the rougher times she endured while she was homeless for 10 years. Listen in as Ute shares her beautiful journey of living in Germany to eventually finding her home in Austin, and how she is able to extend grace and patience to her neighbors after restoring these necessary qualities in herself.

Remembering to Laugh More, with My Neighbor Ute

The Gospel Con Carne podcast is back for a new season of meaningful conversations with your host, Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes’ Founder &amp; CEO Alan Graham! Whether having experienced homelessness or not, all of Alan’s guests are individuals who understand the value of community. This week’s guest, Alan’s neighbor Brandon, is no exception. Growing up in the foster care system, transferred from family to family five times, Brandon has learned firsthand how surrounding oneself with good company—even under vulnerable conditions—brings joy, hopefulness and a desire to encourage others who may be struggling to experience a similar level of goodness. Join us for this hope-filled conversation as we kick-off the 2023 season of the Gospel Con Carne podcast!

The Gospel Con Carne podcast is back for a new season of meaningful conversations with your host, Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes’ Founder &amp; CEO Alan Graham! Whether having experienced homelessness or not, all of Alan’s guests are individuals who understand the value of community. This week’s guest, Alan’s neighbor Brandon, is no exception. Growing up in the foster care system, transferred from family to family five times, Brandon has learned firsthand how surrounding oneself with good company—even under vulnerable conditions—brings joy, hopefulness and a desire to encourage others who may be struggling to experience a similar level of goodness. Join us for this hope-filled conversation as we kick-off the 2023 season of the Gospel Con Carne podcast!

Finding Family Again, with My Neighbor Brandon

We are wrapping up this season of the Gospel Con Carne podcast with a powerful conversation with Tim Hawks, Lead Pastor of Hill Country Bible Church. A man of great faith who has been sharing the story of the Gospel in Austin for the past three decades, you'll hear a common theme behind Tim's vision that has connected his congregation to the work we do at Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes in serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Tune in as Tim discusses the benefits of stepping out of the comfort zone that our culture has created—one that leads to isolation and a sense of busyness—and into a life of adventure that God has wired us to thrive in: community.

A Conversation With my Friend, Tim: Where Are We Going, Jesus? 

We often say at Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes that our missional community is the secret sauce of Community First! Village. Alan’s guest on the podcast this week, Paul Gautier, and his wife Carol have devoted their lives to serving our neighbors every day by living in the Village as Missionals. Paul and Alan met back in 2002 on an MLF truck run and now, 20 years later, continue to serve Austin’s most vulnerable neighbors together. Paul shares an experience that he says was the biggest step in his faith journey and how he has learned the easiest way to live out the acts of the apostles—being in relationship with others.

We often say at Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes that our missional community is the secret sauce of Community First! Village. Alan’s guest on the podcast this week, Paul Gautier, and his wife Carol have devoted their lives to serving our neighbors every day by living in the Village as Missionals. Paul and Alan met back in 2002 on an MLF truck run and now, 20 years later, continue to serve Austin’s most vulnerable neighbors together. Paul shares an experience that he says was the biggest step in his faith journey and how he has learned the easiest way to live out the acts of the apostles—being in relationship with others.

Consider Saying Yes, with My Neighbor Paul

Many of the neighbors living in Community First! Village experience mental health problems—some easier to identify than others. Alan's guest on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, Shea, is on the autism spectrum and remained undiagnosed until later in her adult years. It took becoming homeless for Shea to seek mental health assistance, discovering that her difficulty in social settings, which caused her to become socially isolated and depressed, was deeper than she thought. Now, living in Community First! Village for more than three years, Shea finds dignity and healing through her work on our Genesis Gardens team. Tune in as Shea shares her story of living isolated on the streets of Austin to now living in a community where she is known and loved.

Many of the neighbors living in Community First! Village experience mental health problems—some easier to identify than others. Alan's guest on this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, Shea, is on the autism spectrum and remained undiagnosed until later in her adult years. It took becoming homeless for Shea to seek mental health assistance, discovering that her difficulty in social settings, which caused her to become socially isolated and depressed, was deeper than she thought. Now, living in Community First! Village for more than three years, Shea finds dignity and healing through her work on our Genesis Gardens team. Tune in as Shea shares her story of living isolated on the streets of Austin to now living in a community where she is known and loved.

A Place of Healing, with My Neighbor Shea

For two years, no one in Community First! Village knew or saw much of our neighbor Blair due to a health condition that left him believing he needed to stay in his home. Now, after living in the Village for more than four years, going a day without seeing him out and about in the community is quite unusual. As the unofficial "mayor" of Community First! Village, Blair finds purpose encouraging his neighbors to start a new beginning in the Village—a place where they will be fully and wholly known and fully and wholly loved by their community, all judgement aside. Today, after facing his fear of coming outside his home, Blair exudes a palpable excitement for life while fulfilling what he believes is God's purpose for him of being a good friend and neighbor to everyone he encounters.

For two years, no one in Community First! Village knew or saw much of our neighbor Blair due to a health condition that left him believing he needed to stay in his home. Now, after living in the Village for more than four years, going a day without seeing him out and about in the community is quite unusual. As the unofficial "mayor" of Community First! Village, Blair finds purpose encouraging his neighbors to start a new beginning in the Village—a place where they will be fully and wholly known and fully and wholly loved by their community, all judgement aside. Today, after facing his fear of coming outside his home, Blair exudes a palpable excitement for life while fulfilling what he believes is God's purpose for him of being a good friend and neighbor to everyone he encounters.

Catching Up with The Mayor of Community First! Village

The ‘Gospel Con Carne’ is a gritty journey of Tex-Mex theology that explores the woundedness of society through untold stories of homelessness. Our host, Alan Graham, is the founder and CEO of Austin, TX-based Mobile Loaves and Fishes – a social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless for more than two decades. Alan also is the lead visionary behind the innovative Community First! Village – the country’s only master-planned community designed specifically for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.

I just finished ep 1. Never written a review before on ANY podcast. But this show is special. As a Mormon-raised, current atheist, I found Tracy’s views on the world so beautiful and moving. This is what being human is all about guys. Thank you, Alan for this show and for your incredible work with the homeless down in Texas.

Such a valuable perspective!

I&#39;m excited to hear more from Alan. He&#39;s always presented the Village neighbors&#39; stories with empathy and acceptance. There&#39;s so much I don&#39;t understand about the homeless situation and I want to learn more.

Excited to Hear This Develop

The ‘Gospel Con Carne’ is a gritty journey of Tex-Mex theology that explores the woundedness of society through untold stories of homelessness. Our host, Alan Graham, is the founder and CEO of Austin, TX-based Mobile Loaves and Fishes – a social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless for more than two decades. Alan also is the lead visionary behind the innovative Community First! Village – the country’s only master-planned community designed specifically for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.

Gospel Con Carne

My friend Bonnie Durkee is used to making her presence known at Community First! Village. A mostly blind, diabetic amputee, it's not uncommon to find her in conversation or trading friendly jabs with neighbors as she rolls around the neighborhood in her wheelchair. Bonnie is also incredibly resilient, as demonstrated by the number of storms she has faced and overcome in life. Her desire to conduct herself as a person of integrity – in a way that would make her father proud – is truly admirable.

 Meet my Neighbor, Bonnie

Meagan McCoy Jones

Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes is an extraordinarily relational ministry, and Meagan McCoy Jones truly exemplifies the transformational impact that relationships can have on family, business and serving others. A fourth-generation owner of McCoy's Building Supply, her life has been profoundly influenced by the will of her parents to cling to their faith and push through a crisis they encountered in their marriage when she was younger. As a result, Meagan has a deeper understanding behind what she calls the "power of showing up."

Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes is an extraordinarily relational ministry, and Meagan McCoy Jones truly exemplifies the transformational impact that relationships can have on family, business and serving others. A fourth-generation owner of McCoy's Building Supply, her life has been profoundly influenced by the will of her parents to cling to their faith and push through a crisis they encountered in their marriage when she was younger. As a result, Meagan has a deeper understanding behind what she calls the "power of showing up."

Meagan McCoy Jones and the Power of Showing Up

Earl Maxwell

From founding one of the largest accounting firms in Austin to becoming the CEO of St. David's Foundation, Earl Maxwell has experienced the benefits of creating long-lasting, relational foundations throughout his career. After spending 31 years as a CPA, Earl answered the call to serve his community by joining and leading the St. David's Foundation team for more than a decade—a team who will surely miss Earl when he retires next month. In addition to creating many valued relationships over the years, Earl has also learned about the importance of reconciliation and, ultimately, letting God become the CEO in his life. We are grateful to end season two of the Gospel Con Carne podcast by sharing a great conversation with an absolutely great man.

From founding one of the largest accounting firms in Austin to becoming the CEO of St. David's Foundation, Earl Maxwell has experienced the benefits of creating long-lasting, relational foundations throughout his career. After spending 31 years as a CPA, Earl answered the call to serve his community by joining and leading the St. David's Foundation team for more than a decade—a team who will surely miss Earl when he retires next month. In addition to creating many valued relationships over the years, Earl has also learned about the importance of reconciliation and, ultimately, letting God become the CEO in his life. We are grateful to end season two of the Gospel Con Carne podcast by sharing a great conversation with an absolutely great man.

Earl Maxwell on the Importance of Relational Foundations

Emily Seals has been living in Community First! Village for two years, though many folks likely still remember her as the kind, white-haired panhandler who often flew a sign at the corner of Loop 360 and Bee Caves Road in Austin. She survived a past full of abuse and significant trauma, and ultimately ended up living on the streets for more than a decade. When a stranger rolled down his window one day and asked Emily her name, she unknowingly took her first steps into a restorative journey and the security of a new friendship.

My Friend, Emily, and the Gift of New Relationships

Charlie Click is a welcoming neighbor who most folks around Community First! Village recognize from his regular trips around the neighborhood on his motorcycle. After growing up in what he refers to as a hard core environment, Charlie battled with drugs, alcohol, prison time and a profound sense of loneliness for much of his life. Charlie's journey of survival led him home to Community First! Village, where he has found a new sense of safety and security. His is a powerful conversation touching on the pain of broken families and the deep desire to discover a place to belong.

Charlie Click is a welcoming neighbor who most folks around Community First! Village recognize from his regular trips around the neighborhood on his motorcycle. After growing up in what he refers to as a hard core environment, Charlie battled with drugs, alcohol, prison time and a profound sense of loneliness for much of his life. Charlie's journey of survival led him home to Community First! Village, where he has found a new sense of safety and security. His is a powerful conversation touching on the pain of broken families and the deep desire to discover a place to belong.

Goodness is Coming: Charlie’s Story

John Vincent

John Vincent was the most enthusiastic neighbor ever to grace Community First! Village, known by all for his larger-than-life personality and entrepreneurial mindset. Sadly, John left this world too early. He passed away a few months ago after suffering a major heart attack, and we miss our brother deeply. We’re grateful to have been able to record this Gospel Con Carne episode with John prior to his passing and be able to share a glimpse of the amazingly rough though beautiful life he lived. John endured a childhood of abandonment and as an adult spent a good number of years in prison where, as he describes, it often seemed easier than living on the streets. In this final conversation we were blessed to have with John, he shares the ongoing struggles of addiction and how community was the difference maker in his life as he pursued a path of transformation. Your Community First! family misses you, John, and we love you dearly. 

John Vincent was the most enthusiastic neighbor ever to grace Community First! Village, known by all for his larger-than-life personality and entrepreneurial mindset. Sadly, John left this world too early. He passed away a few months ago after suffering a major heart attack, and we miss our brother deeply. We’re grateful to have been able to record this Gospel Con Carne episode with John prior to his passing and be able to share a glimpse of the amazingly rough though beautiful life he lived. John endured a childhood of abandonment and as an adult spent a good number of years in prison where, as he describes, it often seemed easier than living on the streets. In this final conversation we were blessed to have with John, he shares the ongoing struggles of addiction and how community was the difference maker in his life as he pursued a path of transformation. Your Community First! family misses you, John, and we love you dearly.

Missing John Vincent 

Sherwynn Patton

While he's somewhat of a newer face around the Community First! neighborhood, Sherwynn Patton has already touched the lives of so many of our neighbors. As executive director of Life Anew, Sherwynn helps guide individuals who are locked in conflict through a process of restorative justice with intentional conversations that lead to meaningful relationships and life transformation. As a neighborhood full of individuals who were once kicked to the fringe of society and are now learning to do life together in new ways, Community First! Village has become an ideal place for the restorative justice principles to be put into practice. In this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, hear how events in Sherwynn’s life have enabled him to recognize the importance of community and its ability to help us grow through conflict.

While he's somewhat of a newer face around the Community First! neighborhood, Sherwynn Patton has already touched the lives of so many of our neighbors. As executive director of Life Anew, Sherwynn helps guide individuals who are locked in conflict through a process of restorative justice with intentional conversations that lead to meaningful relationships and life transformation. As a neighborhood full of individuals who were once kicked to the fringe of society and are now learning to do life together in new ways, Community First! Village has become an ideal place for the restorative justice principles to be put into practice. In this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, hear how events in Sherwynn’s life have enabled him to recognize the importance of community and its ability to help us grow through conflict.

Sherwynn Patton on Living in Harmony With Our Neighbors

Wendy Smith

She was never homeless, though Wendy Smith recalls how she easily could have ended up on the streets when she was ready to give up at one point in life. Following a rough childhood involving divorced parents, she found steady ground in her relationship with Christ. Following a failed date to a Huey Lewis concert more than 30 years ago, today Wendy and her husband Larry have found themselves as missional residents living in Community First! Village where they serve individuals coming out of chronic homelessness. It is an experience she never imagined encountering in life, and also one she's quite certain she would never change.

She was never homeless, though Wendy Smith recalls how she easily could have ended up on the streets when she was ready to give up at one point in life. Following a rough childhood involving divorced parents, she found steady ground in her relationship with Christ. Following a failed date to a Huey Lewis concert more than 30 years ago, today Wendy and her husband Larry have found themselves as missional residents living in Community First! Village where they serve individuals coming out of chronic homelessness. It is an experience she never imagined encountering in life, and also one she's quite certain she would never change.

Focused on Faith: Wendy Smith on Being a Community First! Missional Neighbor

Tim League

Tim League is the founder and CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse, and has been a strong advocate of Community First! Village since its beginning. His unexpected exposure to issues involving homelessness came by way of his professional journey and his desire to create a unique - even transformative - moviegoing experience. Tim shares about his path in life marked by positive family relationships, crisis, failure and his focus on trying to lead with kindness in all that he does.

Tim League is the founder and CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse, and has been a strong advocate of Community First! Village since its beginning. His unexpected exposure to issues involving homelessness came by way of his professional journey and his desire to create a unique - even transformative - moviegoing experience. Tim shares about his path in life marked by positive family relationships, crisis, failure and his focus on trying to lead with kindness in all that he does.

Tim League on Family, Homelessness and, of course, Cinema 

Helen Hopkins

Everyone has a story to tell, and Community First! neighbor Helen Hopkins is never at a loss when it comes to sharing her next tale. Many of our neighbors here at the Village struggle when trying to reflect on their upbringing, but Helen has an abundance of treasured memories with family and the life she has lived. Hear how Helen spreads her love and faith with other residents in our community and also outward into the world as she strives to live intentionally among her neighbors. 

Everyone has a story to tell, and Community First! neighbor Helen Hopkins is never at a loss when it comes to sharing her next tale. Many of our neighbors here at the Village struggle when trying to reflect on their upbringing, but Helen has an abundance of treasured memories with family and the life she has lived. Hear how Helen spreads her love and faith with other residents in our community and also outward into the world as she strives to live intentionally among her neighbors.

Living Intentionally, With My Neighbor Helen Hopkins

David Jamail

As a successful day trader with a solid work ethic, David Jamail distinctly remembers the point in his life when God offered him a welcomed alternative to his self-reliant worldview. For once, the Gospel made sense to him. The timing also couldn't have been more appropriate, as a self-inflicted marriage crisis soon followed that would test David to the core of his being. We love to talk about relationships on the Gospel Con Carne, and this deep discussion on the struggles faced by a husband and wife is a true testament to the power of unconditional love. 

As a successful day trader with a solid work ethic, David Jamail distinctly remembers the point in his life when God offered him a welcomed alternative to his self-reliant worldview. For once, the Gospel made sense to him. The timing also couldn't have been more appropriate, as a self-inflicted marriage crisis soon followed that would test David to the core of his being. We love to talk about relationships on the Gospel Con Carne, and this deep discussion on the struggles faced by a husband and wife is a true testament to the power of unconditional love.

David Jamail: Love Really Does Win

Matt Freeman

As the leader of The Gathering, a Christ-centered mission at Community First! Village, Matt Freeman (a.k.a the Pastor Dude) is a familiar face with a jovial presence around the neighborhood. Matt spends a good amount of time helping his formerly homeless neighbors through a process of healing and restoration, and often draws upon his own past experiences through the most difficult trials to remind others that he, too, once felt broken and beyond repair. In this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, Matt breaks down the simple truth of the gospel and explains how the path he once found himself on in life—including a turning point moment that involved time in jail and his loss of hope—led to healing you can only find in Jesus Christ.  

As the leader of The Gathering, a Christ-centered mission at Community First! Village, Matt Freeman (a.k.a the Pastor Dude) is a familiar face with a jovial presence around the neighborhood. Matt spends a good amount of time helping his formerly homeless neighbors through a process of healing and restoration, and often draws upon his own past experiences through the most difficult trials to remind others that he, too, once felt broken and beyond repair. In this episode of the Gospel Con Carne, Matt breaks down the simple truth of the gospel and explains how the path he once found himself on in life—including a turning point moment that involved time in jail and his loss of hope—led to healing you can only find in Jesus Christ.

No Longer Empty, with Matt Freeman

Raised as one of 11 children in a sharecropper's family in Mississippi, Dexter Batie encountered a literal life-changing storm when he was only seven years old. Several years after his mother passed away he dropped out of school, and as a teenager found himself on a path of crime and drugs. Dexter was in prison by the age of 17, and eventually wound up homeless on the streets of Austin for two decades. After living in Community First! Village for more than a year, he takes pride in defending his new neighborhood as a place that has him closer to the path he desires in life.

Raised as one of 11 children in a sharecropper's family in Mississippi, Dexter Batie encountered a literal life-changing storm when he was only seven years old. Several years after his mother passed away he dropped out of school, and as a teenager found himself on a path of crime and drugs. Dexter was in prison by the age of 17, and eventually wound up homeless on the streets of Austin for two decades. After living in Community First! Village for more than a year, he takes pride in defending his new neighborhood as a place that has him closer to the path he desires in life.

My Neighbor Dexter on Never Giving Up  

The first real memory Robin Draper has of her parents is when they divorced when she was only 8-years-old. That breakdown in her family unit - the profound loss of family that we talk about so much at Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes - ultimately became the start of a long, tough road for Robin. She is an adventurer. She is a fighter. She is a mother. Today her own beautiful and spunky 8-year-old daughter is having a different kind of impact on the family all around her, and has given Robin new inspiration to become a better woman.  

The first real memory Robin Draper has of her parents is when they divorced when she was only 8-years-old. That breakdown in her family unit - the profound loss of family that we talk about so much at Mobile Loaves &amp; Fishes - ultimately became the start of a long, tough road for Robin. She is an adventurer. She is a fighter. She is a mother. Today her own beautiful and spunky 8-year-old daughter is having a different kind of impact on the family all around her, and has given Robin new inspiration to become a better woman.

Meet My Friend, Robin

A victim of abuse from as far back as she can remember, Penny Hunt first ran away from home when she was only 6-years-old. By the age of 12 she was hopping freight trains across the country -- partly for the adventure, but mostly for survival. At one point in her journey she landed in Austin with nothing more than a mountain bike, two backpacks and $80 in her pocket. Continued neglect and abuse followed, leaving Penny with a complete loss of faith in humanity. Penny, however, has never given up the fight. Today as a neighbor living in Community First! Village, she's doing her best embrace her new community of friends as she recovers from a lifelong journey filled with lots of love and whole lot of loss. 

A victim of abuse from as far back as she can remember, Penny Hunt first ran away from home when she was only 6-years-old. By the age of 12 she was hopping freight trains across the country -- partly for the adventure, but mostly for survival. At one point in her journey she landed in Austin with nothing more than a mountain bike, two backpacks and $80 in her pocket. Continued neglect and abuse followed, leaving Penny with a complete loss of faith in humanity. Penny, however, has never given up the fight. Today as a neighbor living in Community First! Village, she's doing her best embrace her new community of friends as she recovers from a lifelong journey filled with lots of love and whole lot of loss.

Love and Loss with My Neighbor Penny 

Buddy Lee

A young boy with the dream of one day becoming a rockstar, Lee Espinoza has been in and out of bands and playing his guitar for more than 40 years. The day Lee remembers most from his journey, however, is a July day in 2015 when he lost it all. His car, his home and his hope—all gone. After living on the streets and in shelters, Lee had a hard time adjusting to the place he now calls home in Community First! Village. But even through the trials that life has thrown his way, Lee says he has learned the true meaning of community. Following a recent serious accident and a challenging recovery, Lee believes he was saved by his newfound community and, above-all, by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A young boy with the dream of one day becoming a rockstar, Lee Espinoza has been in and out of bands and playing his guitar for more than 40 years. The day Lee remembers most from his journey, however, is a July day in 2015 when he lost it all. His car, his home and his hope—all gone. After living on the streets and in shelters, Lee had a hard time adjusting to the place he now calls home in Community First! Village. But even through the trials that life has thrown his way, Lee says he has learned the true meaning of community. Following a recent serious accident and a challenging recovery, Lee believes he was saved by his newfound community and, above-all, by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Finding Heaven on Earth, With My Buddy Lee

Kirk Watson

Texas Senator Kirk Watson joins the Gospel Con Carne podcast for a compelling conversation about the current issues facing our community. His journey to the state senate has led him to see the power of both collaboration and communication. Through his time spent in politics, Senator Watson also has been witness to a new level divisiveness and its unfortunate impact on society. He shares his deep belief that hope matters, and is what ultimately can bring about real change in our world. 

Texas Senator Kirk Watson joins the Gospel Con Carne podcast for a compelling conversation about the current issues facing our community. His journey to the state senate has led him to see the power of both collaboration and communication. Through his time spent in politics, Senator Watson also has been witness to a new level divisiveness and its unfortunate impact on society. He shares his deep belief that hope matters, and is what ultimately can bring about real change in our world.

Hope Matters: Senator Kirk Watson 

Ken DeAngelis

As co-founder and general partner of Austin Ventures, Ken DeAngelis is a man who understands financial success. A disciplined investment strategist, his venture capital firm has raised more than $4 billion in capital over the past three decades. While Ken is regarded by many as a captain of industry and pillar in Austin's investment community, he is by no means a man without struggles. He also has reached a point in life in which he's okay talking about those struggles as he puts his newfound understanding of the importance of building authentic relationships into action.

As co-founder and general partner of Austin Ventures, Ken DeAngelis is a man who understands financial success. A disciplined investment strategist, his venture capital firm has raised more than $4 billion in capital over the past three decades. While Ken is regarded by many as a captain of industry and pillar in Austin's investment community, he is by no means a man without struggles. He also has reached a point in life in which he's okay talking about those struggles as he puts his newfound understanding of the importance of building authentic relationships into action.

Truth Over Harmony: A Conversation with Ken DeAngelis

Will Langley

Our friend Will Langley is a person who acutely understands the deep impact of broken family relationships on one's life. He survived a past riddled with abuse and immense loss, and ultimately ended up on the streets living a life of panhandling and struggling to overcome addiction. Will shares his intense journey of brokenness, battling addictions and the friendships that helped lead him to the place he is today as a hard working and trusted neighbor. 

Our friend Will Langley is a person who acutely understands the deep impact of broken family relationships on one's life. He survived a past riddled with abuse and immense loss, and ultimately ended up on the streets living a life of panhandling and struggling to overcome addiction. Will shares his intense journey of brokenness, battling addictions and the friendships that helped lead him to the place he is today as a hard working and trusted neighbor.

Will Langley on Demanding the Good Life 

Kathryn Whitaker

As a sixth-generation Texan, Kathryn Whitaker has certainly had her share of life. She had a good upbringing in the Texas Panhandle, and soon began her own Texas-sized family (six kids from kinder through college) after marrying her college sweetheart. But the storms awaited, and so did her anger with God. In this authentic conversation, Kathryn shares how her struggles through a miscarriage, a troubled marriage and managing the needs of a child born with serious health complications has rocked, challenged and, ultimately, solidified her faith. She is also reminded daily that none of us is ever too far from God's redemption. (Be sure to check out Kathryn's soon-to-be-released book - Live Big, Love Bigger.) 

As a sixth-generation Texan, Kathryn Whitaker has certainly had her share of life. She had a good upbringing in the Texas Panhandle, and soon began her own Texas-sized family (six kids from kinder through college) after marrying her college sweetheart. But the storms awaited, and so did her anger with God. In this authentic conversation, Kathryn shares how her struggles through a miscarriage, a troubled marriage and managing the needs of a child born with serious health complications has rocked, challenged and, ultimately, solidified her faith. She is also reminded daily that none of us is ever too far from God's redemption. (Be sure to check out Kathryn's soon-to-be-released book - <a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/product/1-59471-914-4/Live-Big-Love-Bigger/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Live Big, Love Bigger</a>.)

Living Big and Loving Bigger, with Kathryn Whitaker

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!