Good Times, Bad Friends

Josh Brewton thought he had his future mapped out. From a young age, Josh worked toward one clear goal: attending the Naval Academy, playing football, and serving in the military. But after years of preparation, that door closed — and everything he thought was certain suddenly wasn’t. In this episode of Good Times, Bad Friends, Josh walks us through growing up in Texas, playing multiple sports, and learning leadership through both success and injury. He shares what it was like being named team captain while battling a torn labrum, how rejection forced him to confront control, and why trusting God’s plan didn’t come easily in the moment. Now a student at Texas A&M, Josh reflects on what makes the university’s culture and traditions so unique — from Silver Taps and Muster to serving as Reveille’s handler and becoming a Yell Leader. Along the way, he explains how faith, surrender, and community reshaped his understanding of purpose. This conversation is for anyone who feels “average,” stuck in an in-between season, or wrestling with unanswered prayers — and is learning that God often does His best work through ordinary people who are willing to trust. Spotify / YouTube footer: 🎧 New episodes every week 📌 Follow Good Times, Bad Friends on Spotify ⭐ Rate & review if the episode resonates YouTube chapters (later): 00:00 Intro 04:30 Growing up & sports 14:00 Injury & leadership 23:00 Naval Academy rejection 32:00 Texas A&M traditions 48:00 Faith & surrender

Some stories don’t get rewritten — they get redeemed. In this episode of Good Times, Bad Friends, we sit down with Ryan Horne, an educator, coach, and mentor whose life includes near-death experiences, career detours, broken relationships, and a faith that had to be rebuilt from the ground up. Ryan shares how surviving paralysis, serious accidents, and two battles with cancer forced him to confront who he was living for — and how losing his marriage became the painful catalyst for becoming the man God was calling him to be. Through humility, growth, and an unwavering commitment to faith and family, Ryan was given something rare: the same story, lived the right way this time. This conversation explores: Why performance can’t be your identity How failure can become the foundation for restoration What real leadership looks like when no one is watching The power of faith, second chances, and staying present If you’ve ever felt like you missed your moment or ruined your chance, this episode is proof that you’re not done yet. 👉 Follow the show, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today.

Just because the world thinks you’re past your prime doesn’t mean you’re done living. In this episode of Good Times, Bad Friends, we sit down with Shawn Ankrom — a veteran, award-winning journalist, and lifelong storyteller — for an honest conversation about faith, purpose, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned. Shawn shares lessons from sports, military service, journalism, and seasons of loss — and why going back to the basics often matters more than reinventing yourself. We talk about aging, truth, character, and how faith shapes the way we see time, work, and calling. This episode is for anyone who’s felt written off, stuck between seasons, or unsure if their best days are behind them. 🎧 Listen now and follow Good Times, Bad Friends for weekly conversations about faith, life, and the people who shape us.

What happens when your identity is built on performance — and the performance fades? In this episode of Good Times, Bad Friends, we sit down with Nick Schad, founder of Mission Golf, to talk about faith, purpose, and why identity can’t be tied to success, scores, or outcomes. Nick shares how golf, ministry, and leadership all taught him the same lesson: purpose doesn’t stop at the church doors — it shows up in everyday life. We talk about pressure, presence, and what it looks like to live with conviction when no one’s watching. This conversation is for anyone navigating: • Performance pressure • Faith in everyday life • Identity beyond achievement • Purpose beyond the spotlight 🎙️ Topics include: • Faith beyond Sunday • Performance vs. identity • Purpose in leadership and sport • Living present, not perfect 📍 Episode now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. 👉 Follow, like, and subscribe to support the show.

We survived another year… and somehow the podcast did too. To kick off 2026, we’re doing a full, honest reset. In this episode, we talk through what actually grew Good Times, Bad Friends, the ideas and episodes that flopped hard, the guests and moments we forgot about, and the lessons we learned the long way. We get into: Wins, failures, and unexpected surprises Episodes we thought would blow up (and didn’t) What we’d change if we were starting today Why consistency beat talent for us Why New Year’s resolutions feel broken What’s changing for the podcast in 2026 How listeners can be more involved moving forward No hype. No fake resolutions. Just real conversation and a look at where we’re headed next. 👉 Follow the show, leave a review, share this episode, and let us know what you want to hear next.

Kevin Herron has spent decades in high school athletics — as both a basketball coach and an athletic director — but the lessons that matter most had nothing to do with wins or losses. With over 435 career wins and 15 years as an AD, Kevin joins Good Times, Bad Friends to talk about what actually lasts: culture, leadership, faith, and the impact coaches have long after the season ends. In this conversation, we discuss: Why the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story What most coaches get wrong about building culture Why former players calling years later matters more than trophies How faith quietly shapes leadership without being forced The difference between being a lighthouse — or just another wave This episode is for coaches, parents, leaders, and anyone trying to build something that outlives the moment. 🎙️ Good Times, Bad Friends is a podcast about real conversations, leadership, faith, and the stories that shape us. 👉 Follow the show, rate the episode, and share it with someone who needs this perspective.

Chris Allman — also known by his legendary nickname “Crunch” — joins us for one of the wildest and most entertaining conversations of the year. Chris grew up in Georgetown, Texas, played basketball and golf, spent a season on UMHB’s JV team, worked in media and sports radio, survived the mortgage industry, and even stepped into the world of pro wrestling. His life is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and unexpected. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up in Texas and falling in love with high school sports How faith has shaped Chris through every season The real story behind his nickname “Crunch” His years in media, Cowboys Golf Club, and sports radio Parenting, family, and what matters most Absolutely unbelievable pro wrestling stories Why he still loves the church, sports, and telling good stories Whether you’re here for faith, Texas culture, sports nostalgia, or wrestling madness — this episode has something for you. 👉 Make sure to follow/subscribe, leave a rating, and share the episode with a friend. Your support helps the show grow!

Dr. Hunter Hampton is back! Historian, professor, and author of the new book The Gridiron Gospel: Faith and College Football in Twentieth-Century America, Hunter walks us through the unexpected relationship between faith and college football — and why the church and the gridiron have been spiritually connected for over a century. We talk about leadership, community, fatherhood, calling, the role of sports in modern belief, his upcoming Tom Landry project, and why feeding people through conversation, teaching, or pizza all comes from the same heart. Smart. Funny. Thought-provoking. A great conversation with a great friend.

In this episode of Good Times, Bad Friends, the boys dive deep into the world of outrage culture, online division, and how we’ve all forgotten how to talk to each other like normal humans. From bots starting social media wars to AI deepfakes blurring reality, we ask the big question: are we addicted to outrage—or just scared to listen? We also get real about faith, truth, and what it means to have real conversations again—without losing your friends (or your YouTube channel). 🔥 Topics include: Why we can’t agree on anything anymore Bots, belief, and online warfare Free speech and accountability Deepfakes and the death of truth The 10 Commandments debate in schools What it means to actually live out your faith 💭 It’s raw, funny, uncomfortable, and honest—the way real conversations should be.

This week on Good Times, Bad Friends, we sit down with Mark Kissinger — financial advisor, author, rugby coach, and mentor. Mark’s story stretches from playing football in Celina, to studying at Oxford and Rice, to building a career in finance. We dive into faith, football, and why mentoring kids means more than success or titles. Mark opens up about his book, his love for coaching, and the lessons that sports and service teach about building legacy. This one’s about faith, grit, and investing in the next generation. Check out his book: "I Piss Excellence: The Bill Elliott Story" available on Amazon here : https://www.amazon.com/Piss-Excellence-Bill-Elliott-Story/dp/B0FJF7YX32/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fpUEZBqOFRbBGUG2dk3ccbxhxB2sE0yxxkYainrG88cJz49s3ZQ0lFnSSVuq5srUcgj0GugNLtPYa7zl51sDizVGeaFfGfI1r-m6sCPIqeTYTPq7-Ib5LgxvSL-KP9m3swci0xylFxvwL0LOxsDY-K70EKOCdTrMBRvb1x9IPVYerDc5Qr9Yyt_z9xmBrtiQ5MSujA6ZLytctedIVmgTVtISorqWZ3u8FwWq56PBASo.lI0sbAev4KH7yMeqwYBPf3MLevd1fRL7Q3Jk4wOTubg&dib_tag=se&qid=1756220845&refinements=p_27%3ABill+Elliott&s=books&sr=1-3

This week on Good Times, Bad Friends, we sit down with firefighter, husband, dad, and mental health advocate Mason Atkins. From his rookie days in the firehouse to launching Salty Aces — a golf and mental health brand — Mason brings raw honesty, humor, and heart to the mic. We talk about his journey through faith, burnout, therapy, and the call that changed his life. Plus, stories from the firetruck, fairway, and fatherhood — and why Mason believes showing up, even scarred, is what truly matters. Follow Mason: 📲 Instagram: @saltyacesgolf 📺 YouTube: @SaltyAcesGolf 🎵 TikTok: @saltyaces

You’ve seen him on the MeatEater channel and leading The Element—but Tyler Jones’ story goes way beyond the hunt. This week, he sits down with us to talk about life after football, the beauty of daily discipline, and how he weaves the Gospel into his work without compromise. From crafting original music for his hunting series to navigating hate comments, Tyler keeps it real with honesty and heart.

Jaxon Shipley came to talk Texas Longhorn Football — but what we got was a masterclass in faith, leadership, and living with intention. From his time at Texas to his work with young athletes and now as a ranch real estate pro, his story is packed with hard-earned wisdom and heart. . It’s deep, honest, and a reminder that we’re all called to impact others with the life we live.

We’re talking all things sports and career moves with Dayton Bombarger! From playing ball as a kid to becoming the voice of Texas Tech Basketball, Dayton shares what it takes to carve out a path in athletics—and what’s next as he heads to Auburn for grad school. A must-listen for sports fans and career grinders alike.

If you’ve ever struggled with shame or self-doubt…This one’s for you. In this episode, Craig Walker—pastor, church planter, coach, and author of Shameless—opens up about his powerful journey through self-doubt, shame, and grace. From the boxing ring to the pulpit, Craig shares how embracing God’s love and authenticity transformed his life. This conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and hope for anyone searching for purpose and healing.

From filming viral sports moments to writing documentaries, Carson Lawhorn's journey is just getting started. Today on Good Times, Bad Friends, we’re joined by a young filmmaker who’s already making waves in the industry. Carson Lawhorn, better known as shots.by.carson, is a freshman in college majoring in film, but don’t let his age fool you—his lens has already captured the world. From working with Overtime to co-writing the Chasing the Unicorns documentary, Carson has taken his talents across the country to chase his dream. Now, he’s launching Shoreline Sports Network and working on two major documentaries. 🎥

Jaret V. Grayson turned his love for Texas high school sports into a thriving business. 🏆 At just 22, he took a leap of faith, moved to Texas, and never looked back. Now, he’s running Lone Star Sports & Lone Star Creative—and he’s joining us this week to share his journey!

"Toughness isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting each other up." 💪🧠 USAF Security Forces member Dwight Gutierrez is a huge advocate for mental health, especially for men in the military. In this episode, he opens up about deployments, fitness, and how real strength comes from within. Tap the link in bio to listen now! 🎧 #MensMentalHealth #MilitaryMindset #StayStrong

In this episode of Good Times, Bad Friends, we sit down with Miles Spencer—entrepreneur, investor, adventurer, and author of A Line in the Sand. From his early days as a curious kid in Pittsburgh to exploring the Middle East and retracing the steps of T.E. Lawrence, Miles shares his incredible journey of discovery, resilience, and storytelling. We dive into the historical significance of Crusader Castles, the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, and how history continues to repeat itself in conflicts over resources and territory. Miles takes us behind the scenes of his thousand-mile trek through the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria, and how it inspired his novel—a blend of real-life adventure and historical fiction. We also explore the challenges of cultural understanding, the impact of 9/11 on global perspectives, and some wild behind-the-scenes stories—including camel-riding disasters, border security scares, and life-changing moments from the journey. If you're fascinated by history, travel, and the power of curiosity, this episode is a must-listen. Grab a copy of A Line in the Sand and tune in now! 🎧🔥

She’s back! 🎙️ Our most-listened-to guest, McKenzie Fleming, returns to break down one of Austin’s most haunting cases—the Yogurt Shop Murders. In 1991, four teenage girls were brutally murdered, sparking decades of investigations, wrongful confessions, and unanswered questions. Who was responsible? Why does this case remain unsolved? Tap the link in bio to hear McKenzie unpack the chilling details and theories behind this tragic crime. 🔪🔥