Against the Grain

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Martin Sedra, pastor of Echo Church and twin brother to previous guest Andrew Sedra, though, as you’ll quickly see, Martin brings a message and story all his own. Martin opens up about his path into ministry and what it really takes to lead a church that’s not afraid to go against the grain of cultural expectations. With humor, he reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a pastor in today’s world and how God used unexpected moments to shape his calling. Nate and Martin dive deep into the power of family, faith, and leadership. They talk about the pressures that come with pastoring, how to protect your soul while serving others, and why authenticity matters now more than ever. This is more than a conversation, it’s a reminder that bold obedience and humility go hand in hand when building the Kingdom. Against The Grain all links: https://linktr.ee/AgainstTheGrainthePodcast SoulShop all links: https://linktr.ee/soulshop_studios Nate’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natebuzz/ Nate’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natebuzz 🎧 Listen Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/against-the-grain/id1776655570 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgainstTheGrainThePod 🎙 Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uTDixBYxzD7cFA7wO8t5Q?si=f7c1d1f760e84332 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Millicent Sedra, from Echo Church, whose biblical conviction and unapologetic sermons are stirring conversations around the globe. Millicent shares her journey from growing up in a progressive church environment to discovering a firm foundation in scripture and stepping into her calling. She opens up about wrestling with identity, biblical womanhood, and what it means to truly submit to God’s will in an age of confusion and cultural pressure. One of the most striking parts of Millicent’s story involves her controversial yet courageous sermon comparing the Bible and the Quran, which sparked backlash and led to a powerful testimony of a Muslim coming to faith in Christ. Nate and Millicent discuss topics such as the rise of self-centered Christianity, mental health, and the power of prophecy. With honesty and humility, Millicent speaks into the challenges facing Christian women today and the dangers of misplaced identity. Against The Grain all links: https://linktr.ee/AgainstTheGrainthePodcast SoulShop all links: https://linktr.ee/soulshop_studios Nate’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natebuzz/ Nate’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natebuzz 🎧 Listen Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/against-the-grain/id1776655570 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgainstTheGrainThePod 🎙 Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uTDixBYxzD7cFA7wO8t5Q?si=f7c1d1f760e84332 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unforgettable episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Sameer, a Yazidi survivor with one of the most powerful testimonies ever shared on the show. Sameer opens up about growing up as a Yazidi boy in northern Iraq—a life marked by hardship, limited freedom, and persecution. At a young age, he was forced to take on the responsibilities of adulthood, shepherding in harsh conditions and living under the shadow of being part of a misunderstood and heavily oppressed religious minority. But things took a dark turn when ISIS swept through his region in 2014. Sameer shares his chilling first-hand experience of being captured, tortured, and held prisoner. He talks about the trauma of seeing his people enslaved, r*ped, and sold. He speaks about enduring pain, losing his family, and fighting to stay alive while clinging to hope. This episode goes beyond survival. Nate and Sameer explore questions of faith, evil, and God's presence in suffering. If you’ve ever wrestled with the question “Where is God in our pain?” this conversation is for you. Against The Grain all links: https://linktr.ee/AgainstTheGrainthePodcast SoulShop all links: https://linktr.ee/soulshop_studios Nate’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natebuzz/ Nate’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natebuzz 🎧 Listen Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/against-the-grain/id1776655570 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgainstTheGrainThePod 🎙 Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uTDixBYxzD7cFA7wO8t5Q?si=f7c1d1f760e84332 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Mark Leach, an Anglican pastor and founder of Never Again Is Now, to discuss his incredible journey of faith, survival, and bold evangelism.   Mark shares his gripping life story, from growing up in a dangerous and unstable environment in Africa to witnessing intense persecution and violence. Raised in a family with deep Jewish and Catholic roots, he recounts his struggles with faith, his mother’s powerful vision of Jesus, and the moment he surrendered his life to Christ.   Nate and Mark dive into the reality of suffering, the misconceptions about Christianity, and why many believers struggle with faith when faced with hardship.  This conversation is filled with powerful insights, emotional testimony, and an unshakable message of hope. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking encouragement in their faith journey. Against The Grain all links: https://linktr.ee/AgainstTheGrainthePodcast  SoulShop all links: https://linktr.ee/soulshop_studios  Nate’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natebuzz/  Nate’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natebuzz  Produced by: SoulShop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Matt Bega, a content creator passionate about defending the Christian faith in a skeptical world. Matt shares his journey into apologetics, discussing how he engages in deep theological debates, challenges misconceptions about Christianity, and uses historical evidence to defend the Gospel. He and Nate explore the power of biblical prophecy and how history continues to confirm the truth of Scripture. Matt also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping Christians for spiritual warfare, sharing powerful personal experiences that highlight God’s active presence.  This episode is packed with historical insights and a bold challenge to live courageously for Christ. It’s an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Noleen Sedra, co-leader of Echo Church and wife of Andrew Sedra, for a powerful conversation about faith, truth, and the cultural battles facing Christians today. Noleen opens up about her journey in ministry and what it’s like standing beside a husband who unapologetically speaks on topics many pastors avoid. She shares how her faith was strengthened as she confronted cultural ideologies through the lens of Scripture. Nate and Noleen dive deep into why so many churches stay silent on controversial issues, and how feminism has influenced even Christian women. Noleen challenges believers to stand firm in biblical truth, even when it brings criticism. Expect raw, unfiltered discussions on faith, culture, and the cost of standing for truth in today’s world. It’s bold, thought-provoking, and guaranteed to challenge and inspire! Produced by SoulShop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of *Against the Grain*, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) is joined by Andrew Sedra, the lead pastor of Echo Church in Sydney, Australia, and a fearless advocate for bold, unfiltered Christianity in an increasingly hostile world.   Andrew shares his incredible journey from growing up in Egypt as a persecuted Christian to becoming a refugee in Australia. He narrates chilling moments of God’s miraculous protection, including a life-threatening plot against his family that resulted in one of his persecutors converting to Christianity.   Nate and Andrew dive into pressing topics, including the Western church’s struggles with political correctness, the importance of standing firm in biblical truth, and how Christians can navigate a culture increasingly hostile to their beliefs. They also explore the prophetic significance of Israel. Andrew doesn’t hold back as he calls on Christians to resist fear, speak boldly, and reclaim their God-given purpose in a world desperate for truth.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Bobby Chandler, a pastor and online ministry leader whose TikTok sermons and heartfelt authenticity have inspired millions around the world. Bobby opens up about his journey from struggling with doubts and family challenges to leading Authentic Church in North Carolina. He shares how a season of personal and spiritual trials, including his daughter’s health complications, led to a profound trust in God’s calling. One of Bobby’s most impactful moments involves using TikTok to deliver micro sermons that reach people in unexpected places, sparking new conversations about faith and hope in a digital age. Nate and Bobby explore the importance of bold faith in chaotic times, the challenges of navigating divisive topics like politics and social media, and the role of Christians in a fearful world. Bobby also speaks on the blessings tied to supporting Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) welcomes Marzi Amirizadeh, a courageous Christian woman whose strong faith sustained her through imprisonment and persecution under the Iranian regime. Marzi shares her intense journey of being imprisoned for her faith, recounting how she witnessed miraculous transformations in prison, and also speaks about the power of dreams and visions, which not only guided her journey but also foreshadowed global events, such as the recent attacks on Israel. Nate and Marzi dive into the challenges of maintaining faith under persecution, the responsibility of Christians to stand with Israel, and the need to combat misinformation in today’s culture Powerful testimonies, hard-hitting truths, and a call to action for Christians to rise up and engage with the world around them. It’s a raw, and deeply inspiring conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Against the Grain, Nathaniel Buzolic (aka Nate Buzz) sits down with Doug Elks, a former D1 college basketball player turned entrepreneur and passionate Christian leader, known for his INSPIRING teachings on faith and purpose. Doug shares his life story—from growing up in a Christian household with struggles and finding peace in basketball, to facing personal and spiritual crises during his college years that led him to rediscover his faith.  Nate and Doug delve into powerful testimonies, reflect on the challenges of maintaining faith and the importance of balancing truth with compassion when reaching others. Also, Doug has an AMAZING STORY of what happened when he visited Israel Some profund insights. A lot of warm stories. It’s, raw, and inspiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices