Traits of a Champion

On January 16, 1991, seven B-52 Stratofortress bombers took off from Barksdale Air Force Base on a mission so classified that the aircrews couldn't speak of it for a full year afterward. Codenamed "Operation Secret Squirrel," this 35-hour nonstop round trip marked the opening strike of Operation Desert Storm and the first combat use of conventional air-launched cruise missiles.In this episode of Traits of a Champion, Pastor John Fream sits down with retired USAF Colonel Warren Ward—one of the key pilots on that historic flight. Beyond the tactical details of combat flying, Col. Ward shares deep insights on maintaining faith under pressure, the true cost of defending American freedoms, and why Christian leadership demands selfless service.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The true story behind the top-secret 35-hour "Secret Squirrel" mission.How military discipline and Christian faith intersect in high-stakes environments.The vital importance of supporting our active-duty service members and veterans.Key leadership principles forged in the cockpit and carried into executive leadership.Resources & Credits:• Host: Pastor John Fream• Guest: Col. Warren Ward (USAF, Ret.) — Executive Director, Louisiana Tech Research Institute• Archival Photos: Courtesy of U.S. Air Force / Barksdale AFB (barksdale.af.mil)• Archival Footage & Media Credits:• Yesterday's Air Force - Secret Squirrel video courtesy of Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) / U.S. Air Force (Produced by Jarid Watson). Public Domain. [https://www.dvidshub.net/video/446340/yesterdays-air-force-secret-squirrel](https://www.dvidshub.net/video/446340/yesterdays-air-force-secret-squirrel)Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!

"To me that's the saddest thing, when somebody is qualified in every way but they just won't do the work."In this episode of Traits of a Champion, host Pastor John Fream is joined by Dr. Hance Dilbeck, President & CEO of GuideStone.Whether you're leading a business, a ministry, a community, or your family, great leadership isn't just about strategy—it comes down to personal character. Dr. Dilbeck outlines the three fundamental non-negotiables of sustainable leadership: integrity, responsibility, and spiritual maturity.Tune in for a candid conversation on what it takes to lead with longevity, avoid common pitfalls, and honor God in your calling.👉 If this episode impacted you, please leave us a 5-star rating and share it with a friend or colleague who leads!

In an uncompromised, high-stakes conversation on "Traits of a Champion," Pastor John Fream sits down with Ambassador Dr. Michael (Yechiel) Leiter—diplomat, scholar, and grieving father—for a candid discussion on faith, moral clarity, and the cost of defending truth. Following the events of October 7th and the ongoing battle for moral truth, Ambassador Leiter addresses the realities of national defense, the personal cost of war, and the ideological forces working to dismantle Judeo-Christian values across the Western world. Together, Pastor John and Ambassador Leiter explore: • Why standing for truth requires rejecting passivity and moral ambiguity. • The deep spiritual connection and shared worldview between Christians and Jews. • How starting each day in gratitude transforms our character and aligns our perspective with God's purpose. • What true leadership looks like when convictions are tested on a global stage. If you are tired of settling for participation trophies in your faith and leadership, this episode is a call to step up, live with conviction, and refuse to be silent when truth is under attack. --- CONNECT WITH TRAITS OF A CHAMPION: • Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAVsCxDLeCZ5ZrWiVfFW_cQ • Share this episode with a leader, friend, or pastor who needs encouragement today.

How do you find the truth when the headlines are heavily biased? In this episode of Traits of a Champion, Pastor John Fream sits down with broadcast journalist Ariella Noveck (founder of ShieldGiving) and content creator Traci Coston to expose how information and narratives are being distorted in the media today, specifically regarding Israel. If you are trying to understand the current situation in Israel and want to learn how to practice media literacy and look past sensationalized news, this deep-dive podcast discussion provides the tools you need to do your own research and find verified sources. In a world filled with fake news and rapid narratives, how do we discern what is true? Discover what it really means to use your voice, platform, and influence to fight for honesty and make a difference. #MediaLiteracy #Israel #TraitsOfAChampion #JohnFream #TraciCoston #AriellaNoveck #Podcast #Truth

Mac Powell has been singing since he was eight years old. But his journey to becoming the frontman of Third Day wasn’t something he could have planned. In this episode of the Traits of a Champion Podcast, Mac takes us through his story—from growing up in a musical family and singing in church, to joining a rock band in high school and eventually facing the uncertainty of what would come after graduation. When Mac began asking God for help, he was prompted to start reading his Bible. What followed was a season of surrender that challenged him to give God everything—including the band he had always dreamed of being part of. And then, God began opening doors. This conversation is a reminder that we don’t always get to see where God is leading us. Sometimes faith means surrendering what we thought our future would look like and trusting Him with what comes next.

What does it look like to be a champion with your money?Money impacts nearly every area of our lives, from our future and our families to our marriages, our generosity, and the legacy we leave behind. So how do we handle it with wisdom, intentionality, and faith?In this episode of the Traits of a Champion Podcast, Jeff Draughon and Brad Fream join us for a practical conversation about becoming a champion with your finances. As experienced financial advisors, they share principles for financial planning, preparing for the future, communicating about money with your spouse, and making wise decisions with what God has entrusted to you.But this conversation goes beyond investments and retirement accounts. Jeff and Brad believe financial success isn't just about building wealth. It's about being faithful with what God has given you and keeping your spiritual future in view along the way.Jeff Draughon was recently named the 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for Louisiana, and both Jeff and Brad bring years of experience helping people make wise financial decisions while keeping their faith at the center.From planning for tomorrow to being obedient with what God has given you today, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what it means to be a champion with your money.🎙️ Listen to the full episode of the Traits of a Champion Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Some moments in sports become legendary. Warren Morris' two-out, walk-off home run to win the 1996 College World Series for LSU is one of them.But the story behind that swing is about far more than baseball.On this episode of Traits of a Champion, Warren shares the journey that led to one of the most unforgettable moments in college baseball history, the lessons he's learned from champion leaders throughout his life, and why success is never the ultimate goal.Through every victory, every challenge, and every opportunity that followed, Warren has remained committed to giving God the glory. His story is a powerful reminder that while unforgettable moments may open doors, it's faith, humility, and character that leave the greatest legacy.Whether you're a sports fan, a leader, or simply looking for encouragement to honor God wherever He's placed you, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

How do we help the next generation develop a faith that lasts?In this episode, Pastors John Fream and Kevin Flattmann sit down with Derik Idol, Liberty University professor and Executive Director of the Center for Youth Ministry, to discuss the biblical responsibility of investing in the next generation.Together, they explore why the local church and the family both play vital roles in shaping young people's faith, the importance of connecting students to a Christ-centered community, and how parents and church leaders can intentionally disciple the next generation.Whether you're a parent, grandparent, ministry leader, volunteer, or someone who simply cares about the future of the Church, this conversation offers practical encouragement and a biblical vision for helping the next generation know, love, and follow Jesus.

What does more than seven decades of faithful ministry teach you?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jerry Vines, retired pastor of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, to reflect on a lifetime of serving Christ. After 74 years in ministry, Dr. Vines shares biblical wisdom, personal experiences, and practical encouragement for believers seeking to remain faithful in every season of life.Whether you're serving in ministry, growing in your faith, or simply looking for timeless wisdom from someone who has faithfully followed the Lord for decades, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.Tune in for an encouraging discussion on faith, perseverance, and what it means to finish well.

What does it take to compete at the highest level of college football while staying grounded in your faith? In this episode, John Fream sits down with Grayson Miller to discuss life in the world of Division I athletics, the pressures and opportunities that come with competing at a powerhouse program like University of Oklahoma, and how his relationship with Christ shapes the way he approaches success, adversity, and competition.Grayson shares his journey, lessons learned on and off the field, and why being a true champion is about more than wins and losses—it's about character, purpose, and living out your faith wherever God has placed you.