Today on Anchored By the Sword Podcast, I’m honored to welcome my friend Nikita Koloff—and y’all, this conversation is powerful, redemptive, and deeply encouraging.

I first met Nikita back in 2022 at the NRB Convention in Nashville, and it feels wild how fast the years fly by. What hasn’t changed is the impact of his testimony and the way God has completely transformed his life.

Nikita grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raised by a single mom after his father left when he was just three years old. He went on to become a standout football player, earning academic All-American honors, before stepping into the world of professional wrestling—where many know him as “The Russian Nightmare.” He had a wildly successful career, retiring early at just 33 years old… but success didn’t equal fulfillment.

In this episode, Nikita shares:

• How fame and success still left him empty
• The divine appointment that led him to church on October 17, 1993
• Surrendering his life to Christ at the altar—and never being the same
• Learning to serve through missions and discipleship
• Launching Koloff for Christ Ministries and preaching in over 1,500 churches
• Ministering in 36 countries and to crowds of over 70,000 people
• His heart for men’s ministry, discipleship, and calling men higher

One of the most moving parts of this conversation is Nikita’s story of redemption and reconciliation with his father. After decades of distance, God restored their relationship—to the point where his father eventually said, “I love you, son,” for the first time at age 84. Nikita was with him when he went home to be with the Lord, and his father’s final words to him were once again, “I love you, son.” Only God can write stories like that.

Nikita also shares the verse that continues to anchor his life and ministry:

Colossians 1:10 — a prayer to live a life worthy of the Lord, please Him in every way, bear fruit, and grow in the knowledge of God.

This episode is a reminder that:

• Success without Christ will always fall short
• God is working behind the scenes long before we say “yes”
• Redemption is never too late
• Saying yes to Jesus can change generations

Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a leader, a parent, or someone searching for purpose—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

🎧 Don’t miss this one.

Bio:

Nikita Koloff known to the wrestling world as "The Russian Nightmare" is an eight-time wrestling champion and has thrilled fans around the world as one of the top stars in the ring winning numerous regional, national, and world titles including the World Tv, World TagTeam, World 6-Man, United States and National Heavyweight Championships.

He is a best-selling author, international speaker and host of the radio show/podcasts “It’s Time…To Man Up” & Q&A w/Koloff on Truth Radio Network.

Through Koloff for Christ Ministries, Nikita has currently traveled to 36 countries, all 50 states, preached in over 1500 churches touching the hearts of all ages through his preaching as he brings the message of faith and salvation to those looking for hope and peace in their lives.

In addition, for the last 20 years he has been focused on ministering to the hearts of men of all ages through ManUp breakfasts, dinners, conferences and ManCamps.

Anchor Verses:

Colossians 1:10

Connect with Nikita and ManCamp

Website: https://www.koloff.net

ManCamp: https://mancamp.info

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nikitakoloff1

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Today I’m resharing Season 4, Episode 34, which is in the top 10 downloaded podcast episodes ever, is a conversation that feels just as important now as it did when it first aired—maybe even more so.

This episode is a reminder for anyone who has ever believed the lie that they need to clean themselves up before coming to God.

In this conversation, Gail Schaar shares her story with honesty, humor, and so much grace. She’s a barista at Starbucks who believes coffee is often the doorway to deeper conversations and real relationships. She’s a wife, a mom of two little girls, and a woman who came to faith later in life after years of what she calls a “bob-and-weave” relationship with God—aware of Him, but not fully surrendered.

We talk about:

• ​Feeling “too messy” for church
• ​How God meets us right in the middle of our junk
• ​Addiction, unhealthy coping, and surrendering control
• ​Why God does the cleaning—not us
• ​The beauty of authentic church community
• ​Letting God peel back layers one at a time

One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when she shares how she finally told God the truth: “I don’t want to change this. If You want it gone, You’re going to have to do it.” And God did—changing her desires in a way only He can.

This episode carries a message I never get tired of saying:

You are not too dirty for God.You are not too broken for church.And you don’t have to fix yourself before coming to Him.

🤍 A 2025 Update

Since this episode first aired, this sweet friend is now walking through a breast cancer battle in 2025. And once again, her life is a testimony—not of perfection, but of deep trust.

She is being carried by the same God who met her in addiction, in shame, in surrender—and now meets her in treatment, fear, courage, and hope. Please join me in praying for healing, strength, peace, and overwhelming reminders of God’s nearness.

This reshare is for the one who feels disqualified.It’s for the one who thinks they’ve gone too far.It’s for the one who needs to hear—again—that God is not afraid of your mess.

🎧 Listen with an open heart.

Original Notes:

Two weeks ago, I had Zach Schaar on the podcast and this week, his beautiful wife, Gail is joining me! I have been anxiously awaiting to have this conversation with her! She is a powerhouse with a soft side towards dolphins:)

Bio:

Gail Schaar is a wife and mother of two girls. She enjoys her job serving coffee as a barista. Gail became a Christian at 28 years old at a church near Nashville, TN. She loves watching God use her unsavory past as way to relate to and reach people in her daily life. She currently lives in Canton, OH with her husband, little girls, and Cockapoo. Her loves are coffee, Pilates, bargains, reading the Old Testament, and delicious food. You can follow her ministry at YAHWEH’s Trainwreck on Facebook.

Gail's Anchor Verses:

Jeremiah 29:11; 32:17

Revelation 22

Support Now: https://www.supportnow.org/gail-schaar

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***