In this powerful Fourth of July episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth sits down with long-time friend and decorated Army veteran, Sergeant Major Kirk Foster, to reflect on the meaning of freedom. From the quiet back porch in Fort Collins, Colorado, the two share stories of service, sacrifice, and legacy. Kirk recounts his journey from enlisting before 9/11 to becoming one of the most decorated soldiers since that day. He speaks about leadership, loss, faith, and what it means to fight for and uphold the freedoms we often take for granted. This heartfelt conversation reminds us all of the cost of liberty and the enduring hope found in service and faith.

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🔑 Key Topics:

• The true meaning of freedom
• Military service and 9/11
• Valor and humility in leadership
• Mentorship in today’s Army
• Faith, purpose, and legacy
• Lincoln’s timeless call to freedom

🪖 About the Guest:
Sergeant Major Kirk Foster is one of the most decorated soldiers since 9/11, with two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts. He currently serves out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he mentors and trains the next generation of Army leaders. A man of deep faith, he shares how his relationship with Christ shapes his leadership and service.

📌 Notable Quotes:
“We have given you a republic—if you can keep it.” – Attributed to Benjamin Franklin
“I'd give them all back if I could have a couple of my buddies still be around.” – Kirk Foster
“You can be a lethal soldier, a good husband, a good father—and a follower of Christ.” – Kirk Foster

On a spring morning in May 2013, Dick and Ruth Foth’s life changed forever. While gathered with longtime friends in Estes Park, Colorado, Ruth suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. With no pulse and minutes to act, a chain of miracles unfolded—beginning with a rookie officer’s CPR and culminating in Ruth’s full recovery, with no brain damage.

Twelve years later, Dick sits on the porch with Ruth to reflect on that extraordinary day, the people who intervened, the power of prayer, and the deep gratitude that has marked every day since.

This is a story of crisis, community, faith—and grace that goes beyond explanation.

⏱️ Episode Highlights + Timecodes

00:00–00:32 – Setting the scene: birds, trains, and a morning full of memory

00:46–02:08 – Ruth collapses mid-conversation after reciting a poem

02:08–04:14 – First responders arrive and perform CPR; Ruth is shocked three times

04:49–05:13 – Airlift to Loveland; doctors offer a grim prognosis

05:20–06:07 – Friends around the world begin to pray; candles light up online

06:22–08:13 – A doctor prays over Ruth—and hours later, she wakes up

08:24–09:18 – Ruth beats the odds: survival, recovery, and full cognition

09:25–11:19 – One year later: apple pie thank-you tour to responders

11:19–12:20 – A police captain asks Dick to pray for his team

13:00–16:11 – Ruth reflects: family, friends, and Andre Crouch’s “My Tribute”

16:14–17:43 – Final thoughts on life, love, and laughter

🔁 Themes

Faith in crisis

The power of community and prayer

Gratitude for first responders

The miracle of survival and second chances

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO

Estes Park Police and Fire Departments

“My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” by Andre Crouch

🙏 Favorite Quotes

“We have a pulse.”
“To God be the glory for the things He has done.”
“I’m doing this for the rest of my life,” said the EMT, inspired by Ruth’s recovery.

📣 Connect With Us

🌐 DickFoth.com
📧 Subscribe, rate, and share Stories from the Road wherever you get your podcasts.
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🎧 Episode 56 – The Tale of Two Mothers
Host: Dick Foth
Guest: Mackenzie “Mac” Matthews
Theme: Honoring motherhood through story, struggle, and song

In this special Mother's Day edition, Dick shares the stories of two remarkable women: his mother, Gwendolyn, and friend Mackenzie “Mac” Matthews—a young mom whose faith carried her through a battle with aggressive breast cancer.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00: Introduction – Early morning reflections and the heart behind Mother's Day

01:07: The origin of Mother's Day and the symbolism of the white carnation

02:14: Mothers in Scripture – A generational look through Timothy’s family

03:25: Introducing Mackenzie Matthews (“Mac”)

05:00: Mac shares about her mom, Penny – intentionality, love, and high standards

06:21: Motherhood stories – Meet Powell and Callie

07:48: A life-changing diagnosis – cancer, treatment, and miracles

10:28: Against the odds – Callie’s miraculous arrival

11:58: What Mac loves about being a mom

13:23: Encouragement to fellow young moms – presence over perfection

16:12: Remembering Gwendolyn – Dick’s tribute to his mother

17:56: Growing up during WWII – nurturing memories from Dick’s childhood

19:27: A mother's prayer – "Oh God, don't let Dick do anything more stupid..."

20:09: Gwendolyn’s strength after loss – working until age 82

21:26: The “wig story” – a moment of laughter after a car crash

23:00: Gwendolyn’s signature song – No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus

25:11: Closing thoughts – celebrating mothers everywhere

💬 Quotes & References:

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”

2 Timothy 1:5 – Paul’s tribute to Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice

“Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” – George Eliot

“A mother is someone who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” – Unknown

Hymn: “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus” – played by Gwendolyn Foth at age 90

🌸 To all the moms

Thank you for your sacrifice, love, and presence—whether in quiet faith, sleepless nights, or loud laughter. You are deeply seen and celebrated.

🎧 Episode 55: The King Who Gives

Podcast: Stories from the Road with Dick Foth
🗓 Released during Holy Week

📝 Episode Notes:

In this Holy Week reflection, Dick Foth contrasts earthly kings who take—with a King who gives. From Roman taxes to temple coins, and from ancient prophecy to the cross, Dick weaves stories of money, power, and generosity through the lens of Jesus' final week. What kind of King is Jesus—and what does that mean for us today?

⏱️ Key Moments:

00:07 – Introduction: A week of taxes and trade wars... and a different kind of King
01:29 – Palm Sunday and Passover: Why this week mattered so much in Jerusalem
03:36 – Why money matters: What it reveals about us and our values
04:45 – Israel’s request for a king – 1 Samuel 8: The warning about what kings take
06:39 – Jesus’ birth and the Roman tax census – Luke 2
07:32 – Stories about money:
  – The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
  – The Lost Coin (Luke 15)
  – The Prodigal Son (Luke 15)
  – The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18)
09:33 – Jesus flips the tables: Clearing the temple of money changers
10:08 – “Render to Caesar…” – Whose image is on the coin? Whose image is in you?
11:04 – Judas, the 30 pieces of silver, and a King who still gives
12:26 – Meeting a U.S. Senator—after meeting with the King of the universe
13:27 – The thief on the cross and an invitation to paradise – Luke 23:43
14:15 – Final thought: In a world of taking, choose to give

📖 References in This Episode:

1 Samuel 8 – Israel’s demand for a king

Luke 2:1–7 – Census and the birth of Jesus

Luke 10:25–37 – The Good Samaritan

Luke 15 – Parables of the lost: coin, sheep, son

Matthew 18:21–35 – The unforgiving servant

Luke 20:20–26 – Paying taxes to Caesar

Luke 21:1–4 – The widow’s offering

Luke 23:43 – “Today you will be with me in paradise”

💬 “If you speak to the King of the universe in the morning, it’s not hard to speak to a senator in the afternoon.”

🎧 Also mentioned:
Check out Dick’s audiobook Stories I Love to Tell – available now on Audible.

St. Patrick’s Day & The Greatest Story Ever Told

Summary:

In this special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Dick Foth shares the remarkable story of St. Patrick, a British-born captive turned missionary who helped shape the spiritual history of Ireland. With his signature storytelling warmth, Dick draws a parallel between Patrick’s journey and the greatest story ever told—the life of Jesus. Along the way, he reflects on his own milestone: beginning his 81st trip around the sun. This episode blends history, faith, and personal reflection, celebrating the power of story to illuminate life’s deepest truths.

Podcast Notes & Chapters

🔹 [00:00] Welcome & St. Patrick’s Day Introduction
🔹 [01:17] The Story of St. Patrick – From captivity to missionary calling (Reference: Confession of St. Patrick, a 5th-century autobiographical letter)
🔹 [05:15] The Shamrock & The Trinity – A simple yet profound lesson (Reference: The legend of St. Patrick using the three-leaf clover to explain the Christian Trinity)
🔹 [06:32] Irish Heritage & Storytelling – The deep connection between faith and narrative (Reference: Ireland: A Novel by Frank Delaney)
🔹 [07:12] A Personal Reflection – Dick’s birthday and 81st journey around the sun
🔹 [08:44] The Greatest Story Ever Told – A reading from the Gospel of John (Reference: John 1:1-14, The Bible)
🔹 [13:14] Themes of Grace & Truth – Why both are essential today (Reference: A.W. Tozer quote, "What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.")
🔹 [19:57] Closing Thoughts & Blessings

🎧 Tap on the timestamps to jump to your favorite part!

Episode 54: An Unexpected Life
Guest: Dr. Bob Easter

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth revisits a conversation with Dr. Bob Easter, a man whose life journey has taken him from rural Texas to the heights of academia and leadership. A renowned expert in agricultural sciences and former President of the University of Illinois, Dr. Easter shares insights about faith, leadership, and the unexpected paths life presents. His reflections on education, integrity, and humility make for an inspiring discussion about purpose and perseverance.

Episode Notes & Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction: Revisiting a 2018 conversation with Dr. Bob Easter and setting the stage for a remarkable life story.

[01:22] – Dr. Easter’s early life in rural Texas, growing up in a small town near the Mexican border, and the impact of his bilingual upbringing.

[02:25] – The influence of his father, a farm manager, and the realization that education was his ticket to a future beyond the family farm.

[03:36] – Discovering agricultural sciences at Texas A&M, initially planning to become an agriculture teacher, and the pivotal moment that led him to graduate school.

[05:02] – A life-changing decision: Choosing between an offer at Texas A&M and staying at the University of Illinois to pursue swine nutrition research.

[06:28] – Transitioning from researcher to academic leader, becoming department head, dean, and eventually chancellor at the University of Illinois.

[08:24] – The unexpected journey to becoming President of the University of Illinois, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar budget and 80,000 students.

[10:12] – Faith and academia: Navigating a scientific career while maintaining personal beliefs and reflecting on the historic relationship between faith and scientific discovery.

[14:19] – The evolution of higher education: How students have changed over the decades, the impact of technology, and the increasing diversity on university campuses.

[17:50] – Leadership and unity: Dr. Easter’s approach to bringing people together, his reliance on humility, and the wisdom of Micah 6:8—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

[24:01] – The influence of Dr. Steve Sample, former USC president, and his three profound life questions: How do you feel about money? How do you feel about children? How do you feel about God?

[29:54] – The impact of family and faith: Dr. Easter’s wife, Cheryl, as a grounding force in his life and career.

[32:41] – A lighthearted moment: The unexpected fraternity of pig riders—Dr. Easter shares why he never joined their ranks.

[34:12] – Closing reflections: The guiding principles that have shaped Dr. Easter’s life and leadership.

References & Further Reading:

Dr. Bob Easter’s profile and contributions to agricultural sciences: University of Illinois

The Guide to Contrarian Leadership by Dr. Steve Sample

Micah 6:8 – He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

📌 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review!
🔗 Visit DickFoth.com for more inspiring conversations.

Episode Summary

In Part 2 of I Like Giving!, Brad Formsma returns to discuss the heart of generosity—why it matters, how it transforms lives, and how we can pass it on to the next generation. Brad shares stories about his WOW Factor Podcast, lessons from Admiral Vern Clark, and the Generous Kids Book Club. Plus, Dick shares a moving story about unexpected kindness right in his own driveway.

Key topics: The power of giving, leadership wisdom, building a culture of generosity, and practical ways to live a generous life every day.

🔹 Episode Chapters & Timestamps

🔹 00:00 – Welcome Back!
Dick introduces Part 2 with Brad Formsma and the theme of generosity.

🔹 00:20 – How The WOW Factor Podcast Began
Brad shares how his son inspired him to start a podcast showcasing radically generous leaders.

🔹 01:03 – From Skeptic to 260+ Episodes
Brad didn’t expect to make it past 10 episodes—but now, The WOW Factor has featured leaders like the CEO of Southwest Airlines and Admiral Vern Clark.

🔹 02:41 – Podcasting as a Tapestry
Brad describes his show as a mix of faith, leadership, and business—highlighting people who inspire.

🔹 03:36 – Leadership Wisdom from Admiral Vern Clark
Insights from the former U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, including his experience during 9/11.

🔹 05:15 – Maps vs. Charts: A Leadership Lesson
In the Navy, they don’t use maps—they use charts. A powerful metaphor for how God guides our lives.

🔹 07:20 – Teaching Generosity to the Next Generation
Brad introduces the Generous Kids Book Club and explains how gratitude and giving can shape young hearts.

🔹 09:11 – The Power of Handwritten Notes
How a note from the CEO of Southwest Airlines showed the lasting impact of small gestures.

🔹 11:32 – Building a Culture of Generosity in Schools
How kids across the U.S. and the Philippines are learning about generosity through daily practice.

🔹 13:07 – Meet Jasper G., the Generosity Giraffe
Brad shares how a simple children’s book is helping families talk about giving.

🔹 15:36 – A Preschooler’s Honest Take on Giving
A hilarious moment when a child bluntly admits he’d rather receive than give.

🔹 17:09 – Acts of Kindness: A Driveway Surprise
Dick shares a personal story of unexpected generosity from podcast producer Richard Flores.

🔹 19:20 – A Story from Mexico: The Ripple Effect of Giving
A former prisoner-turned-pastor finds healing by helping others.

🔹 22:04 – A Grueling Hike with Mark Batterson
Brad recounts an exhausting trek up Half Dome and what he learned along the way.

🔹 24:45 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude
Encouragement to live generously—plus, a shoutout to Stories I Love to Tell on Audible.

🔹 Resources & Mentions

📌 The WOW Factor Podcast – Listen here
📌 Generous Kids Book Club – Learn more
📌 Stories I Love to Tell by Dick Foth – Available on Audible
📌 Admiral Vern Clark – Former U.S. Chief of Naval Operations
📌 Mark Batterson – The Circle Maker author

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Summary:
In this episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth sits down with Brad Formsma, founder of I Like Giving, a movement centered on the power of generosity. As Valentine's Day approaches, they explore how giving is at the heart of love. Brad shares personal stories from his childhood, including lessons from his grandfather, who modeled a life of generosity. He also discusses his journey from a successful landscaping business to a calling that encourages people to live generously in seven ways—through thoughts, words, time, attention, influence, belongings, and money. This episode is filled with inspiring stories that showcase how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

Episode Notes & Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:18 – Introduction: Kicking off the episode and setting the theme of generosity.
00:19 - 00:43 – Meet Brad Formsma: His background and the I Like Giving movement.
00:44 - 02:10 – The connection between love and giving.
02:11 - 04:35 – Brad’s childhood: Learning generosity from his grandfather’s baking.
04:36 - 06:07 – Delivering bread as a form of giving and kindness.
06:08 - 07:17 – Facing childhood struggles and discovering resilience.
07:18 - 10:04 – A turning point: How Brad’s faith journey led him to embrace generosity.
10:05 - 12:10 – The moment Brad felt called to encourage generosity.
12:11 - 17:30 – How small acts of kindness spark conversations about giving.
17:31 - 21:06 – The seven ways to be generous beyond money.
21:07 - 25:05 – The impact of storytelling in spreading generosity.
25:06 - 30:19 – When giving gets messy: A story about unexpected challenges in generosity.
30:20 - 32:48 – Closing thoughts: Why generosity moves the spirit and what’s coming in Part 2.

References & Resources:

📖 Brad Formsma's Website & Resources

I Like Giving – www.ILikeGiving.com

Brad’s book I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life – Amazon Link

🎙️ Referenced Books & People:

Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson – Amazon Link

How to Know a Person by David Brooks – Amazon Link

Knut Vollebæk – Former Norwegian Ambassador

📚 Additional Resources on Generosity & Faith:

The Seven Ways of Living Generously: www.ILikeGiving.com

Stories I Love to Tell by Dick Foth (Audiobook) – Audible Link