Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Michele Rigby Assad’s career began in Washington, D.C. working for an international relief and development agency in its government relations department. Michele joined the CIA in January 2002 and spent a decade serving as an undercover intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations. Specializing in counterterrorism, counterintelligence and lie detection, Michele spent the majority of her career in the Middle East. She had five overseas tours, to include Iraq and other secret locations.

Since leaving the CIA, Michele and her husband Joseph have run an international consulting firm that provides support to Western and not-native companies working in the Arabian Gulf, the wider Middle East, and several countries in Asia and Europe (SITE Advisors). She is also a keynote speaker, trainer, and author.

Her bestselling book Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What it Taught Me About What’s Worth Fighting For, was published in February 2018 (Tyndale Momentum). Her second book Get Off the X: CIA Secrets for Conquering Obstacles and Achieving Your Life’s Mission was released January 2025 (Dexterity). Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a political science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Central Florida.

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Keith Ferrin is a husband to the coolest woman on the planet and a dad to the three coolest kids on the planet.

He's also an author and speaker, with a passion for helping people read, study, and enjoy the Bible. He is also a messaging coach who helps entrepreneurs, teams, and C-level leaders simplify their messages and deliver them well.

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Karen Abercrombie is an award-winning actress, singer-songwriter, master oral storyteller, writer and producer. She is also an activist and an avid environmentalist. Born and raised in Aliquippa, PA, Karen is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Karen has a long list of credits to her name which include playing Grandma Quill in the Marvel Franchise’s, The Guardians of The Galaxy Volume 3, Judge Eleanor Thomas in the Sony Provident TV Series – Eleanor’s Bench, Miss Virginia in OWN’s TV Series – Delilah, and Miss Clara in the Kendrick Brothers film, War Room. You may have also seen her on Vampire Diaries, Saved by The Bell, Judging Amy, The Inspectors, Ali McBeal, Strong Medicine, etc. As for stage, Karen has appeared in numerous Off-Broadway productions. Some of her favorite stage experiences include portraying Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s Gem of The Ocean at The Actors Theatre, Three Views of Mt Fuji at Playwrights Horizon, portraying Peggy in Charles Randoph Wright’s Blue at The Actors Theatre, and Tambourines to Glory at The Billie Holiday Theatre.

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Rik Roberts provides clean stand-up comedy for fundraisers, corporate, and church events. For groups who want fun and engaging programs with actionable take-aways, he offers a series of creative keynotes. You may also hire Rik to emcee your event.

Rik has a real passion for helping non-profits. He’s raised funds for groups such as Make-A-Wish, St. Judes, Compassion in Action, Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation, RIFA, New Missions, Life Services, and many more. His comedy show is perfect fit for Galas, and his “Barney Fife” impression can lighten up the live auctions as well!

Along with being able to provide a corporate-friendly comedy show for your group, Rik has a series of creative keynotes! These programs all have valuable take aways and are delivered with a great deal of humor to keep everyone engaged.

Give your productivity a shot in the arm using Rik’s “Mayberry Method.” Get your group on their feet with his interactive “Listen Up, Laugh it Up” program. Or, challenge yourself to create impactful goals by applying his “Bigger, Better, Faster, Further” strategy.

Rik is a member of the National Speakers Association and a former President of the Christian Comedy Association. He’s released 9 comedy albums and has over 30 TV and streaming appearances.

In short, Rik Roberts is funny, creative, and easy going. Bring him on board and you will bring your event to life!

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Dr. Andrew Farley is a bestselling author of nine books including The Grace Message, The Naked Gospel, and Twisted Scripture.

He serves as president of The Grace Message, hosts a live, call-in radio program every weeknight, is the lead pastor of The Grace Church, and has been recognized with several awards for his excellence in teaching.

Andrew lives in Texas with his wife Katharine and their son Gavin.

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Kyle Idleman is a bestselling author and the senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest churches in America. He’s most widely known for his award-winning book, not a fan., which has sold more than 1.3 million copies and has sparked a movement among believers. Kyle has authored other books including: One at a Time, The End of Me, gods at war, Grace Is Greater and Don’t Give Up. Kyle and his wife DesiRae have four children and live on a farm where he does no farming.

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Brian Bates is a Nashville based comedian who tours the country performing at comedy clubs, theaters, corporate events, and churches. You may have seen his Dry Bar Comedy specials or heard him as a guest on The Grand Ole Opry. He can also be heard regularly on LaughUSA on SiriusXM radio.

When not on the road, Brian joins fellow comedians Nate Bargatze, Aaron Weber and Dusty Slay as one of the hosts of the "NateL

Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Jon Kitna is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League for the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Central Washington Wildcats and was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He is currently the head football coach at Lakota East High School in Ohio.