Episodes

To Be and Do with Bishop Julius C. Trimble In this thought-provoking episode, Bishop Julius C. Trimble joins Reverend Dr. Brad Miller to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States—an occasion inviting both celebration and critical reflection. Recorded in July 2026, the conversation spans the progress and persistent challenges facing America, especially those concerning justice, inclusivity, and the nation’s evolving identity. The episode begins with personal updates, as Bishop Juliu...

Episode Summary In this compelling episode of To Be Encouraged, Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble tackle the topic of Christian response to war, political rhetoric, and the importance of peacemaking in turbulent times. The conversation is sparked by recent events involving military action in Iran, polarizing political language, and public controversy around the blending of faith and power. Drawing on scripture, Methodist tradition, and ecumenical perspectives, the hosts call...

On the eve of Easter 2026, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble reflect on the significance of April 4th, a day forever linked to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and its resonance with current events. As the world faces discouraging times marked by economic hardship, political tension, and record military spending, the conversation seeks hope rooted in faith, action, and the ongoing challenge to live out the love ethic central to both Jesus and Dr. King. T...

Hosts: Speaker A (Rev. Dr. Brad Miller), Speaker B (Bishop Julius C. Trimble) Topic: Why Easter Still Matters In this powerful episode recorded during Holy Week, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble explore the significance of Easter and its relevance in today’s world. They discuss how the resurrection brings hope, encouragement, and a mission to extend love and peace beyond the church walls. Bishop Trimble draws on personal stories, scripture, and reflections on nature to inspire...

Episode Overview In this episode of "To Be Encouraged", Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller engage in a candid and thoughtful conversation centered on leadership, the anxieties facing communities around the world, and how individuals and faith leaders can actively pursue peace amid challenging and uncertain times. Drawing on experiences in local and global ministry, dialogue spans topics from human rights and war to the practical, personal call to foster peace in everyday life. ...

Podcast: To Be Encouraged On this episode of To Be and Encouraged, hosts Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble confront one of the most challenging topics facing our world today—the onset of war between the United States and Iran. With a foundation in faith and an unwavering commitment to encouragement, the conversation explores gut-level reactions, theological challenges, and what it means to be peacemakers during tumultuous times. Three Key Takeaways: 1. War Always Comes at a Hu...

Bishop Julius C. Trimble Topic: The Essence of Faith In this inspiring episode of "To Be Encouraged," Bishop Julius C. Trimble offers heartfelt encouragement and fresh perspectives on the nature of faith. Drawing from biblical wisdom, theological insights, and personal experience, he weaves a message that uplifts and empowers listeners wherever they may be on their journey. Episode Overview Kicking off with a warm greeting, Bishop Julius C. Trimble delves into the meaning of faith, r...

In this powerful episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Bishop Julius C. Trimble to reflect on the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Reverend Jesse Jackson. The conversation traces Jackson’s countless contributions to social justice and civil rights, and explores the lessons today’s leaders can draw from his example. Three Key Takeaways: Living Out a Gospel of Compassion Bishop Julius C. Trimble illuminates how Reverend Jackson deeply embodied the tea...

Reflecting on the Legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson: Key Takeaways from “To Be Encouraged” Podcast In the latest episode of the “To Be Encouraged” podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and, Bishop Julius C. Trimble, pay tribute to the life and influence of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson. As the world mourns his recent passing, the conversation takes listeners on an insightful journey through Jesse Jackson’s pivotal role in civil rights, social justice, and spiritual advocacy. 1. Jesse Jackson’s Enduring...

On this moving episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, hosts Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble come together with raw honesty to mark Black History Month, tackling its significance as a lens to interpret and challenge the upheaval, injustice, and trauma facing our communities today. As the episode opens, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller acknowledges the growing distress—tragedies like ICE raids, murders, and harassment that recall troubling echoes from the Civil Rights era. These events,...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Hosts: Bishop Julius C. Trimble In this moving and timely episode of “To Be and Do,” Dr Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble tackle the chaos and injustice facing our society at the dawn of a new year. They address recent tragedies involving ICE agents in Minneapolis, a growing sense of lawlessness, and how the faith community can – and must – respond. Combining powerful personal insights, historical perspective, and a call to action rooted in faith and compassion...

In this heartfelt holiday episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller joins Bishop Julius C. Trimble to talk about reclaiming the true spirit of Christmas in a world saturated with commercialization and stress. As we approach Christmas 2025, the conversation explores how to focus on the deeper meaning of the season, building beloved community, and offering hope and encouragement to those who feel discouraged. Together, they share personal stories, practical tips for celebrat...

Finding Hope in the Holidays: How Advent Counters Loneliness – The holiday season is often painted as a time of unending joy, full of family gatherings, celebrations, and traditions. Yet, for many, Advent and Christmas can also magnify feelings of loneliness, loss, and disconnection. In episode of the "To Be Encouraged" podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble engage in a heartfelt conversation about the realities of the Christmas “blues” and, most importantly, how faith and co...

To Be Encouraged Podcast Show Notes In this heartfelt episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble dive deep into the struggles that so many face around worry and anxiety—especially given the real-life challenges in our world today, from economic uncertainty to social injustice. The conversation weaves together scripture, personal stories, and practical encouragement to help listeners shift from being paralyzed by worry to taking meaningful, hope-fil...

Show Notes: “Don’t Ask Me To Preach If…” | Episode 139 of To Be Encouraged Podcast In a passionate and timely episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller sits down with Bishop Julius C. Trimble to unpack the provocative article “Don’t Ask Me To Preach If…” and what it means to preach with authenticity and boldness in troubling times. Against the backdrop of Halloween—a fitting day to discuss what’s “scary” in our world and churches—Bishop Julius C. Trimble issues a heartfe...

Show Notes: Episode 138 — Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How Language Shapes Encouragement and Fear Welcome to another episode of To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Rev. Dr. Brad Miller! This episode delves into the powerful influence of words in our daily lives, exploring how language can either build up or tear down individuals and communities. Bishop Trimble and Dr. Miller candidly discuss the challenges of living in a culture often dominated by negative or fearful dialogue...

Show Notes In this uplifting episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller welcomes Bishop Julius C. Trimble for a reflective and timely conversation about resurrecting the Golden Rule in a divided and often discouraged world. Their discussion centers around how faith, justice, and love can lead us forward in challenging times, with practical encouragement for listeners to become positive catalysts in their communities and beyond. Three Key Takeaways: 1. Resurrecting the Golde...

In this deeply reflective episode of the To Be Encouraged Podcast, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble confront the urgent crisis of rising gun violence and political aggression in the United States. Together, they discuss the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges facing communities, churches, and individuals as they seek hope and healing in troubled times. Below are three key takeaways from the conversation: 1. Violence Is a Symptom of Deeper Isolation and Spiritual...

Show Notes: Episode 135 – Grace and Empathy: Expanding Compassion in Difficult Times Welcome to another heartfelt episode of the “To Be Encouraged” podcast with Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Dr. Brad Miller. In this thought-provoking conversation, Bishop Trimble opens up about the recent loss of his mother and how this experience has deepened his reflections on grace, empathy, and the vital role of compassion in today’s world. Together, they explore the challenges of fostering unity and offer pra...

Welcome to another powerful episode of To Be Encouraged with Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble. In this deeply personal and socially relevant conversation, Bishop Trimble shares insights shaped by current national events and the enduring legacy of his late mother, whose life spanned an incredible 102 years. The discussion opens with an unflinching look at the recent militarization of Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s decision to place National Guard troops and fede...

Welcome to another episode of “To Be Encouraged,” hosted by, Bishop Julius C. Trimble. In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Bishop Trimble and co host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller delve into the current realities facing the United States and the world in the wake of proposed federal budget cuts and their far-reaching implications, especially for children and vulnerable communities. The episode opens with Bishop Trimble’s heartfelt concern over the budget reconciliation process in the U.S. governme...

“A Fresh Start: Easter Hope in a Discouraged World” In this inspiring Holy Week edition of To Be Encouraged, host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller is joined by Bishop Julius C. Trimble as they reflect on the meaning of Easter amid the realities of suffering, discouragement, and longing for hope. Together, they offer heartfelt stories, theological insights, and practical encouragement—reminding listeners that resurrection hope is not only for a single day, but it’s a gift to live out daily. Easter Memorie...

Welcome to Episode 131 of the "To Be Encouraged" podcast, where the distinguished Bishop Julius C. Trimble shares words of wisdom and solace with Host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller. This episode, an invigorating discourse on identity, love, and belonging, seeks to bring light to a world that often feels overshadowed by darkness. Bishop Trimble, with his characteristic warmth and insight, delves into the concept of identity, not as a mere label of what we do or possess, but as an intrinsic understandin...

In this episode of the "To Be Encouraged" podcast, host Rev. Dr. Brad Miller welcomes Bishop Julius C. Trimble to share insights from his recent trip to Africa and discuss matters of democracy, humanitarian aid, and global abundance from a Christian perspective. Bishop Trimble begins by expressing his concern about the fragility of democracy in the United States and highlights how decisions made domestically have significant global repercussions. His visit to Africa University unveils the cri...