What happens when an undercover FBI agent faces down hate groups, cartels, and spiritual darkness—and still holds fast to his faith?

In this gripping Part 1 interview, Scott Payne, former FBI agent and New York Times bestselling author of Codename: Pale Horse, joins Steve to share his incredible journey. From growing up in a Christian home to infiltrating America's most violent criminal networks, Scott opens up about the challenges of living for Jesus in the darkest places on earth.

🎙️ You’ll hear:

How Scott integrated faith into his high-stakes undercover work

His chilling encounter with demonic forces that changed his life forever

The wild story of how a school talent show led to his first covert mission

The emotional and spiritual cost of his work—and how God used it all for redemption

🙏 Whether you're in ministry, law enforcement, or just looking for hope in hard places, this episode will both shock and inspire you.

📚 Codename: Pale Horse – Available now on Audible, Amazon, and everywhere books are sold. https://a.co/d/86MsDlg

Chapters

00:00 Undercover Operations: A High-Stakes Job

02:43 The Journey of a Christ Follower in Law Enforcement

05:56 Challenges and Triumphs in the FBI

08:45 The Path to Becoming an Undercover Agent

11:55 Childhood Influences and Early Experiences

14:53 The Impact of Peer Pressure and Identity

18:00 Spiritual Awakening and Transformation

20:54 Navigating the World of Law Enforcement

23:37 The Role of Faith in a Dangerous Profession

26:42 First Experiences in Undercover Work

29:58 Career Decisions and Law Enforcement Aspirations

41:25 The Evolution of Undercover Work

49:32 Infiltrating the Outlaws: A Deep Dive

01:00:33 The High-Stakes Drug Deal

01:11:55 Faith and Resilience in the Face of Danger

01:23:17 Redemption Stories and Community Support

David Garlock’s journey is one of trauma, transformation, and triumph. After surviving years of horrific abuse, David and his brother took the life of their abuser—an act that led to a 25-year sentence. But in prison, David found something far greater than freedom: he found Jesus.

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve talks with David about:

* His early years of abuse and family dysfunction

* The decision that changed everything

*Meeting God in a jail cell

* His education journey—from GED to college degree

* Working with Bryan Stevenson and appearing in Just Mercy

* Why justice reform matters

* What the Church can do to support returning citizens

David's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of grace—and that God can use anyone for His glory.

🔗 Visit davidlgarlock.com to learn more.

🎙 Subscribe and share if this conversation speaks to you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embracing Brokenness

03:01 David's Early Life and Trauma

10:36 The Turning Point: Confession and Transformation

19:36 Life After Incarceration and Family Dynamics

24:52 Loss and Healing: The Impact of Grief

28:11 The Importance of Faith and Advocacy

29:23 The Power of Faith and Vulnerability

36:40 Transformative Education Behind Bars

54:48 Finding Purpose Through Adversity

58:40 Redefining Identity Beyond Past Mistakes

What happens when a 16-year-old is sentenced to life in prison? What if that same person becomes a powerful voice for redemption, hope, and purpose?

In this episode, Steve sits down with Lewis Lee, a man whose life journey will challenge everything you think you know about justice, transformation, and the power of God’s love.

From the streets of West Philadelphia to a life sentence without parole, Lewis’ story is one of unimaginable pain, devastating choices, and a divine encounter that changed everything. After nearly 45 years behind bars, Lewis walks us through how prison not only saved his life but gave him a mission: to rescue others.

Now the founder of Men of Purpose International, Lewis is helping formerly incarcerated men and women find community, purpose, and lasting change through the power of Jesus Christ.

Whether you've been impacted by incarceration or simply want to witness what true restoration looks like—this is a story you need to hear.

Topics include:

* Growing up in Philly’s gang culture

* A life-altering crime at age 15

* The spiritual awakening that changed everything

* Navigating 45 years behind bars with faith and purpose

* Founding Men of Purpose International during the pandemic

* His powerful message to today's youth and returning citizens

🔗 Learn more at https://embracingbrokenness.org/

📘 Featured Book: Get Free and Stay Free by David Lewis

https://a.co/d/eYx5VWf

🌍 Connect with Men of Purpose International

https://menofpurposeintl.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Louis Lee's Journey

01:49 Early Life and Influences in Philadelphia

05:52 The Shift to a Life of Crime

08:45 First Encounters with the Law

15:10 The Robbery and Its Consequences

20:43 Finding Faith in Prison

23:30 A Renewed Commitment to Faith

27:05 Prison as a Catalyst for Change

30:14 Finding Peace in Uncertainty

33:39 The Impact of Supreme Court Rulings

36:11 Navigating Parole and Release

38:55 Adjusting to Life After Prison

41:02 Building Community Through Technology

43:38 Vision for Men of Purpose International

45:03 A Message to the Youth

48:56 The Importance of Decision Making

51:52 Returning to Serve and Inspire