Episodes

  • Episode 62 – Living Without a Stomach: Heather Parmeter’s Story of Faith, Risk, and Redemption
    Jul 8 2025

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    🎧 Episode 62: Living Without a Stomach – Heather Parmeter’s Story of Faith, Risk, and Radical Resilience

    At just 29 years old, Heather Parmeter sat across from a doctor and heard the impossible:

    She had an 83% chance of developing the same aggressive stomach cancer that had taken both her mother and grandfather.

    If she waited for symptoms to appear, she’d have only a 4% chance of survival.

    So Heather made a decision most of us could never imagine:

    She underwent a prophylactic total gastrectomy—removing her entire stomach before cancer had the chance to form.

    This episode isn’t just about a rare hereditary disease.

    It’s about reclaiming your life before fear defines it.

    It’s about listening to your body, protecting your future, and finding purpose in the most painful places.

    🕊️ Inside this powerful conversation, Heather opens up about:


    • What led her to genetic testing and why it changed everything
    • What it actually means to live without a stomach
    • The mental, physical, and emotional road to healing
    • How faith, family, and truth helped her push forward
    • Why she’s now an advocate for others navigating the unknown

    Her story is raw. Her voice is steady. Her purpose is clear.

    This isn’t just an interview—it’s a message of hope for anyone standing at the edge of hard choices.


    🎙️ If you’ve ever felt afraid, uncertain, or overwhelmed by what’s ahead—this episode is for you.


    🔗 Subscribe and listen now on [Spotify], [Apple Podcasts], or wherever you get your podcasts.


    🧡 Follow us on Instagram @fortitudeministries

    📲 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it

    👍 Rate and review to help more people find stories like this


    #FortitudePodcast #HeatherParmeter #StomachCancerAwareness #FaithAndHealing #Episode62 #HereditaryCancer #RadicalResilience #RealStoriesRealFaith #HopeInHardPlaces #IAmFortified


    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    50 mins
  • EPISODE 61 “The Boldest Chapter” with Alicia Schumacher
    Jun 7 2025

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    Episode 61: The Boldest Chapter – with Alicia Schumacher

    What if clarity doesn’t come from having a perfect plan—

    but from losing everything that made you think you had to?

    In this powerful episode, Heather and Amos sit down with Alicia Schumacher, founder of Bold Minds and Bold Identity Studio, to talk about identity, reinvention, and the raw reality of starting over.

    After nearly 20 years in marketing, Alicia’s life took a sharp turn—grief, health crisis, and deep personal loss. What came next wasn’t a rebrand. It was a resurrection.

    This conversation dives deep into what it means to lead with faith, rebuild through surrender, and find purpose in the parts of your story you never wanted to tell.

    We cover:


    • Navigating life and leadership with ADHD
    • The unseen layers of grief, stillness, and obedience
    • Why your story—not your image—is your brand
    • Learning to trust clarity that comes from within
    • And how your boldest chapter may not be your loudest—but your realest

    Whether you’re leading, healing, or in a season of quiet surrender—this episode will remind you:

    You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

    🎧 Listen now.

    Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you tune in.


    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    54 mins
  • Episode 60: “Wrecked for More” with Pastor Phill Tague
    May 27 2025

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    “Wrecked for More” with Pastor Phill Tague

    This episode will challenge what you think you know about calling, grace, and leadership.

    What happens when God doesn’t just save you—but stops you?

    Phill Tague knows. He was the guy with all the answers, all the hustle, and all the wrong direction—until God called him out, broke through his pride, and gave him something far more dangerous: purpose.

    Before Ransom Church.

    Before preaching.

    Before the platform.

    He was a modern-day Saul. And this is the story of how he became a bold Paul.

    In Episode 60 of Fortitude, Phill Tague sits down with Heather and Amos to unpack:


    • How getting wrecked by grace launched his real ministry
    • The trauma, questions, and truth that surfaced from being adopted—and how it shaped his identity as a leader
    • What spiritual surrender actually looks like when it’s not sanitized or staged
    • Why men in ministry often fake strength—and how God uses brokenness instead
    • The heart behind his new book Jesus Be the Centerfold—a raw critique of “airbrushed Christianity” and a call back to covenant faith


    If you’re done with feel-good faith, Sunday showmanship, or surface-level leadership—this one’s for you.

    This episode is a gut-check. A truth bomb. A grace collision.

    Listen now.

    Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Everywhere you get your podcasts.


    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    51 mins
  • Episode 59: The Pace of Purpose with Benson Langat
    May 12 2025

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    In this deeply moving episode, Amos and Heather sit down with Benson Langat—a former elite runner from Kenya, now a sought-after coach, mentor, and founder of Bensane Run Coaching & Sports Consulting.

    Together, they explore the tension between performance and purpose, the gift of slowing down, and the powerful role faith plays in Benson’s coaching philosophy. From his early days of chasing medals to learning how to lead from a place of rest, Benson shares stories that speak to the heart of endurance—on and off the track.

    Listeners will walk away with insight on:

    • Building mental toughness through spiritual grounding

    • The role of gratitude in peak performance

    • Why Psalm 23 anchors Benson’s life and leadership

    • What it really means to be fortified as a man of faith

    Plus, you’ll get a preview of Benson’s upcoming appearance as a featured speaker at the I AM Fortified Sons & Moms Conference this June.

    This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re racing through life—and needs permission to pause, breathe, and run at the pace of grace.

    About Benson Langat:

    Benson is a former competitive athlete from Kenya, now a coach, mentor, and founder of Bensane Run Coaching & Sports Consulting. He blends physical training with mental performance coaching to help people unlock their full potential. Benson’s journey of faith, discipline, and transformation continues to inspire communities across South Dakota and beyond.


    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    55 mins
  • Episode 58 – Standing in the Gap: The Quiet Strength of Brian Freeouf
    May 3 2025

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    In this compelling episode of Fortitude Podcast, we sit down with South Dakota DCI Special Agent Brian Freeouf, a man who has spent his life fighting for the most vulnerable—often from the shadows.

    From serving undercover to stop predators targeting children, to leading high-tech forensic investigations, Brian’s journey is anything but ordinary. But what makes this episode truly unforgettable isn’t just Brian’s career—it’s his heart. With humility, wisdom, and a deep reliance on God, Brian reminds us that true authority doesn’t come from a badge or title—it comes from walking faithfully with Christ.

    You’ll hear about:

    • His undercover work with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
    • How prayer and Scripture keep him grounded in darkness
    • His experience as a leader at Fountain Springs Church and on youth mission trips
    • His quiet morning discipline, life advice, and even his past as a DJ
    • The verse that anchors his soul: Matthew 28:18–20 – “ALL AUTHORITY… I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.”

    This episode is a must-listen for parents, leaders, and anyone fighting silent battles. As Brian puts it, “Never miss a chance to say nothing… because God often speaks in a whisper.”

    Bonus: Brian will be one of our featured speakers at the upcoming Son & Mom Night on Thursday, June 12th at Ransom Downtown, Sioux Falls—where his message will inspire a room full of families to live with truth, resilience, and holy courage.

    Listen now and be reminded that there is strength in stillness, and that God is near to those who stand for others—especially when no one else is watching.

    #FortitudePodcast #BrianFreeouf #FaithInAction #MenOfHonor #ProtectOurKids #DigitalIdols #GreatCommission #SouthDakotaVoices #SonAndMomEvent


    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    51 mins
  • #57- Jon Setzer- What if the standard of your life became your strongest sermon?
    Apr 14 2025

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    Jon Setzer is a dynamic speaker, coach, and former professional athlete with a passion for inspiring others to unlock their full potential. As the founder of Setzer Elite, Jon combines his experience as a professional football player with his gift for communication to deliver powerful messages on faith, leadership, resilience, and personal development.

    With a background in college and professional football, Jon understands the mindset, discipline, and perseverance required to excel in both sports and life. His engaging storytelling and high-energy approach make him a sought-after speaker for youth events, athletic programs, corporate teams, and faith-based organizations.

    Jon’s mission is simple: to challenge and equip individuals to honor the standard of excellence in everything they do—on the field, in their faith, and in life. Whether speaking to young athletes, business leaders, or church communities, Jon’s message ignites transformation and inspires action.



    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    54 mins
  • #56 - Bintu Mujambere & Luc Meaux - Faith in the Fire: Bintu's Journey Home
    Mar 31 2025

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    In this episode of Fortitude, hosts Heather and Amos Kittleson sit down with Bintu and Luc, a remarkable couple with a compelling story that spans continents. Bintu shares her journey from the Congo to Belgium, her escape from war, and her mission to bring hope and education back to her homeland through her nonprofit, Future Hope Africa.

    Luc, who was atheistic most of his life, recounts his unexpected path to faith and how it led him to meet Bintu. They met in 2019 and were married shortly after in May 2021. Despite their diverse backgrounds, both have come together with a shared purpose. From anecdotes about life in Africa and Europe to insights on overcoming cultural and personal challenges.

    Bintu Bio: Grew up in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, adjacent to Lake Kivu and Rwanda. Throughout the 1990’s violence emanating from neighboring Rwanda and an indigenous civil war in the DRC (Zaire at the time) created much instability, chaos and death across the region. Bintu and her siblings fled Bukavu, stayed in Nairobi, Kenya for a year, and Bintu eventually travelled to Belgium and began university studies in the city of Mons, south of Brussels. While in Mons she attended the English-language “International Baptist Church” which is attended by Americans posted to the nearby NATO facility (SHAPE).

    As Bintu continued her studies in Belgium her thoughts were never far from Bukavu and the families suffering there. While many people fled the Zaire/DRC and made new lives in Europe or the United States, Bintu envisioned returning to Bukavu to use her education to improve life for her fellow Congolese. In Belgium she earned her Bachelor’s degree in French Education and an MS in Social Development.

    As security slowly returned to South Kivu, Bintu returned in 2008 to begin the process to open an education center in Bukavu. She and a few colleagues eventually started two centers—one assisted local teachers in improving French language instruction, the other provided homework assistance and tutoring in French and Swahili to children.

    — In 2012 - American supporters incorporated a 501(c)3 organization, Future Hope Africa (FHA) to provide a financial and spiritual foundation to E-Asbl.

    — Since 2016, the “FHA - Kanega Education Centre No.1” organizes and conducts entrepreneurial seminars that teach Biblically-based business models to adults, as well as leadership classes to prepare youth for the future.

    Bintu remains FHA’s Director of Operations at the Bukavu center and travels to Europe and the U.S. advocating Christian education for D.R. Congo.

    https://www.futurehopeafrica.org/

    https://www.facebook.com/nmujambere

    Email: nabin

    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    53 mins
  • #55 - Albert Huizing V - Poverty, Pornography and Clinging to Jesus's Promises
    Mar 14 2025

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    Albert Huizing is a steadfast man whose life story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of unwavering parents and community. Albert shares his journey of experiencing family bankruptcy and living in poverty as a child to becoming a successful family man, business owner and author. His foundation in faith was established early on in his life by attending Christian school and witnessing Christ-centered living with his parents and church community. In the lowest of lows, his family fought like heck to stay together and they relied on the promises of Jesus through sacrifice and obedience.

    Albert opens up about the challenges he faced, including his struggles with pornography and the impact of his family's financial hardships. Albert also discusses the importance of vulnerability, the role of faith in his life, and his mission to help others.

    Albert Huizing V, founder of Move To Sioux Falls, helps others find not just homes but lasting connections in Sioux Falls SD. After attending Dordt University and meeting his wife Kayla, they moved to Sioux Falls to build their lives and careers. Together, they started in real estate with SoDak Stays, a property management company, and expanded their mission to guide buyers, sellers, and investors with clarity and confidence. Albert also has a newly published book, Not Just Another Transaction, which offers practical tools and insights for navigating real estate with courage and faith. Through his podcast and YouTube channel, Albert shares Sioux Falls’ charm by interviewing local figures, including Mayor Paul TenHaken. As an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Midwest Realty, Albert makes every transaction meaningful for his clients.

    Please tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith.

    Connect with Albert on Social:

    - Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Tik Tok @MoveToSiouxFalls

    - Facebook Albert Huizing

    - Instagram & Facebook @SoDakStays

    - LinkedIn @AlbertHuizing @MoveToSiouxFalls



    *****************************************************************************************
    As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
    We are 100% listener supported!

    TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
    - Patreon:
    patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
    - Stripe:
    https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
    - Venmo:
    https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10

    PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
    - Youtube Channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
    - Twitter:
    https://x.com/FortitudePod



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    56 mins