Podcast Summary: Faith at Full Throttle • followHIM Favorites (Feb. 9-15)

Podcast: followHIM
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Episode Date: February 5, 2026
Come Follow Me Study: Moses 8; Genesis 6–11

Overview

This episode of "followHIM Favorites" centers around building and maintaining faith during life's trials, using the biblical story of Noah as a launchpad. John Bytheway shares a gripping, faith-filled story from WWII and Vietnam veteran Colonel Gordon Weed, drawing parallels to the spiritual principle of "walking with God" even in adversity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Theme Connection: "Walking with God"

• Scripture Reference: Moses 8:27 – "Noah walked with God, as also his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth."
• John highlights the power of companionship—both human and divine—on the path of discipleship.

2. The Story of Colonel Gordon Weed (00:30–04:11)

• John recounts a real-life incident involving Colonel Gordon Weed, a Latter-day Saint pilot who served in WWII and Vietnam.
• Weed and his wingman flew A-37 Dragonfly jets during combat. Weed’s wingman’s plane caught fire mid-air.
• Despite protocol suggesting immediate ejection, Weed received a powerful spiritual impression: "Don’t let him eject."
• Weed remained by his wingman’s side, communicating and improvising—telling him to check technical systems, buying crucial seconds.
• The wingman’s vision was nearly obscured by smoke, with only a small portion of his windshield clear.
• Quote:
  "I just knew I had to keep him in there. They could not figure out in these seconds...where the flame would be coming from." (John, 01:58)
• Weed instructed: "Walk with me, follow me. I’m going to take you all the way down to the runway. Just watch me." (John, 02:38)
• The wingman managed to land safely by focusing on the visible sliver and trusting Weed.

3. Application to Spiritual Life (03:47–04:11)

• The hosts draw direct parallels to faith:
  • Sometimes, like the pilot, we are surrounded by fear, confusion, or spiritual "smoke."
  • The Lord invites us: "Focus on me. I'll take you all the way home." (Mike, 04:00)
• Memorable Moment:
  "We turn to the Lord and say, it is getting bad in here. And the Lord’s saying, stay with me. Stay with me. Okay, now I’m going to come where you can see me." (Mike, 03:47)

4. Acknowledging Faith, Courage, and Leadership

• John references his compilation work in the book Supersonic Saints 2, filled with stories of faithful LDS pilots.
• Quote:
  "I didn’t write these, I just compiled them. These awesome, courageous, faithful pilots wrote them. But they’re like heroes of mine." (John, 04:24)

5. Invitation to Listen to the Full Episode (04:39–05:07)

• The week’s main episode features Dr. Mike Cottle and an in-depth discussion about the Noah narrative.
• Both hosts express gratitude and personal impact by the story.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------------------------------------------------| | 01:58 | John | "I just knew I had to keep him in there. They could not figure out in these seconds...where the flame would be coming from." | | 02:38 | John | "Walk with me, follow me. I’m going to take you all the way down to the runway. Just watch me." | | 03:47 | Mike | "We turn to the Lord and say, it is getting bad in here. And the Lord’s saying, stay with me. Stay with me. Okay, now I’m going to come where you can see me." | | 04:00 | Mike | "Focus on me. I'll take you all the way home." | | 04:24 | John | "I didn’t write these, I just compiled them. These awesome, courageous, faithful pilots wrote them. But they’re like heroes of mine." |

Episode Structure & Flow

• [00:00–00:21] Introduction; setting up the topic for the week (Moses 8; Genesis 6–11).
• [00:21–03:47] John’s story of Colonel Weed; detailed account of the incident in the air.
• [03:47–04:12] Application: Relating the story to spiritual faith, endurance, focusing on Jesus Christ.
• [04:12–05:07] Book reference ("Supersonic Saints 2"), main podcast invitation, brief mention of Dr. Mike Cottle.

Final Takeaways

• The story of Colonel Weed illustrates how promptings, faith, and companionship—both divine and mortal—can guide us through peril when things seem darkest.
• The Lord’s message to all: Focus on Him, even if all you have is a tiny, clear corner through the smoke—He will lead you home.
• Stories of courage and spiritual listening inspire faith to "walk with God" at full throttle, just as Noah did.

If you’re seeking actionable inspiration for your Come, Follow Me study or just need an uplifting reminder to trust the Lord’s guidance, this episode delivers in classic followHIM style—warm, personal, and filled with everyday applications.