Real America's Voice: Joni Table Talk – December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This double-segment episode of Joni Table Talk features two powerful, faith-centered conversations focused on redemption, identity, and overcoming life's darkest moments. The first half welcomes Michael Moulton, whose journey from addiction and prison to recovery is a testament to the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. In the second half, Pastor Charles Metcalf shares his candid struggle with depression, anxiety, and self-doubt—even as a prominent pastor—and explores how embracing God's choice and love restored his confidence and purpose.

Segment 1: From Addiction & Prison to Redemption – Michael Moulton’s Story

Timestamps: 03:27–29:09

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction of the Panel and Guest

• The panel (April Simons, Anna Kendall, Rachel Lamb Brown, Cindy Johnston) set the tone for a testimony about freedom from addiction and God's unwavering love, regardless of mistakes.
• Michael Moulton, a recovery coach and podcast host, is welcomed to recount his story of redemption.

Michael’s Early Life and Trauma

• Grew up affluent in Plano, Texas: “I did. I grew up in the country clubs. ...I had a grandfather that was sexually abusing me from kindergarten to fifth grade. I have a mom that was battling substance abuse.”—Michael (06:51)
• He hid the abuse to protect both his brother and his family’s reputation.
• Started drinking at age 10 and describes his substance use as a way to cope with pain:

  “I drank alcohol and I did drugs because I wanted to feel like y'all looked...Then I continued to drink alcohol and do drugs towards the end because I wanted to feel good about the bad decisions I was making.” (10:06)

The Progression of Addiction

• Discusses the nature of addiction beyond substances—work, success, power:

  “Work was my addiction. Power was my addiction. Success was my addiction. Everything that I thought defined me was my addiction. But there was always that dark hole I was always trying to fill.” (12:11)

• Despite outward success as a home builder, Michael was never truly happy.

Arrests and Hitting Rock Bottom

• 27 arrests—often for drugs and alcohol—culminated in repeated jail and ultimately a longer prison sentence.

  “And then 26 mug shots later, a total of 27 mug shots of being on the run, homeless. ...I would hear these stories. The guy who had everything...and then become homeless, living behind the dumpster. ...I was in a stolen Suburban, living behind the dumpster at the bait shop, 300 miles away.” (14:01)

Prison: The Unexpected Place of Rescue

• Interactions with Judge Jennifer Bennett, who was “chasing [him] up and down Interstate 35 in Texas for 27 pictures.” (15:11) Initially tough, she eventually handed down a two-year prison sentence.
• In prison, Michael found himself in a cell with “Ooh Wee,” a 75-year-old convicted murderer, who taught him about “doing easy time”—focusing on the present rather than being trapped by fear of the future or regrets of the past.

Encountering Jesus in Prison

• Starts reading “Detours” by Dr. Tony Evans to his cellmate, relating deeply to the story of Joseph, betrayal, and trusting God through suffering.
• Michael begins to explore the Bible and has a powerful spiritual awakening:

  “I wake up in my top bunk…my chest was so tight…And as I exhaled…I felt all this anger, resentment, rage and hate…just coming out of my body…I mean, just deep breath in... and it was so much love.” (22:12–23:32)
  “It was like liquid love that Jesus poured into your heart.” (23:35 - D & B)

Influence on Others and Spiritual Transformation

• Michael becomes known among inmates for reading, writing letters home, and his unique handwriting. A new habit forms: ending days with “Today I realized…” devotionals.
• Shares the principle:

  “Today I realize…God is all I need because He’s all I have.” (24:05)

Forgiveness as the Key to Freedom

• Michael’s final turning point comes in forgiving his abusers:

  “I had to accept the role that I played in it...the role I played in it was I chose to hold on to the anger and the rage...And when I let that go, the next day, they literally opened up the jail cell and set me free.” (26:21–27:02)

• After his release, Michael walks 300 miles to turn himself back in out of integrity, and Judge Bennett forgives him, encouraging him to “pay it forward.”

Michael’s Message for Those Struggling

• “If you’re struggling with addiction...get completely honest. Simply do this: say, ‘I don't know why I’m doing the things I’m doing, and I need help.’...Reach out to someone in recovery that can relate to you.” (28:34)

Memorable Quotes

• “God can take our mess and turn it into a ministry.” – Michael (06:37)
• “Addiction is the street name for spiritual stronghold…it’s a person, place, or thought that has become my source.” – Michael (10:58)
• “The closest to God I’ve ever been in my entire life was prison.” – Michael (12:39)
• “One thing you can’t overdose on is Jesus.” – Michael (21:10)
• “Today I chase the feeling of that liquid love.” – Michael (23:54)
• “God is all I need because he’s all I have.” – Michael (24:05)

Segment 2: Chosen, Not Forgotten – Charles Metcalf on Identity, Mental Health, and Faith

Timestamps: 36:05–63:03

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction of Charles Metcalf

• The panel highlights God’s love and faithfulness through trials.
• Charles Metcalf (pastor, author of “God Chose Me”) joins to speak about untouchable confidence and being chosen by God.

Charles’ Background and Journey into Ministry

• Grew up in a loving, biracial family in Kentucky; always involved in church but didn’t see himself as a pastor.
• Credits his parents for modeling inclusivity and love for people of all backgrounds.

Heart for the Outcast

• Always drawn to those on the fringes of faith or society:

  “My whole life...I don’t have much, but I have what God has given me and I have my story and I have being honest...these young boys found something in just being able to say like, oh yeah, I do struggle with that.” (41:36)

• The importance of loving people first, rather than focusing on their issues, to draw them to God.

Transition Through Seasons of Obedience

• Shared how he and his wife, Abby, started their own church (“110 people showed up to our first apartment service”—45:11) before obediently closing it to serve at Transformation Church with Pastor Mike Todd—without a guaranteed position or salary.
• “I think sometimes we overestimate who we are without God’s will. ...The only reason I’ve made it this far is because God has guided me.” (48:15)

Struggle With Depression, Doubt, and Anxiety

• Despite outward success, Charles faced deep insecurity and depression during the pandemic:

  “You think, man, I'm following Jesus...life is still life.” (53:27)

• A childhood memory of missing free throws planted the lie: “You’re good enough to have the moment, but not to see it all the way through.”

  “The thing about a lie—if you don’t address it with truth, your life will start to look for things to back it up.” (54:33)

• Described suffering panic attacks, including one while preaching, and feeling unable to continue.

The Road to Healing

• Stressed that healing was a process involving counseling, silence, and disconnecting from social media:

  “Anything worth something is a process…In the same way, becoming who you are and growing into who God has made you to be—it took time. And so it was counseling. It was silence.” (55:54)

• Affirmed by Pastor Mike’s support: holding him accountable to healing while still including him in responsibilities.

The Heart of the Message: God’s Choice

• Proclaims from the pulpit (57:58):

  “You may have hired me, but God chose me. ...God put me on this stage...God chose me!”

• Confidence and identity is anchored in God’s choice, not human validation or external success:

  “All those things (success, money, relationships) are on a timer…but realizing God chose you is the thing that can [sustain].” (58:56)

• Emphasizes that God knows us fully and still loves us.

  “It’s a crazy idea that the more God knows me, He continues to love me even more.” (59:29)

Memorable Quotes

• “You did not choose me. Remember, I chose you.”—Charles, quoting John 15:16 (39:00)
• “You may have hired me, but God chose me…God put me on this stage.”—Charles (57:58)
• “The only reason I’ve made it this far is because God has guided me.”—Charles (48:15)
• “The thing about a lie—if you don’t address it with truth, your life will start to look for things to back it up.”—Charles (54:33)
• “Anything worth something is a process…so becoming who you are and growing into who God has made you to be—it took time.”—Charles (55:54)
• “You are first off completely loved, right where you are, how you are, and you do not have to carry the weight of your life by yourself.”—Charles (60:41, prayer segment)

Notable Moments & Timestamps

• Michael’s “liquid love” transformation: 23:32–23:54
• Panel reaction to the forgiveness/release story: 27:02–27:32
• Charles on God choosing us: 57:58–58:33
• Open prayer for listeners on inviting Jesus in: Charles, 60:41–61:34

Takeaways for Listeners

• Hope and Redemption: No one is too far gone for God’s love—addiction, prison, insecurity, and failure are not the end of the story.
• Power of Forgiveness: Letting go of unforgiveness is a critical step toward freedom—spiritually and, in Michael’s story, even physically.
• It’s a Process: Whether recovering from addiction or battling mental health, healing by faith is a journey that requires honesty, support, and patience.
• You Are Chosen: True, sustaining confidence comes from knowing that God chooses and loves you—regardless of your past or your performance.

Resources & Next Steps

• Michael Moulton: mtotherock.com
• Charles Metcalf: charlesmetcalf.com
• Joni Table Talk: Full episodes and resources on Real America’s Voice, YouTube, and major podcast platforms.
• If you need prayer or are seeking help, call the number shared during the show: 1-800-329-0029

In the Words of the Guests

“God can take our mess and turn it into a ministry.” – Michael Moulton (06:37)

“This ain't a handout. God put me on this stage…God chose me!” – Charles Metcalf (57:58)

“You are completely loved, right where you are, how you are, and you do not have to carry the weight of your life by yourself.” – Charles Metcalf (60:41)

This episode is an invitation to honesty, hope, and healing—with the assurance that no matter how broken, forgotten, or unqualified you feel, you are still seen, loved, and called by God.