Summary

In this episode of the Rhythms and Roots Podcast, Donnie Hinshaw is joined by his good friend Don Stewart—a Kansas firefighter, builder, and deep thinker—for a grounded conversation on movement, identity, and faith.

Don isn’t an ultrarunner, but he brings a powerful perspective on how God meets us in ordinary work, physical movement, and everyday life. Together they explore pain and trauma, joy and humor, authenticity, and why our identity must be rooted deeper than what we do. This episode invites listeners to find God in the mundane and embrace a faith that’s lived, not just believed.

Key Takeaways

If you’re going to be stupid, you better be tough.
God meets us in movement, work, and daily rhythms.
Identity is deeper than roles, abilities, or productivity.
Pain and trauma can shape growth and faith.
Joy and humor are essential to spiritual depth.
Authentic relationships and community matter.

Titles

Built Different: Finding God in Everyday Movement
The Spirituality of Movement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Built Different
10:38 The Life of Don Stewart
20:15 Finding God in the Mundane
29:32 Building, Fixing, and God’s Character
33:20 Holiness, Joy, and Humor
46:46 Authenticity and Identity
59:40 Finding God in Everyday Movement
01:10:25 RR Outro – Fall 2025

EP09 — BUILT DIFFERENT | Finding God in Fixing Things (With Don Stewart)