The Collage Podcast: Episode 65 – Tyler Hosted by Feed My Sheep | Released March 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 65 of The Collage Podcast, hosted by Jeff from Feed My Sheep in Temple, Texas, the focus shifts to an inspiring guest, Tyler. Recorded in the heart of central Texas, this episode delves deep into Tyler's life journey, exploring themes of resilience, faith, and the human spirit.

Tyler's Background

[01:25] Jeff welcomes Tyler, a newcomer to their community, sharing his initial impressions: “Tyler, very good to have you here.” Tyler introduces himself as a 32-year-old from Huntsville, Alabama. His early passions included electronics and music, influenced by his grandfather, a DJ who gifted him equipment that ignited his love for creating music with friends.

Experiences with Prejudice and Racism

Tyler candidly discusses the racial prejudices he faced growing up in Alabama. [02:46] He reflects, “Prejudice and being a different skin color can shape your future,” highlighting how unconscious biases affected his interactions. A poignant moment occurs when Tyler shares an experience from a mission trip: meeting an elderly interracial couple who invited their group to share a meal for the first time. [04:12] Tyler recalls, “They were the first Caucasian people that he'd ever invited into his house to eat a meal together with.” This encounter underscores the deep-seated racial divides and the significance of breaking them through genuine human connections.

Homelessness Journey

At [17:51], Jeff probes into Tyler’s struggles with homelessness, revealing that Tyler has been without a stable home since he was 17. Tyler speaks about the constant uncertainty and survival mode he lived in: “Uncertainty. Flight or flight mode. Survival mode on all the time.” He acknowledges personal challenges, including habits he regrets, yet takes responsibility for his path: “I take full responsibility in that.”

Arrival in Temple, Texas

Tyler’s presence in Temple wasn’t planned but felt like a divine orchestration. [16:18] He explains how an accidental detour led him to Temple instead of Colleen, interpreting it as a "miracle." This unexpected turn brought him to a shelter, providing a temporary haven from his struggles.

Faith and Overcoming Challenges

Faith plays a central role in Tyler’s life. [22:00] He shares his unwavering belief in God, asserting that his resilience stems from spiritual strength. Tyler discusses his victories in faith settings, such as PTSD meetings, emphasizing that while he may have moments of wanting to give up, his faith keeps him moving forward: “I stopped trying to keep up with all this fashion... I keep on my journey because it’s helping me to know that, hey, there’s people out here that care.”

Life Philosophy and Communication

Tyler emphasizes the importance of effective communication and understanding differences. [24:07] He distinguishes between "quitting the rat race" and "giving up," explaining that he has stopped striving for materialistic successes but continues to persevere personally: “I stopped the rat race, but I never gave up on myself as a person.” The conversation explores how individuals can guard their hearts to prevent being hurt, advocating for open and respectful dialogue to bridge misunderstandings.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Tyler envisions a life rooted in sustainability and community support. [47:55] He aspires to own a farm where he can engage in lasagna gardening, raise sheep for wool and cotton, and build tiny houses using hemp-based bricks. Tyler's goal extends beyond personal success; he aims to support his community by sending donations and gifts: “My goal is to be able to send you guys gifts of donations.”

Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, both Jeff and Tyler reflect on the interconnectedness of their journeys. They reinforce the message that “people matter” and that every individual has intrinsic value, regardless of their circumstances. [52:01] Jeff eloquently states, “We matter because God himself said, it matters enough that the world is going to be lacking if it doesn't have Tyler in it.”

Notable Quotes

• Tyler on Prejudice: “[02:46] Prejudice and being a different skin color can shape your future.”

• Mission Trip Experience: “[04:12] They were the first Caucasian people that he'd ever invited into his house to eat a meal together with.”

• On Homelessness: “[17:51] Uncertainty. Flight or flight mode. Survival mode on all the time.”

• Faith and Resilience: “[22:00] I stopped trying to keep up with all this fashion... I keep on my journey because it’s helping me to know that, hey, there’s people out here that care.”

• Future Goals: “[47:55] One year from now, I want to have my own farm somewhere.”

Conclusion

Episode 65 of The Collage Podcast offers a heartfelt exploration of Tyler’s life, marked by adversity and unwavering faith. His story serves as a testament to human resilience and the power of community support. Tyler’s vision for the future embodies a commitment to self-sufficiency and generosity, inspiring listeners to recognize the inherent value in every individual.

Thank you for listening to The Collage Podcast. For more inspiring stories and episodes, visit redcordmedia.org.