Podcast Summary: The Ryan Ries Show

Episode: "Obedience In Action w/ Riley & Tyler Armenta"

Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Ryan Ries
Guests: Riley & Tyler Armenta (Promise Me)
Co-host: Sean McKeehan

Overview

This episode of The Ryan Ries Show centers on living out obedience to God through life's twists and turns, as seen in the journey of Riley and Tyler Armenta. As co-leaders of the worship project Promise Me, and close friends of Ryan, the married couple discuss their years of involvement in music ministry, navigating career pivots, spiritual warfare, and the miracles and challenges of saying "yes" to God—even when the path isn’t clear. The conversation is deeply candid, refreshing, and full of behind-the-scenes stories of obedience, faith, and what it truly means to serve in worship.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Origin Stories: Friendship, Music, and Divine Appointments

[00:48] – [06:32]

How They Met: Tyler recalls meeting Ryan at an Ontario concert in 2012 through a mutual friend—"At the end of the day, it was a God appointment." – Tyler [01:40]
Early Ministry Involvement: Riley and her sister were involved in worship at a young age at Harvest (Greg Laurie’s church).
How Riley and Tyler Connected: Through events like Shine at Calvary Costa Mesa, orchestrated by Ryan – “I wasn’t gonna go, and you sent me a text. Like ‘Hey, this band, come see this band...’” – Riley [03:49]
Long-standing Community: The group reminisces about years of growing up together, helping each other through family changes, and forming lifelong friendships.

Music Journeys and Career Pivots

[06:32] – [13:01]

Touring & Bands: Tyler played drums for various bands, including Dose of Adolescence and Chris “Manifest,” later connecting with Islander.
Worship Ministry: Both Riley and Tyler served as guest artists, filling in for churches in need, under different band names, ultimately forming Promise Me.
COVID Pivot: When concerts shut down, they ran a firearms training business (OD2A), which became their main focus for three years – “God provided another way.” – Riley [11:50]
Provision and Perspective: Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in unexpected transitions, like remodeling a motorhome and buying a house—“God sets things up. And it may not be what we thought we were going to be doing, but God knew. And now it’s like a total blessing.” – Riley [12:56]

Marriage, Calling, and the Hand of God

[13:13] – [16:42]

God-Orchestrated Relationships: “Just like God brought Eve to Adam, He will bring your wife to you.” – Ryan [13:22]
Strength in Similar Values: Both emphasize compatibility in values and faith over shared hobbies – “Our principles and our values were pretty very similar...When those align and God is in the center, everything kind of falls into place.” – Riley [14:01]
Obedience Over Ambition: “I just want to be obedient to God...when I’ve tried to do other things, He’s always taking those things away and pushed me back into music.” – Riley [21:17]

Ministry Under the Promise Me Banner

[17:12] – [20:55]

Promise Me Genesis: Initially a rock project, it evolved into a worship project anchored on God’s promises – “We just always want to be reminded of God’s promises to us.” – Tyler [19:49]
Biblical Inspiration: “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.” – Psalm 119:140 (cited by Riley [20:29])
Name’s Meaning: A continual reminder of scriptural faithfulness.

The Heart (and Reality) of Worship Ministry

[21:13] – [23:44]

No Stage-Seeking: Riley identifies as a “social introvert” who prefers to stay behind the scenes, but continues in worship out of obedience—“I don’t even talk…If I don’t say it, then I’m being disobedient, but it’s rare.”
Motivation: They serve not for recognition but to witness and facilitate transformation in others’ lives.

Spiritual Warfare and the Reality Behind the Scenes

[24:54] – [31:32], [53:00] – [54:51]

Obedience Amidst Suffering: Riley shares about leading worship in Hawaii while battling a serious infection—“How important is this thing you have to do tonight?” the nurse asked. Riley’s reply: “Lives change, and I’m here because, like, God brought us here.” [26:30]
Visible and Invisible Battles: The couple and Ryan reflect on the frequent spiritual pushback before and during events: “Sometimes, it’s really hard. And we’ve had weeks where, leading up to an event, it’s like, really hard. And that spiritual warfare...getting hurt or whatever…” – Riley [52:20]
Warfare in Marriage: Even rare arguments, discouragement, and distraction spike before ministry events – "[Sometimes] the most spiritual warfare...like why is this funk or fog happening?" – Tyler [53:18]

Stories of Radical Obedience and God’s Provision

[38:42] – [44:05]

Refusing Lucrative Opportunities: Riley turned down a major record-label pop band opportunity, and Tyler left a high-paying New Age event job, both out of conviction – “God told me I shouldn’t be doing this anymore...If God says no, then no. And then he provides.” – Riley [39:57, 41:49]
God’s Faithfulness: Despite uncertainty and tight finances, they never missed a bill or fell into debt—crediting obedience and faith.

The Dallas Travel Odyssey: Radical Commitment

[44:08] – [51:14]

Travel Ordeal: The group shares a marathon journey across multiple airports to make it to a Revival Night in Dallas—changing flights constantly, driving through the night, navigating delays, and nearly missing connections: “I think I have a handful [of stories] that will be in a book. That one’s one of the best ones.” – Tyler [50:39]
Impact Over Inconvenience: The payoff was seeing lives changed—even a single youth’s transformation was worth every challenge.

The Real Fruit: Why They Keep Saying Yes

[51:14] – [52:03]

Lives Changed: “We had two kids identified as furries come up in Houston and share their story and give their life to Jesus...That story alone is enough to go through all that hell.” – Ryan [51:31]
Even One Life: God gives occasional glimpses of the difference made—“It’s by God’s grace, too, that we’re able to see some of the stories.” – Tyler [51:59]
Obedience is Enough: Whether or not they see results, they put obedience and God’s glory first.

Advice for Aspiring Worship Leaders

[54:58] – [58:58]

Check Your Calling: “There is a difference between wanting to do something and being called to do something...Ministry is hard. Leading worship...is very hard...” – Riley [55:13]
Self-Examination: Pray about your calling and your motives—“We’re responsible for who and what we’re leading.” – Riley [56:55]
Keep Eyes on Jesus: Don’t rely on people or pastors for affirmation, or you'll be disappointed – “Always keep your eyes on Jesus...People will fail you every time.” – Tyler [57:12]
Heart Check: “Why are you even doing it?” – Ryan [58:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“God provided another way.” – Riley [11:50], on the switch from live music to firearms training during COVID.
“God sets things up...It may not be what we thought we were going to be doing, but God knew.” – Riley [12:56], on unexpected blessings.
“I wasn’t looking for anything and he wasn’t looking for anything. …Our values…those aligned. And then obviously I believe when those align and, you know, God is in the center…everything kind of falls into place.” – Riley [14:01]
“I just want to be obedient to God...He’s always taking those things away and pushed me back into music.” – Riley [21:17]
“All we do is show up, and he provides. Right. And ultimately, if he would have shut all the doors...we would have been okay with that.” – Tyler [50:10]
“We show up and God moves regardless.” – Riley [51:14]
“There is a difference between wanting to do something and being called to do something.” – Riley [55:13]
“Always keep your eyes on Jesus. Don’t look at man or people, because they will fail you every time.” – Tyler [57:12]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:48] – [06:32]: Foundational stories—how everyone met, early ministry.
[06:41] – [13:01]: Band history, career shifts, God’s provision during COVID.
[13:22] – [16:42]: Marriage, God’s role in relationships, values.
[17:12] – [20:55]: Formation & meaning of Promise Me.
[21:13] – [23:44]: Motives and challenges for worship ministry.
[24:54] – [31:32]: Obedience in crisis, Hawaii hospital story.
[38:42] – [44:05]: Saying “no” to lucrative, off-calling opportunities.
[44:08] – [51:14]: Epic Dallas travel ordeal; faith through adversity.
[51:14] – [52:03]: The real “fruit”—changed lives.
[54:58] – [58:58]: Advice to aspiring worship leaders; self-examination, heart, and intention.

Final Thoughts

The episode is a moving exploration of what happens when you let God direct your path—even when it leads into the unfamiliar, the inconvenient, or the sacrificial. Riley and Tyler’s testimony is a vibrant example of obedience in action: rejecting tempting alternatives, trusting provision over certainty, and pursuing ministry for the sake of others’ transformation, not their own platform.

Find Promise Me:

Instagram: @promisemeofficial [59:35]
Music & Collaborations: On their page and Ryan’s

Find The Ryan Ries Show:

YouTube: Ryan Reese Official
The Whosoevers: Ministry & tour info

“We show up and God moves regardless.”
— Riley Armenta [51:14]

Podcast Summary: The Ryan Ries Show

Episode: "Obedience In Action w/ Riley & Tyler Armenta"

Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Ryan Ries
Guests: Riley & Tyler Armenta (Promise Me)
Co-host: Sean McKeehan

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Origin Stories: Friendship, Music, and Divine Appointments

[00:48] – [06:32]

How They Met: Tyler recalls meeting Ryan at an Ontario concert in 2012 through a mutual friend—"At the end of the day, it was a God appointment." – Tyler [01:40]
Early Ministry Involvement: Riley and her sister were involved in worship at a young age at Harvest (Greg Laurie’s church).
How Riley and Tyler Connected: Through events like Shine at Calvary Costa Mesa, orchestrated by Ryan – “I wasn’t gonna go, and you sent me a text. Like ‘Hey, this band, come see this band...’” – Riley [03:49]
Long-standing Community: The group reminisces about years of growing up together, helping each other through family changes, and forming lifelong friendships.

Music Journeys and Career Pivots

[06:32] – [13:01]

Touring & Bands: Tyler played drums for various bands, including Dose of Adolescence and Chris “Manifest,” later connecting with Islander.
Worship Ministry: Both Riley and Tyler served as guest artists, filling in for churches in need, under different band names, ultimately forming Promise Me.
COVID Pivot: When concerts shut down, they ran a firearms training business (OD2A), which became their main focus for three years – “God provided another way.” – Riley [11:50]
Provision and Perspective: Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in unexpected transitions, like remodeling a motorhome and buying a house—“God sets things up. And it may not be what we thought we were going to be doing, but God knew. And now it’s like a total blessing.” – Riley [12:56]

Marriage, Calling, and the Hand of God

[13:13] – [16:42]

God-Orchestrated Relationships: “Just like God brought Eve to Adam, He will bring your wife to you.” – Ryan [13:22]
Strength in Similar Values: Both emphasize compatibility in values and faith over shared hobbies – “Our principles and our values were pretty very similar...When those align and God is in the center, everything kind of falls into place.” – Riley [14:01]
Obedience Over Ambition: “I just want to be obedient to God...when I’ve tried to do other things, He’s always taking those things away and pushed me back into music.” – Riley [21:17]

Ministry Under the Promise Me Banner

[17:12] – [20:55]

Promise Me Genesis: Initially a rock project, it evolved into a worship project anchored on God’s promises – “We just always want to be reminded of God’s promises to us.” – Tyler [19:49]
Biblical Inspiration: “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.” – Psalm 119:140 (cited by Riley [20:29])
Name’s Meaning: A continual reminder of scriptural faithfulness.

The Heart (and Reality) of Worship Ministry

[21:13] – [23:44]

No Stage-Seeking: Riley identifies as a “social introvert” who prefers to stay behind the scenes, but continues in worship out of obedience—“I don’t even talk…If I don’t say it, then I’m being disobedient, but it’s rare.”
Motivation: They serve not for recognition but to witness and facilitate transformation in others’ lives.

Spiritual Warfare and the Reality Behind the Scenes

[24:54] – [31:32], [53:00] – [54:51]

Obedience Amidst Suffering: Riley shares about leading worship in Hawaii while battling a serious infection—“How important is this thing you have to do tonight?” the nurse asked. Riley’s reply: “Lives change, and I’m here because, like, God brought us here.” [26:30]
Visible and Invisible Battles: The couple and Ryan reflect on the frequent spiritual pushback before and during events: “Sometimes, it’s really hard. And we’ve had weeks where, leading up to an event, it’s like, really hard. And that spiritual warfare...getting hurt or whatever…” – Riley [52:20]
Warfare in Marriage: Even rare arguments, discouragement, and distraction spike before ministry events – "[Sometimes] the most spiritual warfare...like why is this funk or fog happening?" – Tyler [53:18]

Stories of Radical Obedience and God’s Provision

[38:42] – [44:05]

Refusing Lucrative Opportunities: Riley turned down a major record-label pop band opportunity, and Tyler left a high-paying New Age event job, both out of conviction – “God told me I shouldn’t be doing this anymore...If God says no, then no. And then he provides.” – Riley [39:57, 41:49]
God’s Faithfulness: Despite uncertainty and tight finances, they never missed a bill or fell into debt—crediting obedience and faith.

The Dallas Travel Odyssey: Radical Commitment

[44:08] – [51:14]

Travel Ordeal: The group shares a marathon journey across multiple airports to make it to a Revival Night in Dallas—changing flights constantly, driving through the night, navigating delays, and nearly missing connections: “I think I have a handful [of stories] that will be in a book. That one’s one of the best ones.” – Tyler [50:39]
Impact Over Inconvenience: The payoff was seeing lives changed—even a single youth’s transformation was worth every challenge.

The Real Fruit: Why They Keep Saying Yes

[51:14] – [52:03]

Lives Changed: “We had two kids identified as furries come up in Houston and share their story and give their life to Jesus...That story alone is enough to go through all that hell.” – Ryan [51:31]
Even One Life: God gives occasional glimpses of the difference made—“It’s by God’s grace, too, that we’re able to see some of the stories.” – Tyler [51:59]
Obedience is Enough: Whether or not they see results, they put obedience and God’s glory first.

Advice for Aspiring Worship Leaders

[54:58] – [58:58]

Check Your Calling: “There is a difference between wanting to do something and being called to do something...Ministry is hard. Leading worship...is very hard...” – Riley [55:13]
Self-Examination: Pray about your calling and your motives—“We’re responsible for who and what we’re leading.” – Riley [56:55]
Keep Eyes on Jesus: Don’t rely on people or pastors for affirmation, or you'll be disappointed – “Always keep your eyes on Jesus...People will fail you every time.” – Tyler [57:12]
Heart Check: “Why are you even doing it?” – Ryan [58:19]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“God provided another way.” – Riley [11:50], on the switch from live music to firearms training during COVID.
“God sets things up...It may not be what we thought we were going to be doing, but God knew.” – Riley [12:56], on unexpected blessings.
“I wasn’t looking for anything and he wasn’t looking for anything. …Our values…those aligned. And then obviously I believe when those align and, you know, God is in the center…everything kind of falls into place.” – Riley [14:01]
“I just want to be obedient to God...He’s always taking those things away and pushed me back into music.” – Riley [21:17]
“All we do is show up, and he provides. Right. And ultimately, if he would have shut all the doors...we would have been okay with that.” – Tyler [50:10]
“We show up and God moves regardless.” – Riley [51:14]
“There is a difference between wanting to do something and being called to do something.” – Riley [55:13]
“Always keep your eyes on Jesus. Don’t look at man or people, because they will fail you every time.” – Tyler [57:12]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:48] – [06:32]: Foundational stories—how everyone met, early ministry.
[06:41] – [13:01]: Band history, career shifts, God’s provision during COVID.
[13:22] – [16:42]: Marriage, God’s role in relationships, values.
[17:12] – [20:55]: Formation & meaning of Promise Me.
[21:13] – [23:44]: Motives and challenges for worship ministry.
[24:54] – [31:32]: Obedience in crisis, Hawaii hospital story.
[38:42] – [44:05]: Saying “no” to lucrative, off-calling opportunities.
[44:08] – [51:14]: Epic Dallas travel ordeal; faith through adversity.
[51:14] – [52:03]: The real “fruit”—changed lives.
[54:58] – [58:58]: Advice to aspiring worship leaders; self-examination, heart, and intention.

Final Thoughts

Find Promise Me:

Instagram: @promisemeofficial [59:35]
Music & Collaborations: On their page and Ryan’s

Find The Ryan Ries Show:

YouTube: Ryan Reese Official
The Whosoevers: Ministry & tour info

“We show up and God moves regardless.”
— Riley Armenta [51:14]

Obedience In Action w/ Riley & Tyler Armenta

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Summary

Podcast Summary: The Ryan Ries Show

Episode: "Obedience In Action w/ Riley & Tyler Armenta"

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Origin Stories: Friendship, Music, and Divine Appointments

Music Journeys and Career Pivots

Marriage, Calling, and the Hand of God

Ministry Under the Promise Me Banner

The Heart (and Reality) of Worship Ministry

Spiritual Warfare and the Reality Behind the Scenes

Stories of Radical Obedience and God’s Provision

The Dallas Travel Odyssey: Radical Commitment

The Real Fruit: Why They Keep Saying Yes

Advice for Aspiring Worship Leaders

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Find Promise Me:

Find The Ryan Ries Show:

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Ryan Ries Show

Episode: "Obedience In Action w/ Riley & Tyler Armenta"

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Origin Stories: Friendship, Music, and Divine Appointments

Music Journeys and Career Pivots

Marriage, Calling, and the Hand of God

Ministry Under the Promise Me Banner

The Heart (and Reality) of Worship Ministry

Spiritual Warfare and the Reality Behind the Scenes

Stories of Radical Obedience and God’s Provision

The Dallas Travel Odyssey: Radical Commitment

The Real Fruit: Why They Keep Saying Yes

Advice for Aspiring Worship Leaders

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Find Promise Me:

Find The Ryan Ries Show: