In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens, a flooring contractor from Whitefish, Montana, and guest Tim Holloway, shares his profound journey of heart healing and transformation. With over 15 years of experience on this personal journey, Ray discusses the powerful role of the heart in unlocking true freedom and potential in men. As he dives into the pillars of masculinity and the importance of heart work, Ray emphasizes how men can break free from external pressures and tap into the deep, inner strength that God has placed within them.

Ray explains how many Christian men are introduced to faith with a focus on escaping hell and going to heaven but miss the deeper journey of heart restoration and transformation. He shares personal reflections on his own faith experience, stressing the need for men to align their hearts with God’s plan and embrace the Christ within them. Ray’s approach challenges listeners to go beyond behavior modification or external coaching and instead focus on the restoration of the soul, which leads to real, lasting change.

Throughout the episode, Ray highlights key biblical insights, including the importance of seeking glory, honor, and immortality as mentioned in Romans 2:7, and the powerful truth that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.” He passionately encourages men to slow down, recognize, and explore this mystery within themselves, understanding that they carry resurrection life in their hearts. This episode is not just about spiritual reflection but also about how this heart transformation manifests in everyday life—impacting relationships, family, and business.

Whether you are seeking deeper faith, freedom, or understanding your identity in Christ, this episode provides a roadmap for tapping into the incredible power God has placed inside you. Ray’s powerful insights challenge men to embrace the good news of the gospel, leading them toward a life of effortless, yet profound, transformation.

“Our mandate as Christian men, as Kingdom men, is to bring heaven to earth.”

Key Takeaways:

• Heart Healing Journey

• Focus on Internal Work

• Bringing Heaven to Earth

• Personal Growth and Identity

Learn more about Tim through the following links:

Facebook

Podcasting group

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

School of Freedom

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens welcomes his close friend and fellow warrior, Lindsay Levesque. With a rich history together, including their time in Warrior, led by Garrett J. White, Ray and Lindsay dive deep into the topic of work-life balance and share how their faith has shaped their approach to managing the pressures of life. Ray and Lindsay discuss their shared journey, their connection through mutual friends, and the personal lessons they’ve learned about balancing the demands of being a provider, protector, and family man.

Lindsay, a devoted husband and father, opens up about the struggles he faces as he tries to balance work, family life, and personal growth. He reflects on the common challenges many men encounter, such as the vicious cycle of working hard to provide for the family, yet missing out on time with loved ones. He and Ray explore the concept of creating meaningful family experiences and carving out moments for rest, even when life feels overwhelming.

Throughout the episode, Lindsay also shares the powerful role his faith plays in maintaining balance. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, describing how his walk with God has become his personal source of counseling and strength. They also tease the upcoming release of Lindsay’s e-book, which focuses on the Kingdom of God, a central theme in his spiritual journey. The conversation delves into how many men stop at salvation and don’t fully embrace living within the Kingdom, a place where true freedom and growth in all areas—faith, finances, fitness, family, and fun—can be found.

Listeners will be inspired by the candid conversation between Ray and Lindsay, filled with humor, real-life struggles, and insights on how to take life and faith to the next level. Whether you’re seeking guidance on work-life balance or looking to deepen your spiritual walk, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement.

“My wife is really big on creating experiences for us as a family, trying to have fun and get away from the things that steal so much time.”

Key Takeaways:

• Work-Life Balance

• The Vicious Cycle of Life

• The Importance of Rest

• Seeking First the Kingdom of God

Learn more about Lindsay Levesque through the following links:

Facebook

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

School of Freedom

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens takes listeners on a heartfelt journey as he shares a personal reflection on his own challenges, growth, and the question many of us face: “Am I enough?” As Ray juggles six-figure projects in his flooring business, the development of his podcast, and the launch of a consulting and coaching venture, he confronts the question of worthiness that so many grapple with across various areas of life. Through an honest look at his experiences, Ray dives deep into the emotional and spiritual aspects of his journey, encouraging listeners to ask the same of themselves in their faith, finances, fitness, family, and even fun.

This episode centers around the idea that failure is not final. Ray challenges the traditional narrative surrounding failure, viewing it instead as a stepping stone toward success and breakthrough. Drawing on biblical principles and his own belief in being created in the image of God, Ray discusses how we are enough not because of what we achieve, but because of our identity in God. He explains that God has designed the universe with success in mind for those who pursue it, and that the journey to the next level of freedom is about recognizing and embracing this divine setup.

Listeners will walk away inspired by Ray’s message of encouragement, practical wisdom, and deep gratitude. He reminds us that while the road to success and freedom may be filled with struggles, it’s essential to learn from failure, to “fail forward,” and to understand that the goodness meant for us is already within reach. Whether you’re facing challenges in your personal life or professional endeavors, this episode offers insight into how to relax, trust in the process, and extract the gold from each experience. Tune in to discover how your next level of freedom not only transforms your life, but also positively impacts those around you.

“Failure isn’t final. It’s simply another iteration, bringing you one step closer to your breakthrough.”

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Growth and Stretching

• Questioning Self-Worth

• “Failing Forward” Mindset

• Resting in God’s Goodness

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

School of Freedom

In this powerful episode of Next Level Freedom, host Ray Mertens returns to the microphone after a much-needed break to dive deep into the emotional and mental challenges that come with pursuing new levels of freedom. Joined by his long-time friend and brother-in-arms, John McArn, Ray opens up about hitting a wall while managing multiple moving pieces in his life, including his flooring business, podcast, and social media efforts. He shares how feelings of imposter syndrome, inadequacy, and emotional exhaustion snowballed into what he describes as a “storm of negativity.”

Ray and John unpack the emotional strain of trying to stay positive and push through on their own strength. They discuss the importance of community, honest self-reflection, and turning to God for energy and renewal. Drawing from personal experiences, Ray emphasizes that attempting to power through tough situations without addressing your true feelings will eventually lead to burnout. Both men highlight the importance of being real with yourself and others about emotional struggles and finding freedom in authenticity.

Ray references a Bible study titled The Roar Within that helped him embrace the balance between being fully expressive of his emotions while still walking in strength as a man and warrior. Together with John, Ray dive into the core human need for validation and affirmation, and how ignoring this can wear you out. The two brothers reflect on how their vulnerability in their conversations allowed them to break through emotional blocks and find new levels of freedom.

This episode is a candid exploration of how men, and people in general, can face and overcome burnout, imposter syndrome, and emotional barriers by leaning into their faith, their community, and a renewed sense of honesty about their internal struggles.

“The very thing you’re trying to avoid is often the very thing you need to face to find freedom.”

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout can happen when trying to push through alone

• The balance between action and rest is crucial

• Feelings matter, even for men

• Face the very thing you’re avoiding

Learn more about John McArn through the following links:

Facebook

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

School of Freedom

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Gates Adams welcomes back Jon Carlson for part two of their discussion on faith and finances. Jon continues to share from the heart, focusing on the importance of hearing God’s voice and how it plays a pivotal role in not only faith but in all five key pillars of life. Jon recounts his journey of leaving a successful career in medical sales to take on the challenge of owning a property management business—an endeavor that lasted eight years and brought both tremendous growth and hardship.

Jon reveals how he and his wife spent a year in prayer, seeking counsel, and saving before stepping out in faith to purchase the business. Despite thriving in the business and reaching a level of financial stability, Jon knew it wasn’t his true calling. Then, in the middle of a family vacation, Jon heard from God, telling him it was time to sell the business—a direction that came out of nowhere but led to a swift and successful sale. Jon’s story highlights the power of listening to God’s voice, even when it disrupts well-laid plans.

Throughout the episode, Jon emphasizes the importance of living debt-free, a principle rooted in the biblical financial wisdom of Dave Ramsey. By eliminating debt, Jon, and his wife were able to open doors to new opportunities and give themselves financial freedom, or as Jon calls it, “a long runway” to navigate life’s changes. Jon also offers practical advice for those feeling stuck in financial bondage or unsure of how to follow God’s lead in their journey.

Tune in to hear Jon’s incredible story of faith, obedience, and perseverance, as well as the impact it has had on his financial journey and his walk with God. This episode is full of inspiration for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with God and live more freely in every area of life.

“Even if you’re not hearing from God audibly, He’s still speaking—through circumstances, wise counsel, and those small nudges in your spirit.”

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of hearing God’s voice and its role in faith

• Surrounding yourself with prayerful friends and mentors during major life transitions

• Achieving debt-free status

• God’s guidance in managing money wisely

Learn more about Jon Carlson through the following links:

Podcast with Ray - Part 1

Podcast with Ray - Part 2

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

In this episode of Next Level Freedom, host Ray Mertens sits down with his good friend Jon Carlson for part one of a two-part series focused on faith, finances, and the voice of God. Jon, a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and podcaster of Original Glory, shares his personal faith journey and the impact it has had on his life and career. Together, Ray and Jon explore the connection between faith and finances, and how integrating these pillars of masculinity can help men walk out their purpose. Tune in as they discuss hearing God’s voice, surrendering to His guidance, and making everyday choices aligned with faith. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on how faith fuels all aspects of life, from business decisions to personal growth.

“Faith fuels everything I do—anything I have to offer comes from my relationship with Jesus.”

Key Takeaways:

• How faith plays a critical role

• Insights into integrating faith and finances

• Listening to God’s voice

• The importance of faith in recovery, spiritual growth, and personal transformation

Learn more about Jon Carlson through the following links:

Podcast with Ray - Part 1

Podcast with Ray - Part 2

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

In this week's episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens continues the powerful three-part series with guest John McArn, diving deep into the themes of fitness and family. Building on their previous discussion of faith and finances, the conversation shifts to the often painful process of personal transformation, shedding feelings of unworthiness, and embracing grace in a society driven by performance. John candidly shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles, the challenges of communicating faith-driven decisions to loved ones, and the importance of maintaining physical fitness as a foundation for personal and spiritual growth. The episode emphasizes the necessity of making unwavering decisions, trusting in the process, and recognizing that faith, fitness, and finances are deeply interconnected.

"Masculinity is under attack because it holds the key to the strength and stability of our lives. Restoring your masculine heart is the first step to reclaiming your purpose and freedom."

Key Takeaways:

• Masculinity Pillar Focus

• Emotional Connection to Behavior

• Accountability and Community

• Restoring the Masculine Heart

Learn more about John McArn through the following links:

Facebook

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook

In this week's episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens continues the powerful three-part series with guest John McArn, diving deep into the themes of fitness and family. Building on their previous discussion of faith and finances, the conversation shifts to the often painful process of personal transformation, shedding feelings of unworthiness, and embracing grace in a society driven by performance. John candidly shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles, the challenges of communicating faith-driven decisions to loved ones, and the importance of maintaining physical fitness as a foundation for personal and spiritual growth. The episode emphasizes the necessity of making unwavering decisions, trusting in the process, and recognizing that faith, fitness, and finances are deeply interconnected. This episode serves as a reminder that progress, no matter how challenging, is part of the journey toward true freedom and fulfillment.

"True freedom isn't about comparing our journey to others; it's about embracing the process, pain and all, as we find our own path forward."

Key Takeaways:

• Priority of Faith and Finances

• Financial Struggles and Faith

• Masculinity and Faith

• Grace in Fitness

Learn more about John McArn through the following links:

Facebook

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

Facebook