I'm joined by Avery Reeves for a conversation that goes everywhere from church culture and spiritual maturity to the Holy Spirit, serving others, and figuring out what actually matters.

Are we making following Jesus more complicated than it needs to be? Are we really serving God, or have we made some of this about ourselves? And why do we give Satan credit for things that might just be poor decisions?

We get into all of it.

Fair warning: technology got the best of us, and we lost the last 27 minutes of our original conversation. But what survived was worth sharing.

Much love to Avery (@theekingsson) and his ministry, Gr8er.

God Is Laughing at Us. Y'all enjoy.

In this episode, we're talking about what happens when proving our point becomes more important than the conversation itself. I've had to recognize that sometimes I can be right about the details and still be wrong in how I handle things.

But protecting your peace doesn't mean avoiding every disagreement, either. Sometimes you need to leave a conversation alone, and sometimes you need to have the uncomfortable conversation you've been putting off.

So how do we know the difference? And when did being right become something we feel like we have to win?

Stand on your tiptoes. Use an umbrella. Blow on hot food. Vent to your friends.

…according to who?

What starts as internet foolishness turns into a bigger conversation about how easily preference becomes principle—and how quickly somebody else’s standard can start sounding like truth.

We do it online. We do it culturally. Sometimes we even do it in church.

In this episode, I’m looking at the standards we accept without questioning where they came from, what actually defines manhood, and what happens when those standards don’t even hold up against the example of Jesus.

Romans 12 gets into conformity. Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. Jesus weeps. And somewhere in all of that is a pretty simple question:

If Jesus doesn’t pass the “as a man” check, how good is the check?

Scripture: Romans 12:2 • John 13:3–5 • John 11:35

Fresh off Man Camp, Anthony starts thinking about battles, side quests, convictions, marriage, other people’s walks, and all the things we can give more attention than God ever asked us to.

Using Jesus’ words about the “weightier matters” in Matthew 23 as the thread, this episode asks a different question: not simply does this matter? but how much should this matter compared to what God has actually assigned me?

Along the way: church clothes, orange juice pulp, financial provision in marriage, purity conversations, forgiveness, Instagram bios, making faces at the camera, and the reminder that being made for war doesn’t mean you’re assigned to every battle.

Scripture referenced: Matthew 23:23–24, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 13

Follow Anthony: @anthonyheathii

Anthony sits down with longtime friend Whitney Brown for the kind of conversation that only comes from more than 20 years of history. Whitney shares how a demanding season at work had him exhausted and ready to leave, only for a raise, an unexpected conversation about succession, and some suspiciously perfect timing to make him reconsider what God might already be doing.

That opens the door to Anthony’s own experience of wanting out, realizing his frustration was following him home, and learning the difference between being grateful for God’s provision, and pretending a difficult situation doesn’t bother you.

From there, the conversation goes where conversations between old friends go. Patience, perspective, leadership, boundaries, the Golden Rule, “habitual line steppers,” serving the church without making church inaccessible, fatherhood, rest, and the All-Pro brotherhood that has kept the same group of Xavier friends connected for more than two decades.

Somewhere in all of it is Proverbs 19:21. We can make all the plans we want, but God still gets the final word.

“I’m sure this will publish before I’m actually 40.”

He’s 40 now.

Still no book.

In Wow… Job’s Not Finished, Anthony wrestles with what happens when you’re good at starting, good at staying busy, and maybe even genuinely productive—but the thing you know you’re supposed to finish keeps getting pushed behind the next fresh idea.

From an unfinished tower in Luke 14 to getting completely distracted by side missions in Grand Theft Auto, the conversation turns into a bigger question: Have you misunderstood the assignment, or have you simply stopped touching it?

But this isn’t “finish everything you’ve ever started.” Some things should be released. Some things were seasonal. The real question is: What was the charge when you started?

Anthony gets into multitasking, the pull of new ideas, trackable progress, urgency without rushing, being fruitful instead of merely productive, and the surprising possibility that some of the things that looked like delays may have also been preparing him to finish.

And eventually, the episode moves beyond discipline into trust.

Because when the assignment is no longer fresh, exciting, or easy, continuing may reveal how much you trust the One who gave it to you.

With Grand Theft Auto, Kobe Bryant, Luke 14, Romans 8:28, Hebrews 12, Philippians 1:6, and an uncomfortable amount of self-awareness, this episode is about recognizing what still needs to be finished—and trusting God enough to keep moving it forward.

Scripture referenced:
Luke 14:28–30
Romans 8:28
Hebrews 12:1–2
Philippians 1:6

From my “MYOB International” upbringing to modern OPP (Other People’s Problems), we unpack sanctified snooping, rage bait, and Toucan Sam “follow your nose” Christianity. We look at Jesus’ “Give to Caesar” as a masterclass in boundaries, and I tell on myself about marriage: my wife is my business, and minding mine helps me shut down curiosity.

Punchline: God’s laughing at us because we’re exhausted over stuff that was never our assignment.

Do you remember Zack, the Black Power Ranger, and his "Hip-hop-kido"? It’s a hilarious, awkward example of what happens when outsiders try to package and sell a culture they don't actually live. But here's the conviction: the exact same thing happens to Christianity when believers decide to stay quiet.

In this episode, we are talking about why we keep handing the mic to people with no context. If the redeemed do not tell their own story, spectators will tell it for us—and they usually get it wrong. We break down the real reasons we stay silent, from carrying shame about our past to falling into the trap of thinking our story isn't "dramatic" enough to matter. But your testimony doesn’t need a Hollywood before-and-after to be powerful. Sometimes, the heaviest proof of God's grace is simply: He kept me. From 90s TV tropes to the undeniable weight of an old-school testimony service (cue the Commissioned track), we are exploring what it really means to be a witness. It's time to stop getting mad at the world's counterfeit representation of faith, and start actually taking responsibility for our own. God is laughing at us because He gave us the testimony, and we still act like we don't have a voice.

You can't tell it, so let me tell it.

In this inaugural episode of 'God is Laughing at Us,' host Anthony Heath II shares his journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of overcoming failure and finding humor in life's challenges. He discusses his personal experiences, the significance of community, and the role of God's guidance in shaping our paths. The podcast aims to provide a space for sharing stories of redemption and growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their imperfections and laugh at life's absurdities.

In this episode, we are getting real about the danger of living on borrowed faith. We look at the sons of Sceva in Acts 19, who tried to handle serious spiritual business by dropping Jesus and Paul’s names like a borrowed VIP pass. The spirit checked their credentials, and they ended up running out of the house naked and battered. It is a harsh truth: you cannot survive on someone else’s anointing. The prayers of your parents might shield you for a season, but when things get real, you need your own armor.

The bigger issue, though, is how we misuse our own identity. God told Moses His name is "I AM WHO I AM"—giving us the ultimate standard of authority. Yet, every time we say "I am stuck," "I am a failure," or "I am my trauma," we take the Great "I AM" and use it completely wrong. We start actively disputing the Architect's blueprints.

If you are tired of feeling powerless in a space where your faith feels like a costume, it’s time for an "Allow me to reintroduce myself" moment. You were created as His workmanship for good works. It’s time to stop faking it, check your self-talk, and step fully into your authentic authority.

In this episode, Anthony Heath II reflects on his 40th birthday, spiritual growth, the importance of building on a solid foundation, and the contrast between worldly success and godly influence. He emphasizes trusting God's plan, the significance of discipline, and living a life rooted in faith and integrity.

I'm having a hard reality check with this during my current career transition. I've realized I haven't just been using a temporary fix at work; I’ve functionally become the duct tape holding a broken system together. I’ve been trading my "Quarterback" jersey to play "Free Safety"—constantly reacting and running prevent defense on a field I don't even own.

It's exhausting, but it's forcing me to look at the rest of my life. How often do we throw a quick patch over a crumbling foundation in our faith, our past hurts, or our families, and expect it to hold up the roof?

In this episode, we're talking through the messy reality of putting the tape down, dealing with the sticky residue of letting go, and deciding to step back into the pocket. Let's get into it.

If you're still holding onto a superficial checklist for love, this episode is going to challenge you. We’re breaking down:

• The Myth of the List: Jessica shares her journey of surrendering her “perfect partner” requirements to make room for a richer, God-written love story.

• Flipping the Script: Anthony discusses how our expectations rarely match reality, and why God's plans always end up better than our own.

• The Spiritual Mirror: Why marriage will expose your unhealed areas, and how to use that inevitable friction to grow rather than break.

Expect transparency, a few laughs, and plenty of biblical wisdom on navigating relationships with genuine grace and honesty.

And not just any guest, it's my purpose partner, best friend, my wife, Jessica!!!

In this engaging conversation, Anthony and Jessica explore the dynamics of their marriage, the lessons learned from past relationships, and the importance of being intentional in their journey together. They discuss the significance of trusting God, facing past traumas, and the process of becoming one in a kingdom relationship. The couple emphasizes the need for personal growth and responsibility while navigating the complexities of love and partnership.

Let’s keep it 100: if I had actually handled my business and recorded an episode earlier this week, you wouldn’t be looking at this "mini-update" right now. But as we all know, life has been lifing—and honestly? This time, the "lifing" is actually pretty great.

Between moving around and some major reasons to celebrate, your boy is officially heading into vacation mode. Because of that, the podcast is going on a short, couple-week hiatus while I go enjoy some wins and catch a flight (or two).

Don't panic! I am not about to ghost y'all. I'm not pulling a disappearing act on my people. I’ll be back with a full tank and plenty of stories before you know it.

Before I sign off, here's a quick reminder: God doesn’t just meet us in the struggle; He’s there in the celebration, too. Even when our plans get shuffled (and we know He’s got a sense of humor about our schedules), He invites us to step back and actually enjoy the life we're living.

So, if you’re looking for me for the next few weeks, I’ll be somewhere celebrating, soaking up the sun, and getting that high-quality rest.

Appreciate y'all, love y'all. See you in a few weeks! Peace. ✌🏾

Coming out of a corporate fast, I found myself thinking about the things we can go without for a while, and the one thing we absolutely cannot: breath. From there, the conversation went to 'ruach' and 'pneuma,' the way Scripture uses words for breath, wind, and spirit depending on context, and what that might say about how dependent we really are on the Spirit of God.

This isn’t meant to be a deep word study. It’s really just me sitting with the thought and seeing where it led. We talk about dry bones, spiritual disorientation, walking in the Spirit, learning how to breathe again, and the possibility that sometimes we’re asking God for fresh air while still holding our breath.

Scripture referenced: Psalm 104:29–30 Ezekiel 37:5, 14 Galatians 5:25 God is Laughing at Us: The Podcast Hosted by Anthony Heath II

We live in an era where extra-biblical sources and endless theological rabbit holes are just a click away. In this episode, Anthony challenges the modern habit of obsessively chasing after more information while neglecting the plain truths God has already revealed.

While studying historical context, commentaries, and the original Hebrew and Greek is highly valuable, it should never become a substitute for prayer, obedience, or genuine intimacy with the Creator. If your deep dives are giving you a lot of head knowledge but leaving your heart unchanged, it might be time to step back. The goal isn't to know less—it's to know what to do with what you already know.

Key Takeaways:

• Information vs. Transformation: Why having all the right facts doesn't automatically produce spiritual fruit.

• The Rabbit Hole Trap: How endless curiosity can actually become a hiding place to avoid simple obedience.

• The Eden Question: How the modern algorithm mimics the serpent’s oldest trick: "Did God really say?"

• The Proverbs 3:5 Test: The danger of letting your own understanding outrank God’s direction.

In this episode, I’m getting real about my own story. I’m taking you back to my roots on the South Side of Chicago, and we’re talking through the real, unpolished struggles with identity and faith. It's about figuring out what happens when you stop trying to build your life based on your own strength. It's the difference between making man the standard—just relying on your own grind and hustle—and recognizing something way greater, Jesus, as the ultimate standard.

We’re breaking down the trap of relying too much on our natural skills, our job titles, and our accomplishments. I’m sharing what I’ve learned the hard way about trusting God's timing, the danger of building on a shaky foundation, and the absolute freedom that comes when you finally stop trying to control every little detail of your journey. The truth is, God's grace usually does its best work right in the middle of our cracks and failures, and stepping into your calling frees you from the exhausting trap of people-pleasing.

If you’re feeling stuck in the chaos, doubting if your story even matters, or trying to find peace in the process—this episode is for you. Everything you’ve been through has set you up for what’s next. Let’s drop the labels, walk boldly in grace, and see what God can do with an honest, unfiltered life. Press play, and let's get into it.

Fresh off a Caribbean cruise celebrating life, love, and major milestones, Anthony dives into some deep soul-searching. He shares how his polished “representative” almost died a few years ago, but how pride and the "never let 'em see you sweat" mentality stubbornly survived.

This episode is your honest guide to recognizing that a calm, unbothered facade is often just polished concealment. Anthony breaks down how the peace Jesus leaves us isn’t about silent stoicism or acting like nothing bothers you. It’s about surrendering the weight, finally admitting when you are bothered, and letting God deal with the real, unmasked you.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Counterfeit vs. True Peace: The critical difference between a curated, managed calm and Spirit-born peace.

• The Cost of the Mask: How pride and the "unmesswitable" performance disguise deep emotional and spiritual exhaustion.

• The Illusion of Control: Why refusing to look rattled is actually revealing more trouble than it’s hiding.

• The Path to Wholeness: Practical steps to let God search the hidden corners of your heart and bring real healing.

• The Honest Flex: The importance of humility and telling the truth before God without falling apart.

Here’s the kicker: Ignoring these lessons keeps you locked in a draining cycle of stress and emotional fatigue. But when you face the uncomfortable truth—that God won't bless who you pretend to be—you make room for a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Perfect for anyone tired of the perfection act, craving genuine rest, and ready to retire their representative. Hit play—your upgrade to authentic, unshakable peace starts now.

Fresh off a chaotic shift at the pharmacy, Anthony dives into the reality of modern overstimulation. The danger of a loud life isn't always that we collapse under the pressure—it's that we become high-functioning in the noise. We get so used to processing constant chaos that we become numb, leaving our brains "buffering" when our families—or the Holy Spirit—try to speak to us.

In this episode, we’re looking at the difference between carrying the burdens we are called to bear and taking on unassigned noise. You may not be able to silence your environment, but you are responsible for your response to it.

It made me think of that classic Commissioned track, I Am Here. I realized I was essentially insisting on loving Him from a distance. The truth is, God didn't change His location; my own busyness was just creating resistance.

Join me for an honest conversation on how simple praise is the ultimate pattern-interrupt for an anxious mind. It’s how we get out of our own heads, drop the resistance, and just draw near again.