Sacred & Strange
Welcome to Sacred & Strange — the official podcast of The Porch Missional Community & Coffee Roasters.
Hosted by Jason Urena, Sacred & Strange is a space where theology meets mystery, story meets spirit, and nothing is too weird to talk about. Each episode features honest conversations with guests from all walks of life—exploring the sacred moments that shaped them, the strange encounters that stretched them, and the passions that make them who they are. From deep theology to cryptids, church wounds to comic books, revival to the mundane, this is where the wild and the holy collide.
Brew a cup, open your mind, and join the journey.
Sacred & Strange
The Desert, The Journey, and Holding Form w/ Michael Stalker
In this heartfelt conversation, host Jay Urena sits down with friend and mentor Mike Stalker — a man whose quiet strength, wisdom, and faith have deeply shaped those around him. From growing up on a horse farm near Buffalo to leading global operations at GE and learning how to listen for God’s voice in the chaos, Mike shares a life marked by humility, discipline, and an ever-deepening communion with Jesus.
Through stories of family, career crossroads, and the simple practice of prayer in everyday moments, Mike invites listeners to see how God shows up in both the mundane and the miraculous. Whether it’s hearing his earthly father’s voice cheering him on in a crowded stadium or recognizing God’s gentle guidance through seasons of exhaustion and uncertainty, Mike reminds us that faith is less about a single mountaintop moment and more about a lifetime of conversation with our Creator.
This episode is equal parts wisdom and warmth — touching on themes of fatherhood, perseverance, obedience, leadership under pressure, and the beauty of learning to walk with God in every detail of life.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:44 Mike's Early Life and Family Background
04:58 Musical Journey and Career Choices
08:55 Faith and Personal Growth
16:48 Professional Challenges and Spiritual Insights
28:34 Influential Figures and Their Impact
30:33 Conversations with God in Daily Life
34:22 A Father's Love and Lessons
39:13 Navigating Faith and Church Community
49:55 Reflections on Bigfoot and the Unknown
52:24 Closing Thoughts and Prayer