Episodes

Episode 73: God is always good! A Christian redemption story

November 27, 2025

Key Verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Life can feel heavy, unpredictable, and full of moments that leave us wondering where God is in the middle of our pain. In this episode, Ben and Saso sit down with Peter as he opens his heart and shares a truly…

Episode 72: Honoring Charlie Kirk: A Call to Bold Faith and Purpose

October 14, 2025

Key Verse “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 In this moving episode of The Abundant Life Podcast, hosts Ben Arellano and Saso Mendez welcome Pastor Jason from Calvary Chapel Phoenix to reflect on the life and legacy…

Episode 71: Chosen & Loved: Nicole’s Story of Adoption and God’s Redemption

September 27, 2025

In this episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, Ben and Saso welcome back guest Nicole to share her moving testimony of adoption. Nicole and her husband were unexpectedly called to take in her brother’s newborn son, Mateo, after he was born prematurely and exposed to drugs. What began as an uncertain journey filled with challenges…

Episode 70: Strength in Adversity: Kristi’s Journey of God’s Strength

August 27, 2025

Life is filled with trials, but in the middle of suffering, God’s strength shines the brightest. In this powerful episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, Kristi shares her personal journey of brokenness, trauma, addiction, and ultimately—redemption through Jesus Christ. Raised in a Christian home but carrying deep wounds from her past, Kristi struggled with feelings…

Episode 69: God’s Perfect Plan: The Redemption of a Former Criminal

July 30, 2025

In this episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, Saso and Ben dive deeper into the life story of Jay Jay, a former convict transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ, and the unexpected reunion with the detective who once pursued him. Now united by faith, their candid conversation reveals a story of redemption, forgiveness, and…

Episode 68: Behold! A new creature in Christ

July 1, 2025

In this episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, hosts Ben Arellano and Saso Mendez talk with Jay Jay, who shares his journey to becoming a new creature in Christ. From gangs, to drugs and prison, to being a child of God, married with a new born and a new church family. What does it truly…

Episode 67: Breaking Free: Life After Mormonism and Embracing Christ

May 9, 2025

In this episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, hosts Ben Arellano and Saso Mendez sit down with Cody Bentley, who shares his deeply personal testimony of leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) and discovering the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Raised in a devoted Mormon household, Cody walks through the inner…

Episode 66: A Child of God: Tony’s Testimony of Transformation

April 25, 2025

In this episode of Abundant Life, Ben and Saso sit down with Saso’s cousin Tony Mendez to hear his powerful testimony of redemption, identity, and the transformative love of God. Once trapped in addiction and hopelessness, Tony shares how God rescued him from a life of pain and gave him a new name—child of God.…

Episode 65: The Key to Breakthrough

March 25, 2025

Are You Seeking a Breakthrough in Your Life? We all face struggles—whether it’s overcoming trials, battling sin, or seeking deliverance from addictions. But true breakthrough isn’t just about external change; it starts with surrendering completely to Jesus. In this episode, we explore Luke 9:23-24, where Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their…

Episode 64: No other name under heaven

February 4, 2025

Key Verse Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  Acts 4:12 The Testimony of Carlos Mercado Is salvation found in religion? Or is it found in a person? Carlos Mercado grew up in the Catholic Church, but faith always…

Episode 63: How do I hear the voice of God?

January 14, 2025

Key Verse My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  John 10:27 Who can hear the voice of God? Those who are of God – believers – can hear God’s voice.  How can I be sure I’m a true believer? True believers believe the truth about Jesus (1 John 5:10-13).  Jesus is…

Episode 62: Born to Die

December 17, 2024

Key Verse And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8 This Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. But why did He come? In this episode, we dive into the heart of Philippians 2:8,…