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:

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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:

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Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

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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:

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