Jeremy Powell, a pastor and teacher in Union City, Tennessee, was born with an autoimmune deficiency that rendered his body incapable of defeating bacterial and fungal infections. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, Powell contracted fungal meningitis. Given only an 18% chance of surviving the infection, his doctors at the National Institutes of Health recommended a bone marrow transplant as a last-ditch effort to clear the meningitis and save his life. Powell survived the transplant, and his rehabbed immune system even fought back the infection in his spine and brain. He was healed of his autoimmune deficiency and the fungal meningitis it caused. However, it left him completely paralyzed from the neck down, an he found himself dangerously close to having his breathing permanently compromised.

After a stint at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Spain Rehabilitation Hospital, another operation and an inpatient rehab stay at Vanderbilt’s Stallworth Hospital, Powell slowly began feeling again. As he has grown stronger, his mobility has dramatically improved, and Powell continues to amaze medical doctors, nurses and physical therapists nationwide with his miraculous recovery.
 
In this episode, Powell shares his inspirational story and that in the midst of some of the darkest days he has ever experienced, it became clear that God could use his suffering to cultivate hope in his life and in the lives of others. Today, he has returned to the pulpit of Crosswind Church where his message of hope touches hundreds each week. You can discover more about Powell at JeremyPowell.com and find episodes of his messages on Crosswind Church’s Youtube channel.
 
This episode is sponsored by Leader Credit Union. Leaders is insured by NCUA.

EP 153: Jeremy Powell: Cultivating Hope

In this episode, the tables are turned as Zac sits down with Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams and senior director of exhibits and collections Jennifer Wildes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about their shared passion for history, storytelling and the museum experience.
Jennifer served as editor of Scott’s latest biography, "Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis."

Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in Memphis to helping build Discovery Park alongside founder Robert Kirkland, reflecting on her years curating artifacts and designing exhibits that inspire. Scott discusses his career path from Graceland to the Newseum to Discovery Park, his process as an author, and his new book. Together, they explore the fascinating story of early Memphis, the life and legacy of Marcus Winchester, and the importance of preserving and sharing Tennessee’s rich history for future generations.


Ep. 213: Scott Williams and Jennifer Wildes on “Townmania” and Preserving History

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