New year… same cycle?

Every January, people swear this will be “their year.” New habits. New body. New money. New mindset. And then February shows up, motivation fades, and the old patterns quietly take the wheel again.

In Episode 5 of Rooted & Ready, Wayne and Murad sit down for a real conversation about New Year’s resolutions—fact or fiction—and why so many people quit before they ever build momentum.

This isn’t a “self-help pep talk.” It’s a truth talk.

We break down why resolutions fail so often: unrealistic expectations, emotional motivation, lack of systems, and the deeper issue most people don’t want to admit—trying to change behavior without changing the heart. We talk discipline, identity, accountability, and what it looks like to stop chasing hype and start building a life that actually lasts.

You’ll hear practical strategies you can use immediately:

• How to stop setting goals you won’t keep

• Why “systems” beat “statements” every time

• The power of one focused goal instead of ten random promises

• How community and accountability protect your progress

• What to do when you mess up—without quitting on yourself

And because we stay rooted, we bring it back to Scripture. Real change isn’t “New Year, New Me.” It’s transformation—renewing the mind, training for consistency, and letting God shape what discipline can’t fix on its own.

If you’ve ever been tired of starting over… this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now, share it with someone who needs a reset, and ask yourself this one question:
If you keep making the same resolution every year… is it a goal—or a cycle?

Rooted and Ready invites you into real conversations about how Scripture speaks to everyday life. In this episode, Wayne and Murad revisit Genesis 17 to unpack the covenant of circumcision — a topic that may sound ancient, but one that still resonates deeply today. You’ll hear two friends wrestle with what it means to be marked by God and how that mark points forward to Jesus Christ.

thatRight at the outset, the hosts remind us of the context: God had just given Abraham staggering promises about a son and future nations. Those promises were sealed with a physical sign. Genesis 17 tells us that after delivering “exceedingly great and precious promises,” the Lord commanded Abraham to circumcise every male on the eighth day. The sign itself is even called “My covenant”. Wayne and Murad discuss why God chose something so intimate and physical. They point out how theologians see the sign's location as a reminder that our fallen nature is inherited from our first parents. The cutting away of flesh symbolised the need for spiritual renewal; it also warned that rejecting the sign was tantamount to rejecting God Himself.

As they chat, Wayne reflects on raising sons and the weight of shepherding the next generation. Murad shares how the requirement to circumcise on the eighth day foreshadowed new creation life. Together they explore how circumcision wasn’t an arbitrary ritual — it was a gospel sign pointing ahead to Christ. The act of cutting and the shedding of blood looked forward to Jesus, whose own circumcision and eventual crucifixion fulfilled the covenant in both judgment and mercy. The hosts connect this to Paul’s teaching that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, a work of the Spirit that makes us part of God’s family regardless of ethnicity or background.

The conversation also gets personal. Wayne opens up about the temptations to rely on outward religion rather than a transformed heart. Murad asks probing questions about identity: What does it mean for believers today to be set apart? How do we live as covenant people without slipping into legalism? They consider modern parallels such as baptism and family dedication, and how these practices serve as reminders of God’s promises. There’s laughter, vulnerability, and plenty of scripture as they encourage listeners to lean into God’s faithfulness rather than their own performance.

By the end of the episode, you’ll come away with a richer appreciation for this sometimes uncomfortable topic. Circumcision is shown to be both a sign of belonging and a pointer to Christ. It illustrates that our Creator cuts away sin and invites us into a relationship, and it challenges us to examine whether our hearts have truly been set apart. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient covenants apply to life today, or if you enjoy thoughtful Bible study with friends, this conversation is for you. Tune in, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and join Wayne and Murad as they get rooted in God’s Word and ready for all He has in store.

In the wake of the December 13, 2025 tragedy at Brown University in Providence—where two students were killed and nine others were injured—Wayne and Murad sit down for a raw, thoughtful conversation about what so many of us are feeling: grief, anger, fear… and the desperate question, “How do we stop this from happening again?”

In this episode of Rooted & Ready, we talk through:

• What we know so far about the Brown University shooting and why the details matter

• Gun laws, personal responsibility, and why this topic gets people heated so fast

• Why schools and campuses keep becoming targets—and what that says about our culture

• The role of mental health, isolation, and despair (and how we can respond with wisdom)

• Practical steps for parents, students, and communities to stay alert without living in panic

• A biblical lens on violence, justice, mercy, and peace—staying rooted in the Word when the world feels unsteady

This isn’t a debate episode. It’s a let’s think, pray, and act episode. We aim for curiosity over clout, truth over talking points, and compassion without compromise. If you’ve ever felt numb from the constant headlines, this conversation will help you slow down, process, and move forward with purpose.

Scripture references we touch on include Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:21, James 1:19, Psalm 34:18, and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Content note: This episode discusses gun violence and loss.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (U.S.) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.

If this conversation blesses you, share it with someone who needs it—and follow Rooted & Ready for more Christ-centered conversations on the issues that shape our families and our future.