The Steve Setka Show

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7 (KJV) : “When the Mic Turns Into a Mirror” (Solo) - Hiatus

Summary
In this episode of The Steve Setka Show, Steve reflects on his journey of self-discovery and the uncomfortable truths he has faced regarding his motivations for podcasting. He discusses the dangers of seeking external validation and the importance of understanding one's true self. Steve announces a short hiatus from the podcast to return with a clearer voice and purpose, emphasizing the need to rebuild with authenticity rather than for validation.

That theme — the podcast becoming a mirror — is actually deeply biblical. Scripture talks a lot about seasons of speaking and seasons of silence, seasons of sowing and seasons of stepping back.
Here are a few verses that fit your episode perfectly, especially given what you shared about doing the podcast for validation and having to face what it revealed.
Primary verse (this one hits the core of your story)
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7 (KJV)
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
This is exactly what you’re living.
The mic exposed what was in your heart. Now the season might be silence, not performance — not quitting, but letting God do work before you speak again.
A hiatus isn’t failure here — it’s obedience to seasonality.
The mirror verse
James 1:23–24
“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”
Your podcast became a glass.
It showed you who you were when you were talking… and who you were when the applause stopped.
That’s powerful, not embarrassing.
The inner-work verse
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
This is the heart of a healthy hiatus:
“God, don’t let me hide behind content. Expose what needs healing.”
The identity reset verse
Galatians 1:10
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
This directly speaks to you realizing:
“I was doing the podcast so people would like me.”
That realization is a calling upgrade, not a breakdown.

The conversation covers a range of topics including intentional time management, balancing work and family, prioritizing marriage and family, the impact of career on family life, Al Ruttan's business and brand, company culture and profit assessment, presenteeism and productivity, intentional use of technology, time management and priority management, productivity and focus, the Pomodoro method, unselfishly seeking the best for others, overcoming procrastination, circadian rhythm and productivity, engagement with social media, Al Ruttan's purpose statement, biblical principles and servitude, and intentionality and gratitude.

In this episode of The Steve Setka Show, host Steve Setka and guest Lori Asbury explore the themes of faith, purpose, and the integration of personal and professional life. They discuss the importance of finding contentment in daily life, the beauty of equestrian sports, and how faith plays a crucial role in overcoming adversity. Lori shares her journey in business and the significance of building relationships, while emphasizing the need for community and legacy. The conversation highlights the importance of living life with intention and gratitude, and the power of faith in navigating life's challenges.

The verse from Ecclesiastes sets the tone for the discussion.
Finding contentment is essential in a busy life.
Living life backwards can provide a new perspective.
Faith helps navigate daily challenges and adversity.
Equestrian sports offer therapeutic benefits and personal growth.
Integration of faith and business creates a positive culture.
Building relationships is key to success in business.
Adversity can lead to personal growth and deeper faith.
Legacy is about the impact we leave behind.
Community and connection are vital for personal and professional growth.

In this episode of The Steve Setka Show, host Steve Setka welcomes Brian Livingston, a chemical engineer and entrepreneur focused on decarbonizing the trucking industry. The conversation explores themes of faith, personal journeys, and the intersection of business and sustainability. Brian shares his background, the technology he is promoting, and the importance of integrating faith into business practices. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovation in the trucking industry and the potential for significant cost savings through sustainable practices.

Sustainability in trucking is not just environmentally friendly but also economically viable.
The technology discussed can reduce fuel consumption by 3-5%.
A one-year payback period makes the investment attractive for trucking companies.
Awareness of new technologies is a significant barrier to adoption in the industry.
The trucking industry needs to adapt to remain competitive.
Faith can guide ethical decisions in business.
Building relationships and community is essential for business success.
[email protected]
Website: zelkam.com
Calculator for potential cost savings + CO2 reductions: decarbonize5.com
Mobile: +1 309-678-4965

In this episode of The Steve Setka Show, Steve and his wife, Kasey, discuss their unique rules for a successful marriage. They explore topics such as financial transparency, prioritizing each other, navigating friendships with the opposite sex OR NOT, and the importance of health and fitness. The couple emphasizes the importance of communication and commitment over love, drawing on personal experiences and biblical principles to guide their relationship.
Takeaways
Communication is key in a marriage. Financial transparency helps avoid conflicts. Prioritizing your spouse leads to a happier family. Friendships with the opposite sex can complicate marriage. Health and fitness are important commitments in marriage. Language used in arguments can impact the relationship. Love alone is not enough; commitment is essential. Shared finances simplify budgeting and spending decisions. Discussing controversial topics can strengthen a relationship. Biblical principles provide a strong foundation for marriage.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marriage and Family Dynamics 02:30 Controversial Rules for a Successful Marriage 06:02 Financial Transparency and Teamwork 11:08 Prioritizing the Spouse Over Children 14:41 Boundaries with Friends of the Opposite Sex 19:56 Health and Fitness in Marriage 26:54 The Importance of Language in Marriage 29:31 Commitment Over Love in Marriage