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Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

That Just About Sums it Up

Brian Summerall

Story. It's the most powerful way to communicate. After a 35-year career of speaking with Young Life, Brian Summerall continues to share stories that use humor, scripture, and culture to reveal truths about God. We hope they will find you laughing, while others will possibly bring you to tears. Whether they are stories of family, fame, adventure, pain, loss, miracles, or relationships, all of these stories reveal a God who is extravagant in His love for us.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 19 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S4 · E2
    Yesterday · 39 min· Video

    Living Fully Through Alzheimer's

    What does it look like to live with Alzheimer's with faith, purpose, and hope? Brian Summerall sits down with longtime friends Luke and Paula Davis to talk about Luke's diagnosis and their determination to keep living fully. They share how early detection, treatment, and a caring community have shaped their journey—and how their faith sustains them through uncertainty. It's an honest, inspiring conversation about facing challenges together, breaking down stigma, and finding hope along with reasons for gratitude. Voices of Alzheimer's: https://www.voicesofad.com/ Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/ Being Patient: https://beingpatient.com/ Article and interview on Being Patient: https://beingpatient.com/living-with-alzheimers-luke-davis-life-after-diagnosis/ Alzheimer's Association video about our journey: https://youtu.be/PbxwQg0I61M?si=VgqhnkAljlFH6fFX

  • S3 · E5
    July 22 · 18 min

    My Taylor Swift Wedding

    What do Taylor Swift's headline-making wedding rumors and a once-in-a-lifetime celebrity wedding have in common? In this episode, Brian shares the unbelievable story of how a music-obsessed kid from Richardson, Texas, found himself standing in a wedding party surrounded by some of the biggest names in entertainment and attending what was called the "rock concert of the decade." Along the way, he discovers a powerful truth: when it comes to life's greatest invitation, it's not about what you know—it's about who you know.

  • S3 · E4
    January 29 · 18 min

    Life Lessons from Tiger Dawson

    The world feels a little off balance today. In this episode, I reflect on the life and legacy of my friend Tiger Dawson — a man whose presence was larger than life and whose confidence always pointed everyone to Jesus. From leading goofy songs at Young Life clubs to founding an organization that now serves over 12 million students around the world, Tiger lived with a boldness that wasn't rooted in ego — but in faith. This is a story of friendship, laughter, legacy, and the kind of confidence that can only come from knowing exactly whose you are. This one's for Tiger.

  • S3 · E3
    Dec 18, 2025 · 13 min

    Pizza, the Apple Store, and Santa

    In this Christmas edition of That Just About Sums It Up, Brian Summerall takes us back to the glory days of the mall—when food courts were feasts, Spencer's Gifts was edgy, and Santa lived inside a five-story tree. What starts as a nostalgic trip with his young son becomes a moving parable about guiding the people we love—gently and patiently—toward someone life-changing.

  • S3 · E2
    Nov 19, 2025 · 16 min

    Don't Miss the Parade

    When I bought a convertible, I thought it might be fun for weekend drives. What I didn't expect was how it would steer me—quite literally—back to something deeper: friendship, joy, and a sense of true north. In this episode of That Just About Sums It Up, we return to the Richardson High School Homecoming Parade, this time not as a spectator, but as a participant. With old classmates, cheerleader uniforms from 1982, and a few magnetic car signs, what starts as a nostalgic ride becomes a profound reminder of the things that really matter. Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is to go back.

  • Nov 7, 2025 · 9 min

    I Am Not at War

    In a world where "culture war" is on everyone's lips—politicians, pundits, even pastors—Brian Summerall offers a different path: the way of Jesus. In this episode of That Just About Sums It Up, Brian reflects on the powerful spiritual anthem "Down by the Riverside" and the deeper truth it holds: we were never called to pick up swords—we were called to lay them down. Through scripture, soul-stirring lyrics, and honest reflection, Brian challenges the narrative of conflict with a message of radical grace, mercy, and love. What if our calling isn't to fight the culture, but to forgive it? What if courage looks more like washing feet than winning arguments? Join us down by the riverside. There's room for you.

  • S2 · E10
    Jul 1, 2025 · 14 min

    4th of July, Convertible Dreams, & Pet Sounds

    In this heartfelt summer edition of That Just About Sums It Up, host Brian Summerall reflects on the life and legacy of Beach Boys' frontman Brian Wilson, whose music shaped his youth and continues to echo through his life today. Through nostalgic stories of high school adventures and deep personal connections to Wilson's lyrics, Brian explores the profound harmony between joy and sorrow in Wilson's work. More than a tribute, the episode is a meditation on vulnerability, mental health, and the redemptive power of music. It's a moving reminder that beauty often blooms from brokenness—and that maybe, just maybe, that's where harmony lives.

  • S2 · E9
    May 30, 2025 · 15 min

    Run Faster!!!

    A first-grade soccer game, a yelling dad, and a six-year-old's mic-drop moment spark a deeper look at the voices we listen to. Is God urging us to do more, or inviting us to rest in His grace? This episode unpacks the difference.

  • S2 · E8
    May 12, 2025 · 23 min

    I Declared for the NFL Draft

    For years, I would announce to anyone who would listen that I was declaring myself eligible for the NFL draft. Memories of that came to mind recently as I watched Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide in this year's draft. Upon closer look, I see there is a lesson in humility in his story for all of us

  • S2 · E7
    Apr 9, 2025 · 17 min

    With This Ring

    Today, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit Michele and my wedding ceremony. What do a wedding ring and a 1981 Monte Carlo have in common? They are both reminders of God's faithfulness and two moments where time stood still.

  • S2 · E6
    Mar 12, 2025 · 16 min

    Brian's Song

    Every year in Junior High, we were led down to the "cafetorium" to watch the movie "Brian's Song." It was the story of two football players, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Memories of that movie came back to me recently when I was asked the question, "What has happened to Christianity?"

  • S2 · E5
    Feb 6, 2025 · 16 min

    Garden Hose or Fire Department?

    Why do we need to be involved in a local church? This was a question asked at a Bible Study I lead with guys I've known since they were in high school. As I pondered my response, images of the 60 Minutes episode I had just watched covering the wildfires in California flashed through my mind. In this episode, I talk about the importance of the church and the ways it supports believers through life's fires.

  • Dec 23, 2024 · 27 min

    Special Christmas Eve Edition: Oh Holy Night 8th Anniversary

    My dear friend Tod Bush left this world eight years ago, but his story continues to inspire, comfort, and transform lives. What began as a Facebook post on Christmas morning in 2016 has now been shared on an incredible 37,000 pages, inspiring hearts around the world. It's a story of hope and redemption, light piercing the darkness, and Christmas's true meaning.

  • S2 · E4
    Dec 12, 2024 · 17 min

    A Charlie Brown Christmas Special

    When I was a kid, an entire evening was built around the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. There was no such thing as VCR's, DVD's, or streaming. Busyness could cause you to miss it. The same can be true of this Christmas season in that our busyness can cause us to miss Jesus.

  • S2 · E3
    Nov 22, 2024 · 19 min

    Disneyland with Bob Goff

    I recently had the honor of spending time at Disneyland with author and speaker, Bob Goff. While I certainly enjoyed my time in the park and on the rides, I quickly discovered there was so much more for me on this trip.

  • S2 · E2
    Oct 23, 2024 · 17 min

    Here's to the Crazy Ones

    A friend recently told me his granddaughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. That conversation took me back to when our oldest was diagnosed with dyslexia. Hard decisions were made at that time including changing schools. Looking back on that process I found many similarities to our recent change of churches. The process and feelings were surprisingly similar. The results were as well.

  • S2 · E1
    Sep 16, 2024 · 22 min

    I Own A Barry Manilow Blanket

    Season two of the podcast kicks off with stories from two concerts my wife, Michele, and I attended just a few weeks ago. Show Notes: Barry Manilow Blanket Pic: https://www.thetblc.com/manilow Chicago's Terry Kath "Greatest Guitar Solo Ever Caught on Film": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNNlHvlA-kM

  • S1 · E10
    Jun 4, 2024 · 16 min

    This One's For Mom

    There's just something about the relationship between boys and their moms, especially when you are the youngest like me. As a young boy, my mom was my protector, provider, my biggest cheerleader, and she was the one who also dried all my tears. In this episode, I'd like to share a few stories about her.

  • S1 · E9
    Apr 24, 2024 · 10 min

    Sidewalk Chalk

    Brace yourselves, my friends. It's an election year. It just might be a bumpy few months, but not long ago I found glimmers of hope scattered through our neighborhood. Perhaps we all can be spreaders of hope during what can be a very divisive season.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes