Episode #13
Jimmy Sites - Preacher, Producer, Outdoorsman :: Ep 13 The GOA Speakers Podcast
On this episode of the GOA Speakers Podcast, Abigail Garrett and Craig Oliver sit down with Dr. Jimmy Sites: preacher, theologian, best-selling author, award‑winning TV producer, and lifelong outdoorsman. Jimmy shares how he started preaching at age four on a milk crate, spent over a decade earning his doctorate in theology, and eventually became one of the top outdoor TV hosts in the world. He unpacks the difference between Western and Eastern views of faith, describes life‑changing tours through Israel and the biblical world, and tells a jaw‑dropping story about nearly crossing paths with head‑shrinking cannibals in the Amazon. They also dive into his musical roots, his unexpected connection to Elvis, producing spiritual outdoor television, writing books on faith and spiritual warfare, and his new competition series Basecamp 101 that’s training the next generation in outdoor skills and character. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, outdoorsmen, and anyone who wants to see how God weaves calling, creativity, and courage into a single life. Timed highlights: 00:00 – Welcome to the GOA Speakers Podcast and intro of Dr. Jimmy Sites 02:10 – Preaching at age four on a milk crate in rural Arkansas 07:45 – Small‑town churches, wasps in the pulpit, and “McDonald’s church” stories 12:30 – 12 years of study: Greek, Hebrew, and earning a doctorate in theology 18:40 – How Eastern vs. Western thinking shapes our view of conversion 24:10 – Why the spiritual “valleys” matter more than the mountaintops 28:00 – Leading tours to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and seeing Scripture come alive 34:20 – The story behind Spiritual Outdoor Adventures TV and reaching unchurched men 42:30 – From unknown host to North American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year 47:50 – Folk music roots, Elvis in Arkansas, and growing up in a musical family 54:00 – Producing and writing in Nashville, guitars that end up on the big stage 59:20 – Inside his books: Heart of the Outdoors Bible, Legend of Indian Rock Cave 1:04:10 – Decoys of Deception and how Satan “hunts” us with spiritual decoys 1:11:30 – Progressive Christianity, Gnosticism, and discernment in the church 1:18:00 – Basecamp 101: a big‑budget outdoor competition show for teens 1:24:00 – Sneaking a 12‑year‑old into the cast and the social experiment that followed 1:29:00 – What’s next for Jimmy and where to find his resources and YouTube channel Guest Website: jimmysites.com Guest TV show / ministry site: spiritualoutdooradventures.org GOA Website:: goaspeakers.com Podcast Filmed and Produced by: ItsYourShow.co
