EPISODE 5:Your Story Is the Strategy God Wants to Use| Kevin Spencer Wilson

Episode Overview: In this powerful episode, Jose sits down with author, digital storyteller, and cultural bridge-builder Kevin Spencer Wilson—better known as Cross Culture Kev—to explore the truth that your story isn’t just part of your journey—it’s the strategy God wants to use. From arriving in the U.S. alone at 18 to becoming the CEO of Chai and author of The Way of Chai, Kevin shares a deeply personal journey of reinvention, resilience, grief, and grace. Together, they dive into how suffering shapes the soul, how to reclaim your story as a leader, and why the very things you once saw as liabilities might be the superpowers God intends to use for impact. If you’re navigating change, healing from pain, or searching for your voice in leadership—this conversation will remind you: God doesn’t waste your story. He works through it. Topics Covered: The sacred practice of reinventionGrief as the strongest memory of joyLeading with story and presence in a world addicted to pressureTaking up space with humilityWhy your identity is your greatest assetEmbracing your leadership voice as someone from the global majority Scriptures Referenced Hebrews 2:10 – “For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God… should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”C.S. Lewis Quote – “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”Romans 8:17 (Implied) – “...we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Quotes “Grief is not the absence of joy. It’s the strongest memory of joy.” “Art plus story equals trust.” “You were created because you were loved—not to be loved.” “Leadership isn’t about usefulness; it’s about belovedness.” “Practice curiosity. Lean into community. See every person as an invitation to wonder.” Extra Resources Kevin’s Book: The Way of Chai by Kevin WilsonFollow Kevin: @CrossCultureKev on Instagram | WebsiteFollow Jose on Instagram → @iamsaintphardKevin’s Newsletter: Monday MasalaBook Mentioned: The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich How to Go Deeper Listen Anywhere You Get Podcasts Search The Deep Dive with Jose on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your favorite platform—and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Watch the Full Episode on YouTube Catch the visuals and full conversation on YouTube at @thedeepdivewithjose—and hit the notification bell so you’re first to know when new episodes drop. Follow and Engage on Social Media Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok at @thedeepdivewithjose, and follow Jose personally at @iamsaintphard for more behind-the-scenes and bonus insights. Action... Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Elevator With Jose St. Fard(00:00:37) - Deep Dive: What Does It Mean to Lead Well With Resil(00:01:34) - Kevin on Why He Came to the US at 18(00:05:59) - The Need for Reinvention(00:11:59) - The 3 Rules of Community(00:12:29) - In the Land of Suffering(00:17:40) - The Ultimate trajectory of human life(00:19:55) - TikTok: Stories Through Chai(00:24:46) - "A Story Is a Tale of Transformation"(00:28:01) - The Greatest Blessing of Leadership Is the(00:31:24) - Inventors and the institution(00:34:46) - The Concept of Taking Up Space(00:36:06) - Taking Up Space and Storing Space(00:39:25) - Bookmark Review: The Way of Chai(00:43:32) - Writing The Way of Chai(00:45:04) - Crossclosure: The Deep Dive With Jose St. Bard