Ep 7: From Top Gun to Total Surrender

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Power of OR Podcast, Brad Hawkins and Jim Brangenberg sit down with longtime friend and former Navy fighter pilot John Ramstead to explore the unexpected turns that reshaped his life, faith, and identity. From achieving his lifelong dream of flying F-14s to losing his career overnight, and later surviving a near-fatal accident that led to a profound encounter with Jesus, John shares what it truly means to live with the Power of OR – trusting God when everything familiar is taken away.

This is a story of ambition, loss, surrender, healing, and learning that God’s plans are often revealed through our greatest disruptions.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

The mentorship lesson that John learned from his dad and applied to his life

The devastating injury that ended his military career just months before Top Gun

Losing his identity, struggling with depression, and being a door-to-door cell phone salesman after leaving the Navy

A divine encounter with Christ that radically transformed his faith and marriage

A second life-altering “OR moment” after a catastrophic horseback accident

Why “all things work together for good” became the foundation of his life

How suffering reshaped his understanding of joy, identity, and purpose

Key OR Moments

Top Gun or Total Loss – Chosen for Top Gun, then medically disqualified days later

Career Identity or Kingdom Identity – Losing his dream forced John to confront who he really was in Christ

Death or Divine Encounter – A traumatic brain injury led to a supernatural experience with Jesus

Regret or Redemption – Learning to trust that God redeems even the paths we don’t understand

Why This Episode Matters

John’s story speaks directly to anyone who has faced disappointment, career loss, identity crises, or deep suffering. It’s a reminder that our greatest calling isn’t found in titles, success, or achievements but in intimacy with Christ. This episode challenges listeners to ask: What if the very thing I see as loss is actually God’s invitation to something deeper?

Featuring: John Ramstead

Organizations: Beyond Influence ( https://www.beyondinfluence.com ); Hangar X Studios ( https://hangarxstudios.com )

Audio Podcast - https://www.iwork4him.com/power-of-or/2026/07