The One Day Closer Podcast with Jay Fassbender

New Year, Hard Lessons: Concussion, Loss, and Calling

Host Jay opens the year recounting a dramatic New Year’s bike crash that led to a concussion, then shares the recent loss of his daughter’s mother and the anniversary of a fallen nephew. Despite a difficult start to 2026, he reflects on gratitude, family reconciliation, and the fragility of life.In this episode (part 7 of a 10-part series), Jay encourages listeners to be good stewards of their time and talents, seek God to find their gifts, serve family and community, and choose happiness through faith. He closes with scripture from 1 Peter 4:8–10 and a call to live with purpose and trust in Jesus.

From Infusions to Faith: A Hopeful Christmas Reflection

Host Jay reflects on a challenging 2025, sharing personal health updates, gratitude for friends and family, and the miracles that sustained him.He recounts speaking engagements, plans to write his story in 2026, and offers a heartfelt Christmas message about faith, the true meaning of the season, and hope for the year ahead.

Grateful in the Valleys: A Thanksgiving of Faith and Hope

Host Jay reflects on Thanksgiving through the lens of his personal journey with illness, sharing gratitude for family, faith, medical caregivers, and simple daily blessings.He encourages listeners not to spend the holidays alone, to practice daily gratitude, and to trust in God's purpose while finding joy even amid grief.

Pursue Joy in God’s Presence — A One‑Week Worship Challenge

Episode 10: Jay shares a health update, recaps the Birmingham GBS/CIDP Walk & Roll, and reflects on finding true joy through a closer relationship with God.He issues a one‑week challenge to start each day with worship—scripture, prayer, or music—and encourages listeners to seek peace, gratitude, and purpose amid life’s struggles.

Embrace Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Poison

In this episode of the One Day Closer podcast, Jay opens with scripture and reflects on the power of forgiveness — forgiving others and forgiving yourself — as a path to healing and living fully in God’s plan. He shares personal stories about social media conflict, a heartfelt example of forgiveness at a memorial service, and encourages listeners to pray for the strength to forgive and to seek forgiveness when needed.Jay also discusses participating in an Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention, urges listeners to check on loved ones, and reminds everyone that faith in Jesus brings hope and healing.

Two-Year Anniversary: Gratitude, Faith, and a Spruce Goose Encounter

Host Jay celebrates the podcast's two-year anniversary with heartfelt gratitude, shares a memorable visit to the Evergreen Aviation Museum to see the Spruce Goose, and reflects on his 58th birthday and baptism service.
He recounts a local radio appearance, announces his new role as liaison for the GBS CIDP Foundation on the Gulf Coast, and discusses serving others through faith and community.
Jay closes with a clear message about choosing happiness, forgiveness, and living a life guided by faith in Jesus.

Tremors, Testimony, and Triumph: My GBS Symposium Story

Host Jay recounts an emotional trip to the GBS CIDP Foundation symposium in Denver where he connected with fellow patients, learned more about his rare demyelinating disease, and shared his testimony.He then describes a restorative road trip through Oregon — from Bend to the coast — featuring a vehicle rescue, lighthouse climbs, winery visits, and small hikes that felt like personal victories.The episode closes with reflections on faith, gratitude, community, and a preview of the next episode about embracing forgiveness.

The One Day Closer Podcast S.4 E.6: Love in Action: Serving Others Without the Spotlight

Host Jay shares a personal health update and continues a 10-part series on living the life Scripture teaches, focusing in this episode on loving and serving others—practically and humbly. He reflects on Jesus' command to love, offers examples of service, and urges listeners to show compassion, even toward those who have wronged them.Jay challenges listeners to commit to one act of service, highlights volunteer opportunities, and asks for feedback at fassbenderj@gmail.com. He closes with a reminder to trust Jesus and to live your spirit.

The One Day Closer Podcast Season 4 Episode 5 : Living Intentionally

In this episode Jay recaps a meaningful visit to the new Spain Rehabilitation Hospital, previews his trip to the GBS Foundation symposium, and continues his 10-part series on living your best life. Part three focuses on living with intentionality—spending quality time with family, serving others, and deliberately growing in faith.Jay shares personal reflections, practical suggestions for prioritizing loved ones over distractions, and examples of service and spiritual habits to help listeners live purposefully and strengthen their relationship with God.

One Day Closer Season 4 Episode 4: Gratitude That Changes Everything

Cultivating Gratitude: Finding Joy in Everyday Blessings
In this episode, Jay continues his series on living life to the fullest with Part 2: Cultivating Gratitude. He shares personal stories—from trips with his grandson to meaningful moments at his rehabilitation hospital—while encouraging listeners to shift focus from what’s lacking to God’s abundant blessings. Jay offers practical tips like keeping a gratitude journal, shares scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and emphasizes daily thankfulness to deepen faith and transform perspective.