#45: Bob Goff on Catching Whimsy

On this episode of STEP INTO THE STORY Podcast, Phil talks with author, speaker, attorney, and Chief Balloon Inflator Bob Goff.

Bob and Phil talk about how he and his wife, Sweet Maria, teach their school-age kids an object lesson after 9/11 by asking world leaders “What are you hoping for?”; how we can always be on the lookout for how Jesus will oftentimes meet us at the intersection of an opportunity and our ambition; the school that Bob helped to open in Uganda for misplaced children due to the civil war in that country; how we can be a friend to the underdog; what it means to be a Chief Balloon Inflator, and more!

Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling books Love Does, Everybody Always, Dream Big, Undistracted, and his latest book, Catching Whimsy. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in 14 countries. He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob continues to be inspired by friendships he’s developed with others around the world who live their lives pursuing strategic ways to help others. You can typically find Bob writing and taking calls from his boat, welcoming people to The Oaks—his Southern California retreat center, or at an event speaking. Bob’s greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with their amazing kids and grandkids. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.

Find Bob’s Catching Whimsy at www.bobgoff.com/books/catching-whimsy/

SUMMARY:

• Phil Tuttle interviews Bob Goff, who describes himself as the “chief balloon inflator.” [00:17] This means he helps people pursue their ambitions and connect them with opportunities.
• Bob shares a story about taking his children to meet with world leaders after 9/11, giving them the opportunity to ask the leaders questions and give them a gift of a house key to Bob and Maria’s home. [08:27]
• Bob discusses how he has leveraged his platform and resources from his writing to fund various advocacy, education, and human rights initiatives in countries around the world, working with courageous local leaders to make a difference.
• Bob emphasizes the importance of having faith, being a friend to the underdog, and looking for the virtue in people rather than being cynical. [18:15] He encourages listeners to remember God’s faithfulness and to love people well. [27:34]
• Phil recommends Bob’s latest book Catching Whimsy as a way for listeners to grow in their relationship with God. [26:57]

Listen to the Step Into the Story Podcast with Phil Tuttle as he talks with guests about how God has intersected their lives with His Story, the Bible—and how the Bible changes everything. They’ll talk about the beautiful story God is writing in their lives and through their lives, and how He has led them throughout their lives. Each episode is a powerful conversation about God, the Bible, and the story of a life changed.

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