The Burros of Berea have added a new host for our, “Notes from the Underground” series. Tiziana Severse hosts the deep dive study into some of the most interesting topics and people of the bible.Tiziana is joined by Andy Bishop and Rick Welch. For those who like to delve into history, archeology and ancient cultures to bring to life the stories of the Bible (with a modern look), you’ll love this!
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Rick was born in Trenton, Michigan and has a background in Manufacturing, International Sales and Mold and Tool Design Engineering. In 2016 he started a film company called Tacky Tie Films where he Produced and Directed two full length Christian films in the suspense genre (Still Waters, Witch), one Christmas film (Let it Snow), and a black and white short film based on eleventh chapter of the Gospel of John (The Resurrection and the Life). He began studying the Bible in his early teens and visited numerous churches of different viewpoints throughout the course of his life. Along the way he discovered a passion for all things related to the Bible.
On February 2, 2021, Rick joined Billy Kimzey at Giraffe Studio in Hendersonville, North Carolina owned and operated by Sound Engineer, Andy Bishop to record their first Bible study. The initial idea was to involve one person that studied the Bible, one person who was a Christian that didn’t know much about the Bible and an atheist that knew some but was interested enough to discuss specific topics. Thus began The Burros of Berea. Rick lives in Hoopers Creek, North Carolina with his wife, Holly.
Billy (or Willie as some intimate friends call him) is a native of Western North Carolina. He is a third generation woodworker for a family owned business started by his Grandfather in the late 1970’s (currently managed by his Father) that specializes in the manufacture of pallets, apple crates and rough hewn lumber for public use as well as a mulching service. He moved six times over the course of his life all within a quarter mile radius.
In 2016, he met Rick on the set of Still Waters where he loaned his small black jon boat called the U.S.S. Bazinga for the lake scenes where they struck up a friendship. In late 2020, Rick approached him about doing a recorded Bible study. On February 2, 2021, he met with Rick at Giraffe Studio with Owner/Operator and Sound Engineer, Andy Bishop to record their first bible study and thus began Bible Babble, or Church Chatter, or Testament Talk.
On the fourth episode Billy laughingly called the group “Burro Bereans” and thus the podcast title The Burros of Berea was born. His decision to join the group was for self education and further study into his faith with friends. Billy currently resides in Mills River, North Carolina with his two daughters, Piper and Isla.
Andy was born in upstate NY and moved to NC at about 19 to escape the beautiful, but economically dystopian Adirondack park. He now owns a recording studio in Hendersonville NC with his wife, plays bass for The Ross Osteen band, and takes far more pictures than he wants to be responsible for editing.
Ralph was born in San Pedro, California. During his youth he attended Catholic schools in grade school and high school. While in college, he left the Catholic faith and joined a Non-Denominational church where he remained for many years. In 2009, he relocated to North Carolina where he converted to the Baptist faith and served his church as Technical Director for ten years.
An amateur filmmaker and owner of Beach Films, he has worked on several short film projects, music videos and special occasion videos. In 2016, his film company worked in association with Tacky Tie Films to produce the full length feature films, Still Waters, and again in 2018 on Witch. In April 2021, he became the fourth cast member of the Burros with the intent to help influence others to seek God as a part of his ministry in the great commission.
A devout Christian from an early age, he is dedicated to helping others find their way to the Lord, Jesus Christ. He does not claim to have the answers, just an opinion, and a plea to others to seek Christ for themselves. Ralph currently resides in Fletcher, North Carolina with his wife, Jennifer and daughter, Lexi.
Cherrie was born and raised in Hendersonville, North Carolina where she currently works as a nurse at an outpatient endoscopy center. She met Rick ten years ago during a pivotal time in her life where several people were telling her about the hope of salvation.
Shortly thereafter, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Throughout the years she has attended a Baptist church as well as studied for two years at a bible college in Marion, North Carolina and has an intense desire to learn more about the Bible, Christianity and the history of the Church.
In July of 2021 she joined the Burros and is the only female cast member. She currently lives in Hoopers Creek, North Carolina with her husband Rodney and has eight children and nine grandchildren.
Sarita was born and raised in South Carolina but spent several years living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She answered a public announcement seeking guests for the Testimony series and was a guest of the podcast on May 5th, 2022.
During the recording of her testimony she immediately clicked with the cast. When the Esther Summer series kicked off, The Burros of Berea invited her to be a special guest of the series. During the recordings it became apparent that her background as a public speaker, Sunday school teacher, and her humor was the missing component to the cast. On June 16th, 2022 she became a full time cast member.
A homeschool teacher of 18 years, pro-life advocate, Sunday school teacher, public speaker, and Realtor, Sarita brings a wealth of knowledge to the cast’s unorthodox approach to biblical studies. She enjoys reading, writing, singing, swimming and college basketball. Go Heels!
She has been a Christian for two decades and yearns to know more about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sarita lives in South Carolina with her husband, Michael, and is a mother of 5 children (4 living and 1 in Heaven).