A Better Conversation

In the final episode of A Better Conversation, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson reminisce about the last twelve years of Real Life on the Palouse: what has defined us, where we've been, and where we're going.

First, a big announcement regarding the future of A Better Conversation. Then, Gus Simpson and Aaron Couch are back in Shaping Faith looking at the importance of understanding and coming to terms with one's identity.

Marty Solomon joins Gus and Aaron for Holy Week to talk about celebrating Easter well amidst cultural tensions.

How you spend your time reveals a lot about your priorities. This week, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson talk about the importance of prioritizing relationships with others as we follow Christ.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson look at Jesus's life as a model for how to set appropriate boundaries in relationships, and the role boundaries play in a healthy community.

Continuing in our Shaping Faith series, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson tackle forgiveness: what it is, what it isn't, and practical ways to keep from unnecessarily taking up an offense.

We're taking a short break from our regularly scheduled Shaping Faith programming this week. Make sure to join us at Real Life on Thursday or Sunday for a special message from Charlie Couch. We'll return to our supplementary Shaping Faith content with next week's episode.

Aaron Couch makes a biblical case for relationship as he and Gus Simpson talk about the importance of owning our place in the community we are a part of.

Wrapping up the Core 4, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson talk about why fasting is such a crucial — yet misunderstood — discipline in our church culture, and give some practical tips to build a healthy fasting practice.

Continuing alongside Real Life's “Shaping Faith” series, Aaron and Gus talk about Aaron's personal growth in worship as a spiritual discipline, and take a look at some of the Biblical ideas surrounding worship.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson talk about the Bible and some practical ways to build a discipline centered around the Text.

For the next few months, A Better Conversation will be in parallel with Shaping Faith, our current sermon series at Real Life exploring Christian disciplines. Today, Aaron and Gus take a look at prayer — what it is, why we practice it, and how it changes our hearts and minds.

Aaron and Gus sit down for an interview with our old friend Dr. Dusty Van Hofwegen, a working scientist and microbiologist, about the real and perceived divisions between the Church and the scientific community.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson take a look at the biblical view of marriage, some misconceptions about marriage, and practical tools for becoming a better partner and spouse.

Aaron Couch sits down with Peter and Claire Roise, advocates for abuse awareness, to shed some light on the many forms relational and spiritual abuse can take, and how the Church can help bring awareness and healing.

Aaron Couch sits down with Peter and Claire Roise, advocates for abuse awareness, to shed some light on the many forms relational and spiritual abuse can take, and how the Church can help bring awareness and healing.

For the uninitiated, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson provide a look at what discipleship is, how it works, and why Christians are called to be disciples of Jesus who make disciples.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson take a deeper look at eight of the literary genres we find in the Bible and how we should approach them.

With the holidays upon us, many of us are spending extra time with friends and family, and might be feeling just a bit strained in those relationships. We figured this is a good time to talk about some of the components of healthy relationships. Whether you're struggling with your spouse, your kids, or your mother-in-law, here are some things to keep in mind. Merry Christmas!

Last year, Real Life helped plant Mission Ridge Church in Missoula, Montana. In today's episode, we talk to Paule Patterson, lead pastor of Mission Ridge, about the ups and downs of starting a new church in a new town.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson continue their look at why it's important to study the Bible in context, and the different lenses we can use to do so.

What is a contextual hermeneutic, and why does it matter? Why should we care so much about the history, geography, and culture of the Bible? Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson tackle these questions and more.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson start a conversation around an appropriate biblical response to suicide.

Depression is a real problem, both within and outside the Church, and we shouldn't be afraid to talk about it. Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson share personal experiences around depression and attempt to untangle misconceptions and provide helpful tools, whether you deal with depression personally or are trying to support a loved one.

Empathy is foundational to forming relationships and ministering effectively. Building on last week's discussion on relational ministry, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson talk about practical ways to connect with others on a heart-to-heart level.

If you've been a part of Real Life for long, you've probably heard the term “relational ministry.” Today, Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson dive into what it is, why we do it, and some tools we can apply as we relate to others.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson interview Brad Gray of Walking the Text. We discuss what led to Brad's fascination with understanding biblical context, the resources he has built over the years, and what people can expect from his visit to Real Life for The Restoration of All Things. Don't forget to register for The Restoration of All Things by visiting liferotp.com/restore.

Aaron Couch and Gus Simpson discuss what they hope to accomplish with A Better Conversation.