Mornings with Carmen

Pastor Ramon Pastrano of Third Sphere unpacks the different levels of listening and entering into difficult conversations with humility and curiosity. Vonna Laue, author of "Glad I Didn't Know," shares why we experience the most growth in the midst of trying seasons. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Daryl Crouch of Everyone's Wilson, a countywide organization of churches, business, and non-profits in Wilson County, TN, outlines how funerals point to God's sufficient grace and why everything rises and falls on leadership. Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano talks about the example Tim Tebow set during his playing days and Scottie Scheffler pointing to Jesus once again, in the midst of winning The Open. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Bret Nicks of the Christian Medical and Dental Association talks about the significance of choosing to be an organ donor and the ethical realities behind three person babies. The Gospel Coalition's Trevin Wax, author of "The Gospel Way Catechism," shares about the false notion of freedom the world proclaims versus the kind of freedom Jesus offers. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Nick Pitts, editor of The Briefing, shares about the why behind fewer babies being born in the U.S. and shining God's light in the midst of a tough situation. Luke Moon of The Philos Project and Generation Zion talks about the layers behind recognizing the statehood of Palestine and how food aid is being delivered to Gazans. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Psychologist Linda Mintle of the Dr. Linda Mintle Show unpacks how we deal with grief and the impact Kay Arthur had on her life. Sam Storms, author of "Understanding Prayer," outlines the practice of seeking God Himself through prayer, over things in return and what happens when we don't pray. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen talks about the things that tend to define our relationships with those closest to us and the fruit that comes from redefining our relationship with Jesus. Political scientist Daniel Bennett shares about how we view the rise of the so called "negative world" and the increasingly larger group that's pulling away from the traditions tied with religion. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Adam Holz of Plugged In and Carmen have a roaming conversation around media news, including Justin Beiber's new album, how porn harms youth, using phones to distract from stress (or maybe escape reality), plus how recent celebrity deaths affect us.  Carmen then looks at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, seeking rip back all the posturing of both sides and apply God's mind and heart to the situation.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and radio show talks about how if we want to subscribe more to God and His ways, we need to UNSUBSCRIBE (a dangerous word in this online feed world) to a lot that grabs our attention.  He also talks about champion golfer Scotty Scheffler and his focus on God for fulfillment.  CBN Faithwire's Billy Hallowell recounts how God has been showing up in the news around us, include the heroism of Dick Eastland, the operator of Camp Mystic who gave his life to save others in the recent Texas flooding.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Sandra Peoples, author of "Accessible Church," offers some Gospel-centered ideas for helping your church be more supportive and welcoming of families with special needs members.  Journalist Mindy Belz updates us on the plight of Afghans who fled their home country when the US military pulled out in 2021, and now are not welcome in other countries, including now the US. Mindy also updates us on the status of PEPFAR. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith helps us look at the many of the swirling accusations around Jeffrey Epstein and Russian influence in US elections, plus words such as "treason" are free thrown around.  How do you think well as a Christian beyond the distractions?  Writer Jerry Jenkins, father of Dallas Jenkins, talks about fathering, plus shares what it's like watching his son as he directs the miniseries "The Chosen."  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Dirk Smith of EEM talks about their work to get Bibles into the hands of people, including Muslims.  The main reason Muslims come to Jesus is because they actually read God's Word.  American Bible Society's John Plake offers some new insights from this year's State of the Bible Report engaging God's Word and letting it shape you had a strong correlation to emotional wellbeing.    Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Gospel Coalition's social media manager, Austin Gravley,  reads us in a report about the pervasive trend of teens are seeking friendship, counseling, and support through AI chatbots.  What are the concerns?  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer outlines the increased persecution of Christians in some states in India, as well as concerns in Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Gaza.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Desiring God's David Mathis, author of "A Little Theology of Exercise," offers ideas for stewarding our physical bodies to serve our souls, honor God, and bless others.  Ret. Major General Jack Briggs, who also serves with the Springs Rescue Misson in Colorado Springs, talks about homelessness and what can be a truly healing, Gospel response.  He writes about it in "Meeting Homelessness with Hope."   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Along with looking at the legal and political issues around obsession with Jeffrey Epstein, political scientist Adam Carrington looks at the Christian faith of American founder Alexander Hamilton who died this month in 1804.  Actor Max McLean of the Fellowship for Performing Arts talks about bringing C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" to the stage.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Security expert Elizabeth Neumann, author of "Kingdom of Rage," reflects on a recent article predicting the US breaking apart. She looks at some of the spiritual issues underneath the problems we have, and the agency we have a Christians to bring healing.  Jennifer Hayden Stokes, author of "The Pioneer's Way," talks about people who have been pioneers in life, business, and culture.  She highlights the challenges, resistance, and pains they endured, and by God's strength staying focused and principled.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Lionshare's Dave Buehring offers insights from his book "The Great Opportunity" about how we are called to reflect Jesus and disciple people in God's Kingdom ways where God has you in the marketplace and in your city.  Carmen Laberge talks about UK MP Danny Kruger speaking to an empty chamber of the House of Commons lamenting the brokeness of his country, the decisions made by Parliament, and the need for a Christian renewal in his country.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about the spiritual undertones in the new Smurf movie.  Plus how in light of the controversy around the platforming of a gay couple in the new Chip and Joanna Gaines TV series, Adam address how using sexuality as the core of a person's identity really is putting too much weight that part of our lives to myopically build your identity upon.  Cristina Baker, social media influencer and author of "A Minute of Hope," shares her personal story of brokenness and God's redeeming and restoring love for her.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Along with the Friday farm report, Carmen looks are a variety of headlines and see to ask you how you're thinking about them.  Apologist Daniel DeWitt of Scholar Leaders asks "is Jesus 'The Man' of Psalm 1," as well as helping us put many of our theological disputes into perspective.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen LaBerge recounts the story about a mom who shared on social media the letter her daughter, who was at Camp Mystic in Texas, sent.  Her daughter died in the flooding.  She also talks about the famous Scopes Monkey Trial that happened 100 years ago this week. Pastor Robert Castro shares his story of being the pastor to a congregation that lost their pastor due to the pastor taking her life, and how he helped the congregation move forward from that.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Novelist Henry O. Arnold shares about his latest book "Lion of Judah," the fifth in "The Songs of the Prophets and Kings" series, about his life as an actor and novelist, and what he's learned doing this series.  Tom Bennardo, author of "Open-Hearted People, Soul-Connected Church," talks about our need and desire for deeper, honest authentic relationships around God, and how we can cultivate them within our church communities.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bill Engish of Bible and Business and OnPath Coaching talks about if you really want to be concerned with your reputation, your focus shouldn't actually be on yourself, but Jesus and serving Him.  Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, president of the University of Northwestern - St Paul and Northwestern Media (of which Faith Radio is part), talks about our commitment organizationally to scripture and God's Truth. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Daryl Crouch of Everone's Wilson, a countywide organization of churches, business, and non-profits in Wilson County, TN, reflects on the disaster in Kerr County, TX.  Plus, as the federal government is cutting services, he talks about the need local communities have and the opportunity we have of truly loving our neighbors well.  Dave Rahn of D6 Family, author of "Grit & Joy," talks about ways we can help your struggling youth look up from their phones and find joy and resilience through a healthy connection with God and community.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Dr. Tiffany Schatz of the Christian Medical and Dental Association talks about the rise of juvenile pre-diabetes and diabetes, the reasons, and how families can best navigate it with their kids.   Rick Lawrence, author of "Editing Jesus," addresses how the idol of materialism darkens our hearts and leads to so many emotional and spiritual problems.  How do you find freedom?  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Nick Pitts, editor of The Briefing, talks about the families in Texas (some of them he personally knows) who are still mourning the loss of the lives during the 4th of July flooding.  In the midst of the mourning, churches are offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support.  Luke Moon of The Philos Project and Generation Zion updates us on the situation between Hamas and Israel, and the negotiations for a ceasefire.  He also addresses the rising wave of antisemitism, especially in Washington.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Psychologist Linda Mintle of the Dr. Linda Mintle Show talks about navigating a relationship with covert narcissist.  Plus, in the midst of a conflict, she addresses the importance of self-control and staying with the facts of the issue, and resist blaming.  Aaron Armstrong, author of "Faith Simplified," helps us see some of the seeming complexities of the Christian faith in understandable ways.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Carmen LaBerge looks at the tough topics of government layoffs and immigration enforcement, and seeks to apply the mind of Christ into them.  Tiana Ronstadt of Power Women Investing and Carmen's sister talks about growing up with Carmen, their joys and griefs, coming to faith, and about her career in finance.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Along with reviews of "Superman" and "Jurassic World Rebirth," "Plugged In's Adam Holz looks at some of the new, raw, gut-level "worship" music coming from people like Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake that are getting a large following outside of regular Christian music circles.  He also talks about pity-marketing, which sometimes can be a scam.  Plus, with gardening and farmer's markets aplenty, Carmen asks what are you planting in your life and in the lives of those around you? Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and podcast seeks to help us not make sitting at Jesus' feet and serving Jesus in opposition to each other.  We are invited into both!  We need both!  Chris Martin, author of "A Wolf in Their Pocket," reflects on reading the book "Abundance," and how we often fall into ditches when it comes to decision-making because we often are trying to accomplish too many goals that can be in conflict.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bible teacher Carol McLeod helps us see how because of what God gives you in making your His child in Jesus, it provides a wholeness, a completeness, a true peace that empowers you to live for Him and His ways.  Hospital chaplain Walter Hill, author of "Amazed Again," talks about walking with people in their dark moments of loss or impending loss, and being a gracious presence that points them to God.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith looks at the recent decision by the IRS not to prohibit churches and pastors from endorsing political candidates and parties.  Mark and Carmen discuss why, although it might be legal now for pastors to do so, it might not be wise or helpful.  Stacy Lamb of Convoy of Hope offers insights to the needs in the hill country of Texas that was it by severe flash flooding, and what Convoy of Hope and other relief organizations are doing to bring relief.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Science writer Heather Zieger, research analyst for The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, talks about her connection with those affected by the flooding in Texas.  She also explains why the flash flooding was so devastating.  She also talks about how to keep our brains healthy and even keep your brains growing. Transform Iran's Lana Silk updates us on the situation for Christians in Iran as the Islamic government is turning on its own people in the wake of their war with Israel.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Austin Gravley, social media manager for The Gospel Coalition, talks about the privacy and safety concerns around smart glasses, and what churches and Christians can do in figuring out a policy for use in churches.  He also addresses the concerns of AI being used to scam church members.  Ruth Kramer of Mission Network News helps us see what's happening in places like Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen, and how Christians are bearing up.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Retired Major General Jack Briggs talks about the importance of being equipped daily and being rooted deeply in God's principles, so when tough times arise you can make the needed decisions. Dr. Pamela Pyle, author of "Anticipating Heaven," addresses the tragedy in Texas.  She helps prepare us for when such tragedies arise in your community and how we can be ready to offer practical and spiritual help.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Along with looking back on the recent Supreme Court session and its impact on our parental and religious liberties, political scientist Adam Carrington talks about our educational crisis and, taking a cue from history, how we can to retame what has become a wilderness in our country.  CBN Faithwire's Billy Hallowell talks about how a CNN writer misrepresented the beliefs of Christians who support the nation of Israel because of their views of the end times, and those trying help them understand it better.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

National security expert Elizabeth Neumann offers insights into what the federal and Texas state government and people are dealing with in light of the flash floods in Texas.  Plus, in light of the shootings of Minnesota legislators a few weeks ago, she offer ideas at to what we can do when a loved one becomes radicalized.  Clarissa Moll, author of "Hope Comes to Stay," shares about the loss of her husband, her grief, and her hope in God in the midst of the loss.  She talks about how she's been helping her kids navigate the loss and grief.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Lionshare's Dave Buehring helps us reflect on the peace we have with God through our identity in Christ.  Out of that peace, we are empowered to live as a blessing to others and the world.  Then, Carmen spends times looking at the headlines out of Washington and the tragedy of in Texas with the flash floods over the weekend.  She also celebrates the act of heroism by Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan who saved 165 lives.  Are you ready to be deployed? Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Patrick Miller, co-author of "Joyful Outsiders," offers ideas for how we can joyful choose to be outsiders in a world that is coming against us. Bunni Pounds of Christians Engaged and author of "Jesus and Politics," shares her story of paying of her political opponent's debt, and about the importance of graciously engaging those you disagree with while still working for the betterment of our cities, states, and nation. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

In light of the Supreme Court's split decision regarding an Oklahoma religious charter school, Joel Penton of LifeWise Academy talks about how churches can use laws around religion release to establish a time public students can leave campus to get Bible instruction during school hours.  Former Ohio Governor John Kasich, author of "Heaven Help Us," talks about the importance of the way people of faith and faith communities impact others around them in both physical and spiritual ways.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Tim Popadic of the Flourishing Cooperative and The BLESS app, talks about being intentional about loving your neighbors, starting with prayer, and then making connections. Elyse Fitzpatrick, author of "Unloved," offers hope for those who feel unloved by looking at various people in the Bible who were unloved, but whom God showed great love toward. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Rick Lawrence of Vibrant Faith and author of "Editing Jesus" talks about the lie of just trying to follow principles instead of following Jesus.  Jared Wilson, author of "Lest We Drift:  Five Departures from the One True Gospel," talks about the subtle ways we are prone to drift from the grace of the Gospel.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here 

Historian and theologian John Dickson, host of the Undeceptions podcast, talks about the Nicene Creed and the debate over who Jesus was.  It's the 1700th anniversary of this important document.  Joey Lankford of Cul2vate talks about churches can convert unused green space into community gardens that help not just provide fresh produce of their communities, but also develop relationships with members in the community which can lead to Gospel opportunities.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Rick Lawrence, author of "Editing Jesus," talks about how we edit out the supernatural and dependence on the Holy Spirit as a normal part of our lives.  Justin Brierley, author of "Why I'm Still a Christian," talks about his years of engaging with many high-profile, vocal atheists.  In light of numerous conversations, Justin still celebrates Jesus and the power of His resurrections.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Counselor and psychologist Debra Fileta, host of Talk to Me, shares about where we find our hope and how to reach people who don't truly believe that God loves them.  Ian Harber, author of "Walking Through Deconstruction," calls on us to be a non-anxious presence for those who are experiencing a crisis of belief.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Vibrant Faith's Rick Lawrence, author of "Editing Jesus," talks about how when God transforms us, it often can be painful, but in His kindness, he's breaking down the hardness of our hearts. Do we have that same kindness to lean into their hardness and willing to allow the pain? Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of "Prophet, Priest, and King," talks about Jesus' key roles and why they are all important as our savior.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here