Mornings with Carmen

Lana Silk of Transform Iran joins us to help us know that's happening at a human level for the people of Iran, especially Christians, as the US-Israel war in Iran, and the IRGC's crackdown on citizens who don't submit to them.  Apologist Rob Phillips, author of "What Every Christian Should Know About the Trinity," helps us better understand who The Father, the first person of the Trinity, is.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Lionshare's Dave Buehring concludes a series of conversations with Carmen around your seasons in life and the calling.  Today they talk about what it means to finish well, and not to let your weaknesses and hidden struggles derail you.  Then, Carmen opens the Monday Mailbag to answer a couple of questions, including a question regarding Charlie Kirk.  Carmen talks about meeting him many years ago when he was young.  She talks about how the Holy Spirit grew him in wisdom and humility.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Along with a review of the new film rendition of "The Odyssey," Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about the announcement of the first movie featuring a digitally generated actress Tilly Norwood, plus the concerns of youth seeking mental health guidance via AI chatbots.  Edna Blake joins Carmen again to talk the people who chose to walk with her on her spiritually journey, and more about organically growing with others spiritually. She also reflects on who she looks forward to reuniting with again in heaven.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen LaBerge talks about her daughter her car key, the mad search for it, and the joy of it's finding.  This got them both thinking about Jesus' parable of the widow and the lost coin.  And speaking of coins, does the announcement of a new golden $1 coin bring another teaching of Jesus to mind? Apologist Daniel DeWitt of Scholar Leaders talks about the C.S. Lewis' vision of Mere Christianity.  Is it dying?  Plus, if you were to boil down the human population down to 100 people, what would we look like?  How would you reach them? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Author and musician Jamison Statema joins to talk about his children's book, A Broken Crayon. His book shares that our scars and struggles don't diminish our value, they often become the very things God uses to encourage others. Pastor Robert Castro also joins to explore the themes behind your favorite superheroes. He explains how the storylines of superheroes ultimatley point to our deepest need for Jesus—as a superhero is sent to save, Jesus was sent as our one true Savior.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Austin Gravley joins to discuss how Christians can wisely use AI without allowing it to replace an authentic Christian community. Spiritual growth is meant to happen together as believers study God's Word, encourage each other, and grow in their understanding of Scripture. Jason Romano of Sports Spectrum also joins to share how God is moving through the world of sports as athletes and teams publicly give glory to Jesus and symbolically lay down their crowns at His feet. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Bill English of Bible and Business and On Path Coaching talks about the ways being isolated and loneliness negatively affect you emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  God made you for relationship and community.  Live with Intent's Nichole Suvar, author of "I Don't Have to Hold It All Together," shares her personal struggle of trying to hold herself together while trying to do it all.  But "having it all together" is not something you are called to do by God.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Pastor Daryl Crouch of Everyone's Wilson asks us what are we relying on as we live in the world?  Our capabilities?  Our organizations?  AI?  Or are we surrendered to the Holy Spirit who is with all believers? Have you given Him the room?  The Edmiston Center's Karen Ellis, author of the commentary "Lessons from Esther," helps us look at ways Satan tempts humans.  Really, he's not very creative.  He still does the same today.  You think we'd learn. But so many still fall for his tricks.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Christian Medical and Dental Association's Dr. Bret Nicks joins to discuss recent health headlines, including the Cyclospora outbreaks, the dangers of extreme heat, and the ethical concerns surrounding euthanasia. Robert Dayton also joins to reflect on Jesus' call to have childlike faith, reminding us to trust God wholeheartedly regardless of our circumstances.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen shares how God's promises give us hope even when life doesn't meet our expectations, pointing to Jeremiah 29 and the invitation to pray in the midst of the unexpected. The Briefing's Nick Pitts, who also works in the energy sector, explores the difference between values and virtues, what they reveal about our lives, and why they matter in today's culture. Luke Moon of Generation Zion and The Philos Project also joins to unpack the latest developments in Iran and Israel.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Psychologist Linda Mintle of the Dr. Linda Mintle Show talks about how the science of communication and relationships is only going to prove what God said in Proverbs 18 that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."  How do we apply that to our relationships?  Peter Demos, author of "Bold, Not Belligerent," offers help for graciously, but boldly, standing up for your faith in a world that seeks to silence you.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Carmen starts today by looking at the the news over the weekend of the unexpected passing of SC Senator Linsday Graham.  She also looks at a Christianity Today interview with former senator Ben Sasse and his pending death, and how both point us to a the hope of the resurrection.   Political scientist Daniel Bennett, author of "Uneasy Citizenship," talks about how passages from the Bible, in particular Matt. 25, are used by politicians from both major parties to attack the views of the other side.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Plugged In's Adam Holz takes us on the radar to talk about trends effecting our kids, including the insult of calling someone an NPC, a nerdy way of saying a person doesn't matter.  He also talks about the the theology behind "Avatar: the Last Airbender."  Then, Carmen winds down the week with her Friday Farm Report (so much zucchini!!), plus looks at news headlines, including what we can learn from the failed candidacy of Maine's Graham Platner.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and radio show reflects on a tour of Washington College with his daughter.  The college boasts a building with a foundation laid by George Washington.  Foundations may crack, or may have been laid for bad purposes.  But God redeems.  Chris Martin, author of "The Wolf in Their Pockets," talks about the social media app SnapChat, one of the largest apps used by youth.  Much of the content and interactions 13 yr olds experience very disconcerting.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bible teacher Carol McLeod takes us to the book of Habakkuk who, although seeing so much loss and coming sadness, still said "yet I will sing."  Rejoicing is a daily act of the will.  The American Bible Society's John Plake takes us deeper into the State of the Bible Survey 2026, looking at what Americans think about AI and if it can be used for better Bible engagement.  Do we want sermons written by AI?  How can it be used well?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith responds to the recent Supreme Court allowing the President to fire executive agencies.  Does this give the President of the United States too much power over the agencies regulatory activities?  Will Congress return legislative power back to itself?  Also, what does it mean to love America and Americans well?  Carl Trueman of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, author of "The Desecration of Man," talks about how the rejection of God has by and large led to a degradation of humanity. How do we re-consecrate ourselves?   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Heather Zeiger of Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity talks about the "spud" cell created by scientist at the University of Minnesota that can divide and reproduce itself, well kinda.  Is it really "alive?" Also, she delves into the science behind soccer, plus what happened in Venezuela that caused the earthquakes.  Licensed counselor Debra Fileta of the Talk to Me, author of "People Skills," talks about how empathy is important in understanding others, even those who may have hurt you.  While certain behaviors should not be excused, they can at least be understood where they came from.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Rocky Malloy, founder and CEO of the National School Chaplain Association, talks about the growing movement of chaplaincy in public schools, welcomed by districts in throughout the US, and the impact they have on students, staff, and the wellbeing of the schools and districts.  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer updates us on the recovery efforts in Venezuela and how churches are leading the efforts in many of the remote communities.  She also addresses the release of Pastor Ezra Jin from prison in China.  Good news, yes. But China has many pastors in prison and many churches are still being pressured by the communist government.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen's best friend Jessica Lalley of Voices to Connect recounts her recent trip to Egypt and Turkey through the ministry 4G3 meeting up with Christians, many facing persecution.  How do you come alongside them and those they are seeking to reach for Jesus?  Are you missing your opportunities near you to reach others?  Do you live a BOLO life?  David Lloyd of Mission to Haiti, co-author of "Strong to the End," shares about the mission he and his family are part of in Haiti, and the loss of his son Davy and his wife when they were attacked and killed by Haitian gang members. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Political scientist Adam Carrington helps us look at the just finished term of the US Supreme Court and helps us process the decisions around birthright citizenship, sex and school sports, seperation of powers issues, and more.  Journalist Billy Hallowell of CBN News and Faith Wire talks about how God has moved in the lives of a pastor, turned "undercover cop," a person who used to read tarot card, and a person who God lead away from a homosexual lifestyle and to Himself.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Security Analyst Elizabeth Neumann, author of "Kingdom of Rage," talks about what the FBI has discovered about those who were hoping to attack the UFC 250 event on the White House grounds last month.  What is another example of nihilistic extremism?  Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, president of the University of Northwestern - St. Paul talks about the trend of on-line degree in weeks and months.  Do they offer you the real value of a formative education?  And from the standpoint of a Christian education, formation and transformation is the goal! The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Lionshare's Dave Buerhing continues to talk about your calling at you various stages of life.  This time focusing on when you're in your 70's and 80's:  The Sage Stage.  In this part of life, you're shaping and pouring your wisdom into those who are younger, handing them the reins.  Then, Carmen wishes you a happy new year.  Ok, for Faith Radio, we started our new fiscal year.  Our nation just celebrated 250th, so we're now in our 251 year.  Times change.  Are we being faithful to the Lord in the times we live in?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

On this best-of The Reconnect, Acton Institute's Dylan Pahman, co-editor of the "Christian Roots of American Liberty," talks about the concepts around liberty that the Founders learned from the Bible and Christian thought through the centuries. How do we love well?  Our country?  Those sitting next to us at church who are hurting?  Cultural analyst Daniel Darling, author of "In Defense of Christian Patriotism," offers a balance to what it means to be a faithful member of God's Kingdom while also loving the country God has placed you well.     The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Karen Ellis of the Edmiston Center helps remind us that we (both as individuals and collectively as Jesus followers) are defined by who we are in Christ and His Kingdom.  When we forget that and all His promises to His people, evil flourishes. Pastor Mark Moore, co-author of "The Missing Messiah," talks about what it really means to bear the cross of Christ in our lives.  Are you minimizing what Jesus meant by bearing His cross?  Is Jesus just an accessory in your life, or the one ends your life so His life can live in you? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

On this best-of The Reconnect, Bioethicist and theologian Scott Stiegemeyer, author of "Responding to Transgenderism in Light of God's Word," helps us look at transgender ideology, how does that go against both God's word and creation's design.  Help 4 Family's Denise Shick, author of "Understanding Gender Confusion," shares her story of having a dad who tried to be a woman.  How do we understand gender dysphoria well?  How to we help those who struggle with it? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

On this best-of The Reconnect, Vaneetha Risner shares about how to respond and what to remember when waiting feels wasted. Clay Jones, co-author of "How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good?: Living with Hope While Making Sense of Life," shares about the importance of clinging to the Truth in the midst of suffering and why many Christians have a twisted view of eternity.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

On this best-of The Reconnect, Pastor Mark DeYmaz of Mosaic Church in Central Arkansas, author of "Disruption," talks about the three-dimensional gameplan that included the establishment of the separate non-profit Vine and Village that does the good works that draws them closer to a relationship with Christ. Pastor Louis Rosenthal of The McKinney First Baptist Church shares how God lead his church to help provide affordable housing in his community.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Pastor Heath Hardesty, author of "All Things Together," helps us see our following Jesus much like being a trade apprentice.  You learn to do the things your teacher does.  Brazos Fellowship's Paul Gutacker, author of "Practicing Life Together," talks about the importance of living and relating in community as a means for the Holy Spirit to transform our lives.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

On this best-of The Reconnect, Chad Roberts, author of "Blind Faith," returns to talk about losing his sight, the loss he suffered, and how God has blessed him amid the blindness.  There's a lot he doesn't see.  But, often what we see causes us to stumble.  How can we really see what we can't see?  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.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

On this best-of The Reconnect, Dr. Scott James, author of "Deep Breath. Little Whisper," applies his medical knowledge around breathing to help us help our kids connect their body and soul to pray what's on their hearts.  Slugs and Bugs' Randall Goodgame, author of "Sing the Bible," talks about helping your kids internalize some of the most transformative verse in the Bible through song.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

In this best-of The Reconnect, Mary DeMuth, author of "Restory," talks about how through Jesus, He's not just saving you from past sin and hurt, but He actually reframes that past, rewrites your present and redefines your future.  Embrace your "restory." Micah LaCerte, author of "The Breaker," talks about his story of pain and abuse, and how Jesus helped him and helps other men break the power of shame and guilt.  Jesus is the breaker of those chains! The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here    

In this special best of The Reconnect, Michel-Yves Bollere, co-author of "God, The Science, The Evidence," talks about how science points to a creator God, and talks about the link between faith and science.  Seth Lewis, author of "The Language of Rivers and Stars," talks about Heaven and Earth and their beauty speak to the glory of God.  Are you listening? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about Netflix's Playground, a platform of video games aimed at little children.  Is it problematic? And if so, how?  Plus, how does your lived faith impact your kids faith formation?  Plus, our literacy rates are dropping, partly due to our skimming of digital data instead of deeply reflecting on what your read. Then, as we wind down the week, Carmen looks some different news items including a new, limited edition ice cream flavor available in Israel called "Milk and Honey."  Plus, is wearable wellness an invasion of privacy?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Thann Bennett of the Equipped Newsletter and radio show helps us thing about the World Cup competition in the US this year.  He also helps us thing about the fact that we have an opportunity reach the nations as they visit us!  Plus, in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the ending of Temporary Protective Status, he talks about foster care and about his ministry A Fearless Life.  Chris Martin reflects on being a father and the hard part of keeping a steward mindset in what's been entrusted to him.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

The And Campaign's Justin Giboney, author of "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around," talks about being honest with our complicated history and yet being positively patriotic and loving our country.  Acknowledge the past and current problems, but not to live in them.  He also tries to help us understand what Democratic Socialism is and isn't.  It's complicated.  Jean Stoffer and Grace Start of The Established Home, authors of "We are Home When We're Together," share how to make the transition to a new communities easier.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith offers insights into a recent religious freedom decision by the US Supreme Court, plus highlights some of the remaining cases before this year's court session.  Plus, Mark comments on a statewide effort to mobilize South Carolina pastors for political action.  While the goals might be good, does overly politically-engaged pastors actually weaken their impact in their communities? Lex Renick of Revive Traveling Ministry shares her story of living about 14 years as a transgender man, her radical encounter of God's love through a church that love well while upholding God's design truth for sexuality and marriage, and her transforming back to who God called her to be.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

As we are approaching the USA's 250th birthday, Carmen reflects on some of Bible verses that impacted the Founding Fathers and the people living in the fledgling United States.  She borrowed from Robert Morgan's book "100 Bible Verses That Made America."  Cru City Global's Josh Irby, host of the Mission Shift podcast and author of "The Barnabas Factor," talks about the how Christians from various national, language, and cultural backgrounds are now reaching everwhere together.  Are you willing to humbly make the shift in your life? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Billy Hallowell of CBN News and Faith Wire talks about Christ-followers who are actively pointing people to Jesus during the World Cup, including Christian Pulisic's "Bible Time."  He also talks about a ministry seeking to bring freedom to those being human trafficked, and how former Scientologist Joy Villa is now free in Jesus.  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer updates us on the situation between Israel and Hezbollah, the impact of the negotiations between the US and Iran, and how Christians in Lebanon are navigating this situation.  She also talks about the targeted attack on a history Kyiv monastery by Russia that attacks not just a building, but their faith.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

On this special Faith Radio Day of Prayer and Praise edition of The Reconnect, Carmen helps us look at the headlines that frustrate us and the situations in our lives that make us want to give up.  In the midst all those things, we can turn to our great and sovereign God who has the whole world in His hands.  So we can turn to Him in prayer.  Christina Hannan of the Praying Through Scripture podcast talks about the loss of her youngest child last year and the deep feelings of being bruised.  Even when...especially when...we feel beat down, it's one of the best times to remember what is true about God and His tender care.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here 

On this special Faith Radio Day of Prayer and Praise edition of The Reconnect, political scientist Adam Carrington, who also serves as the chaplain for the Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs, talks about good models for prayer found in his parents and in resources like the Anglican "Book of Common Prayer" to help guide and fuel our prayers.  National Day of Prayer Taskforce's Kathy Branzell talks about what it means to celebrate in prayer.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here 

Carmen talks about a Washington Post report on how former congresswoman and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was heavily influenced by her spiritual guru Chris Butler of the Science of Identity Foundation (a breakaway group from Hare Krishna), even to the point that Butler was ordering her to push for various policies and writing her communications.  She also talks about Vice President JD Vance's new memoir "Communion" around his faith journey.  Apologist Rob Phillips, author of "What Every Christian Should Know About the Trinity," addresses the profound truth of how God can be one being and yet be three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here   

Lionshare's Dave Buehring and Carmen continue talking through a series of conversations around "Your Season, Your Calling."  This time, they look at those in the 50's and 60's.  It's often a time you hit convergence:  where you have a more refined understanding of your giftedness and calling, and you sense the internal grace that helps you to zero in on what you should be doing in life.  Luke Moon from 2Hammers and Generation Zion updates us the state of negotiations between the US and Iran.  Much of it rides on Israel's efforts to de-tooth the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here 

On this Juneteenth, Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about some of the better movies and entertainment offerings around the holiday.  He also reviews Toy Story 5, and how being online has affected us.  Ramon Pastrano from Third Sphere talks about the history around Juneteenth, why it's important to the whole Church, and how we can move to a more united, while diverse, community of believers.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here 

On this Juneteenth show, Pastor Mark DeYmas of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, author of "Disruption," talks about the beauty of bringing diverse people together in one congregation as they both worship and work together to impact their community for Jesus.  Apologist Daniel DeWitt dispells a common misunderstanding about how much Jesus really talked about Heaven and the coming kingdom.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here