Mornings with Carmen

Bill English of Bible and Business and On Path Coaching talks about the 5 skills that healthy people do to have healthy relationships.  These are skills that can be learned!  He also addresses the exodus of teachers from the classroom due to stress and emotional exhaustion.  What are they experiencing, and how do we support them?   Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek of the University of Northwestern - St. Paul and Dan Stoltz of Blaze Credit Union talk about the new Stoltz School of Business at UNW, and about applying the Jeremiah 29 call to work for the welfare of the city God has sent you through the marketplace.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen LaBerge responds to a listener question regarding astrology.  Many Americans, especially younger females, are actively following some sort of astrological practice, even if for fun.  Is it harmless, or is there something more concerning?  Alfonso Espinosa, author of "Contending for Christ Through the Creed," talks about the Church, Jesus' body here on earth.  How do we best understand the big "C" Church and your little "c" local church, and their relationship with each other? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Brick Lantz of the Christian Medical and Dental Association addresses the fears around both the Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks.  What do we need to know?  Plus, he addresses how the issue of death is being discussed in the culture today. So call assisted suicide "death with dignity."  How to we die well?  How do we die with real dignity?  Rick Lawrence, author of "The Suicide Solution," addresses our mental and physical hardware and software, and the ways Jesus show us how to debug our systems and live more whole.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Briefing's Nick Pitts helps us look at the Rededicate 250 event and the different types of Christians.  He also talks about a commencement address given by musical artist Eric Church where he uses the six strings on the guitar, how they are facets of your life and how get them to work together beautifully.  Luke Moon of 2 Hammers and Generation Zion addresses the allegations leveled by a New York Times opinion piece of sexual violence by IDF soldiers against Palestinians.  The piece was released before another report regarding the violence, including sexual, by Hamas fighters against Israelis on Oct. 7th.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

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? Brianna Lambert, author of "Created to Play," talks about how the "creed of utility" has corrupted our creativity and enjoyment.  She helps us understand our creative roles, their benefits and their shadow-sides.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen opens the Monday Mailbag to answer a question from a listener who is tired and confused from all the technological and cultural changes around her.  How do you keep from being overwhelmed?  She also comments on the yesterdays Rededicate 250 event in Washington.  Political scientist Daniel Bennett looks at our nation's fatigue and meloncholy even though we have such abundance.  He reflects on what Alexis de Tocqueville observed when he visited the US back in the 1800's.   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 host of The Equipped radio show has finally been reading Tolkien's "The Hobbit."  He was struck by Bilbo Baggin's battle fought in the tunnel.  He also talks about the release by the US Government of documents and footage of UFO's.  What can we make of it as Christians?  Apologist Daniel DeWitt talks about how when some deconstruct their faith, they often leave one type of fundamentalism for another.  Plus, he helps us reflect on a common pattern in the Psalms where the lamenting psalmist joins his song with God and His perspective.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

With the re-releases of Top Gun and Shek, Plugged In's Adam Holz reflects on nostalgia and the blind spots it has. Plus, he addresses AI chatbots in toys and how sports betting and other predictive markets are hurting us and our families.  In the Friday Farm Report, Carmen talks about what's happening on her farm, but also a farm in Ukraine dealing with the war.  Plus, Carmen talks about the importance of behaving well. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bible teacher Carol McLeod offer encouragement from Isaiah 57:10 for those who feel that there is not hope or a future for them.  She also talks about how to have those loving, but hard, conversations with those you deeply care for but are not following Jesus.  Rick Hamlin, author of "Everlasting Jesus," talks about a severe health scare and the need for Jesus' love and wisdom to navigate not just that, but much of our confusing modern life.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith reflects those graduating this year.  It's a hard time and AI and other factors changing the job market and culture, as a whole.  How do you help graduates answer the question, "What am I suppose to do?"  Also, how do you respond to someone who sees his political opponents as Satan?  Kathy Branzell of the National Day of Prayer Taskforce looks back at this year's National Day of Prayer and shares "glory stories."  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Worship leader Laura Story, author of "Stand in Awe," talks about the importance in awe and reverence for God, trusting in Him as He writes our lives, and allowing that to transform us into His image.  Licensed counselor Debra Fileta, author of "People Skills," talks about our body language, which communicates as much, if not more, than the words we use.  How do cultivate an open body language style.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Adriel Booker, author of "Tethered to Hope," talks about the liminal space we are in after a tragedy, trauma, or crisis in your life.  You're not where you were ,but not at your destination.  Where is God and how does He show up after the crisis and before the new normal?  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer helps draw more attention to the situation in Nigeria with the killing of Christians by the Fulani, and why there is a concerted effort to cover up the situation.  She also addresses how the recent election in India could make matters worse for Christians in that country.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

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. Robert Dayton, author of "100XLife," talks about the importance of seeing God's image in each person, including those you are at odds with.  Out of that vision, we love them as Jesus did.  Let's seek God's Kingdom first, as Jesus did! 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 manic push to redraw congressional maps ahead of this year's midterms.  How concerning is this?  Plus, Adam addresses the recent disagreements between Pope Leo IV and President Trump.  What hath Rome (or any other Church body) to do with Washington? Then Carmen reflects on the release by the Federal government of the most first and last names.  What do names tell us? 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," reflects on her recent visit to Northern Ireland were centuries of animosity and war have left scars that are slow to heal.  How can Christians and churches work toward healing in such situation.  She also responds to a headline about increased political violence.  How can we engage well.  Craftman with Character's Dave Hataj, author of "The Craftman's Code," offers principles for blue-collar workers and factories owners to grow character that makes a difference in the workplace and with their clients.  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 season, your calling."  This time, he looks at those who are in their 20's and 30's where you venture out on your own.  Much of your foundation has been laid.  Now, you start discovering what God calling on your life is, and the character He's seeking to develop in you.  Gifts plus passion equals purpose.  Then, Carmen responds to the release of documents and videos the Federal government had regarding UFO's and extraterrestrial beings.  The reality is, God created and governs the universe.  There are other intelligent beings he created.  Carmen also addresses a legal victory for LifeWise Academy where a Washington State school put undue restrictions on them.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Plugged In's Adam Holz looks back at the legacy of the late media mogul Ted Turner and how his innovations like CNN changed the way we ingest news and information. Also, even with several potentially exciting movies this Summer, is cinema dead? Is the monocultural gone? Daniel K. Williams, author of "Politics of the Cross," gives an historical backdrop to our current crisis of political polarization and how we need to find our identity in Christ, not politics.  We can see the parties as imperfect tools, but ones Christians can work through to acccomplish policies for the common good?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

George Barna of the Cultural Research Center starts to open this year's American Worldview Inventory with the startling reality that only 4% of Americans have an integrated Christian worldview.  How do you know if you're worldview does intergrate the Bible into every area of your life?  Social media expert Chris Martin, author of "The Wolf In Their Pockets," responds to a recent article from Jonathan Haidt's After Babel blog talking about how just taking cellphones away from kids is not enough.  There needs to be ways for children to connect with each other for activities. He also reflects on David's trust in God to handle his persecuter Saul.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Along with reflecting on the passing of media mogul Ted Turner, Carmen spends time to lead us in prayer on this National Day of Prayer.  Plus, she honors her husband on their 15th anniversary!  Becky Harling, author of "Friend-Wise," draws from the book of Proverbs to learn essential relational skills to better cultivate friendships.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Austin Gravley of the What Would Jesus Tech podcast responds to an article by well-known atheist Richard Dawkins where he claims his interactions with an AI bot has lead him to believe its conscious.  Is he being duped?  Why?  Plus, he discusses how the White House is considering vetting new AI models before they are released.  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.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Carmen LaBerge is tired of having to prove to her devices that she's human.  But there's a system that allows you to use a retina scan to establish your humanity.  It looks you in the eye.  How often do we look each other in the eye to know each other?  Also, as Ben Sasse talks about his calling to die in public, are we living and dying well in the eyes of others pointing them to Jesus.  Musician Tim Timmons, author of "Waking Up Again," talks about his cancer diagnosis, his burnout "working for God," and the joy of just meeting with Jesus in what He's doing around him.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Everyone's Wilson's Daryl Crouch reflects on last year's tragedy with Camp Mystic in Texas and the announcement that it will not reopen this year.  Relationships are broken.  How do you hope for restored relationships in the midst of the pain?  David McIver, author of "Looking for the One," offers the A-B-C's of being like Jesus in caring and sharing the Gospel to the one God is leading you to.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Brick Lantz of Christian Medical and Dental Association talks about the politics and monies behind both the fast-tracking of reviews of certain psychedelic drugs and moving marijuana to a schedule 3 drug, and the lack of any medical evidence supporting any such moves.  He also addresses some potential treatments for pancreatic cancer with the help of mRNA vaccines. Theologian Michael Kruger, co-author of "The Good News Family Devotional," talks about leading your family, young and old, toward God through meaningful time together in the Word.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

The Briefing's Nick Pitts helps us look at several headlines, including SCOTUS's temporarily blocking of a lower court outlawing the sending of abortion drugs to women through the mail.  He also talks about May Day protests against the "rich," and how the many clergy members from progressive religious groups that are running for Congress.  Luke Moon of Generation Zion and 2 Hammers addresses the attacks on a Catholic nun in Jerusalem among other such attacks by some radical Jewish people.  How do we live as people of forgiveness. He also addresses the situations of Iran, the Straits of Hormuz, and drone warfare in South Lebanon.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Linda Mintle of the Dr. Linda Mintle Show unpacks how to trust in God's perfect timing and learn patience in the midst of the valley, while experiencing the grief from miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Jon Acuff, author of "Procrastination Proof," shares why the word permission holds so much power, why total self-awareness is impossible, and the practice of writing down the things that motivate us. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen shares what happens when we rely upon the Spirit of Truth to direct our lives and reacts to a ruling that blocks mail-order delivery of abortion pills. Political scientist Daniel Bennett, author of "Uneasy Citizenship," outlines the significance of a public figure talking about theology in a winsome way and the weight behind some recent decisions from the SCOTUS. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Plugged In's Adam Holz reflects on a Wall Street Journal article that measured the amount of talking we do.  Parents talk less to their kids, leading to slower development with kids.  Neighbors talk less, leading to weaker community bonds.  How do strengthen the ties that bind?  He also reviews the new rendition of "Animal Farm" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2." Novelist Malcolm Guite, author of "Galahad and the Grail" (the first in the "Merlin's Isle: an Arthuriad series), talks about how many of societies stories and myths point to a deeper truth only fully and best understood in the Gospel of Jesus.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Thanks to all who gave during our Spring Fundraiser!  Carmen talks a few minutes to thank some who gave at the end of our our on-air fundraiser.  Then, Carmen opens up Psalm 7:1 where David appeals to God for protection.  How do we apply that to when the governement seeks to silence those of faith?  How do you apply it when, like Ben Sasse, when you are facing death?  Apologist Daniel DeWitt of Scholar Leaders helps us to remember the grace that saves us, and not our (im)perfect obedience.  It's freedom.  Plus, he offers a Christian take on being "post-ambition, pre-retirement."   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

  Our kids often feel deep feelings they don't understand.  On this special The Reconnect with Carmen podcast, we listen again to our conversation with Counselor Debra Fileta, author of "Any Day Emotions."  She helps us to look at our strong emotions and what is underneath them.  How does God help us understand them and respond well?  How do we help our kids to the same?  The Reconnect's goal is the help you apply the mind to Christ to the matters of the day, equipping you to be bold in sharing God's love!  Pat and her friend Kathy took up the challenge to pray for those who serve you.  Pat wrote, "We heard you talking about praying for the waitress when you eat out.  We decided to put that into practice.  Kathy and I were in the third week of this "experiment."  So we went to IHOP after church and asked the young waitress how we could prayer for her.  Her mom was our waitress two weeks ago and she came up to thank us.  "But the real story was the woman we prayed for the week before...She asked us to pray that they could find a place to live with more bedrooms.  She told us that the Wednesday after we prayed for her, she got a great new place with enough bedrooms and a yard for their dog! "This is only one of the blessings that I/we have had when we have done this.  And like you said, everyone is happy for us to do so.  Thank you so much for unlocking the door of my mouth with such a simple suggestion!" The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio shows and podcasts are made possible by your support.  This week is our Spring Fundraiser.  Help us continue to lead people to Christ and nurture their spiritual growth, helping listeners be rooted in Christ!  Give now: Click here

On this special The Reconnect with Carmen podcast, we revisit our conversation with OnPath Coaching's Bill English has he talks about facing your shadow, that dark side of you:  those parts of you that you don't want others to see.  How do you confront your shadow and shine God's light on it to overcome it. The Reconnect's goal is the help you apply the mind to Christ to the matters of the day!  Jackie really appreciates this!  She said, "I stumbled upon Faith Radio on a day I needed it!  I listen to the Reconnect every morning on my way to work and it uplifts me as I start my day. Thank you for your encouraging and God inspiring thoughts."   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio shows and podcasts are made possible by your support.  This week is our Spring Fundraiser.  Help us continue to lead people to Christ and nurture their spiritual growth, helping listeners be rooted in Christ!  Give now: Click here

Want to get into God's Word more deeply?  In this special edition of The Reconnect with Carmen Podcast, we listen gain to our recent conversation with Pastor Nate Pickowicz, author of "How to Eat Your Bible."  Nate offers practical and effective ideas for how we can deeply take in...to eat...God's Word well.  The Reconnect's goal is the help you apply the mind to Christ to the matters of the day!  It helps Cecille who told us "I'm grateful for how you always challenge me to think outside 'my box' and stay prayerful before the Lord on every issue."  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio shows and podcasts are made possible by your support.  This week is our Spring Fundraiser.  Help us continue to lead people to Christ and nurture their spiritual growth, helping listeners be rooted in Christ!  Give now: Click here

In this special The Reconnect with Carmen podcast, Do you feel overcome by guilt and shame? We revisit our conversation with Linda Mintle of the Dr. Linda Mintle Show on Faith Radio as she offers help for letting go of guilt and how it binds us.  The Reconnect's goal is the help you apply the mind to Christ to the matters of the day!  A friend wrote in recently to thank Carmen, saying "I so apprecaite Carmen and the Reconnect...especially that she's current, connected...and most importantly Christ-Centered!  Thank you Carmen and Faith Radio for being faithful to bring us the news as it comes." The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio shows and podcasts are made possible by your support.  This week is our Spring Fundraiser.  Help us continue to lead people to Christ and nurture their spiritual growth, helping listeners be rooted in Christ!  Give now: Click here

Plugged In's Adam Holz helps us look at the video game series "Doom."  Where does it agree with God's Word? Where does it disagree?  (Plugged In has a series of "Theology of..." articles on many popular entertainment franchises.)  He also talks about the biopic "Michael" and the wounded life of Michael Jackson.  Marty Solomon, author of "The Gospel of Being Human," talks about how the Gospel isn't meant to be an escape from our humanness.  It's reclamation by God of us! The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

It's Arbor Day!  Carmen takes a few moments to talk about our tree-ness.  We are flourish if we are planted where we can receive moisture and nutrients.  We need to be rooted in Jesus.  Chris Martin, author of "Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media," takes us to Psalm 37, one of his favorite psalms, which hit him afresh as he read it recently, especially in our era of rage.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Santhiny Rajamohan, dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Northwestern - St. Paul share about her traumatic life after civil war broke out in her native Sri Lanka and fleeing to Canada.  Amidst the trauma, Santhiny saw the hand of God guiding, protecting, and building her for her good and His purposes.  Gary Lovejoy, who has worked for years on secular college campuses and is author of "Students in the Lion's Den," talks about the 6 types of young people who are easily swayed by progressive ideologies when the go to college.  How do you help them stay firm in their faith and thrive?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Austin Gravley of the What Would Jesus Tech podcast helps us look at Mythos, Anthropic's newest AI platform that is so powerful, it hasn't been released to the public, but only a handful of businesses.  Plus, Anthropic also brought in numerous Christian theologians (and some from other faith traditions) to help its Claude AI platforms to be morally formed.  Does that mean it can be a child of God?  Kathy Branzell of the National Day of Prayer Taskforce talks about her participation in the America Reads the Bible event this week, plus she also talks about the vision for this year's National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Matt Whitman of the Ten Minute Bible Hour, author of "Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible," offer help to see the reason and meaning of each book of the Bible and how it shows us Jesus more clearly.  Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, president of The University of Northwestern-St Paul and Northwestern Media, talks about the acknowledgement by many institutions of higher education that they drifted from their mission and purpose, but struggle to do anything about it.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Are there disagreements and disputes in your family?  In your community?  Everyone's Wilson's Daryl Crouch talks about how we can set the table for peace summit and lead the way in peacemaking.  John Plake of the American Bible Society start open up this year's State of the Bible Survey.  How much of the Bible have you read?  For many Americans, it's not much?  Many are flirting with God's Word, but don't seriously engage it.  How can we encourage more deeper and meaningful engagement? 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. Brick Lantz addresses the recent executive order by the President that would speed reviews of certain psychedelics for treating PTSD.  Research is good.  But will we follow the evidence?  He also addresses the recent report from Finland that pointed that youth gender medical procedures did not improve mental health outcomes.  Rick Lawrence of Vibrant Faith continues to workshop with Carmen an upcoming book about the Kindness of Jesus.  This time, he looks at the disciple Thomas...the one we call "the doubter."  Was He?  How did Jesus handle his questionings? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Briefing's Nick Pitts, who also works in the energy sector, talks about the rollercoaster fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East and the recent executive order loosening restrictions on psychedelic drug testing.  Then Carmen looks at headlines in the news, including how organizers of the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner are now upset that the President has accepted the invitation to the gathering.  She also talks about how the idea of tourism has turned dark.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

When pressure hits, how does your brain handle it?  Linda Mintle of the Dr. Linda Mintle Show offers some helpful mental techniques to help you train your brain to face stress and pressure better so you don't give into anxiety.  Amy Orr-Ewing, author of "Forgiveness," addresses our culture of outrage, identity politics, and so-called social justice.  While identifying faults and guilt, they don't have a ways do deal with them in a healing way.  The Gospel does!   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen LaBerge opens the Monday Mailbag to answer questions around this week America Reads the Bible event, regarding the religious worldview behind popular youth entertainment offerings "Pokemon" and "KPop Demon Hunters," and about Ukraine's use of air and land drones in conflict.  Political scientist Daniel Bennett, author of "Uneasy Citizenship," addresses concerns when Muslims were observing Ramadan and some public schools may have went beyond accomodating Muslim students practices to actively promoting them.  He also addresses a speech by Justice Clarence Thomas who questioned if a progressive worldview work within the context of our Constitutional government.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Plugged In's Adam Holz addresses the loneliness crisis with our kids and the public at large.  Families can be impactful in addressing this by opening up the home to others, plus offer a stable place even when your own kids seem distant.  He reviews an app called BePresent that seeks to help get you less addicted to your phone. Does it really work?  Carmen shares the story of Mabel Francetelli, a survivor of the Titanic disaster. She also looks at drone warfare that Ukraine has been using against Russia.  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 how former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse has been dying in public from pacreatic cancer.  He's living in the reality of being on the clock and how he spends his final days.  He also reflects on how the crew members of the Artemis II mission were struck by two things:  the majesty of the universe that speaks to something (someone?) bigger, and the longing for home.  Apologist Daniel DeWitt of Scholar Leaders looks at our messed up, fallen world.  Even with that, we can live faithfully for God in the midst of it.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here