Mornings with Carmen

Plugged In's Adam Holz again looks at the problem of sports betting, especially since it's so easily available on our smart phones.  These phones have affected us in many ways, especially in what we see as entertaining.  He also talks about the new moview "Wicked: For Good" and "The Carpenter's Son."  Denise Daniels, author of "Working for Better," seeks to help us live out our faith well and winsomely in our workplaces.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Carmen LaBerge talks about her time yesterday leading a devotional time with partner ministry.  (OK, she forgot she was to be part of this..)  The people at this ministry come from a wide variety of backgrounds.  How do the walk this life together?  Stories play an important part.  Daniel DeWitt of the Theolatte blog and Scholar Leaders helps us remember the thanks that is due to God alone.  Our feasting is meant to be an apologetic.  He also takes us through John 14, giving us 10 reasons to give thanks.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

With spiritual interest up globally but Bible engagement down, Steve Cleary of Revelation Media and the iBible app talks about a couple of resources for sharing the real, Biblical story of Jesus's birth through "The Real Story of Christmas" video and comic book.  Nathaniel Jeanson of Answers in Genesis, author of "They Had Names," talks about the people groups who lived in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans based on genetic and cultural markers.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Austin Gravley of Digital Babylon and the What Would Jesus Tech podcast talks about how some religious groups are creating AI Chatbots:  some potentially helpful like ones that will people understand their denominations teachings.  Others claiming to give you the ability to have conversations with Jesus or other Biblical characters.  Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano talks about how the Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball league will be having "sandlot" worship nights on the tours next year.  He also talks about the faith stories of  various athletes like the NFL's TreVeyon Henderson and NBA great George Hill. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Bill English of Bible and Business and OnPath Counseling unpacks why the "dark side" of a personality appears from time to time and ways to keep your marriage strong and growing. Hunter Beless, author of "Jesus Loves You More" and founder of Journeywomen, shares what she wants her children to know more than anything.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Daryl Crouch of Everyone's Wilson, a faith-based group seeking the welfare of Wilson County TN, outlines the questions the mobilized Church should be asking, while seeking to understand and serve others. Pastor Alfonso Espinosa, author of "Contending for Christ Through the Creed," shares about the almighty and magnificent Creator, who uses His power to love His creation. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Christian Medical and Dental Association's Dr. Bret Nicks talks about the advancements in hormone therapy for women and what factors to consider when it comes to absorbing Vitamin D. Vibrant Faith's Rick Lawrence outlines how our shame often gets in the way of our relationship with Jesus and what it looks like to treat Him as the black hole of the universe in our lives. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

The Briefing's Nick Pitts unpacks the increased violence against law enforcement in the U.S. and the layers behind continued strikes against drug boats. Luke Moon of the Philos Project and Generation Zion shares about the pursuit of building relationships with those we strongly disagree with and what it looks like to rebuke fellow Jesus followers in a Christ-like way. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

As we are quickly approaching the Holidays, Dr. Linda Mintle of The Doctor Linda Mintle Show and author of the workbook "Hope and Healing for Anxiety," talks about managing stress, as well as avoiding holiday weight gain.  Jennifer Hayden Stokes, author of "The Pioneer's Way," looks back at the pioneering spirit of the Pilgrims.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here    

Along with opening the Monday Mailbag, Carmen talks about the attention given to monks harvesting olives on the Mount of Olives. She also talks about a neighbor and their no soliciting sign that includes those who would evangelize.  How do we balance the right to practice your religion, the call to share the Gospel, and respecting the wishes of the person?  Politcial and social scientist Daniel Bennett looks at the continued decline of religiousity in American and talks more about the "nones," in particular those who are "spiritual, but not religious," and those who are "done" with religion.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about how the entertainment industry is wrestling with AI-generated music and actors.  What is real??  Plus, he looks at how Hollywood is wrestling with God and asking questions more recently.  Cynthia Ruchti, author of "The Spirit of Christmas," helps us see the presence and the role of the Holy Spirit in the story of Jesus birth, and how to pursue Him this Christmas season.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Along with view the news of the government reopening through the lens of the true and the beautiful, Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and radio show reflects on the calling of the disciples and ask how Jesus finds you when he calls.  Social media expert Chris Martin, author of "The Wolf in Their Pockets," talks about ways we can not let our smart devices and our use of social media ruin our being present with family and friends, and to putting everything on social media.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bible teacher Carol McLeod shares from her YouVersion Bible study "Countdown to Christmas" and how we can spend the time leading up to Christmas to draw closer to God.  Then, artist Brenda Bobart, author of "The Art of Advent," talks about using the 40 days before Christmas as a time to see our need for a Savior, so when Christmas comes we have a reason to truly celebrate.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith addresses the history and the modern abuse of the presidential power to pardon.  He also reflects on serving as a fill-in preacher at a church in a small community that is in decline, and the spiritual needs they have.  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.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bobby Gruenewald, innovation pastor at Life.Church and creator of the YouVersion Bible app talks about the growth of Bible reading globally, and celebrates the 1 billionth download of the YouVersion app as part of Global Bible Month celebrations.  Psychologist Debra Fileta helps us develop the people skills as we look at our holiday gathering interactions, especially with family and others we may be in tension with.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

https://www.griefshare.org/Are you or do you know someone who is heading into the Christmas season with a major loss in their family?  Church Initiatives' Samuel Hodges talks about the ministry of GriefShare and their "Survival Guide: Navigating The Holidays After a Loss."  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer talks about recent bombing in both India and Pakistan, two countries in serious tension.  She also talks about how churches are helping in the wake of super typhoons in the Philippines and south eastern Asia. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

On this Veterans Day, Dr. Damon Friedman of SOF Mission and the Veteran Service Alliance shares her personal story of serving our country, the wounds he has physically and emotionally, and the work he's part of to bring healing, wholeness and support for our military veterans.  Tanita Maddox, author of "What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God," calls on us to have a more missional-mindset relating to Gen Z.  Their world is in many ways so different, so we first need to be a curious student of them before we seek to show the good news of Jesus.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Political scientist Adam Carrington reflects on what's been happening in the Congress to end the federal government shutdown.  He again talks about the need to Congress to be a truly deliberative body working through issues.  He also addresses religious liberty cases before the Supreme Court.  CBN FaithWire's Billy Hallowell looks at how God has shown up in the lives of people, including a recent interview with Erika Kirk, the wife of the slain Charlie Kirk.  In spite of threats and fears, she says she doesn't fear death.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Security analyst Elizabeth Neummann, author of "Kingdom of Rage," talks about the extremism found on both the political left and right.  For our republic to stay healthy, she says it's important to police what views are acceptable in your movement.  The same is true for our churches.  Carmen looks through Ligonier Ministry's State of Theology 2025 Report.  So many self-described "evangelicals" in reality don't hold to the views and concepts taught in the Bible.  How do we help those know the truth?  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Lionshare's Dave Buerhing talks about his recent 3 month sabbatical, how it was a time of rest, renewal and recalibrating...trimming away what is unnecessary and focusing on where God wants him to go in the future.  Then, Carmen talks about how we make our decisions.  Are you intentional, or are you following their gut, vibes, and "cosmic signs from the universe?"  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Plugged In's Adam Holz talks about AI platforms like ChatGPT can cause an increase in AI psychosis among its power-users.  He also talks about the proliferation of Super Bowl half-time shows.  Plus, reviews of "Nuremberg," "Sarah's Oil,' and "The Christmas Ring."  Fitness expert Kim Dolan Leto, author of "Fit God's Way," talks about anxiety.  How did Jesus deal with it?  How can we follow Him, get a handle on our anxiety, and find wholeness?   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Along with her Friday Farm Report, Carmen answers a listener question regarding the growth of Islam both in the US and the world.  Are you fearful, or are you leaning in, building relationships, and gaining the right to speak into their lives?  Daniel DeWitt of Scholar Leaders and the Theolatte blog talks about the song "Only Bible" by mainstream country artist Warren Zeiders that provokes us to look at what message about God our lives show.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Sandeep Maity, president and CEO of Unreached talks about his story of being reached for the gospel when he was a child in SE Asia.  He's part of the effort of equipping the churches to reach and multiply in their communities in these hard-to-reach areas, often under persecution.  Novelist Donna VanLiere, author of "Looking for Christmas," talks the importance of remembering the accounts of Jesus' birth and the people involved.  These past stories speak to us in the present day.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Austin Gravley of Digital Babylon and the What Would Jesus Tech podcast talks about how the Chinese Communist Party is looking at using AI to enhance the genetic "quality" of their children, among other uses.  What are the ethical guidelines?  What are acceptable and unacceptable uses?  The National Day of Prayer Taskforce's Kathy Branzell (who is a "military brat") talks about the importance of supporting and praying for our veterans and current military members.  The also talks about giving thanks and "telling of His glory among the nations, Hsi wonderful deeds among all the peoples."  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bill English of Bible and Business and OnPath Counseling talks about our decision-making process.  Some things for us should be easy an "yes," some things an easy "no."  Some things take more discernment.  Bill offers some basic Biblical guidelines to help you in that decision-making process. Mark Yarhouse of Sexual and Gender Identity Institute, co-author of "Emerging Sexual Identities," talks about the complex and confusing world of modern gender ideologies.  He offers help to parents and others who hold to a more realist and Biblical view of human sexuality to stay in relationship with these mainly young people.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Daryl Crouch of Everyone's Wilson, a faith-based group seeking the welfare of Wilson County TN, talks about situation on the ground helping families who are struggling due to the lack of SNAP benefits with the federal government shutdown.  He addresses the need of more sustainable ideas that also uphold the dignity of those in need.  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.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Christian Medical and Dental Association's Dr. Tiffany Schatz talks about the problem of "tech neck," the strain on one's neck and spine because of us looking down at our devices.  She also addressed pain management, especially at the end of life.  She gets into hospice and palliative care as a compassionate way of helping those nearing the end of their lives.  Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, president of the University of Northwestern - St. Paul and Northwestern Media, talks about his recent trip to a seminar at Mar-a-Lago around higher education.  He also addressed the need to building relationships with those we disagree with and be quick to listen.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Briefing's Nick Pitts talks about Vice President JD Vance's recent statement about hoping his wife receives Jesus a savior, setting off a small firestorm.  But underneath this is the problem of dating or being married to someone who doesn't have the same faith and goals in life.  He also talks about how more companies are turning to training their own people outside of them getting college degrees.  Luke Moon of the Philos Project and Generation Zion talks about video defending Christian Zionism of his being banned by TikTok.  He also talks about segments within the new political right are getting increasingly antisemitic.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Cultural Research Center's George Barna talks about recent research on American's view of sin.  Most people deny their sinfulness as sinfulness.  He addresses why are some of the reasons about such confusion.  Robert J. Morgan, author of "God Hasn't Forgotten You," helps us see God's plan for and faithfulness to Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1.  They seemed overlooked by God, but they were anything but that! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Carmen reflects on the stripping of Prince Andrew of England being stripped of his title and honors because of behaviors that dishonored the Throne.  Unlike Jesus, who honored His Father to the point of death.  Political scientist Daniel Bennett responds to the loss of his Seattle Mariners in AL championship series and thinks about the biggest defeats in sports to him.  He talks about NINO's (Nones in Name Only) who are people who don't claim being part of a religious group, but still have some strong level in spirituality.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Plugged In's Adam Holz looks at classic monsters from movies and what they can teach us about sin.  He also address how the meaningless phrase "6-7" was named word of the year by Dictionary.com.  Plus, he offers reviews of "Stitch Head," "Bugonia," and "House of Dynamite."  Haley Scully of Hope for the Heart talks about "The Care and Counseling Handbook," a helpful mental and spiritual health resource from June Hunt helps you to find hope and offer hope.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and radio show reflect on how Prince Andrew has been stripped of his royal status by King Charles of England and can no long stand before the king as family.  Through Jesus, we have the opposite. And we are invited to stand before our great King.  Pastor Doug Van Dorn of The Reformed Fringe talks about the various spiritual beings that exist that are called "sons of God" and how our God Yahweh is the king over all these entities.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Voice of the Martyr's Todd Nettleton helps draw attention to this year's International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians on Sunday, sharing stories of his recent trip to SE Asia. He also highlights the story of Congolese Christians Daniel and Aline. Dietician Rebecca Corwin, author of "Arise and Eat," shares her story of coming to Jesus and about how food in the Bible reveals God's grace and salvation for us. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith helps us understand where things stand with the Federal Government shutdown and the end of SNAP benefits to families in need. Many want smaller government, but that means other governments and the Church need to fill in the gap. He also addresses the US military buildup near Venuzuela and the off-year election next week. CBN Faithwire's Billy Hallowell joins us to talk about how God is working in the lives of people like podcaster Joe Rogan and former Pussycat Girl Kalya Jones. He highlights a new documentary called "The Oracles of God," plus with Halloween talks about the supernatural world. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Between the World Series, NFL and college football in full swing, and both the NBA and NFL getting their seasons going, it's an amazing time for sports fans. Jason Romano of Sports Spectrum talks about some of the Christian athletes boldly pointing others to Jesus. But he also addresses the growing problem of sports betting. Ethan Forhetz of Convoy of Hope talks about the work they're starting to do to help Jamaica which was hit hard by Hurricane Melissa. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Grace Jin Drexel and her husband Bill Drexel of the Hudson Institute talk about the arrest of Pastor Ezra Jin, Grace Jin's dad, by the Chinese Communist Party. The talk about the state of religious freedom in China, and the spiritual battle for the hearts of the Chinese people. Ruth Kramer of Mission Network News, freshly back from Uganda, talks about the conflicts lead by Islamic extremism against Christians, and yet how churches and Christians in general are seeking to bring peace in these areas. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Pamela Pyle, author of "Anticipating Heaven," looks at grief in light of the the murder of Charlie Kirk, and the pain his wife Erika is dealing with. How do we deal with grief to propel you in your calling of God and with a view of our heavenly promise. Terence Lester of Love Beyond Walls, author of "From Dropout to Doctorate," shares stories of the people and God-ordained moments that helped him overcome the educational and social injustices he lived in. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

With the concerns around how powerful the American president has become in the last 50 years, political scientist Adam Carrington helps us look at the Constitution and what his powers are. And with Reformation Day coming up on October 31, he talks about how the various branches of Christianity still share a common ground we can work together upon. Plus, with Reformation Day on the way, Pastor Alfonso Espinosa, author of "Contending for Christ Through the Creed," helps us think about the completed work for Jesus on our behalf. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Pastor Tony Evans of The Alternative, author of "Unleashed," asks that if you want to see God's Kingdom on earth, are you living in a way by the power of the Holy Spirit that you are a citizen of that Kingdom? Valorie Burton, author of "Rules of Resilience," talks about laying certain foundational skills and attitudes that build resilience in your life. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

In reflecting on Hurricane Melissa which hitting Jamaica (a place very dear to Carmen), Carmen reflects the storms in the Bible and also on Isaac Watts' hymn "Our God in Help in Ages Past." Pastor Julio Volcy and Andy Carr of Haiti Teen Challenge talk about how in the midst of such a broken nation, God is doing great things in the lives of many Haitians. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Sarah Buzynski, the Iowa state director for LifeWise Academy, joins to share about more and more kids wanting to study the Bible. Plugged In's Adam Holz outlines why the ability to communicate well has renewed importance and reviews "The Chosen Adventures" new TV series. Ed Uszynski, co-author of "Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports," unpacks the Biblical example of Daniel, looking how to be involved in the world but not of the world. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Jonathan Cruse, author of "Paradox People," shares how Jesus, who gives us Kingdom principles to live by, allows us to be gentle and meek people in our culture today. Social media expert Chris Martin outlines how the book of Ecclesiastes changes our perspective of our struggles and the importance of guarding ourselves against the toxic nature of social media interactions. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Guest host Rebekah Haynie talks with Foundation Worldview's Elizabeth Urbanowicz about the new resource "Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design" and how beyond "the talk" we need to be first to help our kids understand the beauty and goodness of God's design for our sexuality.  Singer and writer Nicole C. Mullen, author of "It's Never Wrong to Do the Right Thing," shows how the stories of courageous faith in the Bible and in the lives of those we know can be full for us to take the next right step. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Guest host Rebekah Haynie talks with Austin Gravley of the What Would Jesus Tech podcast talks about how ChatGPT will so be make AI generated erotica available to adults.  What does that do to our hearts? What safeguards will there be for young people?  Carl Kerby of Reasons for Hope talks about how his ministry offer reasons to trust in God, His word, and His ways, and how to think well about that the world is saying.   Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here