Real Talk with Ansen, Kara, and Isaac (Real FM)

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Life is exhilarating, troubling, strange, difficult, rewarding, and so much more. Basically… it gets complicated. And sometimes it helps to just talk it out. Join Ansen, Kara, and Isaac each week as they sit down for an authentic conversation on daily living, pop-culture, current events, and faith.…

Real FM


    • Nov 2, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 2450h 7m AVG DURATION
    • 185 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Real Talk with Ansen, Kara, and Isaac (Real FM)

    An Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 4:29


    Hi friends! It's been a while since you've heard from us, so we want to update you on all the goings-on with the Real FM Podcast Network. We've had so much fun with The Really Real Podcast, but we feel like it's time to try some new things. If you loved the fun we've had on this show, check the new Real FM Rewind podcast (https://real.fm/podcasts/real-fm-rewind). Or if you really dig our in-depth spiritual conversations, take a look at Faith Refresh (https://real.fm/podcasts/faith-refresh). We've got more exciting content on the way as well, so come and join us!

    Finding Contentment (Episode 88)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2022 60:37


    On this spring's final episode of The Really Real Podcast, Kara details her fancy new patio swing (11:32), Isaac trains Real FM Bot on how to buy a car (17:06), Ansen gives a shout-out to a passenger that successfully landed an airplane (23:00), and the group discusses a quote from Seth Godin about creating a life you don't feel the need to escape from (33:53).

    Be Patient or Pushed? (Episode 87)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 58:40


    In this episode of the Really Real Podcast, Isaac gives a shout out to non-severe thunderstorms (13:27), Ansen coaxes Real FM Bot into helping Kara navigate conflict (17:11), and Kara fangirls (just a little) over Benedict Cumberbatch (25:07). Finally, the group debates one of the most controversial quotes they've tackled thus far: "If you genuinely want something, don't wait for it — teach yourself to be impatient." (30:34)

    Does Independence=Happiness (Episode 86)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2022 60:26


    In this episode, Ansen pushes through his idiosyncrasy and embraces spring weather (13:50), Kara teaches Real FM Bot to take over Isaac's podcast (18:28), Isaac celebrates some friends' parenting efforts (25:47), and the group peels back the layers on a short but powerful quote from Susan B. Anthony: "Independence is happiness" (32:51).

    Play to Your Strengths (Episode 85)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 58:16


    Kara shares why she enjoys consuming books and podcasts about personal development (11:03), Isaac repurposes Real FM bot to inspire Ansen during his workouts (18:03), Ansen gives a shout out to a church friend (22:17), and the group debates the merits of spending more time on your strengths rather than your weaknesses (29:29).

    Living a Happy Life (Episode 84)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 60:00


    In this episode, Isaac enlists his teenage sister as a movie critic (14:33), Ansen replaces Kara on the radio with a robot (19:55), Kara introduces us to a community college advisor named Mr. Fritz (28:48), and we discuss where we agree and disagree with Albert Einstein's take on how to live a happy life (36:32).

    The Solution (Episode 83)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2022 58:21


    On this week's episode, Ansen discusses the importance of "just-for-fun" creative hobbies (13:32), Kara programs Real FM bot to help Isaac with taxes and small-talk (23:07), Isaac gives a shout-out to Polish moms, and the group discusses a quote from the 2011 American comedy classic, Bridesmaids (34:29).

    People Pleasing (Episode 82)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 54:46


    In this episode, Kara goes old-school and rents some movies (11:42), Isaac helps Real FM Bot learn how to help Ansen go to the doctor and go shopping (15:30), Ansen reflects on what Mikaela Shiffrin's Olympic experience can teach us about life (22:11), and the group takes on a famous quote from Steve Jobs about living your own life (30:10).

    Positive Thinking (Episode 81)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 52:51


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac are back for 2022! In this episode, Isaac shares how he's ready for warmer weather (11:22), Ansen unleashes Real FM's very own proprietary AI to help with Kara's errands (14:04), and Kara celebrates an inspiring young snowboarder (23:12). Then, the whole gang ponders the so-called "power of positive thinking" in reaction to a quote from Henry Ford (27:30).

    Extroversion with Christy Rodriguez (Episode 80)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 65:57


    In the final Really Real Podcast episode of 2021, Kara describes the magical properties of Zumba (15:55), Isaac declares each co-host of the show to be an Olympic athlete (20:54), Ansen reviews unique pizza topping combos (29:43), and special guest Christy Rodriguez teaches the crew the way of the extrovert (39:08).

    Parenting with Dri Bayer (Episode 79)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 62:22


    Isaac shares why he enjoys drawing (9:31), Ansen decides to Jesus juke the Multiverse of Madness segment (16:04), Kara reviews glamping (27:34), and special guest Dri Bayer joins the show to chat about the joys and challenges of parenting (33:02).

    Epistemology with Justin Rusinowski (Episode 78)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 65:19


    In this episode of The Really Real Podcast, Ansen looks forward to the Olympics (12:34), Kara introduces small changes to the universe that have a big impact (17:39), Isaac reviews COVID-19 like it's a bad restaurant (28:27), and special guest Justin Rusinowski joins the show to discuss what the heck epistemology means, and more importantly, why it matters (35:00).

    Faith & Work with Scott Thompson (Episode 77)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 61:24


    In this episode, Kara wants to get back into reading (09:53), Isaac leads an animal revolt (14:30), Ansen reviews building a computer (22:52), and special guest Scott Thompson joins us for a conversation how to integrate our faith and work (33:38).

    Adoption with Mark Hansen (Episode 76)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 64:45


    In this episode, Isaac shares the joy of making mixtapes, er, playlists, for others (13:18), the NWA Avengers assemble (18:50), Kara relives a harrowing experience with her cat (29:11), and special guest Mark Hansen joins us for a conversation on adoption, including what it can teach us about the nature of God's love (34:50).

    Contemplative Spirituality with Tracy Balzer (Episode 75)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 61:29


    In this episode, Ansen shares about learning to recognize the value in things that don't fit our taste (10:26), Kara asks some "what if" questions (16:00), Isaac reviews giving his dog a bath (26:00), and special guest Tracy Balzer joins us for a conversation in the ins and outs of how contemplative spirituality can improve our relationship with God (30:56).

    Brokenness with Jennifer Watson (Episode 74)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 58:13


    In this episode of The Really Real Podcast, Kara talks trying new recipes (12:58), Isaac asks what the world would be like if the the Real FM team took over the country (18:07), Ansen reviews his wireless earbuds (25:25), and guest Jennifer Watson joins us for a conversation on brokenness and breakthrough (33:00).

    Mental Health with Keri Corn (Episode 73)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2021 27186058:26


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac are back with new episodes of the Really Real Podcast! Isaac shares the joys of being a beginner in a new hobby (12:17), Ansen leads the gang on a trip through the Multiverse (16:42), Kara reviews her bougie coffee-maker (24:11), and the group welcomes guest Keri Corn for a conversation on one of culture's hottest topics: mental health (28:25).

    Checking Out, Soundtracks, Favorite Things, and Faith (Episode 72)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2021 57:12


    In the final Spring 2021 episode of the Really Real Podcast, Isaac admits he'd prefer just staying mentally checked out on current events right now (13:22) Kara shares an idea from Jon Acuff about changing the soundtracks playing in our brains (19:55), Ansen moderates "Favorite Thing Faceoff" between two special guests (24:20), and the group discusses how words like certainty and doubt relate to the Word of the Week: "Faith" (31:22).

    Gains, Google, Towels, & Stuck (Episode 71)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2021 52:46


    In Episode 71 of The Really Real Podcast, Isaac proposes the idea of focusing on marginal gains (8:28), Ansen boasts about his Google searching proficiency (13:40), Kara takes us into the world of competitive towel folding (19:33), and the group discusses why and how we tend to get "stuck" (26:32).

    Humility, Safety, Mascots, and Gentleness (Episode 70)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2021 50:55


    In Episode 70 of the Really Real Podcast, Ansen shares a quote about God's design for men and women to be co-laborers in the Kingdom (13:50), Kara admits that she likes hanging out underneath her desk (20:34), Isaac introduces us to a slightly disturbing school mascot (24:37), and we discuss an aspirational "Word of the Week" in "gentleness" (30:30).

    Prescriptions, Money, Basketball, & Discipline (Episode 69)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 58:37


    In Episode 69 of the Really Real Podcast, Kara recommends that everyone comes up with a post-pandemic recovery plan (12:35)), Isaac asks if he's alone in feeling like extreme wealth is unattractive (17:48), Ansen tries to get Isaac and Kara to discuss basketball (25:08), and the group discusses how the word discipline is a bit misunderstood (34:05).

    Connection, Knowledge, Fluff, & Wisdom (Episode 68)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2021 54:04


    In this episode, Isaac is reminded of the importance of authentic connection (07:23), Ansen notes that he sometimes feels like he's addicted to new insights (10:51), Kara reveals the discovery of a new but frighteningly adorable creature in the animal kingdom (19:10), and the group discusses the foundation underneath the Word of the Week: wisdom (26:11).

    Politics, Envy, Statues, & Fear (Episode 67)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 62:58


    In Episode 67, Ansen shares a quote that helps define what appropriate civic engagement looks like for Christians (11:07), Kara confesses that it's hard to be happy for other people's success (16:39), Isaac moderates a debate on recent (fake) news out of North Korea (21:56), and the group discusses this week's word of the week: fear (28:31).

    The Gospel, Phone Calls, Royalty, & Support (Episode 66)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 61:55


    In this episode, Kara's "Quote of the Week" reminds us that the Gospel is not self-care (9:07), Isaac never wants to make a phone call ever again (14:10), Ansen dives into the latest Royal Family gossip (22:10), and the group discusses how to give and receive community, emotional, and spiritual support (29:23).

    Caring, Compliments, Appendages, & Humility (Episode 65)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 54:27


    The Really Real Podcast returns from a winter break! Isaac shares his "Quote of the Week" from Bob Goff (12:01), Ansen wonders if we ought to share compliments more liberally (15:44), Kara guides everyone through the most ridiculous show segment yet (21:30), and the whole crew works to hone in on the true definition of humility (39:07.

    Outlets, Presents, Cruising, and Refreshment (Episode 64)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 62:18


    It's our final episode of 2020! Ansen shares how he (barely) succeeded at not overshadowing someone else's challenges (11:38), Isaac attempts to wrap a present for the first time in his entire life (18:48), Kara takes us back to a time when she was "thirty, flirty, and thriving" (30:04), and everyone takes some time to ponder the word of the week: refresh (37:45).

    Restraint, Fire, Tumblr, & Anger (Episode 63)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 64:43


    On tap for Episode 63, Isaac attempts to stay quiet and avoid sarcasm when there is mischief afoot (12:13), Kara learns how to build a fire with numerous, variably-sized sticks (17:17), Ansen takes us back to the days when he started a Tumblr blog (28:25), and everyone discusses the word "anger" and the many different ways people express it (34:13).

    Decisions, Girl Time, Hot Takes, & Peace (Episode 62)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 64:17


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac return for Episode 62, where Kara eventually manages to make a decision (10:55), Ansen spends some quality time with the girls in his family (15:04), Isaac revisits some hot takes from a decade ago (32:57), and the group discusses the nuances of the word "peace" (37:17).

    Competition, Grocery Shopping, Dr. Who, and Contempt (Episode 61)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 55:21


    In Episode 61 of the Really Real Podcast, Ansen shares how he narrowly avoided being over-competitive (12:34), Isaac tries his hand at grocery shopping (17:57), Kara revisits her Doctor Who fandom (25:46), and the whole gang discusses how the word "Contempt" does a pretty good job of summarizing our culture's attitude towards each other in 2020 (31:17).

    Puppies, Tools, Singleness, & Perseverance (Episode 60)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 63:31


    In Episode 60 of The Really Real Podcast, it takes all of Isaac's strength to resist stealing someone else's puppy dog (13:10), Kara takes her first test in a long time on a subject she knows very little about (18:36), Ansen is thoroughly embarrassed by his membership in an old Facebook group (27:09), and the group perseveres through a conversation about the word "perseverance" (33:29).

    The Pit, Calligraphy, Samurai, & Joy (Episode 59)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 58:04


    It's Episode 59 of The Really Real Podcast, where Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss how to avoid the "Pit of Despair" (or climb back out when it's unavoidable) (13:07), Ansen's desperate endeavor to write something legible (17:53), Isaac's Japanese weapons collection (29:19), and some questions surrounding the word "joy" (32:28).

    Boredom, Baking, Bugs, & Honesty (Episode 58)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 59:41


    In Episode 58, Ansen, Kara, and Isaac share some honest conversation on taking control of how we spend our time (08:30), Isaac's valiant attempt to imitate the Great British Baking Show (15:19), Kara's haunting memories of a demon spider-wasp home invasion (27:05), and some aspirations and fears related to the word "honesty" (33:45).

    Doomscrolling, Video Games, & Defining "Essential" (Episode 57)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 61:50


    The Real Talk Podcast is now The Really Real Podcast! Ansen, Kara, and Issac return from a summer hiatus to discuss Isaac’s attempt to stop doomscrolling (08:30), Kara’s video gaming adventure (15:15), a new political party involving a monkey (29:12), and the word “essential” (35:15).

    Planning vs Faith (Episode 56)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 51:13


    Some people love a well-thought-out plan. Others like to fly by the seat of their pants. Is one method better than the other? Is one approach more indicative of strong, unwavering faith in God? Ansen, Kara, and Isaac bring you that conversation, as well as trying to fix the unfixable, family time, and "On The Record" with Wande.

    Real Talk S06 E08: Planning vs Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 51:13


    Some people love a well-thought-out plan. Others like to fly by the seat of their pants. Is one method better than the other? Is one approach more indicative of strong, unwavering faith in God? Ansen, Kara, and Isaac bring you that conversation, as well as trying to fix the unfixable, family time, and "On The Record" with Wande.

    How to Study the Bible (Episode 55)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 68:29


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss their successes, failures, and lessons learned when it comes to reading and studying the Bible. If we accept that Scripture is the Word of God, how should we respond? Plus... Ansen expresses his desire to talk less, Kara finds joy in revisiting old social media posts, and Isaac goes "On The Record" with Steven Malcolm.

    Real Talk S06 E07: How to Study the Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 68:29


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss their successes, failures, and lessons learned when it comes to reading and studying the Bible. If we accept that Scripture is the Word of God, how should we respond? Plus... Ansen expresses his desire to talk less, Kara finds joy in revisiting old social media posts, and Isaac goes "On The Record" with Steven Malcolm.

    Making Friends (Episode 54)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 56:24


    On this episode, Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss the OTHER epidemic many of us are dealing with right now... and that's loneliness. Why is it so hard for adults to make friends? Plus... Kara opens up about quarantining with someone who is coping differently from you, Isaac celebrates finding his rhythm in the midst of the current crisis, and Ansen goes "On The Record" with Real FM artist Joshua Micah. 2:43 - Struggle Bus8:48 - Good Vibes13:09 - On The Record w/ Joshua Micah28:08 - The Conversation

    Real Talk S06 E06: Making Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 56:24


    On this episode, Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss the OTHER epidemic many of us are dealing with right now... and that's loneliness. Why is it so hard for adults to make friends? Plus... Kara opens up about quarantining with someone who is coping differently from you, Isaac celebrates finding his rhythm in the midst of the current crisis, and Ansen goes "On The Record" with Real FM artist Joshua Micah. 2:43 - Struggle Bus8:48 - Good Vibes13:09 - On The Record w/ Joshua Micah28:08 - The Conversation

    Evangelism (Episode 53)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 61:30


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss quarantine realities like working remotely and playing way too much Animal Crossing, while Kara goes "On The Record" with Real FM artist David Dunn. The gang then takes a break from coronavirus talk to discuss balancing sensitivity with boldness when it comes to evangelism.

    Real Talk S06 E05: Evangelism

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 61:30


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss quarantine realities like working remotely and playing way too much Animal Crossing, while Kara goes "On The Record" with Real FM artist David Dunn. The gang then takes a break from coronavirus talk to discuss balancing sensitivity with boldness when it comes to evangelism.

    Living Through a Pandemic (Episode 52)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 48:52


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac share the challenges and successes they've experienced while under self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Ansen talks about divvying up household chores, Kara celebrates measurable growth, and Isaac goes "On The Record" with Real FM hip-hop artist Peabod.

    Real Talk S06 E04: Living Through a Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 48:52


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac share the challenges and successes they've experienced while under self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Ansen talks about divvying up household chores, Kara celebrates measurable growth, and Isaac goes "On The Record" with Real FM hip-hop artist Peabod.

    Environmental Stewardship (Episode 51)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 54:26


    We know that environmentalism is a highly politicized topic. But political response aside, what does the Bible have to say on the subject of environmental stewardship? Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss that, as well as the challenge of embracing repentance and celebrating incremental improvements in life. Plus, Ansen goes "On The Record" with Alexander Pappas of Hillsong Young & Free!

    Real Talk S06 E03: Environmental Stewardship

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 54:26


    We know that environmentalism is a highly politicized topic. But political response aside, what does the Bible have to say on the subject of environmental stewardship? Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss that, as well as the challenge of embracing repentance and celebrating incremental improvements in life. Plus, Ansen goes "On The Record" with Alexander Pappas of Hillsong Young & Free!

    Optimization Obsession (Episode 50)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 52:19


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss our personal and cultural obsession with optimizing our lives through self-help, materialism, and more. Plus... Isaac confesses that he doesn't always feel like going to church, Ansen raves about The Good Place, and Kara introduces us to new Real FM artist Elizabeth Grace.

    Real Talk S06 E02: Optimization Obsession

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 52:19


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac discuss our personal and cultural obsession with optimizing our lives through self-help, materialism, and more. Plus... Isaac confesses that he doesn't always feel like going to church, Ansen raves about The Good Place, and Kara introduces us to new Real FM artist Elizabeth Grace.

    Love Languages (Episode 49)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 60:31


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac are back for Season 6! Ansen hops on "The Struggle Bus" and admits to sulking, Kara shares why her stress ball makes her happy, and Isaac goes "On The Record" with special guest... Andy Mineo! For Valentine's Day, the group discusses Gary Chapman's "5 Love Languages," and how this framework can help us express love more effectively in our relationships.

    Real Talk S06 E01: Love Languages

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 60:31


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac are back for Season 6! Ansen hops on "The Struggle Bus" and admits to sulking, Kara shares why her stress ball makes her happy, and Isaac goes "On The Record" with special guest... Andy Mineo! For Valentine's Day, the group discusses Gary Chapman's "5 Love Languages," and how this framework can help us express love more effectively in our relationships.

    Racism (Episode 48)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2019 60:20


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac are joined by Real Talk's first ever guest host: Dr. James Hawkins. James is a counselor, pastor, and podcaster who joins us for a candid conversation on racism and racial reconciliation from a Christian worldview.

    Real Talk S05 E08: Racism

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2019 60:20


    Ansen, Kara, and Isaac are joined by Real Talk's first ever guest host: Dr. James Hawkins. James is a counselor, pastor, and podcaster who joins us for a candid conversation on racism and racial reconciliation from a Christian worldview.

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