Struggling for Purpose

Since the dawn of podcasting, pundits and pros have predicted what the upcoming year will bring to the hobby/business of podcasting. I’m not going to do that. Instead, I want

Podcasters around the world had different reactions to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and it made me think about how much the industry revolves around the US.

After 12 years I stopped hosting my podcast with Blubrry. Let me explain why.

What's the plan, Stan? In this episode of Struggling for Purpose, I lay out my sketchy plan to renew the podcast. Will it work? Will the cows come home? Will anyone even listen?

Move. Strengthen. Renew. #my3words

As I wind down this podcast, I decided to give Pod decks a try. I answer some of the questions found in the "Episode Deck".

I'm ending Struggling for Purpose once I reach episode 50. Listen to hear why.

How do we stop the rise of Christian nationalism and hate in America?

Chip and Dana Brown noticed a troubling trend: people were spending more and more time interacting with their smartphones than with the people around them.

February is historically a difficult month for me. It's the middle of winter and the shorter month puts me in a bit of a tailspin when it comes to my podcasting schedule.

The last two episodes of the podcast have been heavy. Let's talk about that… The post About the Last Episode… appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

How should Christians respond when ministry leaders fail morally? Lament and restoration are two good starting points. The post Lament and Restoration with Paeter Frandsen appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

In this interview, Mark Charles talks about the troubled history and myths of American exceptionalism and how he plans to continue to spread his message of conciliation. The post Building a Common Memory with Mark Charles appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

The white Christ candle stands in the center of the Advent wreath. It represents Christ as the center of our worship and the center of our lives. Today we reflect on the four candles and their meaning. We recognize that without Christ none of the aspects of Advent would be possible. Scripture & Response “May … Continue reading "Christ the Center – Christmas Eve" The post Christ the Center – Christmas Eve appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

This week we’re adding a 5th candle in the center of the wreath. It symbolizes Christ and how He is to be at the center of our lives. We will light that one at the Christmas Eve service. The fourth candle this week represents Love. Angels announce the birth of Jesus, our savior, whom God … Continue reading "Love – Fourth Sunday of Advent" The post Love – Fourth Sunday of Advent appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Today we celebrate the joy of knowing that Christ came to save us. We share in the joy that both Mary and Joseph must have felt at the birth of their son, a son who would deliver the world from sin and death. What I find so significant about this joy is that it isn’t … Continue reading "Joy – Third Sunday of Advent" The post Joy – Third Sunday of Advent appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

I want 2021 to be a year of hope. So, I want to talk to people that have given me hope this year or have challenged my thinking. That being said, here’s a list of people I’d like to interview next year: Carlos WhittakerJohn Hope BryantJon AcuffDanica McKellarZachary LeviNick ChoBridget Eileen RiveraTyler MerrittGary VaynerchukMark Charles … Continue reading "People I’d Like to Interview in 2021" The post People I’d Like to Interview in 2021 appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

If you did not grow up with Advent traditions in your church and home, it is still an important time of the year for us as Christians. Here are four reasons to celebrate Advent: Why Should We Observe Advent? Advent helps us to be intentional about focusing on Christ and simplifying our lives at a … Continue reading "Preparation – Second Sunday of Advent" The post Preparation – Second Sunday of Advent appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

2021 will be here soon. I’m thinking about the direction of this podcast and I want to know what you think. Listen to the episode and comment below with your opinion. Also, check out the giveaways I’m hosting: CSB Holy Land Bible Review and Giveaway Christmas Under the Stars ft. Lauren Daigle – Review and … Continue reading "What Do You Think?" The post What Do You Think? appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

As we enter into the Advent season, I thought I’d put together a few podcasts that reflect my thoughts and communicate the importance of the Advent tradition. You don’t have to celebrate with candles or a wreath but Christmastime is the perfect season to reflect on Christ’s coming to the world and his eventual return. … Continue reading "Hope – First Sunday of Advent" The post Hope – First Sunday of Advent appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Minister Christopher Perkins is an associate pastor at Redeemed Christian Center in Jackson, TN. I first met Minister Perkins through the Christian Podcasters Association. I recently heard him discussing urban apologetics on his podcast and wanted to have a conversation with him about it from the perspective of someone who lives in white, suburban America. … Continue reading "Urban Apologetics with Minister Christopher Perkins" The post Urban Apologetics with Minister Christopher Perkins appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Things didn’t go as planned for today’s episode. I hope you’ll join me for the next one. The post Next Time… appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Hey! Remember me? I do still actually have a podcast. In this show, I’m talking about showing my kids how government works, NaPodPoMo, and 3Min Bible Study. The post Government in Action [STR4P 33] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

I first learned about Erik Price from his YouTube channel, California Driver, when I was researching driving for Uber. I’ve been following his channel for about 18 months now and recently saw something on a whiteboard in the background. It read, “Pathway to Revelation.” I knew from a few of his other videos that he … Continue reading "Pathway to Revelation with Erik Price [STR4P 32]" The post Pathway to Revelation with Erik Price [STR4P 32] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

I’ve been focusing on some different project so this podcast has fallen by the wayside. Plus, I’m not feeling especially creative during this pandemic. I discuss that and more in this podcast. The post Where you at? [STR4P 31] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

In August of 2018, I published a podcast detailing why I might stop using YouVersion. In recent weeks, more and more people have been seeing that post and listening to that podcast so I wanted to release a follow-up. So, click play and find out why I’ve decided to continue using YouVersion. ChurchMag interview with … Continue reading "Why I’m Still Using YouVersion [STR4P30]" The post Why I’m Still Using YouVersion [STR4P30] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

George Floyd was murdered at the hands of three police officers this week. A lot has been said about the incident and, thankfully, the officer who was leaning on George’s neck was arrested and charged with third-degree murder. Listen in as I process my thoughts on the situation. It’s a return to the top-of-mind format … Continue reading "Justice for George Floyd [STR4P 29]" The post Justice for George Floyd [STR4P 29] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Due to circumstance beyond my control, I need to take a break from producing this podcast. If you’d like to continue sticking me in your ears, you can listen to Three Minute Bible Study every morning, five days a week. The post Special Announcement appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Paeter Frandsen is the mastermind behind Spirit Blade Productions and the Christian Geek Central. Spirit Blade Productions produces high-quality audio dramas for Christian geeks who are looking for more edgy material but is uncompromising in Biblical truth. Christian Geek Central exists to equip, encourage and inspire Christian geeks of all kinds to live more and … Continue reading "Failure to Partner with Paeter Frandsen [STR4P 28]" The post Failure to Partner with Paeter Frandsen [STR4P 28] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Jeremy Smith joins me today to discuss mental health and the church. We also discuss how the church can help those struggling with mental illness. during and after the Cornovirus pandemic. About Jeremy Smith Jeremy is the owner of ChurchAndMentalHealth.com and the Co-Occurring Program Coordinator and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at a community mental health center. … Continue reading "Church and Mental Health with Jeremy Smith [STR4P 27]" The post Church and Mental Health with Jeremy Smith [STR4P 27] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Working from home for the past week due to the COVID-19 pandemic has left me creatively drained. I talk about that and more in this podcast episode. You can find up-to-date information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever … Continue reading "Coping with COVID-19 [STR4P 26]" The post Coping with COVID-19 [STR4P 26] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

In the first podcast in this series, I was dancing around a “taboo” when it comes to podcasting: profit. Since its inception, podcasters have been at odds over whether or not we should profit from our craft. Hopefully, this brief episode clears up my intentions. This podcast is rather short so you may want to … Continue reading "A Point of Clarification [STR4P 25]" The post A Point of Clarification [STR4P 25] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Failure to plan has been the biggest hurdle in my podcasting “career”. I’m not sure you can actually call it a career, but, I think you know what I mean. What happens when I fail to plan is that I end up recording an episode of my podcast by myself the morning it needs to … Continue reading "Failure to Plan [STR4P 24]" The post Failure to Plan [STR4P 24] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Chris Staron hosts Truce Podcast and has written and directed two movies: Bringing Up Bobby and Between the Walls. If you listen to his podcast, you’ve probably also heard him mention his novel, Cradle Robber. Chris has previously appeared on the podcast and since then he’s made great progress using journalistic tools to look inside … Continue reading "Failure to Promote with Chris Staron [STR4P 23]" The post Failure to Promote with Chris Staron [STR4P 23] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Today’s guest is Cale Nelson (K4CDN), he is best known for hosting the Ham Radio 360 and Modern Christian Men podcasts. He’s also the head-honcho at AFX Media Group where he and his team provide graphic, video, and audio production services. Today we’ll discuss how he failed to pivot and the affect it had on … Continue reading "Failure to Pivot with Cale Nelson [STR4P 22]" The post Failure to Pivot with Cale Nelson [STR4P 22] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Failure is an option. Yes, you read that right. Failure is an option. We often hear the opposite, that failure isn’t an option, and this gives Christians and podcasters (like myself) a skewed view on life, faith, and success. The Bible is full of accounts where “the faithful” failed. While many Christians are familiar with … Continue reading "7 Ways I’ve Failed at Podcasting Since 2005 [STR4P 21]" The post 7 Ways I’ve Failed at Podcasting Since 2005 [STR4P 21] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Since Christmas Day, I have been sharing a book each day on Twitter and Instagram. Many of these books I read last year. Some I’m sharing because I’d like you to know about them and one I plan to start reading on January 1st. You’re getting to read and hear about all twelve books before … Continue reading "The Twelve Books of Christmas [STR4P 20]" The post The Twelve Books of Christmas [STR4P 20] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

‘Tis the season to take a break from podcasting. Many podcasters, including myself, tend to get a little lazy around this time of the year. In keeping with that tradition, I present to you a brief little podcast that includes content from Truce, by Chris Staron. I interviewed Chris when he started Truce and I’ve … Continue reading "It’s Not Christmas Yet Christmas Special [STR4P 19]" The post It’s Not Christmas Yet Christmas Special [STR4P 19] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Last year at this time I was one week away from a shoulder replacement. In this episode, I reflect back on the past year and how I’m doing since the surgery. The post 51 Weeks Later [STR4P 18] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

After years of podcasting because I “had” to, I’m now podcasting because I “want” to. I’ve relaunched and reimagined my first podcast, Jesus Geek, with a new name: My Week in Geek. Listen as I explain what led me to do this and I share about the Advent season. The post Jesus Geek is Back Again (Kinda) [STR4P 17] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Last month Kanye West released his latest album, Jesus is King, to mixed reviews. His new album is controversial among Christians and non-Christians alike. I don’t have any strong opinions about the album itself but I’m fascinated by the impact it has had already. The post The Cult of Kanye [STR4P 16] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

I have too many choices. Listen as I process through why I haven’t been podcasting regularly. Also, I never got around to those show notes. The post Too Many Choices [STR4P 15] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

After listening to Evo Terra‘s podcast, Podcast Pontifications, regularly for a few months, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been “phoning it in” when it comes to this podcast. You deserve better. You deserve excellence. I’m capable of producing better content. Listen to me pontificate about this and more in today’s episode. The post Stop Phoning It In [STR4P 14] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Lately, I’ve felt like the small sailboat in the image associated with this blog post. I’m adrift. The water is calm but there is no wind. I’m in a haze and even if I had a paddle to get myself to shore, I can’t see the shore. No matter what direction I head toward it’s … Continue reading "Adrift [STR4P 13]" The post Adrift [STR4P 13] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Why is it that all of the “new” t.v. shows and movies seem to capitalize on 80’s nostalgia? What is driving this trend in media? How does that trend apply to our lives as people struggling to follow Jesus? Listen in as I try to answer these questions and more in the latest episode of … Continue reading "Nostalgia Nation [STR4P 12]" The post Nostalgia Nation [STR4P 12] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.

Truth time: I hardly ever use a physical Bible. Nearly all of my devotional reading and studying is done on my computer, smartphone, or tablet. I use a physical Bible when I occasionally teach at church and pull one out when I don’t want to have a screen in my face. When I use a … Continue reading "CSB He Reads Truth Bible Review and Giveaway [STR4P 11]" The post CSB He Reads Truth Bible Review and Giveaway [STR4P 11] appeared first on Struggling for Purpose.