The Common Good Podcast

Brian From is joined by Pastor Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church to talk about his call to ministry and what he loves most about being a pastor. Derek shares why “ordinary” churches—rooted in preaching, sacraments, and everyday faithfulness—are often where deep discipleship and quiet, life-changing ministry happens. The conversation also touches on church planting, blue-collar faith, and Derek’s surprising side passion: performing Shakespearean improv comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with Todd Busteed of Gap Digital to explore the careful craft behind audio Bibles and audio drama. Todd shares how accuracy, humility, and even reverence guide the process of recording Scripture, from pronunciation choices to music and dramatic elements. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how God’s Word is thoughtfully translated into sound—and how creative media can serve the church and inspire the next generation of Christian storytellers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Brian From reflects on service, legacy, and the call to respond to conflict with wisdom and compassion in an increasingly polarized culture. The episode wrestles with a disturbing church disruption in Minneapolis, the limits of online outrage within Christian circles, and the tension between conviction and grace when faith collides with deeply personal family decisions. most famous MLK quotes Digital natives embrace analog tools like letters and typewriters | AP News The Story of Iran’s Church in Two Sentences John Piper on X: "ChatGPT estimates the number of birds alive in the world at 50 billion. Jesus said God feeds them all. This meticulous providence does not tax or distract him. It proves his attentiveness and care as a Father to us his children. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow" / X Ed Stetzer on X: "Praying for @jonathanparnell and @citieschurch, as their worship service was disrupted by protesters today. Parnell is right when he says, "This is unacceptable. It's shameful. It's shameful to to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship." Don Lemon (bizarrely) https://t.co/UOU3PwdIBU" / X Protestia on X: "Is This Hypocrisy? SBC Pastor Joe Thorn Attends Same-Sex Wedding" / X Why We Can Confidently Persevere in Prayer | Tim Challies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz from Plugged In to talk about the theatrical re-release of The Lord of the Rings extended editions and why the films still resonate 25 years later. They also dive into Plugged In’s new 2026 technology guide for parents, offering practical wisdom on screens, mental health, and digital boundaries for families. Adam closes with a simple, realistic first step for anyone looking to reset their relationship with phones and technology in the new year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on how quickly life changes, the fragility of our time on earth, and the steady hope found in a God who never changes. From viral nostalgia trends to global persecution of Christians, conversations about the gospel, grace, and purpose anchor this wide-ranging Friday episode. Brian challenges listeners to live with intentionality, resist shallow substitutes for meaning, and rediscover true adventure and stability in following Christ. Trevin Wax on X: ""We are dependent. And we are workers. Yet we are workers in the hands of a mighty God, working on the mission of a mighty God with the strength of a mighty God. So we work harder than any of them, yet not us, but God who works in us." @NewChurches https://t.co/LDw5CCUx0e" / X The 50 Countries Where It’s Most Dangerous for Christians in 2026 - Christianity Today The Freeness of Grace | Desiring God Gen Z Missionary Bryce Crawford: ‘Jesus Loves You’ Isn’t the Gospel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From talks with Dr. Leslie Parrott about her new book The Love Language That Matters Most and how the familiar five love languages go deeper through personal “dialects” shaped by personality and experience. They explore how couples at any stage of marriage—whether newlyweds or decades in—can communicate love more clearly, even when things feel stale, busy, or disconnected. This conversation offers practical hope for strengthening relationships by learning how to love in ways that truly land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Fromm is joined by Focus on the Family issues analyst Jeffrey Johnston to discuss why it’s more important than ever for parents to stay informed about what their children are learning in school. They talk through how cultural and ideological issues are showing up in classrooms, how parents can have age-appropriate conversations with their kids, and what options families have when concerns arise. The conversation also explores the role churches can play in equipping parents, engaging school boards, and advocating for education that respects families and their values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From explores why Gen Z is intentionally unplugging from their phones, the growing push to limit cell phone use in classrooms, and what those trends reveal about loneliness, attention, and formation. The conversation then turns to politics and faith, including disappointment over renewed Planned Parenthood funding and a thoughtful look at why Christians often misuse Romans 13 when thinking about government authority. The episode closes with reflections on God’s delight in His children, offering a reminder that true hope, joy, and identity are ultimately grounded not in technology or politics, but in how God sees us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with Pastor Scott Oberle of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove to talk about ministry, calling, and what it means to truly serve a community. Scott shares his journey into pastoral ministry, his experience with street ministry, and how his church centers dignity, hospitality, and presence for people on the margins. Together, they reflect on how churches can move beyond self-preservation to live faithfully as salt and light in their neighborhoods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on modern loneliness and cultural change, from a viral “Are You Dead?” app to the fading role of malls as community hubs, asking what real connection looks like today and where the church fits in. The episode also examines self-righteousness, political independence among younger Americans, and why an eternal perspective actually fuels meaningful engagement in the present world. Brian closes with sober but hopeful reflections on integrity, legacy, and what it means to live coram Deo—fully aware that our lives are lived before the face of God. 'Are You Dead' App Is a Smash Hit More Americans now identify as independents: Gallup polling | AP News Ed Stetzer on X: ""If you read history, you will find that Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next... Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you will get neither." -C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity" / X The Sticky Sin of Always Being Right Don't Love a Good Thing Less - Eric Geiger – Eric Geiger, Author and Senior Pastor, Mariners Church Given the Choice, Science Says the Average Employee Would Choose a Fancy Job Title Over a Pay Raise? Are Never Attenders More Secular Today? - by Ryan Burge The Yancey We Never Knew: Living Coram Deo and in Gospel Community Helps Guard Our Hearts Daily Devotional | Ezra: Back to Basics | Today in the Word See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on perseverance in the face of repeated setbacks, using everything from car trouble to playoff sports comebacks as reminders of faithfulness when life feels stacked against us. The episode explores what it means to leave a meaningful legacy—one shaped intentionally by how we live, love, and follow Christ today. Along the way, Brian highlights viral stories of unusual memorabilia, radical rest, and a grandfather’s powerful gift of Scripture, all pointing back to endurance, hope, and lives grounded in God’s Word.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From invites listeners to rethink resolutions—not around what we want to accomplish, but who we want to become—anchoring the year in Jesus’ call to love God more deeply and love others more faithfully. The episode also tackles financial anxiety in an uncertain economy, asking whether Christ is truly enough and how prayer and contentment reshape our fears about money and the future. Brian closes with a powerful warning about the danger of losing awe and wonder in our faith, urging believers to fight apathy and rediscover the joy that fuels worship, obedience, and a life lived for God. The Danger of Loss of Wonder for Ministry Leaders - Eric Geiger – Eric Geiger, Author and Senior Pastor, Mariners Church Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: ""The latest data means 2025 saw the weakest annual job growth since 2003, with just 584,000 jobs added last year." https://t.co/yf8z8na8Tc" / X Happy 80th Birthday, John Piper - Christianity Today New Heights on X: "Matt Damon gave us some of the most emotional parenting advice we’ve ever got on this show https://t.co/RbzkmxxHJ4" / X Most People Lie About Their Finances To Make Themselves Seem More Desirable | YourTango See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on what we discover when connection is suddenly taken away, how our lack of control drives us to prayer, and why empathy should come before outrage in moments of public tragedy. The episode explores the courage found in true encouragement, the call to finish well with integrity, and the steady hope believers cling to when faith feels fragile. From parenting and discipleship to politics, perseverance, and historic Christian witness, this conversation centers on one enduring truth: Christ holds us fast, even when everything else feels uncertain. The Courage in Encouragement California can’t bar teachers from telling parents about student’s gender identity at school, judge rules | The Independent Peter Schrager on X: "Greg Olsen, his father Chris Olsen, Sr. (NJ high school coaching legend), Luke Kuechly, and Jonathan Stewart coach a middle school football team together in Charlotte. You'd think they know it all. They don't. What's the one thing Olsen learned this season? @OmahaProd https://t.co/68bg97k3VD" / X Justin Bass on X: "In the last decade, these men did not finish well: Ravi Zacharias Philip Yancey Bill Hybels Jerry Falwell Jr. Steve Lawson Robert Morris Brian Houston Mike Bickle Carl Lentz Makes me very thankful for men in the public eye who did finish/are finishing well: Alistair Begg" / X When I Fear My Faith Will Fail Cliffe Knechtle Explains How Christians Should Vote—Without Endorsing a Party—at Passion 2026 Operation Auca · Elisabeth Elliot See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Holz discusses the importance of actively engaging with entertainment and technology, especially as the new year begins. He emphasizes the need to shift from passive consumption to a more thoughtful approach, encouraging listeners to consider how their media choices affect their values and relationships. The discussion includes biblical references that guide decision-making in entertainment, highlighting the significance of being aware of the influences of media on one's heart and mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the seventh anniversary of The Common Good, Brian Fromm reflects on the heart of the show—encouraging believers to run the race faithfully, keep the faith, and grow deeper in their love for Christ. The episode weaves together personal stories of parenting, mission trips, and God’s long-game faithfulness with a powerful reminder that Jesus is not merely a moral example, but Lord and Savior. Matt Smethurst on X: "My favorite moment from @WesleyLHuff’s conversation with @JoeRogan. https://t.co/JsuJ7zDhXh" / X De Christian Life on X: "Pastor Craig is a true example of leadership in the body of Christ https://t.co/rBTXYhQ6az" / X Teenager died of overdose 'after ChatGPT coached him on drug-taking' Cheating Husband Sues Restaurant After Promotional TikTok Clip Reveals Infidelity Aaron New on X: "“Author Philip Yancey Confesses Affair, Withdraws from Ministry” Oh man. This one makes me sad. https://t.co/164vk5GvqM" / X Wade Lentz on X: "On this day in 1850, a blizzard in Colchester, England, changed the course of church history. A 15-year-old Charles Spurgeon, burdened by the weight of his sin, was blocked by the snow from reaching his usual place of worship. He ducked into a small Primitive Methodist Chapel on https://t.co/85brN191WZ" / X Why Is There Only One Way To Heaven? | Tim Challies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From speaks with Pastor Darrell Moore of Greater New Life Church in Roseville. They discuss the church's mission, community outreach efforts, the challenges of starting a church, and the resilience shown after a devastating fire. Pastor Moore shares insights on the importance of church attendance and the excitement of being part of a community, emphasizing the revival he believes is coming to Detroit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on the sobering honesty of Dilbert creator Scott Adams as he faces terminal cancer and wrestles publicly with faith, eternity, and the limits of Pascal’s Wager. The episode also pushes back on cultural narratives that portray parenthood as misery, arguing instead that children are a hard but profound gift that reshapes how we understand joy and purpose. Brian closes with a powerful reminder from Martin Lloyd-Jones that what the church needs most today is not novelty or politics, but absolute clarity and confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on a deeply personal parenting moment as his children head out on mission trips, exploring the bittersweet reality of releasing them into independence. Drawing lessons from sports heartbreak, he examines how public failure can feel defining—but why, in Christ, our worst moments do not get the final word. The episode closes with a thoughtful challenge to hustle culture, questioning whether nonstop work is something to admire, and inviting listeners to consider healthier rhythms rooted in grace, rest, and identity rather than achievement. Thomas Sowell Quotes on X: "Elon Musk: "I sleep for about 6 hours on average and I work almost every waking hour. I don't have social dinners really. I literally just will have lunch and dinner during meetings and continue the meeting." https://t.co/QO53l3JDuK" / X ProFootballTalk on X: "Tyler Loop: I just mishit the ball. https://t.co/xaiF4KEAQg" / X Where Your Heart Is, There Your Habits Will Be Also - Christianity Today MTV Music's Last Song: 'Video Killed the Radio Star' redpillbot on X: "Mark Zuckerberg, an outspoken critic of "man-made climate change", shows off his new $300 million, 287-foot mega yacht, powered by four gigantic diesel engines. Yet another stark reminder that Net Zero is only for the peasants https://t.co/5jJ1kPnxjr" / X Nearly 30 Yale undergraduate departments have no Republican faculty, Buckley Institute report finds | New York Post Delighting in the Lord - Eric Geiger – Eric Geiger, Author and Senior Pastor, Mariners Church You Can Tell When War Is Breaking Out Because the Pentagon's Pizza Orders Spike Drastically Josh Moody on X: "No matter who you think you are—too broken or already “good enough”—the gospel meets you where you stand. Jesus saves the unlikely and the self-assured alike. If He saved Paul, He can save you. #JesusSaves #GospelHope #GraceNotWorks #FaithInChrist https://t.co/V2fRD7L2wo" / X See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Zachary Mettler of Focus on the Family to discuss Illinois’ newly signed law legalizing physician-assisted suicide and why it raises serious moral, medical, and spiritual concerns. Mettler explains the arguments often used to support the practice—autonomy and compassion—and why they fall short in light of advances in hospice care and the Christian vision of human dignity. The conversation challenges believers to thoughtfully engage a growing “culture of death” and to advocate for a gospel-centered ethic that affirms life, even in suffering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Deana Thayer of Focus on the Family to talk through why the holidays can be especially challenging for stepfamilies and blended families. Deana shares practical guidance on managing expectations, communicating clearly with kids and spouses, and creating new traditions without dismissing old ones. The conversation also offers encouragement for parents facing empty-nest transitions, reminding listeners that flexibility, grace, and proactive planning can turn stressful seasons into meaningful ones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Adam Holz of Plugged In for a thoughtful conversation about how Christians can engage popular entertainment with wisdom and discernment. They discuss the latest episodes of Stranger Things, including its darker themes, spiritual parallels, and a major coming-out storyline that raises important questions about grace and truth. The conversation also explores the religious symbolism in Knives Out and how films like these can become meaningful starting points for deeper family and faith conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As The Common Good returns for its first episode of 2026, Brian From reflects on a turbulent and formative year marked by loss, transition, growth, and God’s quiet faithfulness. He looks back on the stories that shaped the church in 2025, wrestles with bitterness, control, and perspective, and invites listeners to consider not what they want to accomplish this year—but who they want to become. Grounded in Scripture, poetry, and a powerful reminder of grace, Brian challenges us to enter the new year “free and clear,” asking God to lead, guide, and pilot our lives wherever He calls us next. Tom Buck (Five Point Buck) on X: "If your church is so much of a “production” that you feel the need to cancel worship services during Christmas week to give everyone a break, you’ve lost the ultimate purpose of the gathering! “We are the church. Worship is what we do. We gather together to meet with God, to" / X violence taking off in Nigeria, Ukraine, and Gaza, CT’s news team ranked the biggest developments we covered this year: https://t.co/WM2m6VTnm5" / X My Only Plea at New Year’s | Tim Challies Ben Sasse on X: "Friends- This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die. Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence." / X The Most Powerful Message Tim Keller Ever Preached | Crossway The Best Way to Begin a New Year | Tim Challies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it be like if your most regrettable moment became a viral spectacle for the world to mock, judge, and never forget? In this episode, Brian From reflects on viral shame, public failure, and the crushing weight of life lived online—contrasting our culture’s lack of integrity with the hope found in confession, character, and grace. As Christmas approaches, the conversation turns toward light breaking into darkness, reminding us that even when our paths are unclear, Christ remains a steady guide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Al and Autumn Ray, co-founders of Marriage Team, to talk about their passion for helping struggling marriages find hope, healing, and practical skills for lasting connection. Drawing from their own marital challenges, the Rays explain how marriage coaching works, why communication is foundational, and how couples can build a shared “playbook” for life together. The conversation also introduces their new resource, Rick and Jane Learn to Be Married, a story-based series designed to help couples learn how to truly listen, talk, and grow as a team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Bob Stephens of Focus on the Family to discuss the organization’s end-of-year matching campaign and the wide-ranging impact of its work. Stephens shares how Focus supports marriages, parents, foster care families, and evangelism efforts reaching millions each year through radio, digital resources, and on-the-ground programs. The conversation highlights why year-end giving matters and how listeners can double their impact during this Christmas season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with Wheaton College professor Richard Hughes Gibson to discuss his new book The Way of Dante, which explores Dante’s Divine Comedy through the eyes of C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Sayers, and Charles Williams. Together they unpack why themes of hell, purgatory, and heaven still matter, and how these writers used Dante to reflect on evil, repentance, and eternal hope. The conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible look at how imagination, theology, and spiritual formation come together in the Christian life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with author and theologian Donnie Berry to explore his new book The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God. Together, they unpack what the Bible means by God’s glory, how it unfolds across the whole story of Scripture, and why it’s both awe-inspiring and deeply personal—especially at Christmas. Donnie explains how understanding God’s glory reshapes everyday life, helping believers see their work, relationships, and ordinary moments as part of God’s grand plan to fill the world with His goodness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From moves from timely headlines about stolen packages, cash gifts, and aging bodies to deeper reflections on faith, passion, and purpose. Along the way, he contrasts the darkness of greed, cynicism, and exhaustion with the Advent promise that Christ is the light no darkness can overcome. As Christmas approaches, Brian invites listeners to ask a piercing question of their own lives: are we living with passion—and are we stepping fully into the marvelous light of Christ? 250,000 packages stolen per day, study finds, as lawmakers push stiffer penalties - CBS News Denny Burk on X: "Dane Ortlund’s 39 rules for preaching. Really good stuff. Here’s number 38: “Preach every sermon like your son is sitting on the last row and giving church one last chance."" / X Long-term study reveals physical ability peaks at age 35 Jared C. Wilson on X: "“You know, the Greeks didn’t write obituaries. They only asked one question when a man died: Did he have passion?” https://t.co/Aqg4dPI97Y" / X Most Americans think cash gifts are acceptable, poll shows | AP News Former Harvard morgue manager sentenced for selling body parts - CBS News The Light of Life - Christianity Today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas draws near, Brian From explores why empathy is essential to the Christian life, especially in a polarized and often graceless public square. He reflects on how Jesus models true compassion—entering into the suffering of others rather than offering detached sympathy. The hour also turns toward rediscovering the wonder of Christmas, inviting listeners to reclaim awe, humility, and joy in the light that has come into the darkness. Tom Buck (Five Point Buck) on X: "Truly sad to see @POTUS respond to Rob Reiner’s murder in the shameful way he did. He had an opportunity to model grace and mercy in the face of wickedness. I despised Reiner’s politics, but every life should be treated with dignity. I pray those around Trump will correct him." / X Christianity Is More Than Just Being a Good Person - RELEVANT John 1 NIV - The Word Became Flesh - In the - Bible Gateway Glenn Packiam on X: "A little “Juice-box Theology” (If you don’t like analogies or illustrations in a sermon, you may not like this.) https://t.co/KxnoHJTDJI" / X Griffin Gulledge on X: "I don’t know who this guy is, but I appreciate him admitting that there is a Jesus part of him and a political part of him and that they are in competition. Not enough people admit that. What he needs to understand: the Jesus follower part is always supposed to win." / X God of Light and Life - Christianity Today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the tension between seasonal joy and a world marked by violence, loss, and uncertainty, reminding listeners why the message of “good news of great joy for all people” matters precisely when darkness feels overwhelming. The show takes a lighter—but revealing—turn with a discussion of a lawsuit asking whether pets should be recognized as legal dependents, sparking a broader conversation about modern priorities and cultural shifts. Brian closes by exploring why joy can feel so difficult, even in Advent, and why true joy is not rooted in circumstances but anchored in the hope found in Christ. Bondi Beach shooting live updates: 15 dead at Hanukkah event, including children Gospel in Life on X: "You may think, “My biggest problem is if I could just make the money, if I could just get the job, if this door would open …” You think your problems are the circumstances, but circumstances cannot destroy your life the way character flaws can. It’s your character that is your" / X Lawyer Sues The IRS, Demanding It Recognize Pets As Legal Dependents Rich Villodas on X: "Living joyfully can be hard for two reasons: 1. It can *feel bad* to have joy when the world around you is in pain. 2. It can *feel hard* to have joy when you’re in a bad situation. But we rejoice, not because all is well, but because we trust that God is at work. #Advent" / X A Costco Manager’s Unexpected Kindness Turns a Coat Donation Into a Holiday Surprise - ReCglimb Fascinating on X: "Just before the start of the 544-mile Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon in 1983, one particular runner caught the attention of the Australian media: a 61-year-old potato farmer named Cliff Young. He had shown up before the race wearing overalls and work boots, telling https://t.co/AL55nvfsSP" / X Don’t Be Duped by This Year’s Biggest Religious Trend Pat McAfee on X: "Absolutely love this from Old Man Rivers.. Anybody can do nothing.. DON’T BE SCARED TO GO FOR IT https://t.co/dRYJGg2uSl" / X Christianity Today on X: "“No matter how dark things might seem, light has come and is coming again, and darkness cannot overcome it.” Today’s Advent devotional: https://t.co/YeCedczYsr" / X See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From is joined by Jeff Bradford, President and CEO of The Human Coalition, to discuss how the organization supports women who believe abortion is their only option and helps them choose life. Bradford explains Human Coalition’s dual focus on direct care for mothers and legislative advocacy, including how they respond to the rise of chemical abortions and serve states like Illinois. The conversation also addresses the deep wounds many carry after abortion, offering a message of forgiveness, healing, and tangible ways listeners can make a life-saving impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on the dangers of political cynicism and power while calling Christians to lives marked by character, integrity, and Christlike distinctiveness. As Christmas approaches, he explores the spiritual cost of screen addiction, the importance of turning toward one another, and how practices like communal singing and gracious speech shape healthier, more faithful lives. The episode closes with Advent reflections that point listeners to hope, light in the darkness, and the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. Redistricting fight shifts to Wisconsin, where judicial panels may pick new maps Singing with Other People Improves Health More Than Singing Alone Speak with a Christian Accent Turn Toward Each Other and Away from the Screen - Christianity Today How to Fight Your Phone Idolatry x.com/CTmagazine/status/1999471822891307332 Oprah accused of fueling family estrangement crisis she now warns about | Fox News A Gentle Pastor Isn’t a Weak Pastor Somebody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: A Christmas Reflection See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of sports fandom, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, and why dark chocolate might help you live longer—even if he refuses to eat it. He explores the deeper spiritual challenge of Christmas: not consumerism or secularism, but our own boredom with the most astonishing story ever told. The episode closes with a sobering look at the Michigan football scandal as a reminder that sin always destroys—and the gospel always restores. Dark Chocolate Compound Linked To Slower Aging Thief Said He Was "Teleported” Into Stolen BMW | The Smoking Gun Fascinating on X: "Adolf (Adi) and his older brother Rudolph (Rudi) Dassler, born in Germany, established the world's first sports shoe company, Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, achieving global fame when athletes clinched 17 medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in their footwear, including four golds https://t.co/jKXW1DH6rh" / X Desiring God on X: "Where do you place your hope in the hardest times? We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a hope to carry us through every tribulation and trial: That hope is Jesus. Sermon: “Happy in Hope, Patient in Pain, Constant in Prayer” https://t.co/YDcQJy8X4b" / X Bend Toward the Light - Christianity Today RightNow Media on X: "Jesus is too wonderful for words to fully describe.

Brian From talks with Dr. Greg Smalley, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Marriage, about the nuanced and often sensitive question of opposite-sex friendships within marriage. Smalley distinguishes healthy, casual friendships from emotionally intimate ones, offering practical guidance, guardrails, and real-life examples for maintaining trust and protecting the marital bond. The conversation emphasizes communication, transparency, and teamwork as the essential tools for navigating modern workplaces and relationships with wisdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes pastor and author Nate Pickowicz to discuss his new book, Overcoming the Darkness: Biblical Help for Spiritual Depression, a deeply personal exploration of anxiety, discouragement, and the struggle to rediscover joy in Christ. Pickowicz shares his own battle with spiritual depression, outlines practical steps for healing—including his “wheel of spiritual health”—and highlights how Scripture honestly portrays the emotional valleys of God’s people. The conversation offers hope, theological clarity, and a path forward for anyone longing to experience God’s peace again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes Plugged In’s Adam Holz for a deep dive into the biggest films arriving just in time for Christmas—including the new Knives Out mystery and what families should know before watching. Holz shares thoughtful guidance on choosing age-appropriate holiday entertainment, recommends a few under-the-radar Christmas gems, and confesses which “classics” he still can’t quite get through. It’s a fun, insightful conversation for anyone navigating movies, faith, and family traditions this holiday season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with Isaiah Nichols, Creative Director at Gospel Life Church, to explore Behold—a free, immersive Christmas experience blending original music, Hamilton-inspired storytelling, live animals, and a bustling Bethlehem marketplace. Nichols describes the vision behind the production and why Christmas is a uniquely open season for sharing the gospel and inviting friends into church life. The conversation highlights creativity, community outreach, and the heart behind helping families encounter the story of Jesus in a fresh and joyful way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes back former cohost and longtime friend Ian Simkins for a lively, heartfelt conversation spanning ministry, fatherhood, spiritual formation, and the early days of The Common Good. Together they reflect on Ian’s work at The Bridge in Tennessee, the power of “table” community, and the encouraging spiritual hunger they see in the next generation. It is equal parts reunion, storytelling, and joyful chaos—including favorite show memories, parenting confessions, and a rapid-fire Christmas movie debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alistair Begg discusses his transition into retirement, the relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes in today's society, and the search for meaning in life. He emphasizes the importance of placing hope in God and offers practical advice for those struggling to find joy, especially during the Christmas season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From moves from heartwarming viral stories and frigid-weather musings to deeper reflections on habits, comparison, and the spiritual “ice” that keeps us from seeing clearly. He wrestles with cultural debates—from extravagant church Christmas productions to surprising zoo controversies—while continually inviting listeners back to the hope, clarity, and stability found in Jesus, our firm foundation. As Christmas approaches, Brian urges us to shed the weights that entangle, embrace our God-given callings, and remember that even amid rubble, Christ holds every story together. Bob Goff on Escaping the Comparison Trap and Finding Your Real Purpose - RELEVANT 'Tax-free grift': Critics already furious about Texas church's Christmas show Held Together by a Cornerstone - Christianity Today Equipping a New Generation for Mission and the Urbana Conference Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: ""On average, young adults remain much less religious than older Americans,” reads the report released Monday (Dec. 8). “Today’s young adults also are less religious than young people were a decade ago.” https://t.co/9ZQv6rFuIa" / X My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From speaks with Jeff Bradford, CEO and President of Human Coalition, about the organization’s frontline work reaching women who believe abortion is their only option and providing them with compassionate, practical support. Bradford explains how Human Coalition combines medical care, social services, technology, and church partnerships to remove barriers and empower women to choose life—often at the very moment they are seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Their conversation highlights a powerful truth: when women are met with hope, help, and a supportive community, life becomes a real and attainable choice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From navigates a wide range of stories—from surprising statistics about self-checkout theft to personal reflections on aging, snowy weekends, and the rhythms of the holiday season—before turning to deeper spiritual truths. Drawing from Scripture, he highlights how God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes and reminds listeners of the importance of remembrance, comfort, and hope during Advent. The episode culminates with a reading of Luke 2, centering hearts on the good news of great joy at the core of Christmas. Psychologists have discovered a new personality type labelled ‘otrovert’ Even Incomplete Comfort Is a Blessing Self-checkout theft: 1 in 4 users say they've stolen, survey finds Taylor Swift Makes Sure Never to Do This 1 Thing. Neuroscience Says She's Right From Limping to Leaping - Christianity Today Notre Dame opts to skip postseason entirely after being left out of College Football Playoff ICE Nativity scenes: Churches reimagine Christmas story amid deportations Kirk Cameron Denies 'Eternal Conscious Torment,' Is Now An Annihilationist? - Protestia Luke 2 NIV - The Birth of Jesus - In those days - Bible Gateway See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From talks with evangelist and author Ray Comfort about his two new books—Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible and Jesus Amplified—and the surprising ways biblical missteps teach us about God’s patience, human nature, and spiritual wisdom. Comfort reflects on decades of daily Scripture immersion, the richness of the Amplified Bible, and why understanding Jesus’ words in depth is essential for a resilient faith. He also shares practical insight on evangelism, courage, and how everyday conversations can open doors to meaningful discussions about eternity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes Barry Meguiar—entrepreneur, TV host, and founder of Ignite America—to discuss why every Christian can confidently share their faith and why the world is more spiritually open than we think. Meguiar’s contagious passion challenges believers to love people boldly, trust the Holy Spirit’s leading, and live each day with eternity in mind. Their conversation is an energizing call to move “off the bench and into the game,” especially during the Christmas season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with longtime Focus on the Family counselor Rob Jackson to talk about why the Christmas season can intensify grief, loneliness, and emotional struggle for so many. Jackson offers practical wisdom on healthy coping, supporting loved ones, and dismantling unhelpful Christian stigmas around sadness, counseling, and mental health. Their conversation provides compassionate guidance—and a reminder that no one has to walk through a painful holiday season alone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with Betsy Wright, Senior Director of Angel Tree at Prison Fellowship, to explore how this Christ-centered program supports children with incarcerated parents during the Christmas season. Wright explains how Angel Tree strengthens family bonds, breaks cycles of trauma, and connects hurting families with local churches for ongoing care. Their conversation highlights the powerful work God is doing inside prisons and in communities beyond the bars—and how anyone can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas approaches, Brian From reflects on the whirlwind of the season, the pressures of time, and the importance of being fully present in the moments God has given us. He addresses the sobering economic realities many listeners are facing—rising layoffs, a frozen housing market, financial strain—and reminds us why the good news of Christ’s arrival is still “good news of great joy for all people.” Brian closes with encouragement from John 15, urging us to abide in Christ as our true source of strength, peace, and fruitfulness during uncertain times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes bestselling author and former Chicago journalist Lee Strobel to discuss his new book The Case for Christmas and why he believes the story of Jesus’ birth is historically trustworthy. Strobel reflects on his own journey from atheism to faith, the role of evidence in belief, and why Christmas is a uniquely powerful moment for spiritual conversations. The conversation also ventures into Chicago nostalgia—from deep-dish pizza to Ernie Banks—as Strobel shares personal stories alongside his call for Christians to use this season to share hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From sits down with pastor and author Isaac Serrano to discuss his new book When Life Feels Empty, which explores why so many people today—especially younger generations—struggle to find purpose despite material comfort. Serrano unpacks the cultural pull toward materialism, the spiritual hunger it leaves unresolved, and seven ancient Christian practices that help reorient life toward meaning. Their conversation offers both a diagnosis of our cultural moment and a hopeful path forward for anyone longing for direction and depth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Fromm opens the show with a remarkable story of online generosity, as strangers raise over $1.4 million to help an 88-year-old Army veteran finally retire with dignity. He then reflects on why choosing the “hard way” in life—spiritually, relationally, and personally—often becomes the path to lasting peace. The episode closes with insights on identity and Advent longing Army veteran Ed Bambas' son Michael says father will finally retire after $1.5 million GoFundMe fundraiser | New York Post Collin Rugg on X: "NEW: Internet users raise over $1.2M for an 88-year-old US Army veteran to help him retire after his pension was wiped out. Ed Bambas lost his wife 7 years ago and is now working 40 hours a week to make ends meet. Bambas retired from General Motors in 1999, expecting to have https://t.co/tKkIys1rvT" / X Paul David Tripp on X: "Christ not only gives me forgiveness and a new future, but a whole new identity as well! I’m now a child of God, with all of the rights and privileges that this title bestows." / X Paul David Tripp on X: "We all live out of some sense of identity, and our Gospel identity amnesia will always lead to The Hard Way Is the Easy Way - Redeeming Productivity Ian Simkins on Instagram Mind Your Christmas Imperatives | Tim Challies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From welcomes Lois Stewart, Education Executive for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS, to discuss the mission and impact of more than 70 Lutheran schools across Chicagoland. Stewart shares how these schools keep Christ at the center while delivering rigorous academics, accredited programs, and safe, nurturing environments for students. She also offers guidance for families weighing their schooling options and highlights the hope she sees in the next generation growing in faith each day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.