The Good Complex

How can we engage with others selflessly while protecting our own freedoms? The pandemic pushed all of us to see each other in a new light, but not all of us are thrilled with how we were seen when racial and political tensions locked horns with masking and quarantine mandates. For the final installment of our "Lessons from the Pandemic" series, The Good Complex sat down with Dr. Darrell Bock, Executive Director of Cultural Engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary, to talk about how the pandemic impacted christianity culturally, where religion fits in culture today, and the three kinds of christians shaping the narrative.

Mental health was already a hot topic when the pandemic began. But the time we all spent navigating lockdown, new social norms, and the incredible sense of disconnection we felt brought all new challenges to the surface. In the latest conversation from our new series, "Lessons from the Pandemic", The Good Complex does a deep dive on this subject with Licensed Professional Counselor Ly Tran. Tran breaks down the strategies and mindsets that make the very complex task of helping our loved ones cope with mental health challenges more achievable.

We remember the pandemic - and the way it upended our outlook on the media, government, and healthcare entities that guide us - like it was yesterday. In the next conversation from our series, "Lessons from the Pandemic", The Good Complex discusses how this loss of trust came to be with radio personality, producer, and TV host Stu Burguiere. Burguiere sheds a light on the missteps our institutions took, but more importantly, the way our radically divided society reacted to them.

The pandemic is "over," but we couldn't help but wonder what we're all supposed to take away from it. In the first conversation from our new series, "Lessons from the Pandemic", The Good Complex talks shop with Dwight Jewson, an impactful branding consultant who helps brands connect with consumers on a cultural level. Jewson explains how the pandemic took what was once simmering on the back burner of our culture and made it boil over - and why that might be a good thing.

In our final conversation regarding the abortion debate in America, The Good Complex sits down with pastor and author Bruce Miller. Pastor Miller shares some interesting thoughts on the role agency plays in the context of the abortion debate and how spending more time focusing on points of agreement could lead to better conversations.

In our third conversation about the abortion debate in America, The Good Complex sits down with George Mason, Senior Pastor Emeritus at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Pastor Mason shares his perspective on the issue of abortion and it will surprise many Christians.

In our second conversation about the abortion debate in America, The Good Complex sits down with Jennifer Shelton, Executive Director of Real Options. Jennifer shares her extensive experience serving both women and men who have found themselves dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. She brings a great perspective informed by years of listening and a powerful sense of compassion.

Today we begin a series on the abortion debate in America. In light of the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, The Good Complex is looking for a better way to have conversations regarding this difficult topic. Over the next several weeks, we are going to welcome guests with a wide variety of perspectives on the issue and our goal is not to win the debate but rather, find a better way to hear each other. Today, we begin the conversation with a constitutional perspective from Inez Feltscher Stepman. Inez is an attorney and Senior contributor to the Federalist. Her work has also been published in The Wall Street Journal, New York Post and USA Today. She has appeared on: Fox News, NPR, PBS and CSPAN.

Today we are joined by Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. Trisha discusses several aspects of the fight against food insecurity. From the impact of the pandemic to raising prices caused by inflation, the North Texas Food Bank is working diligently to defeat food insecurity.

Today we are joined by Richard Lee, Global Officer of Public Engagement for International Justice Mission. IJM's mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.

Today we are joined by Charmaine Solomon, the Founder of My Possibilities ,which serves adults with disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Asperger's, Prader-Willi, head injuries and more. My Possibilities is the first full-day, full-year educational program of its kind in Collin County, TX.

Today we are joined by Meghan Forest Farmer, Founder of the Bright Factory. Meghan shares her story of combining a career in the fashion industry with a desire to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated women. She also shares her important perspectives on ethics and sustainability in the fashion industry.

Today we are joined by acclaimed artist Sedrick Huckaby. Sedrick talks about his efforts to glorify everyday people in his work and finding great value in the lives each of us lead. Sedrick's work approaches the universal themes of faith, family, community and heritage in a fascinating way.

Today we are joined by Ryan Sanders, Commentary Editor at the Dallas Morning News. Ryan shares his perspective on the role Christians play in the culture and he offers his thoughts on how Christianity could be rebranded to better represent the teachings of Jesus.

Today we are joined by Ervin Lee to discuss recovery from alcohol addiction. He shares his inspiring story of surviving a drinking life and finding the grace to live successfully on the other side.

Today we are joined by Anatoliy Prokopchuk, founder and former president of Kyiv Theological Seminary in Ukraine. He shares his startling story about fleeing his home in Kyiv, Ukraine, traveling to Poland, and then to Texas. Anatoliy's first-hand account offers a harrowing perspective on the reality of what so many are facing in Ukraine.

Today we are joined by Valerie Sokolosky, author of eight books on professional presence and leadership. From learning to really listen to managing imposture syndrome, Valerie shares her insights into what leadership really means and how each of us can develop skills to enhance our leadership ability.

Today we are joined by Julissa Estrada, Director of the Local Good Center. Julissa and her team work to build community through childcare, ESL and citizenship programs. She also has some great advice for aspiring volunteers.

Today we are joined by acclaimed author and speaker Baylor Barbee. Baylor shares his thoughts on the importance of perspective and how even one degree of change can have a profound effect on our lives.

Today we are joined by Chad Houser - Founder, CEO, and Executive Chef of Café Momentum. Chad shares his remarkable story about how he took a restaurant and created a place where the most at-risk kids in Dallas can find a second, and sometime third or fourth chance.

Today we are joined by Imam Azhar Subedar from the Islamic Association of Collin County. This is a great conversation between two faith leaders who are choosing to focus on what unites us instead of what divides us.

Today we are joined by author Adrianne Watson. Adrianne shares some insights from her new book, “The Demise of the American Evangelical, An Overview of the History of Racism & White Supremacy in the Church.” This impactful conversation is an invitation to us all to find a better way to talk about race.

Today we are joined by Brooke Ross and Greg Holmes. Brooke and Greg have both allowed their lives to be disrupted by the significant need of someone else. Could you make the same choice?

Today, we are joined by local media personality Hilary Kennedy. Hilary offers some great insight into how the media, especially social media, affects our daily lives. She also provides some thoughtful strategies for better managing how we consume it.

Today, we welcome Kent Whitaker to the Good Complex. Kent shares his shocking story of forgiveness in the face of an unspeakable crime. In this conversation, we learn exactly ahow he did it and what he learned from all of it.

Suicide and homelessness rates are considerably higher for LGBTQ kids. Today we are joined by Posture Shift founder Bill Henson to discuss how we can open our hearts to young people, regardless of their sexuality. This powerful conversation seeks to find some common ground for our common good.

The Good Complex is a space for listening. It is a space for positivity, kindness, learning, and growing. The aim of this podcast is to encourage each of us to look at the world through a different lense -- focused on highlighting the good and not dwelling on the bad. There's so much more that unites us than divides us. It's all about perspective. The Good Complex - thoughtful conversations to find common ground through the common good.

COMING SOON! In a world animated by anger, division and fear we are dedicated to creating a place where the common good is the focus. We've spent too much time fixating on what divides us rather than what unites us. It's time for a change. We'd like you to imagine a place where love, grace and humility win the day. You've heard of a God Complex...It's time to develop a Good Complex. Each week, The Good Complex Podcast will present conversations that demonstrate the good that is too often ignored. We'll examine different perspectives to better understand ourselves and the world around us. We may not always agree and that's ok, because having the conversation is more important than resolving the issue.