The Malm Podcast

Send us a textJoël and Rick discuss Joël's new book, “Hiking the Clouds: The Seven Waypoints of Mature Faith,” exploring the stages of spiritual growth. They challenge the idea of unwavering certainty in faith, emphasizing the importance of love and unconditional trust in God, even amidst uncertainty and doubt. The conversation delves into the Dunning-Kruger effect and the progressive nature of faith, offering a reflective, rather than prescriptive, approach to spiritual maturity. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 01:00 The Quest for Maturity 02:30 Stages of Spiritual Growth 04:00 Understanding Faith and Certainty 08:00 Walking in the Clouds 10:30 The Nature of Spiritual Growth 13:00 Reflections on Job and Unconditional Love 16:00 A Reflective Journey

Send us a textJoin Joël and Rick as they unpack the weighty topic of suffering, sharing personal stories and insightful reflections. From the consequences of past mistakes to the pain inflicted by others, they explore the delicate balance between necessary trials that shape us and unnecessary struggles we can avoid. Discover a powerful framework to discern the source of your pain and choose a response that leads to growth, not despair. Chapter Summary: 00:00 Introduction to Suffering 01:20 Understanding Necessary Suffering 03:17 Consequences of Choices 04:30 Suffering from Others' Decisions 06:57 Aligning with Principles 09:01 Financial and Physical Suffering 11:01 The Role of the Lawnecessary suffering, unnecessary suffering, pain, suffering, consequences, sin, god's principles, biblical principles, relationships, mental health, bad decisions, growth, freedom, response, responsibility, faith, grace, legalism, law, maturity, new believers, biblical counseling, god's word, job's friends, alignment, heart, forgiveness, consequences of sin, financial principles, physical health

Send us a textJoin Joël and Rick, as they unpack the often-confusing topic of suffering. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of biblical teachings, personal experiences, and practical wisdom for navigating life's inevitable challenges. Discover how to distinguish between necessary trials that refine your character and self-created pain that hinders your growth.00:00 Introduction 01:18 Understanding Suffering03:05 Self-Reflection and Accountability04:36 Misinterpretations of Prosperity06:05 The Role of Necessary Suffering09:00 Learning Through Temptation12:11 The Nature of Control in Suffering#Suffering #FaithJourney #LifeLessons #SpiritualGrowth #PodcastDiscussion

Send us a textThis episode delves into the transformative power of suffering, exploring biblical perspectives from 1 Peter, James, and 2 Corinthians. Joël and Rick discuss how suffering builds resilience and prepares us for the responsibilities and rewards of reigning with Christ in eternity, challenging the common misconception of a passive afterlife. They explore the concept of “filling up what is lacking” in Christ's afflictions, and unpack the idea that heaven involves active participation and service rather than passive bliss. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Mountain of Suffering 01:40 The Purpose of Suffering 04:04 Heaven: More Than Just a Destination 06:31 Suffering as a Path to Strength 09:16 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth 12:10 Fulfilling Christ's Suffering #suffering #growthmindsetBooks Referenced Connecting the Dots: What God is Doing When Life Doesn't Make Sense Link: https://amzn.to/43cpb8h

Send us a textKids are a handful! Their minds are quick and they love exploring. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how much responsibility does a parent have to keep their kids engaged and entertained? #christianparenting #parentinggoals #fyp #foryou

Send us a textMessed up your relationship with your kids? Feeling the weight of past mistakes? This podcast offers powerful advice on repairing broken family bonds. Learn practical steps for sincere apologies and the importance of forgiveness in family reconciliation. Gain insights into rebuilding trust and navigating complex family dynamics. 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 01:14 The Power of Apology 03:53 Addressing Past Mistakes 06:19 The Journey of Forgiveness 08:44 The Burden of Unforgiveness 10:50 Understanding the Apology Process 12:12 Navigating Misunderstandings Ready to mend those broken bridges? Subscribe for more helpful parenting advice! Visit http://rickmalm.com or joelmalm.com for additional resources. #FamilyReconciliation #ParentingAdvice #Forgiveness #BrokenFamily #RepairingRelationships 

Send us a textJoël and Rick delve into the multifaceted roles of grandparents, exploring the joys and challenges of grandparenting in modern families. We discuss the evolving dynamics of family relationships, the importance of generational influence, and the responsibilities of grandparents when stepping in to assist with childcare. The discussion also touches upon the impact of cultural shifts and biblical perspectives on grandparent involvement.In This Episode:00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Grandparenting01:01 The Role of a Grandparent03:46 Cultural Perspectives on Grandparenting05:51 Generational Influence and Wisdom09:36 Trust Issues Between Parents and Grandparents12:01 Navigating Difficult Situations15:31 The Reality of Family DynamicsKey Takeaways:Identify the evolving role of grandparents in contemporary society.Assess the responsibilities and limits of grandparents in childcare.Understand the significance of multi-generational family influence.Respect parental boundaries regarding childcare decisions.Balance the ideal with the realities of family life.Keywords: grandparenting, grandparents, “grandparent advice”, “raising grandchildren”, “grandparent role”, “grandparent responsibilities”, “grandparent challenges”, “being a grandparent”

Send us a textJoël (son) and Rick (father) dive into the challenges of parenting, focusing on the importance of prioritizing a child's heart over outward behavior. They discuss their parenting approaches, emphasizing grace, understanding, and the long-term impact of nurturing a child's inner character. Listeners will gain practical insights into distinguishing between childish misbehavior and true rebellion, and how to apply this wisdom in various leadership contexts.In This Episode:00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges01:11 The Default Answer: Yes02:25 Parenting to the Heart04:25 Expecting Mistakes and Misbehavior06:01 Childish Irresponsibility vs. Rebellion08:49 Observing Heart Conditions11:56 The Importance of Focus14:01 Encouraging Positive BehaviorKey Takeaways:Prioritize understanding a child's heart over focusing solely on outward behavior.Assume childish irresponsibility over rebellion initially, reserving stronger responses for persistent misbehavior.Learn to differentiate between innocent mistakes and deliberate rebellion in children and employees.Apply the “yes” default approach to requests, maintaining boundaries while fostering trust and connection.Focus on character traits like kindness, diligence, and faithfulness, rather than solely on outward appearances or grades.#parentinggoals #parentingadvice #fyp #foryou #jesus #christianparenting 

Send us a textThis episode delves into the complexities of parenting and the long-term impact of different parenting styles on the parent-child relationship. Joël and Rick discuss whether prioritizing friendship early on hinders respect and authority, ultimately affecting the love and connection later in life. They explore the biblical concept of fearing the Lord and its role in healthy parenting and the importance of consequences versus grace in child development.In This Episode:00:00 Introduction to Mountains and Parenting01:20 The Balance of Friendship and Authority03:50 Understanding Love and Respect06:30 Consequences and Discipline09:45 The Role of Grace in Parenting12:00 Regaining Control in ParentingKey Takeaways:Examine the balance: Understand the delicate balance between authority and friendship in parenting.Prioritize respect: Establish respect before expecting love from your children.Discipline with intention: Use consequences to teach responsibility rather than relying solely on grace, which children may misinterpret.Embrace healthy legalism: Acknowledge the role of boundaries and structure in early childhood development.Learn about consequences: Recognize the biblical perspective on discipline and its role in fostering a loving parent-child relationship. #ParentingTips #HealthyParenting #BiblicalParenting #Discipline #FamilyRelationships #parenting #parentinggoals #foryou #fyp #parentingadvice #gentleparenting “gentle parenting”, “authoritarian parenting”, Joel Malm, Rick Malm, “fear of the Lord”, obedience, consequences, “parental authority”, “raising teenagers”, “parenting styles”, “parenting books”, “christian family”, “family values”, “spiritual growth”, “biblical parenting”, “effective discipline”, “child behavior”#parenting #parentinggoals #foryou #fyp #parentingadvice #gentleparenting

Send us a textWhy are we regularly attracted to people who have a completely different take on life? But then often find that difference being the reason for much of our conflict? Joël and Rick talk about the complexities of relationships, particularly the dynamic between people with differing personalities. They illustrate this with the analogy of magnets: sometimes opposites attract, and other times they repel. This leads to a discussion of how God may design this dynamic to foster growth and change within individuals. A key example is Joël's daughter who, with her spontaneous nature, complements her father's more cautious personality. The podcast emphasizes the importance of valuing differing perspectives in relationships. The speakers use the example of a coin, highlighting that each person sees only one side at a time, and the only way to get the full picture is to embrace the other person's view. This concept extends to conflict resolution, where recognizing that both sides may be right creates a more thorough understanding. The speakers illustrate this with an anecdote about their daughter's approach to life, contrasting it with their own. A significant portion of the podcast addresses the challenges of raising a child whose personality differs significantly from the parents'. The speakers discuss the delicate balance between guiding the child's development and avoiding the suppression of their unique characteristics. They highlight the importance of addressing issues promptly, with love and patience, to prevent resentment. The father shares his anxieties and struggles with this aspect of parenting, while also emphasizing the value of appreciating his daughter's distinct strengths. Joël and Rick strongly emphasize the importance of addressing conflict early and constructively. This prevents resentment and allows for healthier growth. They stress that recognizing and valuing differing perspectives is crucial for successful conflict resolution. The analogy of “iron sharpening iron” is used to illustrate how friction, though initially uncomfortable, ultimately leads to refinement and growth in both individuals involved. This applies to both spousal and parent-child relationships. #relationshipgoals #fyp #jesus #opposites #foryou _______ TIME STAMPS 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast Join Joel and his dad, Rick, as they kick off another episode in their series about relationships. They set the stage for a lively discussion on the dynamics of opposites attracting in relationships. 00:48 The Nature of Opposites Attracting Rick introduces the concept of opposites attracting, sharing his observations and personal anecdotes about how differences in personality can lead to conflict. They explore the idea that these conflicts can be beneficial for growth. 03:00 Understanding Compatibility in Relationships The conversation shifts to the importance of compatibility and how some couples thrive without conflict due to similar personalities. Rick shares insights on how exposure to different traits can foster personal growth. 04:50 Strengths and Weaknesses in Relationships Joel and Rick discuss how opposites can complement each other, highlighting the balance between spontaneity and steadiness in relationships. They reflect on personal experiences to illustrate the dynamics of differing personalities. 07:00 The Value of Different Perspectives The duo dives into the significance of valuing each other's perspectives in a relationship, using the metaphor of a quarter to explain how different views can lead to a more comprehensive understanding. They emphasize the importance of communication and openness. 09:28 Parenting Opposite Personalities Joel seeks advice from Rick on parenting a child whose personality starkly contrasts his ow

Send us a textConflict is a natural part of two people trying to get along. But if we run from it, it can lead to all sorts of negative consequences. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to handle conflict with grace by figuring out exactly what the issue is, expressing emotions properly, and recognizing what the motivation is of the person you're in conflict with. #relationshipgoals #marriage #fyp #foryou

Send us a textConflict is a natural part of two people trying to get along. But if we run from it, it can lead to all sorts of negative consequences. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to handle conflict with grace by figuring out exactly what the issue is, first. #relationshipgoals #marriage #fyp #foryou

Send us a textOn Rick and Jana Malm's 50th wedding anniversary, Joël talks to his dad about tips for keeping your marriage strong for the long haul. 

Send us a textIt's easy to feel behind in life. But what if late bloomers have the greatest advantage? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the power of late bloomers. #latebloomer #fyp #foryou #

Send us a textIn spite of all our connectedness, people have never been more lonely. Sometimes loneliness is a function of the season we're in, but sometimes it's because we've isolated ourselves. Joël and Rick talk about how to walk through lonely seasons with wisdom. 

Send us a textOften times emotions and perspectives on life are based on seasons. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to identity seasonal patterns in your life. 

Send us a textLife happens in seasons and there are some seasons that feel like starting over. It can feel like you've failed. But what if starting over is part of God's plan. Joël and Rick talk about keeping perspective on starting over.#fyp #foryou #startingover #beginagain

Send us a textWe all need friends, but it seems to be really hard to make deep friendships after age 30. Joël and Rick talk about the challenges of making lasting friendships. #fyp #friendship #friendshipgoals #foryou

Send us a text Christians are called to be in the world but not of it. So how exactly do we live in the world without its negative influence having an impact on us? How do we help our kids do that? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the subtle nuances of keeping yourself from being impacted by negative influence. #fyp #foryou #jesus #relationships #parenting 

Send us a textWhen you love someone, you want the best for them. Often times, we can see clearly areas people need to change, but when it comes to relationships helping someone change can be a challenge. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to help those you love change. #marriage #fyp #foryou #changeishard

Send us a textFeelings of rejection can have a major impact on us. Some peoples' greatest fear is being rejected by those they love and value. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to deal with rejection. Books we talked about: The Ins & Out of Rejection by Charles Solomon: https://amzn.to/3PMei6D #fyp #foryou #rejection #forgiveness #jesus

Send us a textThere are going to be times in life when you just aren't "feeling it." How do you stay motivated? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to find motivation in every season of life. Books we talked about: 1. From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur Brooks: https://amzn.to/3WTNC8f 2. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin: https://amzn.to/4h34LnZ #fyp #foryou #motivation #jesus

Send us a textVision is a word people like to throw around, but does everyone need one? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the power of having vision for your life, even if it doesn't seem very big. #foryou #podcast #fyp #jesus #vision #visionmap

Send us a textGo big or go home, right? What if that mindset is actually what's keeping you from big things... Joël and Rick talk about different projects they've started that began small but turned big over time. #goals #2025

Send us a textThe Apostle Paul says we were created for good works which were prepared by God for us to do (Eph. 2:10) -- so how do you figure out exactly what those works are? Do we have all have the same calling or do some people have a specific call? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the tricky task of finding your calling. #fyp #foryou #findyourcalling #calling #jesus

Send us a textAs 2025 gets started, lots of us have some goals for where we want to go. But what if there's a step that's even more important than goal-setting. Joël and Rick talk about having vision for your future and where you want to go. #vision #2025 #goals #fyp #foryou

Send us a textLots of things in life are up for grabs if you'll just have the courage to ask. Jesus even encourages us to ask our Heavenly Father (Matthew 7:7-11). So why do we struggle to ask sometimes? And how do we know if we're asking according to God's will? Joël and Rick talk about this (and more). #fyp #foryou #godswill #prayer #heavenlyfather

Send us a textDo we ever get to a point where a job is "below" us? How do you know when it's time to stop doing something and let someone else pay their dues? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about what "paying your dues" looks like.#fyp #foryou #payingyourdues #jesus #god #stewardship

Send us a textWe've all heard a miraculous story of someone being delivered from a habit or addiction. We're happy for those folks, but what about those of us who have to struggle for our entire lives to beat something. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the blessings of not being immediately delivered from patterns, hangups, and habits. 

Send us a textWhat if defeat is the path to victory? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the power of being defeated in the path to victory.  #victory #conqueror #fyp #foryou #john12:24

Send us a textThere have been loads of pastor scandals lately. There is forgiveness for sin, but how quickly should someone be allowed to be back in a leadership position after they violated a sacred trust? #pastor #scandal #ministry

Send us a textIf we aren't careful --over time-- our faith can become a bit comfortable and even boring. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to keep your faith from losing its edge. 

Send us a textDeep inside many of us feel like we aren't quite living up to what we could be. But what are we supposed to do? Often times, we're waiting on God to do what we can't do, but in the meantime it can feel like you're dying inside. Joël and Rick talk about what it looks like to give God all your potential. #potential #livingwithpurpose

Send us a textChristians tend to have their own lingo and there are certain things we say in church that would just sound weird if said in conversation. Why do we do this? Is it limiting our ability to speak to others about Christ? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to avoid the trap of falling into talking about God in ways that are out of sync with normal human communication. 

Send us a textWould God ever call you to do something that hurts your family? How do you know for sure that God has spoken? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about what to do when God asks you to do something that could hurt those you love. #family #hearingGod 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joël talks to his dad (Rick) about what he's learned over the last 70 years of life. 

Send us a textSociety seems to swing on a pendulum of one extreme to another. Politically, religiously. In the episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to stay balanced when the world wants to push you to extremes. 

Send us a textAsk  and you shall receive. That's what Jesus said. But why is it so hard for many of us to ask? Joël and Rick talk about how and why we should ask big. 

Send us a textIn this episode, Joël and Rick prepare to be burned at the stake, as they answer a listener question: Can people who never hear about Jesus be saved? It's a controversial question that has caused much heater debate over the years....

Send us a textThere's lots in the Bible about how to respond to horrible leaders. But where's the line? What if your boss is asking you to do something unethical? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to stay faithful when you work for a horrible boss.

Send us a textIn this episode, Joël and Rick answer a listener's question: Besides Bible reading and prayer, what's one spiritual discipline to add to your daily routine? Joël and Rick give their answers to what they think is best, in their humble opinion, of course!

Send us a textSin, faith, and reality -- how do they all fit together? In this episode, Joël talks to his dad, Rick, about his new book concept that he's still working out in his head (but might be heresy....) :) 

Send us a textKing Solomon had a lot to say about fools. And most of us know at least one person who seems determined to make foolish decisions. So, what do you do with those people? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the challenges of dealing with foolish people in our lives. 

Send us a Text Message.Fasting is hard. But throughout history people have fasted for health and spiritual reasons. Is it possible there are some untapped benefits that come with this discipline? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about the power of fasting.

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how much of scripture is for everyone and how much was specific to certain groups... and dive into some deep theological waters. 

Send us a Text Message.Solomon says, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Pr. 22:1) But these days, it seems like shameless and despicable have people who are willing to defend them -- and they're rich. And some good people get a horrible name in public. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about whether Solomon's words still hold true for today

Send us a Text Message.We've all been taught about the importance of accountability, but how many financial, moral, and ethical scandals have happened with people who were being held "accountable." Joël and Rick talk about what makes accountability really work. 

Send us a Text Message.Chesterton once said, "“Men do not differ much about what things they will call evils; they differ enormously about what evils they will call excusable.” In every decision, there's an reality that we may be overlooking some evil in the name of choosing the lesser evil. In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about how to choose your evil wisely. 

Send us a Text Message.King Solomon warned us to, "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter." (Pr. 24:11) Does this mean there are times Christians should speak up rhetorically about political issues? In this episode, Joël and Rick talk about a Christian response to political rhetoric.

Send us a Text Message.Once you've accepted Christ gift of salvation, can you lose your salvation? Can you walk away from it? In this episode Joël and Rick answer a listener question about losing your salvation (and probably lose some listeners in the process :) 

Send us a Text Message.Music is art and with all art there's lots of ambiguity. So when it comes to worship music, is it dangerous to sing songs that aren't super accurate or directly from the Bible? In this episode, Joël and Rick respond to a listener's question about worship music.