Podcasts about biblical principles

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Latest podcast episodes about biblical principles

We Don't PLAY
SEO Expert vs. SEO Agency: Making the Right Choice for Your Business (Decision Makers Edition) with Favour Obasi-ike

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 105:40


SEO Expert vs. SEO Agency: Making the Right Choice for Your Business (Decision Makers Edition) with Favour Obasi-ike with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Episode SummaryBusiness decision-makers constantly face the challenge of choosing between a solo SEO expert and a full-service SEO agency to drive their online growth. In this episode, host Favour Obasi-ike is joined by guests Marc McIntosh, (G.A.) Pimpleton, and Jolanta Kissoon Young to demystify this critical choice.The discussion unpacks the distinct roles of each provider, revealing that an expert acts like a specialist "doctor" for targeted advice, while an agency serves as a holistic "coach" for comprehensive execution. The conversation also ventures into the dark side of the industry, exposing common pitfalls and scams with firsthand accounts of fraudulent practices.Finally, the group provides a concrete, actionable framework for vetting a trustworthy partner, emphasizing the non-negotiable need for proven results and the power of earned trust to ensure your SEO investment translates into real business growth.Read New SEO Article: Is It Worth Hiring an SEO Expert in 2026? [Table Comparison]Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about digital marketing services.>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Key Takeaways for Business LeadersFirst, define your need before you hire. The most critical first step is to align your business stage with the right provider. An SEO expert is ideal for startups or businesses needing strategic advice, specialized audits, or tactical guidance ("seeing where the needle is"). A full-service agency is better suited for mid-to-large companies that require an aggressive, multi-disciplinary growth strategy and hands-on implementation ("moving the needle").Second, "receipts" are non-negotiable. Do not hire a provider based on promises alone. Demand tangible proof of their competence and impact. Ask for detailed case studies, analytics, and data—what G.A. calls "receipts"—that show where past clients in your industry started and where they finished. This data should clearly demonstrate an increase in revenue, reach, and other key business metrics.Third, trust is earned through value. The most reliable and effective SEO partners are often those who don't rely on aggressive advertising. As Marc argues, trust is built over time. Seek out experts and agencies who freely educate their audience through podcasts, blogs, or online communities. This demonstrates genuine expertise, builds a foundation of trust, and proves they are more focused on delivering value than just making a sale.Detailed Episode Breakdown & Timestamps1. Introduction: The Core DilemmaStarting at 00:00, host Favour Obasi-ike opens the discussion by framing the critical decision business owners face: whether to engage a freelance SEO expert or a larger SEO agency. He emphasizes the strategic importance of this choice, noting that it can define a company's digital foundation and shape its future growth trajectory.At 01:15, Favour Obasi-ike provides an initial breakdown of the fundamental differences, describing an expert as a specialist focused on a specific problem, while an agency covers a comprehensive range of needs. He also introduces the idea that, under specific circumstances, the two can work together effectively.At 03:30, two primary scenarios for collaboration are detailed: an expert can augment an agency's team with specialized skills for a particular project, or an expert can be brought in to provide a "third eye" perspective for an established in-house team, offering an outside view to improve internal processes.With the core dilemma established, the discussion moves to the crucial task of matching your specific business needs to the right provider model.2. Differentiating Roles: The Doctor vs. The CoachBeginning at 05:00, the conversation highlights that to make a smart investment, you must first diagnose your own needs. This section provides a clear framework—the "Doctor vs. the Coach"—to help you distinguish between the need for tactical advice versus comprehensive execution and align your specific requirements with the right type of service provider.At 06:45, the conversation compares the two roles using a clear analogy: the expert is like a doctor who diagnoses and prescribes, while the agency is like a coach who manages the team and executes the game plan. The SEO Expert, or "Doctor," acts as a consultant or specialist who provides tactics and strategies, helping you "see where the needle is." They typically cost between $500 to $3,000+ per month on average. The SEO Agency, or "Coach," provides a full team for execution and acts as the "backbone of your brand online," actively "moving the needle" for you with a robust, multidisciplinary approach.At 09:10, Favour Obasi-ike explains the concept of an SEO agency acting as the technical "backbone" for a brand online. An agency is responsible for a wide array of needs, from generating traffic and performing technical fixes to assisting with branding, backlinks, and local SEO.At 11:25, clear advice is given on when to hire each: an expert is ideal for those just starting out who need to learn the ropes and get strategic direction. In contrast, an agency is necessary for mid-to-large businesses or well-funded startups that require an aggressive, multifaceted growth strategy.While understanding the ideal roles is essential, the real risk lies in the industry's dark side. The speakers now pivot to the critical red flags that can save a business from costly mistakes.3. Industry Pitfalls: Scams, Red Flags, and Cautionary TalesAt 15:30, the conversation shifts to address the "bad rep" of the SEO industry, highlighting why business owners must be exceptionally vigilant. This segment underscores the importance of recognizing red flags to avoid wasting money, losing time, and protecting critical company assets like websites and data.At 17:00, G.A. shares his negative experiences with agencies, explaining his preference for direct, one-on-one relationships. He recounts a client's horror story where a previous agency held their website and data hostage, making it nearly impossible to transition to a new provider and regain control of their own intellectual property.At 20:15, Marc McIntosh offers a powerful anecdote about a new client who had been paying a significant sum for "SEO services" but did not even have Google Analytics or Google Search Console connected to their site—a fundamental flaw. He warns against providers selling overpriced, templated services and using fake bot traffic to manipulate reports and create the illusion of progress.At 24:50, G.A. describes a common scam in his industry where companies buy recycled, low-quality leads from "SEO experts" who use impressive-sounding buzzwords like "quantum computing" to sell ineffective, boilerplate services that fail to deliver genuine clients.Recognizing the scams is half the battle; the other half is proactively identifying a trustworthy partner. The conversation now provides a practical vetting framework to do just that.4. Vetting a Partner: How to Find a Trustworthy ProviderStarting at 28:00, and armed with an understanding of the risks, this section delivers a practical toolkit for due diligence. Follow these systematic steps to move beyond a provider's sales pitch and verify their true capabilities, establishing a successful and transparent partnership from the start.At 29:30, the speakers collectively outline actionable steps for vetting any potential SEO provider.First, ask probing questions. Favour Obasi-ike suggests asking specific operational questions to gauge professionalism and process, such as: "What is your tech stack?", "How do you handle sensitive data and passwords?", and "How do you work as a team?".Second, demand "receipts" (proof of work). Synthesizing advice from the panel, this point stresses the need to see hard evidence. Demand what GA calls "receipts"—case studies, analytics, and performance data showing where clients started and finished. Additionally, as H advises, ensure these case studies explain the strategy behind the results, demonstrating their understanding of your industry.Third, check their own fundamentals. Marc provides a simple but effective tip: audit the provider's own website for basic SEO health. If they have fundamental errors like multiple H1 tags (Mark's example) or an outdated copyright date (Jolanta's example), it's a major red flag.Fourth, verify their authority. Look for tangible proof that they are a genuine expert in their field. A credible provider often has a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, hosts a podcast, writes a blog, or runs a community where they actively share knowledge and engage with their industry.Fifth, prioritize referrals and earned trust. Marc makes a compelling argument that the best partners are found through trusted referrals, not advertisements. He advises following potential experts over time. Those who consistently teach and give value freely are building genuine trust, making them a much safer and more reliable choice.A thorough vetting process is the best defense against industry scams and serves as the foundation for a fruitful, long-term relationship.5. Final Thoughts & Resources MentionedAt 45:00, the final segment wraps up the discussion by covering specific tools and platforms that can aid in SEO efforts. This reinforces the core idea that successful SEO is not a one-time fix but an ongoing, dynamic process of learning, implementation, and adaptation.At 46:15, the discussion touches on leveraging specific platforms for greater reach. In response to Jolanta's question, Favour Obasi-ike explains that Pinterest is a powerful visual search engine, not just a social media platform. Because the lifespan of a "pin" is 3.5 months to 5 months (compared to 19-72 hours for an Instagram post), content published there continues to drive traffic and build authority for a brand long after it's posted.At 52:30, the tools and platforms mentioned throughout the episode include: ClickUp, Zoom, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, ChatGPT, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Pinterest.At 55:00, Favour Obasi-ike closes the episode with a final call to action, encouraging listeners to connect with him directly via the link in his bio to turn the insights from the conversation into concrete action for their businesses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FrontStage BackStage with Jason Daye - Healthy Leadership for Life and Ministry
Dr. Kevin Chapman - Moving Toward Emotional Maturity: Biblical Principles for Emotional Health - Top of 2025 - FrontStage BackStage with Jason Daye

FrontStage BackStage with Jason Daye - Healthy Leadership for Life and Ministry

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 39:59


Top of 2025 // One of Our Most Engaged Episodes of 2025In our world, emotional distress seems to be increasing. So, can we integrate biblical principles, evidence-based insights from psychology, and spiritual practices to help us master our emotions rather than allowing our emotions to master us? In this week's conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Dr. Kevin Chapman. Kevin is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. He leads the Sound Mind Ministries and hosts The Sound Mind Show on YouTube. His most recent book is entitled Mastering Our Emotions. Together, Kevin and Jason have a hope-filled conversation about how we can master our emotions through biblical principles and the power of Christ. Kevin also touches on some of the realities and some of the misconceptions about negative emotions and gives us practical ways that we, as ministry leaders, can help others overcome negative emotions through the power of Christ.Dig deeper into this conversation: Find the free Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide, all resource links, and more at http://PastorServe.org/networkSome key takeaways from this conversation:Kevin Chapman on the connection between faith, intentionality, and the power of transformation that reaches both the heart and mind: "By partnering with the Holy Spirit and confronting those emotions, you're literally reprogramming your brain."Kevin Chapman on the importance of analyzing and understanding the broader aspects of emotions rather than solely experiencing or describing how they feel: "Focus on the features of emotions, not just the feelings of emotions."Kevin Chapman on the important role emotions play in guiding us through life and our spiritual journey: "Our emotions are meant to help us navigate our world, even to serve God, but we have to learn to regulate them."----------------Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders. Love well, live well, & lead well Complimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesession Follow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...

We Don't PLAY
Dr. Nashay Lowe: Navigating Human Conflict Management Corporately with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 26:33


In this podcast episode, host Favour Obasi-Ike sits down with international conflict management expert Dr. Nashay Lowe to reveal how AI can serve as the ultimate mirror, reflecting our hidden biases and transforming how we communicate.Episode SummaryThis conversation delves into the strategic importance of understanding Artificial Intelligence not merely as a technological advancement, but as a transformative tool for enhancing professional communication, streamlining problem-solving, and fostering profound self-reflection. Dr. Nashay Lowe guides us through the necessary mindset shift required to harness AI's power, moving beyond skepticism to see its potential as an indispensable partner in complex human endeavors.The discussion charts a journey from initial resistance to a nuanced appreciation of AI's role in the modern workplace. Favour Obasi-Ike and Dr. Nashay Lowe dissect the common fear that AI will replace human jobs, reframing the technology as a "power tool" that augments human capability rather than rendering it obsolete.Dr. Nashay Lowe states that the real professional risk isn't being replaced by AI, but by a colleague who masters it. The conversation culminates in a powerful central metaphor: AI as an objective mirror. As Dr. Nashay Lowe states, "Conflict reveals who we are, it doesn't create our divisions it reflects them." In the same way, AI offers a unique ability to reflect our communication patterns and strategic gaps without the inherent lens of a human observer.Ultimately, the episode reveals that AI's effectiveness is entirely dependent on human guidance. Through skillful prompting, critical questioning, and a commitment to ethical use, professionals can leverage AI to see their challenges, and themselves, with unprecedented clarity. This episode provides a compelling roadmap for anyone looking to integrate AI thoughtfully into their work.These are the essential insights you need to navigate this new landscape.Key TakeawaysThis section distills the most critical and actionable insights from the conversation with Dr. Nashay Lowe. These takeaways serve as foundational principles for any professional seeking to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly AI-integrated world, transforming a complex technology into a practical asset for growth and efficiency.AI is an Evolutionary Tool, Not an EnemyResisting AI is akin to resisting the adoption of computers or smartphones—a futile effort against an inevitable technological evolution. The true professional threat is not being replaced by AI itself, but by someone who masters AI as a tool to work more efficiently and effectively. Adaptation is no longer optional; it's a core professional competency.AI Serves as an Objective MirrorThe most powerful application of AI in subjective fields like conflict management is its ability to act as a mirror to our own communication patterns, biases, and choices. By analyzing language and scenarios without a human's inherent emotional or experiential lens, it can reveal subtle tensions, repetitive biases, and strategic blind spots that we might otherwise miss.Human Input Dictates AI OutputThe value of AI is not in the technology alone, but in the user's ability to guide it. Dr. Nashay Lowe emphasizes the necessity of iterative prompting, asking critical questions, and providing specific context to achieve nuanced results. A generic prompt yields a generic answer; a thoughtful, challenging prompt unlocks a deeper level of analysis and creativity.AI Can Augment, But Not Replace, EmpathyWhile AI lacks genuine consciousness or empathy, it serves as an invaluable diagnostic tool. Dr. Nashay Lowe powerfully argues that AI can remind us where empathy is missing in our strategies and communications. It can highlight a failure to consider another perspective or identify language that lacks warmth, prompting the human user to inject the necessary emotional intelligence.The User is the Ultimate Guardian of PrivacyAs AI systems become more deeply integrated with our personal and professional data streams, the user's responsibility grows exponentially. The conversation highlights the valid paranoia around connecting AI to sensitive information. The key takeaway is that the user must proactively manage data connections and maintain confidentiality, for instance, by using anonymized scenarios rather than identifiable information.These core principles provide a framework for leveraging AI not just as a machine, but as a partner in professional development.Detailed Episode Timestamps & NotesThis structured guide provides a detailed breakdown of the episode's key moments and discussions. Use these timestamps to navigate directly to the topics and insights that are most relevant to your professional journey.[00:00:00] Introduction: The Power of Human ConnectionHost Favour Obasi-Ike and Dr. Nashay Lowe reflect on their meeting in Las Vegas, emphasizing how valuable real-world, in-person connections are for creating professional opportunities, including this very podcast episode.[00:02:15] Meet Dr. Nashay Lowe: Proactive Strategy Over Reactive Problem-SolvingDr. Nashay Lowe outlines her background in international conflict management and her current mission. She applies global frameworks to local conflicts in academic and nonprofit sectors, aiming to shift leaders from "putting out fires" to implementing proactive strategies. Her goal is to create long-term, healthy habits rather than relying on ineffective "one-off" workshops.[00:04:30] Navigating AI Skepticism: A Necessary Mindset ShiftDr. Nashay Lowe addresses the common resistance to AI, framing it as a crucial mindset shift. She draws parallels to the initial skepticism surrounding cell phones and computers, arguing that AI is an evolving tool that will inevitably become integrated into every aspect of our lives. Adaptation is key.[00:06:45] The AI & Human Partnership: More Power Tool, Less ReplacementThe conversation reframes AI not as a replacement for humans, but as a tool that enhances efficiency. Dr. Nashay Lowe shares a powerful analogy from her partner, comparing the evolution of work to building a house with a hammer and nail versus a power tool, the goal is the same, but the right tool makes the process faster and more efficient.[00:10:10] AI in Conflict Management: Reflecting Our DivisionsThis segment explores the episode's central thesis. Dr. Nashay Lowe explains, "Conflict reveals who we are, it doesn't create our divisions it reflects them. And so artificial intelligence to me works much of the same way." She argues that AI can serve as an objective mirror in the subjective process of conflict resolution, identifying patterns and biases that a human mediator, operating through their own lens, might overlook.[00:14:00] The Emerging Frontier: AI as a Therapeutic ToolDr. Nashay Lowe notes the surprising trend of people using generative AI like ChatGPT for therapeutic purposes. She shares an anecdote about users having "meltdowns" on TikTok after a software update made the AI seem less "nice," underscoring the complex, human-like relationships people are beginning to form with the technology.[00:17:30] Using AI Responsibly: The Art of the PromptThis section focuses on the principle that AI's output is only as good as its input. Dr. Lowe explains the importance of prompting AI to challenge your assumptions ("Don't confirm what I'm already telling you") rather than simply validating them. Responsible use involves an iterative process of refining the AI's output with specific human feedback.[00:20:45] Privacy vs. Progress: The Security DilemmaDr. Nashay Lowe addresses the valid security and privacy concerns surrounding AI's integration with personal data like emails, calendars, and financial accounts. She contrasts this risk with a practical strategy for maintaining confidentiality in her work: using anonymized scenarios ("Person ABC") to analyze conflicts without exposing personally identifiable information.[00:25:00] Crafting Dialogue: A Masterclass in SpecificityDr. Nashay Lowe provides a masterclass on using AI to develop communication scripts. Her method involves giving the AI a specific persona ("You are a 25-year vet in conflict management") and, crucially, directing it to pull information from credible, specific sources like peer-reviewed journals. She continually refines the output with detailed feedback until it meets the desired tone and substance.[00:30:10] Dr. Lowe's Core Message: A Reminder Where Empathy is MissingDr. Nashay Lowe delivers her powerful final takeaway. She concludes that AI can never replace essential human qualities like presence, listening, or humility. However, its greatest strength is its ability to "hold a mirror to our communication patterns and ask without judgment, 'Is this how you're meant to show up?'"Learn more about this episode's insightful guest in the section below.About Our GuestThis episode features the expert insights of Dr. Nashay Lowe, a strategist dedicated to transforming how leaders approach conflict and organizational health.Dr. Nashay Lowe is a specialist in international conflict management who applies global frameworks to solve local challenges. She works primarily with academic and nonprofit leaders to help them shift from reactive problem-solving to building proactive strategies for long-term success. With a focus on creating healthier, sustainable habits within organizations, Dr. Nashay Lowe is currently exploring the cutting edge of her field by integrating Artificial Intelligence as a tool to foster more objective, effective, and positive change.Resources & Ways to ConnectConnect with Dr. Nashay Lowe:Website: https://www.loweinsights.comPodcast: The Resolution RoomInstagram: @loweinsightsLinkedIn: Nashay LoweNext Steps for Booking A SEO Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + Done-for-you SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We Don't PLAY
Restaurant Food SEO: Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash and OpenTable Marketing Tactical Strategies with Favour Obasi-ike

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 108:49


This Clubhouse marketing session explores the multifaceted world of Restaurant SEO and its application to local businesses. Favour details how establishing a strong digital presence through third-party platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash creates a "franchise SEO" ecosystem that builds brand authority. The discussion emphasizes off-page strategies, such as connecting Google Business profiles and social media links, to drive traffic and foster community trust. Participants also examine the role of multimedia content, suggesting that podcasts and videos can humanize a brand by showcasing chef interviews or cooking processes. Beyond restaurants, the conversation expands to cover niche industries like private investigation, highlighting how AI-driven search and reputation management are reshaping modern visibility. Ultimately, the sources advocate for a strategic blend of long-term organic growth and immediate paid advertising to maintain a competitive edge.Restaurant SEO: Uber Eats, Grubhub and DoorDash Marketing Tactical Strategies with Favour Obasi-ike with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Defining Restaurant SEOThe discussion begins by establishing that "Restaurant SEO" is not a unique discipline but rather a specialized application of local SEO. This foundational understanding is critical for any business reliant on a physical location for customer visits, from restaurants and local stores to farm markets. At [00:01:15], the host defines Restaurant SEO as local SEO with a "restaurant tag" on it, emphasizing its importance for driving traffic, generating tangible results, and gathering customer feedback—all vital for a local establishment's growth.By [00:03:30], the conversation introduces two key strategies for extending a restaurant's online reach. The first is Franchise SEO, which involves leveraging third-party platforms with active communities, such as DoorDash, GrubHub, OpenTable, and NextDoor. Listing a restaurant on these services creates powerful backlinks to its primary website, enhancing its authority. The second is Off-Page SEO, which refers to activities on other digital platforms, primarily social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Connecting these profiles back to the main website helps build a robust online presence and authority. These definitions set the stage for the episode's central strategic debate on driving business growth.[00:10:00] The Core Debate: SEO for Trust vs. Ads for ImmediacyThis section frames the episode's central conflict, presenting two competing yet complementary philosophies for driving restaurant growth. The speakers weigh the immediate, traffic-driving power of paid advertising against the long-term, trust-building foundation of a solid SEO strategy.At [00:11:45], John makes a strong case for prioritizing paid advertising, asserting that restaurants "need customers now." He argues that paid strategies, such as a proven Facebook advertising model, are the most effective tools for immediate results and that SEO should be considered a secondary, long-term project. At [00:15:20], another speaker supports John's point on the need for immediacy, using a practical example to illustrate the customer mindset: "if I want chicken wings, I'm not worried about SEO."By [00:18:00], Favour presents the counter-argument, clarifying that SEO's primary role is to build trust and credibility before a sale can occur. He uses the analogy of a "red flag" for anyone promising immediate sales directly from SEO. The group reaches a consensus that a balanced approach is best: ads are essential for short-term traffic, while SEO serves as the indispensable long-term foundation for sustainable growth and brand authority. The conversation then transitions from this high-level strategy debate to a specific, actionable content strategy proposed by the host.[00:25:00] A Creative Content Strategy: The Restaurant PodcastThis segment introduces a novel and powerful idea for restaurants to differentiate themselves and build a deep, trust-based relationship with their community. The speakers frame podcasting as a way for a restaurant to move beyond simple listings and reviews to become a true content creator and community hub.At [00:26:10], the host proposes that a restaurant should start its own podcast, utilizing both audio and video formats to engage potential customers on a deeper level. By [00:27:30], the group brainstorms a range of compelling content ideas, including video recipes, cooking tutorials, and culinary tips; interviews with the restaurant's chefs to discuss their creative process; discussions on the quality and sourcing of ingredients; answering frequently asked questions from customers; exploring the history and cultural significance of the cuisine; collaborating with beverage brands featured on the menu; taste tests and sampling sessions; customer testimonials; and behind-the-scenes looks at special events or cookouts.By [00:30:00], the primary strategic goal of this podcasting strategy is articulated: to build profound trust by allowing customers to discover aspects of the restaurant they would never think to search for, thereby creating a stronger and more resilient brand connection. This discussion on creating unique content naturally leads to the technical necessity of structuring that content correctly on the restaurant's website.[00:33:00] Technical SEO Deep Dive: The Menu is Your WebsiteThis section uncovers a critical and often-overlooked technical SEO mistake that can severely handicap a restaurant's online visibility. The speakers reveal how relying on seemingly convenient third-party systems for menu hosting can prevent a restaurant from capitalizing on valuable search traffic.At [00:34:05], a speaker highlights the significant failure of using platforms like Toast that consolidate an entire menu onto a single landing page. He explains that this approach misses the opportunity to have 25 separate, indexable pages for a 25-item menu. By [00:36:15], the impact of this mistake is clarified: individual menu item pages should be treated like e-commerce products. Each page is capable of generating its own organic traffic and ranking for highly specific searches, such as "best chicken wings in [city]."The solution, discussed at [00:38:40], is to structure the restaurant's website so that each menu item has its own dedicated page. Each page should be optimized with rich descriptions, proper titles, and an easy-to-use ordering system, thereby maximizing the restaurant's "footprints and stamps across the internet." The conversation then shifts from these on-site technical details to the broader, future-facing topic of visibility within emerging AI search engines.[00:42:00] The Future: AI Visibility and Advanced AutomationSetting the stage for a forward-looking discussion, the experts explore how the concept of "being found" is expanding beyond traditional search engines. The focus shifts to include AI-powered Large Language Models (LLMs) and the new opportunities they present for visibility and automation.At [00:43:10], the group discusses the growing importance of "AI Visibility." This involves ensuring a restaurant's information appears when users ask direct questions to AI chatbots like ChatGPT (e.g., "what's the best sushi restaurant near me?"). They also touch on how platforms like Perplexity can be leveraged for rapid ranking within these new search paradigms.By [00:45:00], the concept of using AI agents and automation for SEO tasks is introduced. A speaker provides a powerful example of using a tool like N8N to create an agent that can log into a website daily and automatically optimize product titles. He elevates this concept by explaining the goal is to move beyond simple email reports and "upgrade to the voice agents... and my AI gives me a phone call about the listings that's been optimized," emphasizing a future where an AI proactively works and reports, even waking the owner from sleep with critical updates.At [00:47:25], the speakers identify some of the foundational data sources that LLMs use to answer queries, such as SERP API and DuckDuckGo. This highlights the necessity for businesses to be listed and visible in these core digital infrastructures to appear in AI-generated results. This look into the future of search concludes the main discussion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We Don't PLAY
Happy Birthday, Favour Obasi-ike!

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025 1:42


Happy Birthday to Favour Obasi-ike. He shares a personal message of gratitude while celebrating a birthday. He reflects on the show's prolific output, noting that over 140 out of 600+ episodes were produced in the current year alone. As the show prepares to enter its twelfth season in 2026, listeners are encouraged to explore the extensive archives via a searchable website to find specific marketing and business topics via wedontplaypodcast.comThis brief update serves as a direct connection with the audience to offer appreciation for their consistent loyalty. Finally, the creator concludes the message by looking forward to future content and heading off to a commemorative dinner.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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What Makes a High-Converting Website in 2026? AI SEO Marketing Masterclass with Favour Obasi-ike

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 78:33


Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

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We Don't PLAY
Merry Christmas!

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 0:05


Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! This episode features Favour Obasi-ike offering a holiday greeting to his precious listeners. This captures a seasonal well-wish intended to convey warmth and spiritual favor during the winter festivities. By using a traditional festive salutation, Favour aims to establish a positive connection with you, the listener. The message is succinct and celebratory, focusing entirely on a Christian blessing associated with the Christmas season. This simple piece of media serves as a sincere gesture of goodwill and holiday cheer.Thank you for listening to the We Don't PLAY™️ Podcast Show! God bless you!-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Booking A Discovery Call | Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We Don't PLAY
Stewart Cohen: Cutting Through the Noise with Credibility & Building a Lasting Business

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 26:19


In this episode, we sit down with a top entrepreneur and filmmaker Stewart Cohen, an expert and business owner of nearly 20 years, to unpack how to build genuine credibility and lasting success in an age of overwhelming digital noise ("cyber noise").Stewart shares timeless principles from his entrepreneurial journey, shaped by a family legacy of business ownership, and contrasts the foundational strategies of the past with the unique challenges of today.Stewart argues that in a world where “social media lies, websites lie,” the most valuable currency is in-person credibility. He provides a masterclass in turning client relationships into your most powerful marketing engine and explains why protecting your audience's attention is the ultimate business discipline.

FLF, LLC
EPISODE 350!!!: Farewell Andrew ft. Wilson, Boot, Rock, McCullough, Kloosterman, Carpay & Malone [Liberty Dispatch]

FLF, LLC

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025


Liberty Dispatch ~ December 19, 2025In this episode of Liberty Dispatch, we celebrate episode 350 and host Andrew DeBartolo's final show with our friends Drs. Joseph Boot, Aaron Rock, Peter McCullough, Robert Malone, Lawyer John Carpay, and Pastors Doug Wilson and Alex Kloosterman. In it, we talk about Bill C-9, the conservative civil war, the “dank” Right, Christian nationalism, vaccines, and how to think Christianly about all things. For full access to all our content, including all seven of the full-length interviews for this show, become a paid subscriber at: https://ldcanada.substack.com. Opening & Intro (00:00–02:34)Welcome & Introduction (01:28–10:27)Interview 1 - Thinking Christianly ft. Rev. Dr. Joe Boot (10:271–26:22):Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/;Buy Think Christianly Now!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind;Segment 1 - Our First Show Together (26:22–42:32):“These Bills are Insane!” | Liberty Dispatch: https://rumble.com/vwv7cv-these-bills-are-insane.html;Interview 2 - Bill C-9 ft. JCCF's John Carpay (42:32–57:31):Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF): https://www.jccf.ca/;Interview 3 - What is a Nation? ft. Rev. Alex Kloosterman (59:07–01:14:15):Alexander Kloosterman | Dominion Press: https://substack.com/profile/69829905-alexander-kloosterman?utm_source=mention;Segment 2 - Our Favourite Guest (01:14:15–01:24:33):EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ft. JAMES COATES & TIM STEPHENS: https://rumble.com/v1wq8m0-exclusive-interview-ft.-james-coates-and-tim-stephens.html?e9s=src_v1_s%2Csrc_v1_s_o&sci=1768fbbd-2853-4f3e-aeef-964777f2db10;Interview 4 - ACIP & the Vaccine Schedule ft. Dr. Robert Malone (01:24:33–01:38:45):Dr. Robert Malone Website: https://www.rwmalonemd.com/;Interview 5 - Recovering from COVID Madness ft. Dr. Peter McCullough (01:40:48–02:00:22):Dr. Peter McCullough's Website: https://mcculloughfnd.org/Segment 3 - The Real Life Impact of Liberty Dispatch (02:00:22–02:07:53):Interview 6 - Biblical Principles for Political Practice ft. Rev. Dr. Aaron Rock (02:07:53–02:21:55):Harvest Bible Church: https://harvestbiblechurch.ca/Segment 4 - What's Next? (02:21:55–02:36:16):Interview 7 - Saving Christian Nationalism from Itself ft. Rev. Doug Wilson (02:36:16–02:53:41):Blog & Mablog: https://dougwils.com/;Canon Press: https://canonpress.com/Conclusion (02:53:41–03:16:03)Outro (03:16:03–03:16:32) SHOW SPONSORS:New Sponsor! Genesis Gold Group: https://bibleandgold.com; Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-546; Diversify Your Money with Bull Bitcoin: https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/dispatch; BarterPay: https://barterpay.ca/; Barter It: https://www.barterit.ca/; Get freedom from Censorious CRMS by signing up for SalesNexus: https://www.salesnexus.com/; SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SHOWS/CHANNELS:LIBERTY DISPATCH PODCAST: https://libertydispatch.podbean.com;https://rumble.com/LDshow; CONTACT US: libertydispatch@pm.me STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS LD:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberty_dispatch/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyDispatchCanada; X: @LDCanada - https://x.com/_LDCanada; Rumble: https://rumble.com/LDshow; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertydispatch Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, RATE, & REVIEW, and SHARE it with others!

We Don't PLAY
How to Write Catchy Titles (Meta), Descriptions, and High-Impact Headlines with Favour Obasi-ike [Step-by-step SEO Guide]

We Don't PLAY

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 51:28


How to Write Catchy Titles, Descriptions, and High-Impact Headlines for your websites, email marketing, social media marketing, Pinterest SEO, and more with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.Episode Summary:In this comprehensive episode + guide on crafting effective digital headlines, titles, and descriptions to boost online engagement. The speaker emphasizes that metadata acts as the essential context for content, serving as the primary factor that drives click-through rates across platforms like Google, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Strategic advice includes maintaining a title length of approximately 55 to 65 characters to avoid text truncation while maximizing visual impact. I also recommend using odd numbers, brackets, and power words to leverage psychological triggers that improve visibility and user trust. Finally, the discussion frames intentional copywriting as a vital tool for business owners to transform passive web traffic into active conversions and long-term brand authority.In high-level digital strategy, titles, descriptions, and headlines are not merely decorative—they serve as the essential "key frames" of metadata. This content architecture bridges the gap between raw information and audience discovery by providing the necessary context (Author, Host, Duration, and Intent) that search algorithms require to categorize an asset. By transforming raw content into searchable, high-value assets, a strategist ensures that the brand is prioritized within the user's search journey.Favour emphasizes that structured delivery and architectural integrity correlate directly to business results. If a title fails to establish immediate relevance, the conversion path is broken before it begins. Success in the current landscape requires a commitment to iterative improvement—ensuring the "next version" of a title or metadata set is systematically optimized based on data rather than intuition. This log details the tactical framework used by Favour, currently ranked #2 (We Don't PLAY!) on the FeedSpot Top 100 Marketing Podcasts (trailing only Gary Vaynerchuk), to drive visibility across SEO, PPC, and email ecosystems.Deep Dive: The Quantitative Science of Click-Through Rates (CTR)To maximize ROI, content creators must move beyond "gut feeling" and toward research-backed optimization. Using industry benchmarks from Orbit Media and Moz, we can calibrate headlines to meet the psychological triggers that drive user action.-------------------------------------------------------------------------Next Steps for Digital Marketing + SEO Services:>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Visit our Work and PLAY Entertainment website to learn about our digital marketing services.>> Visit our Official website for the best digital marketing, SEO, and AI strategies today!>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive SEO Marketing community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> Read SEO Articles>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need SEO Services? Book a Complimentary SEO Discovery Call with Favour Obasi-Ike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps[00:00] Catchy Titles vs. Structure; Metadata as the "Context to the Content."[05:00] The 600-Pixel Rule; Pixel Weight (W vs. l); The 55-Character Sweet Spot.[10:00] Moz Study Analysis; Numbers in Headlines; Why Odd Numbers Win; Brackets and Transparency.[15:00] Power Words and Psychological Triggering; Tool Highlight: CapitalizeMyTitle.[20:00] Platform Evolution: Instagram as TV; LinkedIn SEO and the One-Time URL Edit Rule.[25:00] Case Study: Ranking #2 on FeedSpot; The Math of the 12-Hour Masterclass; Call to Action.Effective content strategy requires tracking the flow of information to ensure "next-version" improvements. The following log segments the Masterclass into thematic chapters, providing the "So What?" factor for each strategic shift.Chapters:Chapter 1: The Metadata Framework [00:00 - 10:00] Context vs. Content. This segment establishes that metadata is the "context" (attributes like host and duration) that allows users to value an asset before engaging. Without these key frames, even high-quality content remains invisible to search engines and the "Exact Searcher Intent."Chapter 2: The Utility of Catchy Copy [10:00 - 18:00] Visibility Across the Funnel. Effective copy acts as the primary catalyst for Click-Through Rates (CTR) across SEO, LinkedIn, and Email. The speaker frames catchy titles as functional tools that pre-condition the audience for engagement and conversion.Chapter 3: The Physics of the Pixel [18:00 - 25:00] Typography Weight. Moving beyond character counts, this chapter introduces the 600-pixel display limit. Strategists must account for the "weight" of individual characters (e.g., a capital "W" vs. a lowercase "l") to prevent truncation and maintain a professional aesthetic on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page).Chapter 4: The Psychology of Numbers [25:00 - 35:00] Time-Value Perception. This section evaluates how numbers (specifically odd numbers) impact user psychology. The "So What?" factor is the "minute-per-item" rule: users subconsciously equate the number of items in a title to the minutes they must invest (e.g., 10 ways = 10 minutes), directly influencing the decision to click.Chapter 5: Platform Evolution [35:00 - 45:00] Ecosystem Logic. The speaker analyzes Instagram's transition to "TV-style" content and LinkedIn's rigid SEO URL logic. The key takeaway is the importance of "Exact Title Match" to meet user intent while navigating platform-specific constraints like DM automation and hashtag limits.Chapter 6: The Podcasting Marathon [45:00 - End] The Milestone Logic. Highlighting the "eighth-episode hurdle" where 500,000 creators quit annually, the speaker discusses his 600-episode milestone and the necessity of IAB Tech Lab compliance. Long-term distribution success is a result of persistence and technical "due diligence."High-Value Quotes"Metadata... that's just another way of saying how do we get context out of this content. Those are attributes... that's the context to the content." - Favour Obasi-ike"A capital W has more weight than a small w. A capital L has more weight than a small l... that weight they carry is a pixel size digitally.""If somebody clicks and finds your content valuable, resourceful, accurate, and responsive, then anything that you're going to do from SEO to PPC ads... you're able to use consistently."Resources:Companies Passing Tech Lab Compliance Programs | Podcast Compliance DirectoriesHeadline Analyzer Tool: Write Better Headlines | Write Better Headlines HereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Liberty Dispatch
EPISODE 350!!!: Farewell Andrew ft. Wilson, Boot, Rock, McCullough, Kloosterman, Carpay & Malone

Liberty Dispatch

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 196:32


Liberty Dispatch ~ December 19, 2025 In this episode of Liberty Dispatch, we celebrate episode 350 and host Andrew DeBartolo's final show with our friends Drs. Joseph Boot, Aaron Rock, Peter McCullough, Robert Malone, Lawyer John Carpay, and Pastors Doug Wilson and Alex Kloosterman. In it, we talk about Bill C-9, the conservative civil war, the “dank” Right, Christian nationalism, vaccines, and how to think Christianly about all things. For full access to all our content, including all seven of the full-length interviews for this show, become a paid subscriber at: https://ldcanada.substack.com. Opening & Intro (00:00–02:34) Welcome & Introduction (01:28–10:27) Interview 1 - Thinking Christianly ft. Rev. Dr. Joe Boot (10:271–26:22): Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/; Buy Think Christianly Now!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind; Segment 1 - Our First Show Together (26:22–42:32): “These Bills are Insane!” | Liberty Dispatch: https://rumble.com/vwv7cv-these-bills-are-insane.html; Interview 2 - Bill C-9 ft. JCCF's John Carpay (42:32–57:31): Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF): https://www.jccf.ca/; Interview 3 - What is a Nation? ft. Rev. Alex Kloosterman (59:07–01:14:15): https://substack.com/profile/69829905-alexander-kloosterman?utm_source=mention; Segment 2 - Our Favourite Guest (01:14:15–01:24:33): EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ft. JAMES COATES & TIM STEPHENS: https://rumble.com/v1wq8m0-exclusive-interview-ft.-james-coates-and-tim-stephens.html?e9s=src_v1_s%2Csrc_v1_s_o&sci=1768fbbd-2853-4f3e-aeef-964777f2db10; Interview 4 - ACIP & the Vaccine Schedule ft. Dr. Robert Malone (01:24:33–01:38:45): Dr. Robert Malone Website: https://www.rwmalonemd.com/; Interview 5 - Recovering from COVID Madness ft. Dr. Peter McCullough (01:40:48–02:00:22): Dr. Peter McCullough's Website: https://mcculloughfnd.org/ Segment 3 - The Real Life Impact of Liberty Dispatch (02:00:22–02:07:53): Interview 6 - Biblical Principles for Political Practice ft. Rev. Dr. Aaron Rock (02:07:53–02:21:55): Harvest Bible Church: https://harvestbiblechurch.ca/ Segment 4 - What's Next? (02:21:55–02:36:16): Interview 7 - Saving Christian Nationalism from Itself ft. Rev. Doug Wilson (02:36:16–02:53:41): Blog & Mablog: https://dougwils.com/; Canon Press: https://canonpress.com/ Conclusion (02:53:41–03:16:03) Outro (03:16:03–03:16:32) SHOW SPONSORS: New Sponsor! Genesis Gold Group: https://bibleandgold.com; Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-546; Diversify Your Money with Bull Bitcoin: https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/dispatch; BarterPay: https://barterpay.ca/; Barter It: https://www.barterit.ca/; Get freedom from Censorious CRMS by signing up for SalesNexus: https://www.salesnexus.com/; SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SHOWS/CHANNELS: LIBERTY DISPATCH PODCAST: https://libertydispatch.podbean.com; https://rumble.com/LDshow; CONTACT US: libertydispatch@pm.me STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS LD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberty_dispatch/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyDispatchCanada; X: @LDCanada - https://x.com/_LDCanada; Rumble: https://rumble.com/LDshow; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertydispatch Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, RATE, & REVIEW, and SHARE it with others!

Fight Laugh Feast Canada
EPISODE 350!!!: Farewell Andrew ft. Wilson, Boot, Rock, McCullough, Kloosterman, Carpay & Malone [Liberty Dispatch]

Fight Laugh Feast Canada

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025


Liberty Dispatch ~ December 19, 2025In this episode of Liberty Dispatch, we celebrate episode 350 and host Andrew DeBartolo's final show with our friends Drs. Joseph Boot, Aaron Rock, Peter McCullough, Robert Malone, Lawyer John Carpay, and Pastors Doug Wilson and Alex Kloosterman. In it, we talk about Bill C-9, the conservative civil war, the “dank” Right, Christian nationalism, vaccines, and how to think Christianly about all things. For full access to all our content, including all seven of the full-length interviews for this show, become a paid subscriber at: https://ldcanada.substack.com. Opening & Intro (00:00–02:34)Welcome & Introduction (01:28–10:27)Interview 1 - Thinking Christianly ft. Rev. Dr. Joe Boot (10:271–26:22):Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/;Buy Think Christianly Now!: https://ezrapress.ca/products/think-christianly-developing-an-undivided-mind;Segment 1 - Our First Show Together (26:22–42:32):“These Bills are Insane!” | Liberty Dispatch: https://rumble.com/vwv7cv-these-bills-are-insane.html;Interview 2 - Bill C-9 ft. JCCF's John Carpay (42:32–57:31):Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF): https://www.jccf.ca/;Interview 3 - What is a Nation? ft. Rev. Alex Kloosterman (59:07–01:14:15):Alexander Kloosterman | Dominion Press: https://substack.com/profile/69829905-alexander-kloosterman?utm_source=mention;Segment 2 - Our Favourite Guest (01:14:15–01:24:33):EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ft. JAMES COATES & TIM STEPHENS: https://rumble.com/v1wq8m0-exclusive-interview-ft.-james-coates-and-tim-stephens.html?e9s=src_v1_s%2Csrc_v1_s_o&sci=1768fbbd-2853-4f3e-aeef-964777f2db10;Interview 4 - ACIP & the Vaccine Schedule ft. Dr. Robert Malone (01:24:33–01:38:45):Dr. Robert Malone Website: https://www.rwmalonemd.com/;Interview 5 - Recovering from COVID Madness ft. Dr. Peter McCullough (01:40:48–02:00:22):Dr. Peter McCullough's Website: https://mcculloughfnd.org/Segment 3 - The Real Life Impact of Liberty Dispatch (02:00:22–02:07:53):Interview 6 - Biblical Principles for Political Practice ft. Rev. Dr. Aaron Rock (02:07:53–02:21:55):Harvest Bible Church: https://harvestbiblechurch.ca/Segment 4 - What's Next? (02:21:55–02:36:16):Interview 7 - Saving Christian Nationalism from Itself ft. Rev. Doug Wilson (02:36:16–02:53:41):Blog & Mablog: https://dougwils.com/;Canon Press: https://canonpress.com/Conclusion (02:53:41–03:16:03)Outro (03:16:03–03:16:32) SHOW SPONSORS:New Sponsor! Genesis Gold Group: https://bibleandgold.com; Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-546; Diversify Your Money with Bull Bitcoin: https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/dispatch; BarterPay: https://barterpay.ca/; Barter It: https://www.barterit.ca/; Get freedom from Censorious CRMS by signing up for SalesNexus: https://www.salesnexus.com/; SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SHOWS/CHANNELS:LIBERTY DISPATCH PODCAST: https://libertydispatch.podbean.com;https://rumble.com/LDshow; CONTACT US: libertydispatch@pm.me STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS LD:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberty_dispatch/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyDispatchCanada; X: @LDCanada - https://x.com/_LDCanada; Rumble: https://rumble.com/LDshow; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertydispatch Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, RATE, & REVIEW, and SHARE it with others!

Build Your Network
Make Money with Biblical Principles | Bishop Kevin Foreman

Build Your Network

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 31:36


Bishop Kevin Foreman is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and wealth strategist who has generated and managed millions through ministry, real estate, coaching, and digital ventures. From pioneering his first business at 12 to building Denver's largest Black-owned mortgage company and leading Harvest Church, he blends biblical principles with bold execution to help people break cycles of lack and step into abundance. On this episode we talk about: How Bishop Foreman combined a “Bible and briefcase” mindset from childhood into a life of purpose and profit Starting a first business at 12, pioneering a youth business loan program, and learning to “stack” cash early Building a multi-million-dollar mortgage company in his early 20s and navigating the 2000s housing collapse How painful pivots led to planting a debt-free church, Bible college, and a portfolio of M&A-driven businesses Why biographies, constant learning, and seeing yourself as a lifelong student are unfair advantages in life and business Top 3 Takeaways Faith and finances are not enemies: when money is treated as a tool for purpose, wealth-building becomes a spiritual assignment, not a selfish pursuit. Seasons of collapse and reinvention (like the mortgage crash) can be the catalyst that pushes you into your real calling—if you're willing to pivot instead of panic. One of the most underutilized wealth vehicles is buying existing businesses: M&A lets you acquire cash flow, corporate credit, and teams instead of always starting from scratch. Notable Quotes "Money was a tool. Money was a resource. The purpose of obtaining wealth was what I would do with it, not just getting it for its own sake." "The idiot is the one that thinks they know everything. The smart guy sits there and listens as a student." "Sometimes the best move isn't to build from nothing—it's to buy what someone else already built and make it better." Connect with Bishop Kevin Foreman: Twitter/X: https://x.com/bishopforeman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishopforeman/ Other: https://bishopforeman.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson
Principles Over People: My Shift on Israel, Trump, and Candace Owens

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 55:15


In this episode of Uncommon Sense, I'm discussing my changing views on Israel, Donald Trump, and Candace Owens and why principles grounded in Scripture must always matter more than personalities.I'll discuss how easy it is to get swept up in political figures, influencers, and movements… all while forgetting that God alone is who we should be following. The devil is just like a stalker prowling around, watching, scheming, seeking someone to devour. And in these chaotic times, he's using deception, manipulation, and emotional brainwashing to pull people into confusion and ultimately into Hell.In this episode, we're talking about how the synagogue of Satan is operating openly today, pushing narratives meant to distract and divide. I am urging my listeners to stay anchored in the Word, remain spiritually alert, and refuse to be seduced by personalities, platforms, or “conservative celebrities” who very well may not be aligned with God's truth.Ultimately, we all need to return to the Bible (now more than ever) and to guard our minds and souls as the days grow darker and darker.--https://www.bible.com/

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Celebrate Church Bradford Sunday Sermon
Finding God's Table Amidst Life's Challenges: Clair's Journey

Celebrate Church Bradford Sunday Sermon

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 23:08


In this heartfelt and powerful talk, Clair shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming a tumultuous past involving severe abuse and isolation. Through her story, Clair draws parallels with the Biblical tale of Mephibosheth and King David, emphasizing the theme of self-worth and the importance of recognizing God's unconditional love and kindness. Clair invites the audience to reflect on their own lives and to consider what may be stopping them from accessing the 'Father's heart' and coming to the table of God. Join Clair as she provides hope, encouragement, and a path to spiritual healing.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:15 Biblical Principles of Celebration02:09 Clair's Personal Journey04:15 The Story of Mephibosheth06:26 Relating to Mephibosheth10:13 Clair's Testimony18:13 Invitation to the Table20:07 Concluding Prayer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charis Daily Live Bible Study
Become Immovable | S7 Ep 25

Charis Daily Live Bible Study

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 28:31


Learn how to be steadfast and immovable in your faith as Javan Smith unveils biblical truths that challenge you to take responsibility in your spiritual journey.

The Intuitive Eating With Jesus Podcast
REPLAY: The Headache Left, in Jesus' name! (I used Biblical principles)

The Intuitive Eating With Jesus Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 11:35


Testimony Time! Today I'm sharing a recent healing that happened in my body. I had a headache for 4 days and also a very sore neck. I asked God in faith for wisdom of what I was doing wrong, what was preventing me from receiving the healing He had already purchased and provided for me through Jesus on the cross. God led me to a life changing YouTube video by Andrew Wommack that changed everything for me.I share today:1. How to get wisdom from God2. The incorrect way to think about having faith to receive healing from God3. Why it's not scriptural to have progressive healingsYouTube videos mentioned:⁠⁠Faith in God's Grace - Not Yourself - Andrew Wommack⁠⁠⁠⁠ Living in the Balance of Grace & Faith (Sabbath teaching)⁠⁠Connect with Nyla:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's Christian business podcast On the Job with God⁠⁠

Christian Wealth Podcast
Seven Biblical Principles For Investing From Proverbs

Christian Wealth Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 8:33


Welcome to the Wealth With Purpose Podcast. In this episode, Alex Cook, founder of Wealth With Purpose, talks about Seven Biblical Principles For Investing From Proverbs.To learn more about what the Bible says about money, wealth, and business, visit www.wealthwithpurpose.com.Support the show: https://www.christianwealth.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Orrville Christian Church Sermons
Return to Me: Trust God with Your Resources

Orrville Christian Church Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 27:05


Welcome to Orrville Christian Church!Chapter Timecodes & Key Points:0:00 – Introduction & Holiday Context – Discusses Christmas services, preparing homes, and the metaphor of a cluttered garage representing spiritual life.1:53 – Spiritual Clutter – Distractions, neglected priorities, and unattended sins slowly creep in, affecting our relationship with God.3:37 – Malachi 3 Overview – Encourages honest reflection on self-deception and drifting spiritually; God calls for a return to Him.4:09 – The Three C's of Malachi 3 – Constant: God's unchanging character and people's unfaithfulness.7:20 – Confrontation – God challenges Israel on tithes and offerings; the principle of returning to God through giving.9:37 – The Challenge – Practical teaching on tithing: first fruits, Levitical tithe, festival tithe, and poor tithe.15:06 – Trust & Obedience – God calls for trust in adverse conditions; returning the whole tithe demonstrates faith.16:07 – Biblical Principle of First Fruits – Proverbs 3:9-10 emphasizes honoring God with the first and best of finances.18:09 – Practical Illustration with Apples – Visualizing financial stewardship and prioritizing giving back to God.21:46 – Practical Takeaways – Enroll in Financial Peace University, start a 90-day tithing challenge, and grow in generosity.26:22 – Closing & Prayer – Encouragement to put God first, live for His mission, and give with faith and joy.Scripture References:Malachi 3:6-12Exodus 3:14Proverbs 3:9-10 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We're so glad you're here! Visit us online at www.orrville.church Or connect with us on:• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orrvillechristian.church/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orrvillechristian/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@orrvillechristianchurch5959 If you'd like to partner with us in giving, you can give online here: https://www.occgive.com/ As our guest, please feel no pressure to give—this is for those who call OCC home. Let us know you're listening! Fill out a Connection Card: https://www.orrville.church/connect We'd love to meet you in person! Join us any Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 AM

Charis Daily Live Bible Study
How to Pray in Faith | S7 Ep 12

Charis Daily Live Bible Study

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 28:31


Do you know what it really means to pray in faith? Join Rick McFarland in this episode as he unpacks the foundational principles of prayer that can transform your life and align you with God's will!

Family Heritage Church - Sermons
Biblical Principles of Stewardship - Lesson 10

Family Heritage Church - Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 90:06


Loving God. Loving People.
#245 - Is Money Controlling Your Life?

Loving God. Loving People.

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 31:40


In today's world, money defines success, security and self-worth. but God's way is radically different. In this episode, Chad and Robert dive into the biblical principles of money, wealth, and generosity. They talk about giving, saving, contentment, and why financial peace starts with spiritual surrender.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:37 Why We Should Give to the Church  01:23 Regret in Spending vs. Giving  02:01 How Generosity Built Wealth  02:40 Give First. Save Second. Live on the Rest.  03:40 Following Jesus Means Full Surrender  04:37 What It Means to “Die to Yourself”  06:05 Discipline, Accountability, and Trust  07:26 Jesus Always Knows What's Best  08:16 Faith in Action: Marriage, Money, and More  09:38 Galatians 2:20 and Living by Faith  11:39 Finances as Evidence of Faith  12:27 Why Talking About Money Feels Uncomfortable  14:40 Spend Less Than You Make  15:50 Biblical Principles vs. Cultural Lies  17:36 Why Kids Are Happier Than Adults  19:36 Stingy With Giving, Risky With Spending  21:26 How Money Destroys Relationships  22:05 The Power of Contentment  23:11 The Bible's Simple Money Plan  24:52 How Credit Cards Derail Contentment  25:54 Honor God. Build Wealth. Learn Contentment.  26:45 Stewardship Over Stuff  27:44 Wisdom Is Better Than Money

MyNewLifeChurch.com
The Hardest Thing To Trust God With

MyNewLifeChurch.com

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 40:21


We naturally want to control our resources, but miracles only happen when we finally decide to trust God with what is in our hand. By releasing your grip on earthly security, you open the door for Him to multiply your impact in ways you never imagined. Let's see what is possible when faith takes over.Chapters:00:00 Kingdom Builders01:10 Understanding Tithes and Generosity03:27 Kingdom Builder Miracle Offering04:29 Personal Finance Lessons08:55 Storing Up Treasure in Heaven14:38 Feeding the 5,00019:46 Jesus' Call to Generosity21:18 Trusting God with Your Treasures23:12 God's Ownership of Everything25:10 Faith and Generosity25:57 A Personal Testimony of Faith32:27 God's Compassion Through Generosity33:02 Biblical Principles of Generosity35:28 Miracle Offering37:52 Closing PrayerTAKE A NEXT STEP:INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Charis Daily Live Bible Study
Forgiveness in the Atonement | S7 Ep 6

Charis Daily Live Bible Study

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 28:31


Did you know that the forgiveness of your past, present, and future sins is included in your salvation? Join Ricky Burge as he uncovers the transformative power of forgiveness in Christ and how it shapes our identity.

HOPE is Here
Healing Through Biblical Principles

HOPE is Here

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 14:46


John Galanti served honorably in the U.S. Navy before discovering a deeper call to help others find lasting peace in Christ. At a time when mental-health struggles are surging and spiritual questions abound, John's book, He's Got Your Six offers a timely antidote. Hesgotyoursix.com ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look for HOPE is Here: - at www.HOPEisHere.Today - on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HOPEisHereToday - on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeisherelex/ - on X (Twitter) - https://www.x.com/hopeisherelex - on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeisherelex - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJ47I4w6atOHr7agGpOuvA Help us bring HOPE and encouragement to others: - by texting the word GIVE to 833-713-1591 - by visiting https://www.hopeisheretoday.org/donate   #Lexington #Kentucky #christianradio #JesusRadio #Jesus #WJMM #GregHorn #GregJHorn #suicideprevention #KentuckyRadio #HOPEisHere #Hope #HopeinJesus #FoodForThoughtFriday #MondayMotivation #FridayFeeling #Motivation #Inspiration #cupofHope #FYP #ForYouPage #SuicideAwareness

Charis Daily Live Bible Study
Acting On the Word | S7 Ep 28

Charis Daily Live Bible Study

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2025 28:31


Have you ever felt like your prayers are falling flat? Tune into this episode of Charis Daily, where Greg Mohr reveals how acting on the Word can lead to answered prayers and the fulfillment of God's promises in your life.

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson
Feminism, False Idols, and the Fear of Truth

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 53:38


Today we're discussing the debate between feminists and non-feminists, and why I side with the non-feminists for biblical reasons. Just because women can do some of what men do doesn't mean we should. We'll also continue discussing the Charlie Kirk case, Erika Kirk's strange behavior, why being a widow doesn't automatically make you innocent, and why it's deeply concerning that TPUSA refuses to distance itself from Israel, even as Charlie's final words publicly challenged Israel, Judaism, and the control of figures like Ben Shapiro over the conservative movement.

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Toddler Mom Diaries Podcast| Christian Family, Teaching Toddlers, Christian Parenting, Christ-Centered Home
S3.E2 Why Christian Moms Are Throwing Out Their Hatch Sound Machines — and What the Bible Says About It

Toddler Mom Diaries Podcast| Christian Family, Teaching Toddlers, Christian Parenting, Christ-Centered Home

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 22:04


Have you heard about the Hatch Sound Machine Controversy? In this episode, we're talking about it and looking at what the Bible has to say about it all. What should Christian moms be doing with this information? What's your next move? Join me and let's chat about it! I'm glad you're here! Mentioned in this Episode: In Wife, Mother, Watchman. Spiritual Protection for Your Household!   A Sunrise Alarm Sleep Training Clock Please leave this podcast a 5-star review on Apple Podcast so we can reach more mamas with God's word! I appreciate you!   JOIN ARISE MENTORSHIP COMMUNITY! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFuHt135cpATGyZ1pwagMDA/join

Ranch View Baptist Church Sermon Audio
November 2, 2025 "Biblical Principles of Missions" (Romans 10:13-17)

Ranch View Baptist Church Sermon Audio

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2025


Sermon By: Pastor Stanisa Surbatovich 

TW Telecast (audio)
Build a Better Marriage

TW Telecast (audio)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 28:26 Transcription Available


Is your marriage on the rocks? Do you find you and your spouse constantly arguing and bickering? Do even the smallest issues seem to blow up into major disputes? Many silently suffer in a marriage fraught with conflict and pain. You might be one of them. You might feel it's hopeless, there's nothing that can be done. Well, before you give up, keep listening. What if you have a decent marriage? What if you and your spouse get along, but you sense you could be closer. If you'd like a breakthrough, then this program is for you, too. What if you describe your marriage as close and fulfilling? Could it be better? I think we'd all agree even great marriages, between flawed people, can always improve. What if you're not married, will never marry, or have zero interest in marriage? Well, if that's the case, don't turn off this program yet. Believe it or not, what we're going to cover still applies to you. The issue of marriage is something that concerns all of us. No matter what time of life we're in, regardless of our age or the state of our marriage, or even if we're not married at all. Why is that? We'll discover that on today's edition of Tomorrow's World.

National Crawford Roundtable
Episode 324-Government Hand Outs, Trump Ballroom part 2, and the Christian Response to Halloween

National Crawford Roundtable

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 56:39


In this episode of the National Crawford Roundtable podcast the guys continue their discussion from the last episode regarding the response to Trump's Ballroom. Is the Lib outrage fake? What about changes that have been made over the decades by other American Presidents? Will the Ballroom actually save taxpayer dollars? The guys also look at Government Aid/Benefits/Hand-outs--will the lack of these resources cause "Theft Retaliation?" Have we created an "entitled" society? What is the biblical stance on accepting aid or handouts--is it against biblical principles? And what is the proper Christian response to Halloween? Is it an "evil" holiday? Does it promote wickedness?

Terry Mize Podcast
Episode 408: OCT 9 - Your Words Will Put You Over or Take You Down - More Than Conquerors with Dr. Terry & Reneé Mize

Terry Mize Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 28:34


In this episode of More Than Conquerors, Dr. Terry and Renee Mize share how the words you speak determine your victory or defeat. Every believer has been given spiritual authority — and the tongue is the key to using it. Through personal stories and biblical truth, they show how faith-filled words activate heaven, while careless words can stop God's promises from manifesting.Discover how to decree God's Word with power, overcome obstacles through confession, and live as the conqueror you're called to be.“Where the word of a king is, there is power.” — Ecclesiastes 8:4

Functional Medicine for Women
124. 5 Biblical Principles Every Woman Walking Through Perimenopause Needs

Functional Medicine for Women

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 21:23


Hey Friend, This week's episode is one I've been so excited to share. Perimenopause can be such a disorienting season — our hormones change, our emotions shift, and even our energy feels unpredictable. But God hasn't changed. His truth still holds steady. In this week's episode of Functional Medicine for Christian Women, I'm sharing: ✨ 5 Biblical Principles Every Woman Walking Through Perimenopause Needs ✨ We'll talk about: 3 verses to memorize when you need peace and stability Daily habits that anchor your health and faith Why rest and rhythms are Biblical (not optional!) The power of community and healthy relationships How to honor your body through stewardship and surrender You'll also find a free printable with all five principles, memory verses, and reflection prompts. It's a perfect reminder to keep near your Bible or prayer journal when you need encouragement. And if you're craving guidance and community for this season, I'd love to personally invite you to join us inside the Women's Functional Health Lab Membership. It's a peaceful, Christ-centered space to rebuild your rhythms, restore your energy, and renew your faith in your body's design. Friend, you were never meant to walk through this season alone. God's Word and His wisdom still bring peace — even in the middle of hormonal chaos. In grace + health, Lacy Lain Before you go… ✨ If you're craving a calm, Christ-centered space to learn and heal, email me at lacy@functionalhealthforwomen.com to become a founding member of the Women's Functional Health Lab. I'll send you all the details!

Grand Avenue Baptist Church Sunday Sermons
5 Biblical Principles When Solving Major Problems

Grand Avenue Baptist Church Sunday Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 42:16


Embry Hills church of Christ Podcast
Emulating the Discipline of God

Embry Hills church of Christ Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 41:33


Series: ParentingService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Russ LaGroneSummary Biblical Principles for Parenting and Spiritual Growth

Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast
Biblical Principles of Courage

Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2025 45:56


Robert Furrow is committed to studying God's Word and maintaining a close walk with God as he serves and shepherds Calvary Tucson. He is the general editor of The Making of a Biblical Leader: A Practical Guide to Leading Others Well, which explores the essentials of Spirit-guided leadership.

Funky Friday with Cam Newton
Cam & Jason Wilson on Manhood, Faith, and Overcoming Temptation

Funky Friday with Cam Newton

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 117:00


In this powerful episode, Cam sits down with Jason Wilson to explore what it truly means to be a man of faith in today's world. From the transformative work of The Cave of Adullam to deep conversations on temptation, emotional growth, and biblical manhood, Jason shares personal stories and spiritual insights that challenge cultural norms. The two dive into the importance of self-control, the role of fathers, and the impact of fear on major life decisions like marriage and parenting. Honest, vulnerable, and deeply rooted in faith, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating manhood and spiritual maturity.00:00- Introduction and Guest Introduction00:58- Jason Wilson's Background and Motivations02:25- The Cave of Adullam and Its Impact03:29- Biblical Principles and Personal Transformation05:55- The Role of Tenderness and Strength09:41- Challenges and Overcoming Temptation12:30- Personal Stories and Spiritual Journey23:22- The Importance of Self-Control and Accountability46:38- Clarifying Intentions48:07- The Role of Fear in Life Decisions51:10- Personal Examples of Marriage and Divorce52:44- Biblical Perspectives on Marriage58:18- The Concept of Church and Spirituality01:00:19- The Importance of Knowing Scripture01:03:46- Final Thoughts on Marriage and Fear01:17:15- The Power of Words and Actions01:18:17- The Role of Fathers in Families01:20:25- Personal Struggles and Growth01:22:52- Emotional Availability and Relationships01:27:41- Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges01:31:48- The Importance of Communication01:50:34 - Final Reflections and Outro

Black and Blurred
Ep. 200 To the Dragon Slayers: Charlie Kirk, the Dragon and a Call for the Church to Shine

Black and Blurred

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 81:16 Transcription Available


SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. What does the Christian do when the world doesn't realize there is a spiritual enemy amongst us? We warn of the danger and proclaim Christ's victory from the rooftops!There is much to have grief over: the death of a brother for standing on the truth, the slander and scoffing that his family received in the wake of the tragedy, and the very obvious divide between groups of people who all claim to follow and pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ. How do we recover? We die. Christian, you were left on this earth to die. Jesus, from His own mouth, defined what it meant to follow Him (Matt 16). It is time the American church no longer be a glorified soup kitchen but an outpost of Heaven where darkness can't hide. Love, protect, shepherd, have compassion and seek the face of the Lord together. Charlie Kirk will be called many names. On this episode, we call him a dragon slayer. Let us join him. Intro| Vexor by JobilOutro| White Rooftops by FormantxSupport the showHosts: Brandon and Daren Smith Learn of Brandon's Church Planting CallPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast

She's Making an Impact | Online Marketing | Pinterest Marketing | Entrepreneur Tips
Gain Crystal-Clear Business Clarity Using Biblical Principles - Episode 549

She's Making an Impact | Online Marketing | Pinterest Marketing | Entrepreneur Tips

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 11:15


In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 powerful, biblically-based steps to help you find real business clarity. If you've ever felt stuck staring at your laptop, unsure of what to do next, or overwhelmed with too many ideas, this one's for you. We're digging into how to align your vision with God's purpose, simplify your business, and trust His timing.  These are the exact principles I've used to help thousands of entrepreneurs cut through confusion and step into the calling God has for them. __________________________________________________________ Ready for more? Here are 3 ways we can help you: 1)

Toddler Mom Diaries Podcast| Christian Family, Teaching Toddlers, Christian Parenting, Christ-Centered Home

Do you enjoy your home? Is it a safe haven or a chaotic war zone? Not sure how to keep Jesus at the center? Or maybe you're looking for ways to enhance a lovely home and ensure a solid foundation. In this episode, I'm sharing seven steps to help you as you build and cultivate a Christ-centered home. FREE DOWNLOAD: 5 Biblical Principles to Thriving in Marriage, Family, Home and Body -----------------------------------------------

The Business as Mission Podcast with Mike Baer
Unlocking the Biblical Principles of Creativity and Ownership

The Business as Mission Podcast with Mike Baer

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 53:44


Can patents really reflect God's design for human flourishing?Join Mike Baer and Jim Edwards, founder of Elite Strategic Services and author of To Invent Is Divine, for a fascinating conversation on the biblical roots of creativity, ownership, and innovation.You'll discover:Why the concepts of creativity and ownership, rooted in Genesis, are foundational to human flourishing.How the U.S. patent system reflects biblical principles of liberty and prosperity.The global impact — why secure intellectual property can reduce poverty and conflict.Historical insights — from America's early model to lessons from China's modern patent system.Faith in work — how God's design for innovation equips us to serve, create, and bless others.Don't miss this powerful episode showing how faith, law, and innovation intersect to build a world where people and communities thrive.Connect with Third Path InitiativeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/third-path-initiativeFacebook: facebook.com/thirdpathinitiativeWebsite: thirdpathinitiative.comExplore Mike Baer's Books: books.by/mike-baerLearn more about Business as Mission and access free and premium resources at thirdpathinitiative.com.You can also watch more conversations and teaching on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@BAMwithMikeBaer.

Liberty Dispatch
Biblical Principles for Statecraft ft. Lennox Kalifungwa

Liberty Dispatch

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 74:43


Liberty Dispatch Interviews ~ September 06, 2025 In this episode of Liberty Dispatch Interviews, host Matthew Hallick speaks with Lennox Kalifungwa, Digital Engagement Officer at New Saint Andrews College, about biblical principles for good governance, how the Bible offers solutions for our disillusioned age, and how Christianity has created the greatest cultures known to man. Follow the participants on X (formerly Twitter): Lennox: x.com/@LennoxKal Matty: x.com/@SDG_Matty Episode Resources: Lennox's Substack: @Lennox Kalifungwa; New Saint Andrew's College: https://nsa.edu/; Of Flames and Crowns Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwI-P6VXHP-hMHJcvqqy_O8_c7fHJVkCo&si=CNFDfmfuAs-tyNat; Kings & Statesmen Podcast: https://youtu.be/Jm_X0vVEkxE?si=A04EDMBbGv5zxOM7;  For full access to all our content, including the extended interviews, including today's discussion on Christian Nationalism, race and the Kingdom of God, become a paid subscriber at: https://ldcanada.substack.com.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome & Intro 01:26 Introduction to Today's Discussion 01:54 Guest Introduction: Lennox Kalifungwa 04:32 Lennox's Recent CNN Appearance 07:51 The Importance of Christian Education 22:31 The Sin of Thinking Too Small 28:38 NSA's Mission and Podcasts 35:15 Biblical Principles of Statecraft 50:55 Divine Authority and the Role of the State 51:02 Misinterpretations of Biblical Teachings 52:15 The State's Role in Justice and Governance 52:45 Government Overreach and Its Consequences 53:26 Biblical Principles vs. Modern Governance 58:58 The Impact of Colonialism and Post-Colonial Theory 01:01:19 Christian Heritage and National Development 01:02:10 Comparing African and Western Societies 01:02:48 The Influence of Christianity on Societal Values 01:09:10 The Role of Christianity in Global Prosperity Behind the Paywall: 01:14:23 Christian Nationalism and Ethnocentricism 01:28:43 Immigration and National Identity 01:36:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions SHOW SPONSORS: New Sponsor! Bitcoin Mentor: https://bitcoinmentor.io/aff/liberty Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-546; Diversify Your Money with Bull Bitcoin: https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/dispatch; BarterPay: https://barterpay.ca/; Barter It: https://www.barterit.ca/; Get freedom from Censorious CRMS by signing up for SalesNexus: https://www.salesnexus.com/; SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SHOWS/CHANNELS: LIBERTY DISPATCH PODCAST: https://libertydispatch.podbean.com; https://rumble.com/LDshow; CONTACT US: libertydispatch@pm.me STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS LD:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberty_dispatch/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibertyDispatchCanada; X: @LDCanada - https://x.com/_LDCanada; Rumble: https://rumble.com/LDshow; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertydispatch Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, RATE, & REVIEW, and SHARE it with others!

Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
Pop Culture and Piety: Living for God in a Media-Saturated World

Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 60:31


In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb dive deep into the intersection of pop culture, entertainment, and the Christian life. They explore how Christians can engage with leisure and media in a way that glorifies God, applying biblical principles like those found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Ecclesiastes 3. The hosts emphasize the importance of balancing Christian liberty and holiness, while also recognizing the practical role of rest and recreation in human flourishing. Through personal anecdotes and theological insights, they provide listeners with a framework for discerning entertainment choices, encouraging believers to enjoy God's good gifts without compromising their faith. Key Takeaways: Entertainment is a Gift from God: Leisure and entertainment, when approached rightly, are part of God's common grace meant to refresh and restore us. Biblical Principles for Consumption: 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds Christians that all activities, including entertainment, should glorify God. If an activity cannot do so, it may be unlawful. Christian Liberty and Prudence: Decisions about pop culture often fall under the domain of Christian liberty, constrained by wisdom and prudence rather than legalistic rules. The Importance of Rest: Rest is not just about recharging for productivity; it is a God-given means of worship and human flourishing in its own right. Guarding Against Sinful Influences: Christians should be cautious of consuming media that promotes sin, as it can subtly shape their worldview and lead them astray. Personal Convictions and Context Matter: What is permissible for one believer may not be wise or beneficial for another, depending on individual struggles and contexts. Recreation Should Point Back to God: Whether through beauty, creativity, or storytelling, entertainment can lead Christians to worship God when consumed with discernment. Entertainment as a Gift from God Tony and Jesse emphasize that entertainment, when properly enjoyed, is a part of God's common grace. This means that activities like watching a movie, playing a video game, or reading a novel are not inherently sinful but can serve as vehicles for rest and refreshment. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, they highlight that God has ordained seasons for both work and rest. True rest, they argue, is not about escaping responsibilities but about enjoying God's gifts in ways that glorify Him and restore our energy to serve others. When approached with discernment, even "secular" forms of entertainment can reflect God's creativity and goodness. Applying Biblical Principles to Entertainment The hosts discuss how 1 Corinthians 10:31 provides a litmus test for media consumption: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This principle challenges believers to ask whether their entertainment choices align with God's glory. For example, content that promotes or glamorizes sin—whether through violence, sexual immorality, or blasphemy—should give Christians pause. However, they also note that some depictions of sin in fiction can serve a redemptive purpose, such as illustrating the consequences of sin or the beauty of redemption. The key is to thoughtfully evaluate whether the media being consumed inclines the heart toward holiness or pulls it away from God. Christian Liberty and Prudence Tony and Jesse stress the importance of Christian liberty in deciding on entertainment choices, while cautioning against legalism. They explain that Christian liberty does not mean a license to sin but rather the freedom to make God-honoring decisions in areas where Scripture does not provide explicit commands. Prudence and wisdom must guide these decisions. For instance, a particular TV show or game may be permissible for one believer but harmful for another, depending on their personal struggles or circumstances. This underscores the need for self-awareness and reliance on the Holy Spirit to discern what is spiritually beneficial. Quotes: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. If we cannot glorify God in an activity, it's likely unlawful for us as Christians." – Jesse Schwamb "Recreation is not just about recharging for productivity; it has its own value in glorifying God and enjoying His good gifts." – Tony Arsenal "Every story worth telling reflects, in some way, the greatest story ever told: redemption through Christ." – Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript: [00:00:30] Introduction and Episode Overview [00:00:30] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 457 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:37] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast where sound doctrine meets brotherly love. Hey brother. [00:00:44] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. So we're in a whole series of little one-off conversations, all kinds of things that just pop into our head, or we've had on a list somewhere that we thought, you know what? [00:00:55] Jesse Schwamb: Someday we should talk about that. And I think we've got another great. Conversation coming up on this episode, we're gonna get into a little bit about how Christians should interact with and consume pop culture maybe, and especially things like entertainment. And I know that there are gonna be people out there thinking, wow, these guys are gonna do what reform people always do. [00:01:15] Jesse Schwamb: They're just gonna come out into their lawn, they're gonna shake their fists angrily at the sky, they're gonna yell at the birds. It might not be that way, loved ones, but you're gonna have to wait. We're gonna talk about it. It's gonna be good. We're gonna get after it. We all do it. Everybody loves a bit of a to consume pop culture. [00:01:31] Jesse Schwamb: Is it possible it might be somewhat of a gift that God has given us? Who knows? Maybe it is, maybe it's not, but we'll get to that. But first, let's affirm with or denying against something in the world. So what have you got for us on this episode, Tony? [00:01:45] Tony's Frustrating Customer Service Experience [00:01:45] Tony Arsenal: I'm gonna keep mine super short. It was a frustrating customer service experience, uh, that I had today. [00:01:52] Tony Arsenal: In general, I, I have, uh, Comcast or Xfinity Internet in general. I'm actually very pleased. Their service. Um, I, I actually find them to be responsive. Um, I've managed to get a decent price. I don't have Comcast television, so that's probably part of it. Um, but I, my cable modem. Slash router, which I've had, I don't know, probably for like eight years. [00:02:13] Tony Arsenal: Um, it finally died, so I bit the bullet and bought a brand new one. And those man, those things have gotten expensive and um, you know, it's supposed to be a super easy installation. You plug it in, you do the little thing on the app and it didn't work. So I had to connect with customer service through the app, and. [00:02:30] Tony Arsenal: It seemed like everything was going fine. And then all of a sudden I get a link in my text message and the lady who's chatting with me on the thing says, well just, just scroll down and click on where it says accept and then hit okay. And I was like, that seems sketchy. So I read it and she was, she had sent me a link to change my internet service. [00:02:51] Tony Arsenal: Uh, she was giving me a 90, an $80 promotional price for the first year. Uh, but then it went up to $140 after the first year. Wow. So I went back to the chat app and I said, I'm sorry, I, I must have miscommunicated something. I don't need to change my service. I just need to activate my modem. She said, oh, no, no, you're not changing your service. [00:03:11] Tony Arsenal: And I said, no, I, I definitely am. She goes, let me explain this to you. And she went through and tried, like, she went through and she's like, your speed is this and you're paying this. And I said, and I said, with all due respect, I'm not stupid. I can see that you're trying to change my service and I'm just not interested. [00:03:27] Tony Arsenal: And I had to fight with her for like 10 minutes before I finally said, just activate my modem, please. I'm not interested. Full stop. So I, I guess I'm just denying. I get, I get it. Like, you gotta try to upsell. I used to be in sales. I don't have any problem with you trying to upsell. I, I don't even necessarily have a problem with you trying to be clever and like, you know, intentional about how you upsell. [00:03:48] Tony Arsenal: Like there are ways that you can do that without being deceptive. This was just deceptive. So I'm not denying Comcast. I'm pleased with my service. I'm denying this particular person and this really just underhanded tactic. It was really, really upsetting. I mean, [00:04:02] Jesse Schwamb: there is nothing like good customer service, right? [00:04:04] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, the converse of that is what a blessing it is, and it's kind of a lesson to all of us and how we treat one another. That is whether we're providing the service or we ourselves are consuming it. It is just such a blessing. It's like so easy and so light when you get somebody who really wants to help you. [00:04:21] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah, for sure. And. You know, I would not have changed my service, but I can imagine that somebody who was looking and was interested, if she had just said straightforwardly, like your internet that you have is far slower than the modem that you're, you're installing, right? Um, we can get you a faster internet speed and give you a, a large discount for the first year. [00:04:42] Tony Arsenal: Are you interested in that? I think a good portion of people would just say yes. Even if they didn't think it through, they would just say, oh yeah, sure. Faster speed, less money. They, they wouldn't think it through. That's not deceptive. If you present an option, honestly, to a consumer and they take it and they didn't understand the terms, that's not deception. [00:04:58] Tony Arsenal: That's on them as the consumer for not thinking through what they're purchasing. This was just straight out, like, don't read it, just click on it, it's fine. Totally underhanded, deceptive. Um, and, and you know, I work in. Sort of a kind of customer service and I just can't imagine ever doing something that shady and calling it customer service. [00:05:15] Tony Arsenal: I was, I was very disappointed. [00:05:17] Jesse Schwamb: But I mean, everybody has customers, right? Yeah. Everybody has somebody they're responsible to, and everybody has people to whom they should be responsible in the kind of care. Whatever you provide to somebody, whether it's your family, it's in your church, it's in your job, so, right. [00:05:30] Jesse Schwamb: I like that. It's a good reminder because again, there's nothing like walking away from experience and being like, wow, that was so easy, or that person was so good to help me. Yeah. Or like they really got me to the end that I was looking for and they did it and I felt better afterwards than I did before I called. [00:05:43] Jesse Schwamb: That should be like our goal, like what does great look like in every interaction that we can have with somebody. [00:05:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Jesse, what are you affirming or denying tonight? [00:05:52] Jesse's Affirmation: The Plana App for Plant Care [00:05:52] Jesse Schwamb: I'm going back to the app. Well, and by that was a really weird saying of just, I'm gonna affirm with another app. So I really love a good house plant, but I'm no good at the house plants. [00:06:02] Jesse Schwamb: I really like the way they look. It's a lot of pressure with house plans. Maybe people feel this way. Maybe you've not purchased a house plant or been like, I can't be that person. So here's something that I can confirm with for you. Loved one, it's a app called Plana. It's a Swedish plant care app, and it's designed to help both like novice people like me and I guess really experienced plant owners keep their house and garden plants healthy, which I know sounds super boring, but hear me out on this. [00:06:27] Jesse Schwamb: This is what's cool about this. It offers smart, personalized care reminders for things like watering, fertilizing, misting, repotting, and it has all these things where if you, there's paid subscription for this as well, which I do not have, but I looked at all the options. There's some super cool things like you can use your phone to sense where your plan is sitting, how much light it's getting to really tell you, is this the right spot for my plant? [00:06:49] Jesse Schwamb: Because you know, like some plants are like, we need partial sunlight and partial shade and afternoon sun and direct sun, and you need to water me, but not too much and not so often, but just the right amount. It's a lot of pressure. So it's got all these fun features in it, including like an AI doctor. So you can take a look or a picture of your plant rather, and not only will it describe what plants you have, of course, but it will help you say like, Hey, this thing is not healthy. [00:07:08] Jesse Schwamb: Here's what you should do. So the plant app is, might be your foray into feeling more confident about having some greenery in your house. [00:07:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I, um, I could kill a plastic plant. I could kill like a fake plant, uh, without trying, uh, but I might check this out. You, you've seen my, my home. You've been here? [00:07:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Um, my, my house is, it's a, a mobile home and so it's, it's just one long line and it's situated like almost directly east, west. So I get direct sunlight over the top of the house pretty much the entire day. And we have really beautiful, um. Violet cone plants and some other like lilies on one end of the house, um, that the previous owner planted. [00:07:46] Tony Arsenal: They're very beautiful, but um, they just get baked in the sun and there's gotta be something that can be done to sort of help them through this. Maybe it's more water or something like that. So maybe I'll check this out and see if that can help. 'cause they're not, they're not doing great. Um, they, they didn't bloom very well this year. [00:08:00] Tony Arsenal: Mm-hmm. And I'm, I'm wondering if it might be, I dunno, it's been kind of dry, um, this part of the year, more than usual, so I'll check that out. That sounds like a good recommendation. There's a couple of different apps. This one sounds good. [00:08:10] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it's, there's certainly a lot of stuff that you can get free in it. [00:08:14] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, they want to upsell you like you just talked about. They're, no, no, they're no Comcast, but they definitely would like you to purchase all their other features, and I bet for the right person, it's totally worth it. But I feel so much more confident now. Mainly just the watering. If you surprised how like much pressure. [00:08:30] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, like aloe plants and also I'm learning the names of my plants finally, which makes me feel more connected. This, this is, listen, this is like the app to help you take dominion in your house over house plants, which sounds like the lowest form of taking dominion, but honestly still shows how complex and complicated life can be and how God has made everything in this really wonderful way. [00:08:52] Jesse Schwamb: So I'm feeling more empowered to love my plants and to hopefully keep them growing. I was gonna say for generations, but I doubt that I'll be passing on links, plants for generations, but hopefully getting just lots more greenery into our living spaces, which is always super fun. [00:09:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. I, I, um, I would like to have more plants, but I just, with between toddlers and dogs and my ability to kill anything green that is in my home, uh, I don't think it would be good. [00:09:19] Tony Arsenal: That's your, your sister who is My wife does a good job with plants, but even the, yeah, she does, even, even that the plants die just because they're around me. I'm not sure what it is. I have like a, I hear it, listen, an aura of some sort that just kills plants. [00:09:32] Discussing Christians and Pop Culture [00:09:32] Jesse Schwamb: It's, it's difficult sometimes to grow in soil, which is, I, one of the things I presume Christians often feel like when they're in the culture and when, mm-hmm. [00:09:41] Jesse Schwamb: Do. Do you like that segue? We're so good with this. I do. And when you are consuming, let me say pop culture, or you find yourself in a place where you want entertainment and you want to rest, and I think if you're a Christian for any length of time, you start to ask yourself, okay, so what's my place in all of this? [00:09:59] Jesse Schwamb: And what's interesting when I thought about this topic, which you graciously put forward for us, was that I think several times we've mentioned kind of cultural things often in the affirmation and denial section. Yeah. Where we've. Maybe come hard alongside something and said, this seems good. And other times we've definitely said, this seems very, very bad. [00:10:17] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. But we've never really had just a pretty honest conversation about, okay, so how does the Christian discern, what is the Christian's role in making that discernment? And how can we, like our house plants grow and flourish in that kind of environment to such a degree that we are actually bearing fruit by the power of the Holy Spirit. [00:10:36] Jesse Schwamb: And yet, of course, separate. From that culture in which we still find ourselves. [00:10:41] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I, you know, I think it bears saying, um, much of popular culture, media, whatever it might be, a lot of it is going to be a matter of Christian prudence and liberty. And I think it's important to say that because I think, you know, we'll talk about, we'll probably talk about like principles we use to try to determine whether we, you know, individually or, or whatever. [00:11:04] Tony Arsenal: We're going to watch something or listen to something, but. The, the Bible doesn't say like thou shalt, and I'm gonna say this example, and it's a little bit ironic because this is actually a show that I think is pretty black and white. But it, it's not like the Bible says, thou shalt not watch Game of Thrones. [00:11:20] Tony Arsenal: Right. Um. Right. Like thou shalt not. Listen to, I don't know who the kids are listening to. Britney Spears like tells you when The last time I listened to popular music was, is Britney Spears is the name on my mind. But like thou shalt not listen to, I dunno, Paramore, I don't know name. Name your pop culture band. [00:11:37] Tony Arsenal: The Bible doesn't give us explicit instructions about specific bands. Movies, shows, insert, pop, you know, novels, whatever it might be. It does give us some wisdom principles. And then of course, there's God's moral law, uh, but even God's moral law does not. Necessarily apply directly to every pop culture choice we might make. [00:12:04] Tony Arsenal: So I'm sure Jesse and I don't have identical opinions. I'm gonna guess that our thoughts are probably pretty close just because, you know, we're influenced by the same people and we, we are running in the same broader theological circles, but they're probably not identical. There are probably things that Jesse would watch that I'd go, oh, I don't know if that's such a great thing for me. [00:12:22] Tony Arsenal: And there's probably things I would feel comfortable with that Jesse might say, eh, I'm not so sure about that. This is usually a matter of Christian liberty constrained by Christian prudence and wisdom. So before we get into any of the nitty gritty or any specific talk of anything particular, I wanna get that out there because yes, we have to be wise, we have to. [00:12:44] Tony Arsenal: Apply God's law, but we are not able to bind other people's conscience and you are not able to bind other people's conscience based on your own particular opinion about something or your own interpretation of how the Bible is to be applied to a particular decision. Um. You know, again, you can speak into a situation. [00:13:03] Tony Arsenal: You, especially if you have a relationship with someone, you can say, Hey, I don't think this is healthy. I don't think this is in conformity with God's law, but at the end of the day, that is between that Christian and God as to whether or not they are applying God's law appropriately and, and in to an extent, and to a great extent between them and their elders. [00:13:21] Tony Arsenal: Right? The elders have a, a different role of authority in a, in a Christian's life than other Christians do. And [00:13:27] Jesse Schwamb: it might be worth saying as we begin that we're kind of talking about this, I think in part because we all feel that pull to consume pop culture, and what I kind of teased at the beginning is this idea, is it possible that, I think we're really speaking about consuming that in a kind of a way of entertainment of like rest and relaxation. [00:13:45] Jesse Schwamb: Principally there. There are other reasons I think as well, and that might be to edify, to educate, but I think principally when we feel this compulsion to say, well, I like you, just give great examples. Listen to music, watch a sporting event, watch tv, read something fiction or nonfiction. I think what we're after there is this idea that we want to rest and that understanding that entertainment is a part of the rest that God intends for us to enjoy from our labors is by itself, full stop, a legitimate thing. [00:14:13] Jesse Schwamb: So the question is. A little bit more nuanced. Where is that line? You already gave, I think a pretty good example of something that you and I would agree on would say that that's a bridge to fight across. Don't watch that thing, right? Yeah, do something else. But the question is how did we get to that place in making that judgment? [00:14:28] Jesse Schwamb: And is there a place in there where we would say, well, the Bible is an explicit about, let's say certain medium or even like specific things within that medium that it is outspoken enough that we ought to say. No, we will not do that. So I think this is what we're after in part, is this proper use of entertainment involving, of course, analyzing worldviews, appreciating elements of beauty and creativity, acknowledging reflections of truth. [00:14:53] Jesse Schwamb: But that also that in some way, all of this is God's gift to us. That while the Bible does not give us a great deal of explicit statements about how believers are to view entertainment, there is much we can draw out to scripture by way of good and necessary consequence to borrow language from somewhere else. [00:15:10] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:15:11] Applying Biblical Principles to Entertainment Choices [00:15:11] Tony Arsenal: And I also think too, like this is a question that often is presented as very simple and very like cut and dry, but it can be a lot more complicated than you think. And here's an example, and we don't have to get into this particular example, but let's do it. You know, I think a lot of times people, um, will take the example of blasphemy. [00:15:32] Tony Arsenal: Right, and a show that is, or a, a video game, whatever it is, content that is intentionally blaspheming, God is something that at a bare minimum, Christians should be very wary of participating in and consuming just because it, it's something that openly dishonors God is probably not something Christians should be eager to participate in or to consume, but. [00:15:56] Tony Arsenal: Um, there, there are instances where a, a show or a, a video game or a book contains a fictionalized blast swimming of God that actually may serve the greater purpose of glorifying God. So if you think of like, um. Think of a, a book or a a movie where there is a character who is a non-Christian, and over the course of the book, they are shown to be blaspheming God, and then they experience a conversion. [00:16:24] Tony Arsenal: And the purpose of the, the purpose of the book is to glorify God through this conversion redemption story. That it character in that fictionalized universe is blasphemy God within that universe, right? Or within that fictionalized story. But the purpose of that blasphemy is actually to serve the greater purpose of glorifying God. [00:16:46] Tony Arsenal: So that's not to say that automatically anything like that gets a pass, right? That can be done well, that can be done poorly. That can be done in a way that actually glorifies God. It can be done in a way that doesn't actually hit the mark. But it's not as simple as to say, this character in this show. [00:17:00] Tony Arsenal: Engaged in blasphemy. Therefore, we should never consume that show. We have to do some actual thinking and some actual analysis of what's going on in order to. Understand whether or not it actually is violating God's law. Now there are probably some things, um, you know, like graphic sex scenes. There's really no reason, um, for Christians to feel drawn to shows that contain that. [00:17:25] Tony Arsenal: Again, this is, this is, um, I, I, at this point in my life and I, in earlier periods in my life, I might have been more black and white on this. I am not here to tell you what you can and can't watch. That's not my role. I'm not the Holy Spirit. I'm not your pastor. I'm not any of the persons or people who have an obligation to tell you what is or isn't, right? [00:17:46] Tony Arsenal: Like I'm not that person. But I cannot think of personally a reason why a Christian would, would need to, or should ever participate in like enjoying a show that contains graphic sex scenes. Um. The people making those have to sin in order to make those scenes right. So there are, there are things we should consider. [00:18:12] Tony Arsenal: Are kind of always off board, right? It's always off board to do physical harm to somebody in the service of making a movie, right? So if you have a movie where people are, are actively trying to hurt each other in order to produce the film, I'm not sure that we should participate in that. I wouldn't feel comfortable if I knew that was going on in a film. [00:18:28] Tony Arsenal: I don't, I don't, you know, again, other Christians might, and we can have a conversation about that, but we have to think about those things. Do the actors. Do the people who are creating the content, do they have to sin in order to create it? If that, if the answer is yes, we as Christians, I think should be extremely, extremely wary of, of even watching or consuming those things. [00:18:49] Tony Arsenal: So those are the kinds of questions and situations that I think need to be list like thought about as we approach pop culture. But I also think, Jesse, you know, you made the point to that. Popular culture, entertainment broadly is a gift from God for us to enjoy. Right? And it's okay to enjoy it. It's okay for us to participate in that. [00:19:09] Tony Arsenal: You know, we're not, we're not the people who are gonna say to you like, well, you know, every minute you spend, uh, reading, I don't know, uh, reading will of the many, every minute you spend reading Will of the many you could spend witnessing to people, right? So therefore, you should never read Will of the many or The Hobbit or whatever it might be. [00:19:27] Tony Arsenal: Um, but we should think carefully about what we consume, how much of it we consume, when we consume it, all those are questions that the Christian needs to ask themselves. [00:19:35] Jesse Schwamb: I agree. I think the broad test here is actually not that difficult to comprehend. It's probably more that we sometimes hesitate to apply it because we're afraid of what it might mean for the stuff that we're consuming. [00:19:46] Jesse Schwamb: So again, like ceasing from our work in order to rest holds us together like that, that is something that God gives us as a pattern relaxation that we should take joy in. It must be the right amounts of lawful entertainment or consumption of all of this stuff in pop culture, but it is there. I think like even God gives it our own cultures as a means for us to find that kind of rest and to find some comradery and solidarity even with those in whom we interact and live with. [00:20:13] Jesse Schwamb: I think all of that's fine. Like you've said, it gets a little tricky when we start thinking about, well, where is that appropriate line? What is our conviction? But I think part of the problem with that is that we might not be seeking out conviction for ourselves. We not be asking because we hate to find that there is conviction in things that we're watching because there's gonna be a lot of things'. [00:20:31] Jesse Schwamb: That society's gonna be preoccupied with for entertainment for its own sake. And again, it's an indicator that everybody, men and women, even children, are seeking rest from the burden of their work and that rest is okay. Even that itself, like you're saying, Tony, it's interesting. I think so much we're gonna come back to is this idea of it. [00:20:47] Jesse Schwamb: Is, are we redeeming what we're doing in this process? Are we being not just thoughtful about discerning, adjudicating, or interrogating what we're watching and listening and reading, but as we do it, are we thoughtful people? Are we seeing the themes even in those joyous things that we find as entertainment that draw us back to the goodness of God that explains something about the world he's created or his own character finding? [00:21:10] Jesse Schwamb: Of course, that in every story is just a reflection of the greatest story ever told. Like, yeah, all of those themes, all the things we are drawn to that we gravitate towards. That move us. All of those things still come from God. And so therefore, even our entertainment can serve this purpose of not just alleviating our minds and bodies from the burden of ongoing labor in a fallen world, but can also draw, draw us back to God's common grace and his particular grace for his people who are always sinners. [00:21:34] Jesse Schwamb: So here's the the first test. I think it's the most simple one. And everybody's gonna throw their listening devices at the wall because it's the one that's the most straightforward. It's the one you might've been thinking you're gonna get to eventually, and let's just get it out of the way. I don't say that because it's not worthwhile. [00:21:49] Jesse Schwamb: I say it because it's exactly the kind of worthwhile test that we should apply, and it applies perfectly in every situation. And that's the Apostle Paul setting out in one Corinthians 10 31. Here it is. This is like. You know, top 20 reform verses whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [00:22:07] Jesse Schwamb: So the beauty of this is I think just first pass, first blush, top of the house. If we cannot engage in an entertaining activity in such a way as to glorify God, then it's just unlawful. And by way of contrast, if you can, then we're justified in viewing it as a gift of God's common grace. I, I just throw it out there to start with. [00:22:26] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think that it's not that we found that this particular test has been tried and left wanting, but rather we haven't tried it very well. Oftentimes. Yeah. At least for my own sake. And instead we say, well, the Bible just isn't clear. But if you're, watch your point, Tony. If you're watching something that is gratuitous in any way, and you stop and say. [00:22:44] Jesse Schwamb: Am I glorifying God in the consumption of this? I think it's really difficult to make a strong argument that in some way you are actively, not just passively and saying like, well, it's okay and there's gonna be a redeeming story plot in here somewhere, I hope. But are we actively, whenever, whenever we're doing or we're consuming these things, are we actually glorifying God? [00:23:02] Jesse Schwamb: Is God glorified in. What's happening with my mind, my thoughts, my body, my eyes, my conversations, how this shapes me, how this changes my worldview. If we have to answer that God is not glorified there, then to my view, it's unlawful. And I think also in the eyes of the Apostle Paul. [00:23:19] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:23:20] Personal Convictions and Christian Liberty [00:23:20] Tony Arsenal: And you know, I think something that is important to, um. [00:23:24] Tony Arsenal: Comment on and think about when we sort of apply that test, that test really has more to do with what's going on in our heart. Yes. When we are consuming any particular part, you know, any particular media than it necessarily has to do with the media itself. I think there are some things, um, that. Just cannot be consumed to the glory of God. [00:23:46] Tony Arsenal: Right? You can't watch pornography to the glory of God, like you just can't do it. Um, you can't, you can't watch people murder each other for, you know, to the glory of God. But the vast majority of things that are out there, um, the, the, the question you're asking is not primarily grounded in the content itself. [00:24:07] Tony Arsenal: It's, it's grounded in. What the content does to us and in us and how we process it. And I think that's why I, you know, I always wanna say for most things, this goes back to Christian Liberty and. Christian Liberty is not a license to sin. It's, it's a freedom to, um, to obey, right? It's a freedom and it's a range of possibilities to obey God in different ways, in different situations, rather than some tightly constrained, tightly restricted behavioral code, right? [00:24:39] Tony Arsenal: There is a law. God gives us a law. We talked about this at length when we did the 10 commandment series. He gives us a law, but this law is a set of 10 principles for godly living. Not a, an exhaustive list of do this, don't do that. Right? So the seventh commandment, you know, for media. Is this inclining my mind towards chastity and purity of thought, right? [00:25:02] Tony Arsenal: For those of us who are married, is this likely to, um, create a barrier in my relationship with my wife, or is this likely to enhance the relationship I have with my wife? Is this. Particular thing I'm doing, this video game that I play, is this likely to draw my attention away from my children when they need me? [00:25:19] Tony Arsenal: Or is it something that I have that is likely to increase my ability to pay attention to my children? Or am I able to properly balance the demands that my children have and the needs my children have while I still play this video game, just as an example. So we can still use those 10 principles to help guide us, but the way that those. [00:25:38] Tony Arsenal: The way that the law is applied to these questions and how it is, is gonna be unique, I think almost, almost across the board for things. It's gonna be unique to each individual, right? One person may be able to, yeah, like my big thing and I like, okay, I'm just gonna put this out there. I'm just gonna lay myself bare here. [00:25:55] Tony Arsenal: If I could say that I have one actual real addiction in life, it's probably World of Warcraft, and I know that sounds probably really silly, but even me saying and saying the phrase World of Warcraft, in my mind I'm like, could I figure out a way that I could go back in and play that game? Like they call it World of Warcraft for a reason. [00:26:14] Tony Arsenal: It is super addictive and it's very easy to fall back into it. I'm sure there are people out there who can perfectly just fine, could manage their life of having children and a wife and a job and, you know, service to the church and still play World of Warcraft for a couple hours a week or, or an hour every night and still be just fine. [00:26:33] Tony Arsenal: I cannot do that. If I subscribe to World of Warcraft, it will imbalance my life such that something that God is calling me to, that I know God is calling me to, is going to be pushed out of the way for that. So for me. I cannot fulfill my obligations and participate in that particular element of pop culture. [00:26:52] Tony Arsenal: And I think there's probably something like that for most of us. Again, someone else may be able to do that just fine. There are probably many people who can do that just fine. That's a problem in my own heart. And the way I address that is by saying, this is just not healthy for me, so I'm not gonna do it. [00:27:05] Tony Arsenal: And whether that's a TV show or a a book series. I know people who won't read certain books because they get so immersed in it and it sort of like shapes their worldview in really unhealthy ways. They just won't pick up a particular set of novels or a particular book series. Um, you know, I've told this story that I, I don't remember where I was flying. [00:27:24] Tony Arsenal: Um, it wasn't. I must have been flying to Minnesota. That's the only place I've traveled by air for quite a long time. Um, I stopped in the, the bookstore, the, you know, the, the souvenir store, whatever. And I forgot a, I forgot a book at home of all the people to forget a book. And I was like, you know, there's this big hub lu about Game of Thrones and you know, maybe the book is better than the show. [00:27:43] Tony Arsenal: And like, you know, I can control what I'm imagining and it's easier for me to skip over parts and nobody is having to make graphic sex scenes. Even if they're sort of portrayed in the book. I can maybe do this. I got like. A chapter and a half into the book and was like, I can't, this is not healthy for me. [00:27:57] Tony Arsenal: It's not helpful. It doesn't glorify God. It's not true. It's not noble, it's not honorable, it's not worthy of praise. Right. I'm just gonna, and I just threw the book away. I spent like $15 on a book and then I just threw it in the garbage. Um, and I don't say that to like prop myself up as some bastion of self control. [00:28:10] Tony Arsenal: That's just in that moment I made the right decision. But there are things like that, that you are gonna have to look at your own self to say, I cannot participate in this, even if someone else might be able to. I personally cannot. And I think that's really the more the question we need to ask then. Are there universal principles that say, I can't do A, B, or C? [00:28:30] Tony Arsenal: It's really about my heart in the moment and how my heart is affected by a given thing. [00:28:36] Jesse Schwamb: Much like the 10 Commandments. This whole conversation in the scriptural, I think admonishment here is very much about freeing us up to enjoy freedom, to have joy in these things. It's not about just saying, well, here's a list of things that you can't do. [00:28:51] Jesse Schwamb: Isn't that unfortunate? Everybody else can do them, but you can't enjoy them. Instead, Scott saying like you're talking about Tony, no put to death all these evil, selfish things that are in your life that actually destruct. And instead, enjoy entertainment and pop culture in such a way that not only glorifies him, but does truly refresh you so that you're not drawn back into patterns of selfish behavior or sinful thinking, or all kinds of, you know, sexual frivolity that's going to lead your mind and your body and your heart astray or into places that you'll end up getting hurt. [00:29:25] Jesse Schwamb: I think. The beauty of this is it just provides us with a way to think and discern about the stuff that we're consuming so that we're ensured. Then it's fulfilling the right purpose that God has for in our lives, and that's freeing. When you get to a place where the scripture says like, here's the way walking it, then you know that you can walk confidently and you can enjoy that very thing. [00:29:46] Jesse Schwamb: One great example, I think that sit on both sides, we can talk about in some ways how there's like a, a lack of, or like kinda a, a moral perspective with certain types of medium of expression. One of those I think famously is, is music. Luther famously said, musical performance is principle among the entertainment that God has graciously given us to enjoy in life. [00:30:06] Jesse Schwamb: And yet who hasn't been part of either music that has been absolutely refreshing, absolutely life-giving, absolutely calming and beautiful in the same way that like David played before King Saul when he was distressed. And maybe you've had this experience where there's some kind of soothing melody that was just a bomb to your soul and your condition in that state. [00:30:25] Jesse Schwamb: And then also. On the other side, who hasn't listened even to some really catchy music that's been filled with like sexual perversion, misogyny, violence themes that at the end of it, you may have enjoyed the beat, but it's, it's just left you kind of feeling gross. And disgusted. Yeah. Even with yourself for enjoying it. [00:30:45] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think that's what we're after here is like to be freed up to enjoy this kind of entertainment in a way that it is truly the gift that God has given rather than something that enslaves us. And I'm gonna argue that it often does. Not because it's just addictive, though. [00:30:59] The Influence of Entertainment on Our Lives [00:30:59] Jesse Schwamb: It can be, but because it does actually influence us deeply and, and I think one thing is clear is that all the things we're talking about here that's present in entertainment, and I'm talking all the way back to things like athletic performance, all of this beauty and creativity, art expressed both in film literature and in music, that all of those things God has given us for our good and for his glory. [00:31:22] Jesse Schwamb: So he wants us to enjoy them. But sin is of course gonna take all those things and pervert them and twist them in such a way that they no longer become life-giving or become life taking. The problem is they take life incrementally and on the margin. Yeah. And so that you rarely feel that that's going on. [00:31:37] Jesse Schwamb: You rarely sense the divide of the chasm that's creating in your thought patterns, in the way that you interact with people, even the way that you interact with God until, not that it's too late, but that's, you wake up and you think, my goodness, how far have I gone from what I think this is really intended to be in my life? [00:31:52] Jesse Schwamb: Then maybe addiction does crop up in such a place that you're like this. This has gone too far. But I think, again, like many things in life, when God says no, what he's saying is, do not hurt yourself. I know better. I want you to enjoy these things. So I see this as like our opportunity to like empower to come with the scriptures, bearing full weights on what we consume, not because we need more laundry lists of things to avoid, but because we need direction on what is best to sink our entertainment time and resources into. [00:32:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And I, I think that's a good, um, that's a good, maybe a next test right? [00:32:25] Balancing Time and Entertainment Choices [00:32:25] Tony Arsenal: Is we only have a finite amount of time. We, we, and, and I'm not even just talking about like in general, we have a, I'm, I'm talking about like we have a finite amount of discretionary time. We all have commitments, we have jobs, we have families, we have church commitments, we have friends that we wanna maintain relationships with. [00:32:43] Tony Arsenal: The amount of time we have to just like sit down and consume pop culture is limited no matter, no matter who you are. Some people have more, some people have less. Um, we can consume. Ev, every time we say yes to one thing, we're saying no to another thing, right? There is, um, there is popular culture or content out there that absolutely is encouraging, right? [00:33:05] Tony Arsenal: And absolutely is going to enhance your life, and it's going to enhance your piety and your devotion to God, right? And I'm not just talking about like Christian content. There's decent Christian content out there. There's decent Christian films, there's decent Christian music, there's decent Christian fiction writing. [00:33:22] Tony Arsenal: Um, there's probably even decent Christian video games, although I haven't run into them, I'm sure they're out there. Um. But that's not even what I'm talking about. [00:33:30] Finding Value in Non-Christian Content [00:33:30] Tony Arsenal: There there are, there are non quote, non-Christian, um, right there. There's General grace. Common grace works out there that will, they'll, they'll make you smarter. [00:33:41] Tony Arsenal: It will make you healthier. It'll help you enhance your life. It'll help you enjoy your world more. It'll help you enjoy and see the beauty in God's creation. More I've, I've commented, um. At length, and this isn't necessarily pop culture, although it kind of bridges the gap a little bit. I've commented at length on how beneficial in my life, Ryan holiday's, writings have been. [00:33:58] Tony Arsenal: Right? Right. That's what he doesn't get everything right. There are some things he gets very wrong, um, but. I, I read, um, Ryan Holiday's, stoic. Stoic Works, and I wouldn't say he's a scholar of stoicism. He's more like a modern day stoic philosopher. I read his works and I benefit from him. It makes my life better. [00:34:17] Tony Arsenal: It makes my devotion to God better. It makes my piety better. It makes me a better husband and a better father, and a better employee just in general. It makes me a better person. Not because Ryan Holiday is some special thing, but because he seems to have tapped into common grace principles that other writers haven't, I have a choice. [00:34:33] Tony Arsenal: You know? Do I wanna read that or do I wanna read some? Um, and don't get me wrong, I enjoy manga, but like, do I wanna read some. Meaningless, pointless manga that is just the same story over and over again with different animation. You know, some people might find that the reading the manga is the right thing for them and that enhances their life. [00:34:51] Tony Arsenal: Right? But for me, I've had to make that calculation. I only have so much time. I only have so much time to read. Um, and, and this is might be a shock to people. There are times where I'll have the decision between reading a theology book and. Being caught up on my reading in Daily Stoic, I most often will take time to read the Daily Stoic instead of reading something. [00:35:10] Tony Arsenal: For example, I'm way behind on Daily Devotion or Daily Doctrine by Kevin De Young Way Behind, but I'm not behind on, on Daily Dad or daily Stoic from Ryan Holiday. That's not because one, one thing is better than the other necessarily, but what I need in my life and what God is calling me to. The writings by di by Ryan Holiday right now are more effective in a, in accomplishing those tasks and into shaping me into who I believe God wants me to be. [00:35:37] Tony Arsenal: So that's the other question we have to ask is what? [00:35:40] The Importance of Rest and Leisure [00:35:40] Tony Arsenal: What is the most beneficial thing for us at the moment? It could be some sort of mindless cotton, candy entertainment. There's nothing wrong with that. This isn't, this isn't me saying like find, this isn't like hustle culture for pop culture. Like sometimes you just need to veg out and do something that doesn't require any brain power, and that's what God is, is giving you as a gift for your rest and your re recuperation. [00:36:04] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes it's a hard hitting. Heavy theology. Sometimes you need to sit down and read some Bob Ink again, not that that's pop culture, but I think the broader principle applies. Maybe you need to sit down and read some Turin, or maybe you need to like scroll Instagram for a little while and watch funny cat videos, right? [00:36:19] Tony Arsenal: All of those things are good things. They're all gifts from God in the proper proportions and at the proper time, and that's why this can be such a complicated question is because we have to have a good, robust. Honest reflection of who we are and what we need in order to make these, these decisions. Um, and it really is about what do we need in the moment? [00:36:37] Tony Arsenal: What is God calling us to? What is the wise thing to do right now, the wise thing to consume right now? Um, and, and I think that's a good test. Is this the most effective thing and accomplishing in my life what needs to be accomplished, right? That could be all sorts of goals, but is this the most effective thing to accomplish that at my life right now? [00:36:57] Tony Arsenal: If so, and it's not sinful, and then have at it enjoy. You know, I think those are the kinds of questions we need to ask, and I don't think we often ask that. I think we are often passive. And neutral in decisions about what we're gonna watch for pop culture. We're driven by what is the most popular thing on Netflix? [00:37:15] Tony Arsenal: What does the algorithm recommend for us? Or what is being talked about at work? Or what do I have on hand? What do I have easy access to? Um, I think we need to be more active and intentional in our decisions on this towards those ends. [00:37:29] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. And there's no accounting for taste, right? I mean, part, part of time we get caught up in that, so we'll just say, well, maybe what I'm experiencing, because I'm a Christian, I'm trying to process this, has to do more about like particular medium or the taste or the type of genre or something. [00:37:44] Jesse Schwamb: I'd encourage us to not get too caught up in that. I think what you're saying is really, really helpful. The idea here I think is more about embracing the fact that we don't have to be productive all the time. And that we don't have to be, and I use this with great love like puritanical in the sense that, you know, well, if Jonathan Edwards didn't laugh and the Lord sakes that was inappropriate, then I shouldn't either. [00:38:05] Jesse Schwamb: And by virtue of that fact, then I should really have this incredible puritanical work ethic where even when I'm at home or every second that I have, I should be reading something. And if I'm gonna read something, it should be productive. Or if I'm watch tv, it should be something kinda documentary. I need to learn and fill my mind and make use and redeem every second of that time. [00:38:18] Jesse Schwamb: What if part of that redemption. Is enjoying entertainment for the way that God intended it to be, and that when he makes beauty and creativity and artistic expression, and again, we're presuming that this is the right amount of a lawful entertainment, that all of those things are for their own enjoyment because they point back to the creator. [00:38:40] Jesse Schwamb: Just by themselves. Like there doesn't have to be an ulterior motive. You don't have to justify it. You don't even have to feel guilty about it. That in fact, because we're contingent beings and therefore we have limited energy supply and unlimited amount of time and space, that all those things com continue to propel us towards some kind of desire for a lawful entertainment that leads us into rest. [00:39:02] Jesse Schwamb: Even as you're saying Tony, if that's rest for 10 or 15 minutes before, it's the next thing to feel this compulsion instead. To have to again quote unquote redeem. That time by being super productive is I think a fool's errand because we are as much made to work as we are made to rest. And in that rest, I think sometimes we actually find for some of us an easier time identifying and worshiping God in that risk. [00:39:26] Jesse Schwamb: Because in our work, we are busy in our work and we often get caught up in our work thinking all of our work is all of us. And so we rest and we find enjoyment in something. We take a walk, we listen to a beautiful piece of music. We spend some times just conversing about nothing with friends. We sit outside and enjoy beverages together that something happens sometimes in that space. [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: We're in the pause of that in the fact that there is beauty that seemingly is without productive purpose, even though I'd argue there is one. It's just hidden behind it and we fail to see it. We are drawn to the fact drawn to say, God, are you not good? For all of your gifts. And of course he's good in our gifts of work. [00:40:02] Jesse Schwamb: He's also good in our, our gifts of rest. But he's given us this gift as a form of entertainment in our own pop culture for us really to enjoy. But you're right, if we get it twisted such that we consume too much of it, or if we misapply that, I think we're just gonna live a less abundant life. So again, like the task here is not, don't do any entertainment. [00:40:23] Jesse Schwamb: Get all, get away from all the entertainments. Like what? Like your point, Tony, I, and I've heard Christian say this, I think there can be a brow beating here where it's like, well, couldn't you have used that time more productive? Like they had a couple more minutes, like maybe you really should have prayed harder or. [00:40:38] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe you should have read that other chapter in the Bible. Maybe you should gone back through your genealogies again and read those because you know that you don't read those particularly well. Or maybe you should have studied this thing or that thing. And instead is there a kind of worship that truly gives itself over to resting in God in the form of appreciating entertainment as he's created it for us to give us that kind of rest? [00:40:59] Jesse Schwamb: I would say yes. It's just that we often don't talk about it and sometimes we do talk about it. It's hard to bring it up 'cause you're gonna. You're gonna feel guilty. Like, can you imagine somebody saying to you, you know what? I'm just finding so much rest these days in this, uh, little game on my phone that I get to play. [00:41:15] Jesse Schwamb: You would be like, you, you might, if you're, if you're like, you know that person, well, you might be like, that's weird. I guarantee though, if that happened to me, I'd walk away and then when I was with my wife later, I'd be like, let me tell you what this weird thing this person said. You know what I mean? [00:41:27] Jesse Schwamb: But what, what, yeah. We need to think more like that. Not as a liberty to forsake or abdicate responsibility, but instead to actually be well rested for the responsibility in the task, the good works that God has created for us. [00:41:42] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. [00:41:42] Personal Experiences with Entertainment [00:41:42] Tony Arsenal: And maybe here's like a concrete example is, um. You know, I, um, I work at a local hospital and my job is relatively intense. [00:41:53] Tony Arsenal: Um, in terms of emotional investment, I'm a patient relations supervisor, so I, I'm in charge of the department that hears all of the complaints from patients, which means we often hear some really frustrating stories about people's healthcare, and it can be very emotionally draining. And so I also, um, I also ride the bus home now. [00:42:15] Tony Arsenal: My, my vehicle is broken right now. Hopefully we're gonna get fixed soon, but I ride the bus home and for the first couple, I don't know, for the first week that I was riding the bus, I was like, I gotta use this time. I gotta read something. I gotta make sure I'm doing that right. And what I've learned actually is if I just take the 45 minutes that I'm on the bus and waiting for the bus and I just sort of zone out and play Pokemon Go. [00:42:39] Tony Arsenal: By the time I get home, I'm ready to engage with my kids better. I'm ready to engage with my wife better. I'm less likely to feel, uh, just drained and tired because I'm actually letting my brain sort of reset and I'm building that buffer. So something as simple as like. Playing a relatively mindless game on my phone for a half hour, 45 minutes while I ride the bus and wait for the bus, um, helps me to fulfill my obligations as a father and a husband in a more present way. [00:43:09] Tony Arsenal: Again, like if you wanna ride the bus and you wanna read a fiction, or you wanna do theology, like that's on you, that's your decision to make. But. I know people who would say to me, um, you really should be using that time for something more productive than playing Pokemon Go. And, and yeah, maybe like, maybe there are times that I should be more productive and maybe there are times that other people should be less productive. [00:43:32] Tony Arsenal: Like I think that's kind of what we're getting at here is. Productivity or spiritual growth or pi, like those categories are, each of those are good categories. Like productivity is not a bad thing. Um, personal devotion is certainly not a bad thing. [00:43:47] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. [00:43:47] Tony Arsenal: But it's not the only thing. And we also, I think we act as though our lives can be this sort of like perfect integrated balance when really like we have to be able to sort of recognize that. [00:44:02] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes doing nothing has its own utility. Like that feels like a weird thing to say, but I I, I'm with you here and, and maybe this is kind of how we bring the episode down to an end is I do think. There is this, obviously the Sabbath principle, the rest principle. Um, but God also gives us rest in these other small ways. [00:44:25] Tony Arsenal: Sometimes not so small, but small ways in the rest of our life. And I don't think that we should bear any shame or guilt or feel like we're less Christian because we take advantage of or make use of those. Those sort of like smaller opportunities to rest and you know, recreation is recreation. Like that's, that's that etymology is not a false etymology. [00:44:49] Tony Arsenal: That's where the word comes from. And it's because we often need to do these sort of leisurely things in order to be able to then go back and put forward the effort that we need. And the other thing just, I feel like we're tying. Leisure to the ability to produce in a way that may actually also be unhealthy. [00:45:09] Tony Arsenal: Leisure is not necessarily the ends, the means to being able to be productive. Right? Leisure serves its own purpose. It has its own use, its own way to glorify God. Yes, it does enable us often to be able to come back and put our nose to the grindstone, but we shouldn't just think about it as like, well, this is just, this is just my recharge period. [00:45:30] Tony Arsenal: We don't think about sleep that way. I don't think we think about sleep in, in a fashion of saying like, well, I've gotta sleep so that I can just get up and go to work the next day. And productive. I think we recognize that our bodies need to rest and there's a blessing and a joy in being able to close our eyes and sort of drift off and have dreams and rest, and that our body recuperates itself, I think we should think of leisure in a similar sense, and recreation and pop culture all kind of play into that. [00:45:53] Jesse Schwamb: I think that's right on. I mean, it's one of those things where we're certainly not saying that there isn't rest in prayer and in daily worship and consuming and studying the scriptures, there's certainly a rest in all those activities too. In some ways, I think we're presuming that we are trying to incorporate a balance into our lives, and that part of that balance is just rest for its own sake. [00:46:12] Jesse Schwamb: The enjoyment of that and when you're truly, I think, enjoying that rest, whatever it is, one we do not long feel guilty because we have processed. And pass everything to the sve of the scriptures and say, this is glorifying to God is for my goodness, for his glory. So therefore there's no, as it were like condemnation for me in this because I have a clear conscience about it. [00:46:31] Jesse Schwamb: And then in addition to that, it does provide us with perhaps, again, that lovely contrast between working hard and then having. Some period of which we are abstaining from that work and from that labor. And in so doing we find different ways to please and to worship God. We find that we see his character reflected in different ways. [00:46:49] Jesse Schwamb: And so in that way too, it reminds us that we are, like I said before, like completely contingent, we get tired, we get exhausted. Like there's only so much the mind can do and so much it can handle. And so by. Willingly accepting and leaning into that, not again, in a way that takes us away. We use as liberty to say, well, I, you know, I really should spend some time before the Lord in prayer. [00:47:10] Jesse Schwamb: I really should spend some time in, in daily particular worship, but you know what? I really need to rest instead. Like of, of course, that itself, we should be convicted about, uh, because then we're using entertainment such a way to distract us. Suppose this. Way from God rather than toward him. But the Bible is so clear, like you're saying, Tony, that there's all these seasons in life and the more I think about those seasons, the more I wonder if we tend to treat them too discreetly. [00:47:34] Jesse Schwamb: And in these two, like, kind of like prolonged periods, what if a season is for an hour? What if a season is for a day? What if a season is for five minutes? So famously, of course, when we have the teacher writing. Ecclesiastes chapter three, some of these famous words, I think we just fail to take them to heart. [00:47:51] Jesse Schwamb: Listen to this beautiful contrast, and I think it really fits in with what we're saying here about the, the ability to rightly consume entertainment and pop culture in such a way that it is glorifying to God and our understanding of it in our application of how it gives us true rest. So it writes things like this. [00:48:09] Jesse Schwamb: There's a time to kill and the time to heal. A time to break down, a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing a time to seek and a time to lose. [00:48:26] Jesse Schwamb: A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to tear. A time to sow, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, a time to love, and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. So it's very clear that God has given us, I think all of these wonderful things to enjoy as part of his character, as demonstrations of the fact that he is a God who is loving and love always leads to giving. [00:48:51] Jesse Schwamb: And so he gives us beauty in arts. In music, in literature, in screen, and of course then we should recognize because those are things from God and we ought to that. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Heavenly Father who is above that. It is the prerogative of the devil to twist and bend those things in such a way that we feel to see them as God's gifts and said, see them as our rightful consumption. [00:49:12] Jesse Schwamb: Such a way that enslaves. Changes our mindset, pulls us farther away from God. So I think part of it's just going into everything with the pun intended, with eyes wide open. So hopefully some of these tests have been helpful. I think people probably have, because like you said, Tony, there's a lot of Christian liberty here and maybe some point. [00:49:29] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I was gonna ask you like what's I, I'm not gonna ask you this because I know you're gonna ask it back to me, but like what would be maybe something you consume that others might be able. Ooh. Um, but I don't want you to ask that back to me. We could do that. We could do that if you want to. [00:49:42] Tony Arsenal: Um, yeah, let's, let's do that in a future episode. [00:49:43] Tony Arsenal: I think that'd be fun. Well, we'll [00:49:44] Jesse Schwamb: save that for another time. So everybody keeps listening. [00:49:46] Encouraging Community Engagement [00:49:46] Jesse Schwamb: But I think one of the things that we should be encouraging our listeners to do, the people who are part of the reform brotherhoodhood, is come hang out online. In this place called Telegram, which is just a chat messaging app and we have a little corner, a protected corner of the world. [00:50:00] Jesse Schwamb: There is a group of people who are like-minded listening to our conversations and participating in their own. And the way they participate with us is you can message in the app, they've got a bunch of channels of different topics, so you can get there by going to t.me/reform brotherhood. I bring this up now, not just to advertise as usual. [00:50:17] Jesse Schwamb: Because we want you to come be a part of this, but I would love to hear from others because we have a channel in there that's just about the conversations we're having on the podcast. Come share some of the practical things that you use, the tests that you have, the conversations that you bring forward to help you discern what kind of pop culture you're consuming. [00:50:37] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Don't just take our word for it. Let's hear what the Holy Spirit. How he is leadi

The Coworkers Podcast
When Missionaries Disagree: Biblical Principles and Practical Tips for Navigating Disagreements on the Mission Field

The Coworkers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 52:48


Anyone who has been serving as a missionary for very long knows that missionaries disagree on many issues from time to time! We even find disagreements in the pages of the book of Acts. Listen in as we share 4 biblical principles to apply when we disagree with coworkers, and some practical tips we have learned over the years as well. 

Mark's Virkler's How-To for Spirit-Anointed Living Podcast
116 10 Einstein Quotes Linked to Biblical Principles

Mark's Virkler's How-To for Spirit-Anointed Living Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 10:41


To my knowledge, Albert Einstein was not a Christian but let's not forget that God granted revelation to Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar as well. I greatly respect Einstein because I see him releasing God's creativity in the marketplace. He offered divine solutions to solve mankind's problems. As Christians, is that not what we all hunger to do?Read more here.Support the show

Raising Kids On Your Knees
Anchored Parenting: Five Biblical Principles for Changing Seasons

Raising Kids On Your Knees

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 9:07


In this episode of Raising Kids on Your Knees, Tina shares five biblical principles and five practical tips for parenting through life's transitions—especially the “launching points” when children grow in independence. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or stepping into adulthood, this episode equips you to pray powerfully, trust God deeply, and anchor your identity in Christ. Discover how grief, trust, identity, prayer, and purpose shape spiritual parenting—and how to walk with Jesus through every season. Perfect for Christian parents seeking encouragement, discipleship tools, and faith-based parenting strategies.Ten Prayers That Will Transform the School Year (Free Download) https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-17931658/documents/364cfde3667a4bf7a901de398774eecb/Ten%20Prayers%20That%20Will%20Transform%20the%20School%20Year.pdfFlying Arrow Productions

Jumpstart Your Dreams with Faith Hanan | Marketing, Mindset, & Spiritual Growth for Christian Business Owners
Ep 233 // Struggling with Burnout? 6 MORE Powerful Biblical Principles for Victory

Jumpstart Your Dreams with Faith Hanan | Marketing, Mindset, & Spiritual Growth for Christian Business Owners

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 19:55


I have a beef to pick with the idea that you HAVE to go, go, go until you're completely burt out or break. I don't believe that's how God created us to work! In fact, He shows us CLEARLY in the Garden that's not His way.  But what about if you're already there? You're already burned out and wanna quit? How do you recover? How do you prevent burnout from happening again?   Listen in to part 2 of 2 of this overcoming burnout mini series and learn 6 more Biblical tips to overcome burnout.    Listen in to part 1 of How to Deal with Burnout as a Christian Entrepreneur   Grab the Scriptural Affirmations I mention here.    Cut ALL the fluff and learn how to use Ubersuggest the EASIEST way in under an hour   Free training: Learn how to get 300X More Website Traffic in a Year in 3 Simple Steps   Join Simple SEO Framework & Group Coaching Program. Learn how to get 300%, 500%, even 12,000% more website traffic in a year.  to get your website set up for SEO Success in a DAY & learn how to maintain a traffic-generating machine in 2hrs/ week. Ready to get your website copy AND your SEO strategy DONE in a day? Snag a spot for a VIP Copy Day! Book your discovery call here! Join the Facebook Group Email info@faithhanan.com Book Your SEO and Keywords Strategy Call

Thee Generation Podcast
Dr. Jim: The Power of Application

Thee Generation Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 14:13


In this episode, Dr. Jim Van Gelderen speaks from Piedmont, Missouri, about the essential element that transforms truth into life change: application. He explains how biblical commands and principles must be practically implemented through Spirit-led standards. Drawing from personal stories and revival ministry experience, Dr. Jim urges young people to embrace conviction, avoid legalism, and courageously follow God's specific leading in their lives.Topics DiscussedWhat application is—and what it isn'tThe difference between commands, principles, and standardsWhy some standards differ based on personal past strugglesPractical examples of media, music, and technology applicationsThe difference between intrinsic wrongs and associational issuesThe Holy Spirit's role in grace-filled obedienceAvoiding legalism while still having strong standardsThe importance of responding to conviction immediatelyKey TakeawaysPreaching must lead to application or it's incomplete.Standards are personalized applications of God's Word, not legalistic rules.Different people will need different standards based on past experiences and weaknesses.The Holy Spirit leads both in conviction and in enabling you to live it out.Applications you make while young can protect and shape your entire life. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey
Should You Eat Dirt? The “Healthy” Foods Destroying Your Gut – Dr. Josh Axe : 1289

The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 65:58


You've been told to eat clean, but what if your “healthy” foods are wrecking your gut, crushing your hormones, and aging you faster? This episode exposes the nutrient-depleted truth behind modern diets, soil erosion, and why regenerative farming might be the key to reversing chronic disease, boosting mitochondria, and rebuilding your biology from the ground up. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Josh Axe, a trusted pioneer in functional medicine, bestselling author, and co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. Dr. Axe bridges the gap between biblical farming, ancestral nutrition, and modern science to explain how your food and even your supplements may be harming your human performance, digestion, and brain health. With clinical insights, personal stories, and science-backed tools, he shares what to eat instead if you want real longevity, energy, and healing. They dig into the collapse of soil nutrients, how monocropping damages the microbiome, and why organic food standards may be outdated. You'll learn how regenerative agriculture rebuilds the earth and your gut, and why biohacking starts with dirt, not pills. Plus, they explore the hormonal chaos caused by seed oils, plastics, blue light, sleep disruption, and even birth control, especially in relation to testosterone loss in men and women. This episode also touches on biblical nutrition, fasting cycles, natural nootropics, testosterone-supporting peptides, the dangers of synthetic vitamins, and the future of real-time self-quantification. From poop-powered farming to smarter sourcing, it's a wild ride into how food, faith, and farming affect every part of your biology. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, neurohacking, longevity, Upgrade Labs, Danger Coffee, Smarter Not Harder, and understanding the real root of disease and dysfunction. You'll Learn: • Why regenerative farming beats “organic” for health and the planet • How depleted soil is linked to hormone imbalances and chronic disease • What birth control is doing to testosterone, fertility, and mitochondrial health • Why your supplements may just be “expensive pee” • The truth about biblical farming and why dirt still matters • How to support testosterone naturally with diet, peptides, and habits • Why sleep optimization, mineral balance, and circadian alignment are key for healing Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. SPONSORS: - BON CHARGE | Go to https://boncharge.com and use code DAVE for 15% off. - Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order Resources: • Dave Asprey's New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Josh Axe's Website – https://thehealthinstitute.com/ • Josh Axe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoshaxe/?hl=en • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey's Website: https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 00:00 Trailer • 00:52 Intro • 01:01 From Medicine to Farming • 02:21 Regenerative Farming • 03:36 Fixing Modern Agriculture • 05:43 Biblical Farming Meets Modern Science • 08:23 The Truth About Organic Food • 12:41 What's Causing the Testosterone Crash • 18:07 Hormonal Birth Control • 27:37 New Hormone Replacement • 29:58 The Future of Health Tracking • 32:00 What Is Biblical Farming? • 33:38 Biblical Principles of Nutrition • 33:55 Foods Most Mentioned in the Bible • 35:17 Pork, Parasites, and Dietary Laws • 37:29 Chinese Medicine's View on Pork • 39:36 Did the Flood Shorten Human Lifespan? • 42:26 Biodynamic Farming and Spirituality • 54:27 Fatherhood and Words That Heal • 56:21 What Josh Feeds His Kids • 01:03:41 Mental Health, Faith, and Healing • 01:05:36 Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your Daily Prayer Podcast
A Prayer for Peace When Finances Feel Tight

Your Daily Prayer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 5:36


Daily Meditation In a world where economic pressures mount and expenses seem never-ending, it’s easy for financial worries to steal our peace. In this heartfelt devotional, Amanda Idleman shares a vulnerable reflection on the challenges of financial stewardship, and the temptation to let money overshadow our trust in God. Drawing on Scripture’s wisdom, Amanda reminds us that while diligent budgeting and wise choices are important, our ultimate security and peace come from the Lord, not from balanced spreadsheets or earthly treasures. This message invites you to surrender financial fears and embrace the peace of Jesus, who promises to supply every need.