Podcast appearances and mentions of erin straza

In this Episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson is joined by Erin Straza. The discussion centers around the crucial topic of making an organization's mission compelling and irresistible to donors, offering valuable insights for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals.Erin begins by emphasizing the paramount importance of mission clarity. She notes that many nonprofits struggle with articulating their mission clearly, especially as their programming becomes more complex over time. A clear, compelling mission that donors can easily understand is fundamental to successful fundraising efforts. Erin stresses that this clarity should permeate all aspects of the organization, from internal communications to external marketing materials.Erin is the CEO and Chief Donor Engagement Strategist for NonprofitsYou can learn more about here work at https://erinstraza.com/ and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/What to watch next…Episode 110: Engaging Donors Through Impact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJKxlKAAQoMEpisode 96: A Compelling Vision for your Nonprofit: https://youtu.be/HGhq9v1MT7QWhat's new on our website?Human-Centered Nonprofit Leadership: https://thecharitycfo.com/balancing-mission-with-human-centered-leadership/Follow Us OnlineStay connected and get more exclusive content on:Website: www.thecharitycfo.comInstagram: @thecharitycfoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecharitycfoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-charity-cfo-llc/posts/?feedView=allTikTok: @thecharitycfoSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hofQXPCxiPZuZy3OecW8yApple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-modern-nonprofit-podcast/id1542301310Get InvolvedSubscribe for more videos: Don't forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss a video!About The Charity CFOWe are an accounting partner that truly understands nonprofits. We know the missions that drive you, the obstacles that challenge you, and the dedication your job demands. We “get” nonprofits, because nonprofits are all that we do. If you need help with your accounting and bookkeeping, let's talk. Book a FREE consultation here: https://thecharitycfo.com/contact/

An effective donor engagement and communications strategy is more than a means to an end. It's a reflection of your organisation's mission, values, and commitment to making a difference. By focusing on understanding your donors, communicating impact, building quality relationships, utilizing technology, and optimising your efforts, you can create a strategy that excites your supporters and also propels your mission forward. Therefore, start today by evaluating your current donor engagement practices and identifying opportunities for improvement. Remember, every interaction is a chance to inspire and deepen the connection between your organisation and its supporters. In today's podcast, Erin Straza from Company and Stephen Halasnik from Financing Solutions (https://financingsolutionsnow.com/) discuss donor engagement and communications strategy that excites your organization.

Insights on core messaging, relationship building, and challenges nonprofit teams face in engaging donors… yes please! In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri is joined by Erin Straza, an expert donor engagement strategist who shares her insights on exactly this! Sarah and Erin delve into the importance of clear problem articulation and explore how proper staffing and segmented donor communication can optimize nonprofit operations. Tune in for actionable tips to enhance your donor engagement and fundraising success. Erin Straza CEO, MBA, and author, is a sought-after Chief Donor Engagement Strategist. She assists nonprofits in making their missions irresistible to donors. Her approach to core messaging and relationship building produces the stability necessary for organizational growth. After earning her MBA at Illinois State University, Erin worked in corporate marketing and then taught marketing communications strategy at Illinois Wesleyan University. She is a published author, conference speaker, former podcast host, and avid reader. Here's what to expect during the episode: The Importance of Making Missions Irresistible Challenges in Donor Communication Effective Mission Statements and Donor Engagement Staffing and Fundraising Strategies Creating a Robust Case for Support The Power of Pillar Content Effective Donor Engagement Strategies Balancing Resource Allocation Connect with Erin: website: erinstraza.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstraza/ Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn. Connect with Sarah: On LinkedIn>> On Facebook>> Subscribe on YouTube>>

A Case for Support is a vital tool for any nonprofit organization striving to clearly convey its mission and impact to donors and stakeholders. Investing time and effort into developing a thoughtful, well-structured Case for Support is a strategic move that pays dividends in the long run. It simplifies communication, strengthens donor relationships, and ultimately propels your organization's mission forward. In this learning episode, nonprofit experts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, along with communications strategist Erin Straza, discussed the significance of creating a compelling Case for Support and the transformative role it can play. Watch on video!A Case for Support is more than just a document; it is a powerful narrative that tells the story of your nonprofit in a way that resonates deeply with donors. As Erin Straza so beautifully put it, "Your case for support is a narrative. It is telling your nonprofit's story for the donor, explaining why your work is essential and how their partnership makes a difference." This narrative acts as a foundation, from which all other communications and fundraising materials are built, ensuring a unified message that echoes across various platforms. A well-crafted Case for Support typically comprises 4 essential sections: Crisis or Problem Statement: This section paints a picture of the challenges your organization is dedicated to addressing. It outlines the urgency and relevance of these issues, grounding them in credible data and compelling stories. Erin highlights this section, noting that while some nonprofits worry about focusing too much on the negative, it is crucial to help donors understand the pressing nature of the problems at hand. Without this, donors may not fully grasp the necessity of their support. Solution and Approach: This part showcases your organization's unique approach to solving the problems. It details the programs and strategies you've developed, demonstrating your expertise and your passion and commitment. Here, the story shifts from problem to solution, providing a sense of hope and direction that can inspire donors to become part of the change. Impact Evidence: Nothing speaks louder than results. This section connects the dots between donor contributions and real-world outcomes, illustrating how their support directly fuels positive change. By weaving in success stories and measurable impact, you help donors see the difference they are making, reinforcing their trust and engagement. As Erin wisely noted, "Providing donors that sense that when they give, something changes, helps them feel that their gift is not just needed, but that it is truly making a difference." Call to Action and Funding Needs: Finally, the Case for Support culminates in a clear and compelling call to action. This section lays out exactly how donors can contribute and what their funds will achieve. It's where all the elements come together, encouraging immediate action and illustrating the potential for even greater impact through continued support. Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

My client Erin Straza was once “just” a copywriter. When she first started working with me, she shared her vision of what more she could do for her clients. Not quite a year later, Erin is bringing transformational engagements to nonprofits and helping them no longer just with copywriting, but with strategic marketing communications. In this episode of Profitable Joyful Consulting, hear how Erin has changed her business by focusing on transformation and working with perfect clients - large enough to really value her services. Erin never had trouble attracting clients, but she was yearning to do deeper work with fewer clients. Now, she's repositioned herself as a communications strategist and she's making a bigger impact for her clients. Erin is solidly working in her Joy & Genius Zone™ and, to my delight, she's grown her revenues dramatically - tripling in two years! Key areas discussed: Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EpHYJadxuZ0 or listen on your favorite podcast app: www.samanthahartley.com/blog-podcast to hear how Erin has transformed her business by focusing on transformational engagements and working with perfect clients. Episode Hashtags: #Consulting

My client Erin Straza was once “just” a copywriter. When she first started working with me, she shared her vision of what more she could do for her clients. Not quite a year later, Erin is bringing transformational engagements to nonprofits and helping them no longer just with copywriting, but with strategic marketing communications.  In this episode of Profitable Joyful Consulting, hear how Erin has changed her business by focusing on transformation and working with perfect clients - large enough to really value her services. Erin never had trouble attracting clients, but she was yearning to do deeper work with fewer clients. Now, she's repositioned herself as a communications strategist and she's making a bigger impact for her clients. Erin is solidly working in her Joy & Genius Zone™ and, to my delight, she's grown her revenues dramatically - tripling in two years!  Key areas discussed: 3:49 Why Erin decided to work with me  4:26 Too many clients and too much task-based work  5:23 Why Erin was on her way to complete and utter burnout  6:00 The shifts that made a huge difference for Erin 7:50 Specific actions Erin took to create the changes she wanted 8:34 Erin's experience in The Path to $2 Million™ program  9:58 The community Erin connected with in the program 11:21 How her entire approach to her work has changed since the program  14:07 The impact of these changes on Erin's revenue and income 17:40 Erin's top three takeaways from The Path to $2 Million™ 19:25 What Erin would tell her past self   20:16 The key shift Erin made to her daily work 21:02 The biggest difference between next year and years past  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EpHYJadxuZ0 or listen on your favorite podcast app: www.samanthahartley.com/blog-podcast to hear how Erin has transformed her business by focusing on transformational engagements and working with perfect clients. Episode Hashtags: #Consulting

Do you know exactly what to say to inspire your donors? Nonprofits have solid, metric-based missions, but putting those activities into words that the average person can understand can be tricky. Hiring a short-term writer may help. Or even giving the task to the development team. But this won't work in the long run. So what can you do to attain clarity on communications? Tune in to The Business Behind Fundraising — How to Get Your Fundraising Team off the Communications Spin Cycle with Erin Straza.  What You Will Discover:  ✔️ How a case for support acts as a filter every time you write. It must answer: The problem you want to solve How your organization will solve it What happens when it's solved ✔️ How to talk about your programs and models. Do your donors know exactly what you do or the problem you solve? ✔️ Why donor segmentation matters. Write profiles for three to five segments. Identify your audience and target your messaging towards them. This helps foster a strong, consistent relationship with your donors. ✔️ Have a branding guide. Choose fonts, color palettes, photos, and layouts that align with your goals. Prepare relevant sentences you can sprinkle in your messaging. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Erin Straza's professional work has lived within the nonprofit sector. She works with nonprofits across the country, helping them make their mission irresistible to donors with communications strategies that resolve mission-critical blind spots. In addition to advising and training nonprofit teams, she also has corporate clients for whom she provides creative messaging support and strategy for brand development and promotional campaigns. Website: https://erinstraza.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my YouTube for weekly updates. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbjEu276-YQ0TeurphD62pA/ Download White Paper The Big Fundraising Secret (How Traditional Nonprofit Fundraising blocks your overall growth and keeps you from fully funding your organization every year) https://mailchi.mp/a533c0ab59cf/2021-whitepaper Or, subscribe to The Business Behind Fundraising podcast on any of your favorite podcast apps!

Destiny and fate are central to Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein, which inspired our fall Persuasion series, What We Make of Ourselves. In this episode, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss the sixth and final reading (Volume III: Chapters 5–7), as Victor and his creation wrestle with fate and if they have any say whatsoever over the course of their lives. Now at the end of Victor's story, destiny is seen as the flip side of the ambition that launched us into this tale. Christians especially wrestle like this as we try to make sense of how our actions matter in light of God's sovereign will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mistakes and regret are central to Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein, which is inspiring our fall Persuasion's series, What We Make of Ourselves. In this episode, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss the fifth reading (Volume III: Chapters 1–4) and Victor's ongoing struggle with his decisions and the resulting fallout thereof. His inner turmoil is on display for us, giving a snapshot of his tortured mind and soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frankenstein, which is the foundation of our fall Persuasion's series, What We Make of Ourselves. In this episode, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss the third reading (Volume II: Chapters 1–4), exploring the characters' expectations of and dependence upon others. Shelley's novel, while falling in the goth/horror genre, spends considerable time addressing the fallout we face when our connections with others are strained or severed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss the second reading of the series (Volume I: Chapters 4–7), in which the characters and their suffering take center stage. Shelley's rich descriptions of the inner turmoil provide readers insight into how suffering can alter a person's ability to function. Her story is raising those age-old questions about why suffering exists and what causes it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss the second reading of the series (Volume I: Chapters 4–7), in which the characters and their suffering take center stage. Shelley's rich descriptions of the inner turmoil provide readers insight into how suffering can alter a person's ability to function. Her story is raising those age-old questions about why suffering exists and what causes it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the background of the story, starting with what we've gotten wrong due to the many cultural adaptations. Hollywood has taken a seed of Mary Shelley's classic and grown an entirely new story that overshadows the original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the background of the story, starting with what we've gotten wrong due to the many cultural adaptations. Hollywood has taken a seed of Mary Shelley's classic and grown an entirely new story that overshadows the original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the summer miniseries called Showing Up. Each episode explores the challenges we face to show up in the world. Erin and Hannah invite Rebecca McLaughlin to help us learn how to show up in conversations despite our differences. Rebecca grew up in the United Kingdom and holds a Ph.D. in English literature from Cambridge as well as a theology degree from Oak Hill College in London. She is co-founder of Vocable Communications and former vice president of content at the Veritas Forum, where she spent almost a decade working with Christian academics at leading secular universities. Learning to have honest, charitable faith dialogue is a passion for Rebecca, whose latest book is titled The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims. This conversation covers a whole host of topics related to engaging others in matters of faith by showing up with your whole self—differing beliefs and all.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the summer miniseries called Showing Up. Each episode explores the challenges we face to show up in the world. Erin and Hannah invite Rebecca McLaughlin to help us learn how to show up in conversations despite our differences. Rebecca grew up in the United Kingdom and holds a Ph.D. in English literature from Cambridge as well as a theology degree from Oak Hill College in London. She is co-founder of Vocable Communications and former vice president of content at the Veritas Forum, where she spent almost a decade working with Christian academics at leading secular universities. Learning to have honest, charitable faith dialogue is a passion for Rebecca, whose latest book is titled The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims. This conversation covers a whole host of topics related to engaging others in matters of faith by showing up with your whole self—differing beliefs and all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the summer miniseries called Showing Up. Since 2004, Rachel has lived in Djibouti, a primarily Muslim country, where she and her husband run a school and where they enjoy cross-cultural, cross-religious relationships. Rachel shares from her recent release titled Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus. The conversation covers a whole host of topics related to developing strong relationships by showing up with your whole self—differing beliefs and all.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the summer miniseries called Showing Up. Since 2004, Rachel has lived in Djibouti, a primarily Muslim country, where she and her husband run a school and where they enjoy cross-cultural, cross-religious relationships. Rachel shares from her recent release titled Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus. The conversation covers a whole host of topics related to developing strong relationships by showing up with your whole self—differing beliefs and all.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their For God and Country series. Each episode has tackled an aspect of how faith and politics collide. This final conversation looks at the value and power of a single vote, the one we've been entrusted with for each item on our ballot. Voting truly is a privilege, but in these politically charged days, the weight of casting our vote in the right way is heavy indeed. There is fear and guilt all mixed together, and it's used by both sides to sway us to choose the way that benefits their party. In addition, Christians also struggle with the burden of making the right choice—the one that honors God and His ways.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their For God and Country series. Each episode has tackled an aspect of how faith and politics collide. This final conversation looks at the value and power of a single vote, the one we've been entrusted with for each item on our ballot. Voting truly is a privilege, but in these politically charged days, the weight of casting our vote in the right way is heavy indeed. There is fear and guilt all mixed together, and it's used by both sides to sway us to choose the way that benefits their party. In addition, Christians also struggle with the burden of making the right choice—the one that honors God and His ways.

Readings from: Proverbs 25:28 Titus 2:1-6 2 Peter 1:5-8 Today's passages were read by Erin Straza, a communications consultant, managing editor for Christ and Pop Culture, co-host of the Persuasion podcast, and author of Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits That Bind You. One Minute With the Bible is brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. New episodes published every weekday.

Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson invited Sam Perry to Persuasion to share about his research with Andrew Whitehead on Christian nationalism. Their book, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, helps us understand the driving factors that define and lead to Christian nationalism in our country. For episode 201 of the For God and Country series, Sam explains how Christian nationalism is a form of political idolatry that we must be aware of and reject.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the For God and Country series. In this conversation, Erin and Hannah look to the pain points Christians are feeling and use them to unearth the way fear can sway our political leanings. In Christian circles, there has been increasing concern about religious rights and freedoms, as well as rally cries to take our nation back for God. To help us understand the factors feeding these ideas, Hannah speaks with Sam Perry, who has done significant research on Christian nationalism. Together with Andrew Whitehead, Sam authored a book of his findings titled Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. Sam addresses the growing conflation of Christian faith with nationalism, which at its core is political idolatry. Because we are so accustomed to these messages and stances within the Church, we can become blind to how we've adopted ideals and stances that are contrary to the gospel. Is it truly our mandate to take America back for God? Are Christians under persecution in the United States—or is it just a loss of privilege and status? Should Christians focus on protecting our own rights or is it more important to reach others with the love of God found in Jesus? Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn to think more clearly about the intersection of faith and politics. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into the For God and Country series. In this conversation, Erin and Hannah look to the pain points Christians are feeling and use them to unearth the way fear can sway our political leanings. In Christian circles, there has been increasing concern about religious rights and freedoms, as well as rally cries to take our nation back for God. To help us understand the factors feeding these ideas, Hannah speaks with Sam Perry, who has done significant research on Christian nationalism. Together with Andrew Whitehead, Sam authored a book of his findings titled Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. Sam addresses the growing conflation of Christian faith with nationalism, which at its core is political idolatry. Because we are so accustomed to these messages and stances within the Church, we can become blind to how we've adopted ideals and stances that are contrary to the gospel. Is it truly our mandate to take America back for God? Are Christians under persecution in the United States—or is it just a loss of privilege and status? Should Christians focus on protecting our own rights or is it more important to reach others with the love of God found in Jesus? Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn to think more clearly about the intersection of faith and politics. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Readings from: Psalms 37:7-9; 40:1-3 Proverbs 14:29 1 Corinthians 13:4 James 5:7-8 Today's passages were read by Erin Straza, communications consultant, managing editor for Christ and Pop Culture, co-host of the Persuasion podcast, and author of Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits That Bind You. One Minute With the Bible is brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. New episodes published every weekday.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off their fall series called For God and Country. Each episode of the series will tackle an aspect of how faith and politics collide. To get the conversation started, Erin and Hannah host fellow Christ and Pop Culture writer Kaitlyn Schiess. Kaitlyn is a seminary student and bright thinker with a new book releasing September 8 from InterVarsity Press titled The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor. She wrote this book to help fellow Christians recognize the formative power of the political forces all around us and then to help us recover historic Christian practices that shape us in faith so that our political engagement is more effective. Considering the stress most people experience in political conversations, this is one area we could all grow in!

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off their fall series called For God and Country. Each episode of the series will tackle an aspect of how faith and politics collide. To get the conversation started, Erin and Hannah host fellow Christ and Pop Culture writer Kaitlyn Schiess. Kaitlyn is a seminary student and bright thinker with a new book releasing September 8 from InterVarsity Press titled The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor. She wrote this book to help fellow Christians recognize the formative power of the political forces all around us and then to help us recover historic Christian practices that shape us in faith so that our political engagement is more effective. Considering the stress most people experience in political conversations, this is one area we could all grow in!

Humor has been rather hard to find in 2020. We've had month after month of very serious happenings. When the world is falling apart, laughter feels wrong—even callous. Serious things call for a serious countenance... right? In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a late summer miniseries called Getting By. Each episode of the series includes a special guest who has something specific to share about how we can get by in life considering the world as it is today. Luke T. Harrington joins this conversation to help us see the value of humor—especially in dark times. His latest release from Thomas Nelson is titled Murder-Bears, Moonshine, and Mayhem: Strange Stories from the Bible to Leave You Amused, Bemused, and (Hopefully) Informed. This nonfiction humor book looks at some of the odd tales in the Bible, examining and casting new light on some of the Bible's stranger moments. Luke's work flows from a truly unique perspective on life and faith. And that perspective is one we all need if we are to move forward and remain emotionally stable during life's trials, both personal and societal. Humor is good for our psyche—relieving stress and disarming our defenses. Although humor may not come naturally to us, we can borrow the lens from friends like Luke. Is it OK to chuckle at the absurdities we see in the world? How about the ones we see in Scripture? Does humor discount suffering and sorrow? How does humor enrich our faith? Conversation touches on the importance of humor and how our faith can actually be strengthened when we learn to take ourselves—and life—a little less seriously. Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn how to get by together. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Humor has been rather hard to find in 2020. We've had month after month of very serious happenings. When the world is falling apart, laughter feels wrong—even callous. Serious things call for a serious countenance... right? In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a late summer miniseries called Getting By. Each episode of the series includes a special guest who has something specific to share about how we can get by in life considering the world as it is today. Luke T. Harrington joins this conversation to help us see the value of humor—especially in dark times. His latest release from Thomas Nelson is titled Murder-Bears, Moonshine, and Mayhem: Strange Stories from the Bible to Leave You Amused, Bemused, and (Hopefully) Informed. This nonfiction humor book looks at some of the odd tales in the Bible, examining and casting new light on some of the Bible's stranger moments. Luke's work flows from a truly unique perspective on life and faith. And that perspective is one we all need if we are to move forward and remain emotionally stable during life's trials, both personal and societal. Humor is good for our psyche—relieving stress and disarming our defenses. Although humor may not come naturally to us, we can borrow the lens from friends like Luke. Is it OK to chuckle at the absurdities we see in the world? How about the ones we see in Scripture? Does humor discount suffering and sorrow? How does humor enrich our faith? Conversation touches on the importance of humor and how our faith can actually be strengthened when we learn to take ourselves—and life—a little less seriously. Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn how to get by together. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Our current moment of political, social, and even religious upheaval has been isolating in many inexplicable ways. COVID-19 restrictions have eliminate many of our opportunities to build friendships and network with colleagues. Many of us are now working, schooling, and worshiping from home, severing limiting our social circles. As a result, psychologists are reporting higher rates of depression. More than ever, we can see the crucial role community and connectedness contribute to our well being. We need friends.  In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their Getting By summer miniseries. Each episode of the series will include a special guest who has something specific to share about how we can get by in life considering the world as it is today. Gina Dalfonzo joins this conversation to help us see the value of nurturing friendships even in the most dire of circumstances. Her latest release form Baker Publishing, The Remarkable Friendship Between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers, provides a template for us. While Lewis is well known due to his Chronicles of Narnia series, Sayers may be relatively unknown. She was a wildly successful mystery novelist, best known for her Lord Peter Wimsey Series. This friendship is set against the backdrop of World War II; the unrest and uncertainty of their time parallels that of ours. By looking at their friendship—developed primarily via letters over a 15 year stretch—provides a picture of how we too could develop or maintain deep friendships even during difficult times. Conversation touches on the powerful way friendships can feed and shape our souls—as well as the trajectory of our very lives. Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn how to get by together. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Our current moment of political, social, and even religious upheaval has been isolating in many inexplicable ways. COVID-19 restrictions have eliminate many of our opportunities to build friendships and network with colleagues. Many of us are now working, schooling, and worshiping from home, severing limiting our social circles. As a result, psychologists are reporting higher rates of depression. More than ever, we can see the crucial role community and connectedness contribute to our well being. We need friends.  In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their Getting By summer miniseries. Each episode of the series will include a special guest who has something specific to share about how we can get by in life considering the world as it is today. Gina Dalfonzo joins this conversation to help us see the value of nurturing friendships even in the most dire of circumstances. Her latest release form Baker Publishing, The Remarkable Friendship Between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers, provides a template for us. While Lewis is well known due to his Chronicles of Narnia series, Sayers may be relatively unknown. She was a wildly successful mystery novelist, best known for her Lord Peter Wimsey Series. This friendship is set against the backdrop of World War II; the unrest and uncertainty of their time parallels that of ours. By looking at their friendship—developed primarily via letters over a 15 year stretch—provides a picture of how we too could develop or maintain deep friendships even during difficult times. Conversation touches on the powerful way friendships can feed and shape our souls—as well as the trajectory of our very lives. Listen in for dialogue on questions like these as we learn how to get by together. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Readings from: Deuteronomy 10:17-18 Psalms 8:9; 90:1-2 Romans 10:9-13 Colossians 2:6-7 Today's passages were read by Erin Straza, managing editor of Christ and Pop Culture, communications consultant, and author of Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits That Bind You (InterVarsity Press). One Minute With the Bible is brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. New episodes published every weekday.

We're a people that loves to manage every scenario and have backup plans for every contingency. So what happens when the whole world screeches to a near halt and all the data we've used for decision making is no longer valid? Well, for most of us, this has produced a not so insignificant level of anxiety. As much as we like looking ahead toward the next thing, it's tough to come to terms with something when the variables are unknown. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their Growing Viral: Well-Being in the Age of Corona series. For this conversation, Erin and Hannah discuss how we accept our new reality that is largely unknown to us. Despite experts best guesses, no one knows how long the pandemic will last, what impact it will have on our society for the future, or if our global economy will recover. Our normal may be long gone, leaving in its place room for something new.

We’re a people that loves to manage every scenario and have backup plans for every contingency. So what happens when the whole world screeches to a near halt and all the data we’ve used for decision making is no longer valid? Well, for most of us, this has produced a not so insignificant level of anxiety. As much as we like looking ahead toward the next thing, it’s tough to come to terms with something when the variables are unknown. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their Growing Viral: Well-Being in the Age of Corona series. For this conversation, Erin and Hannah discuss how we accept our new reality that is largely unknown to us. Despite experts best guesses, no one knows how long the pandemic will last, what impact it will have on our society for the future, or if our global economy will recover. Our normal may be long gone, leaving in its place room for something new.

If the meaning and purpose of home wasn't top of mind before our Go Home! series began, it certainly is now. Of course, most of that credit belongs to the worldwide spread of COVID-19. Government leaders around the world have recently initiated Shelter in Place and Safer at Home policies to flatten the coronavirus curve. And suddenly, going home—and staying there—has become THE issue of our day, regardless of your gender, religious camp, or philosophical stance. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way. Each episode of the series explored the common assumptions regarding the home, both in the church and in society. This particular conversation is the series finale, giving Erin and Hannah the chance to tie together various threads from the series and their guests. Of course, the main discussion point is how the coronavirus pandemic has revealed unhealthy imbalances in how home and marketplace operate. Now that the economy is taking a hit, COVID-19 tests are hard to come by, and healthcare costs are skyrocketing, our society is being forced to face what has always been true: our culture prioritizes the economy's well being over the very people who contribute to it. Even so, the crisis we face provides new opportunities to center our homes and families on kingdom values and priorities while also using our gifts and skills to serve as well as provide a livelihood. How do we need to adjust our priorities for home and family in the days ahead? Is it possible the marketplace can adjust for the flourishing of our families? Listen in for more on questions like these as we explore common presumptions and fallacies about home and family in this finale of the Go Home! series. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

If the meaning and purpose of home wasn’t top of mind before our Go Home! series began, it certainly is now. Of course, most of that credit belongs to the worldwide spread of COVID-19. Government leaders around the world have recently initiated Shelter in Place and Safer at Home policies to flatten the coronavirus curve. And suddenly, going home—and staying there—has become THE issue of our day, regardless of your gender, religious camp, or philosophical stance. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way. Each episode of the series explored the common assumptions regarding the home, both in the church and in society. This particular conversation is the series finale, giving Erin and Hannah the chance to tie together various threads from the series and their guests. Of course, the main discussion point is how the coronavirus pandemic has revealed unhealthy imbalances in how home and marketplace operate. Now that the economy is taking a hit, COVID-19 tests are hard to come by, and healthcare costs are skyrocketing, our society is being forced to face what has always been true: our culture prioritizes the economy’s well being over the very people who contribute to it. Even so, the crisis we face provides new opportunities to center our homes and families on kingdom values and priorities while also using our gifts and skills to serve as well as provide a livelihood. How do we need to adjust our priorities for home and family in the days ahead? Is it possible the marketplace can adjust for the flourishing of our families? Listen in for more on questions like these as we explore common presumptions and fallacies about home and family in this finale of the Go Home! series. Then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

When John MacArthur told Beth Moore to “go home,” it revealed much about his framework for how the church and home should operate and who is responsible for each sphere. This perspective seems to see the spheres as quite separate. The church has a purpose and a mission, and the home has a purpose and a mission, but those only overlap because the biological family is the building block for both. But what if this framework undercuts the church as the family of God with brothers and sisters working together to build it? In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way. Each episode of the series explores the common assumptions regarding the home, both in the church and in society. This particular conversation centers on the family of God and the relationships we have with each other as spiritual siblings. Certainly the biological family is important and needed for stable homes and societies. Within the church, however, the biological family is to yield to something greater: our church family. To help sort out this distinction, Erin and Hannah invite Laura Fabrycky to the conversation. Laura has immersed herself into the missional life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who saw the spheres of church and home as united in both purpose and operation. Bonhoeffer's vision for the church operating as the family of God in the world is refreshing in light of the Go Home mandate. What does it look like to make the family of God primary? How did Bonhoeffer's perspective of home and mission inspire his relationships and work? How did Jesus respond when the crowds elevated His biological family above the family of God? Conversation touches on questions like these, exploring common presumptions and fallacies in an attempt to find our way home. Listen to the latest episode in the Go Home! series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

When John MacArthur told Beth Moore to “go home,” it revealed much about his framework for how the church and home should operate and who is responsible for each sphere. This perspective seems to see the spheres as quite separate. The church has a purpose and a mission, and the home has a purpose and a mission, but those only overlap because the biological family is the building block for both. But what if this framework undercuts the church as the family of God with brothers and sisters working together to build it? In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way. Each episode of the series explores the common assumptions regarding the home, both in the church and in society. This particular conversation centers on the family of God and the relationships we have with each other as spiritual siblings. Certainly the biological family is important and needed for stable homes and societies. Within the church, however, the biological family is to yield to something greater: our church family. To help sort out this distinction, Erin and Hannah invite Laura Fabrycky to the conversation. Laura has immersed herself into the missional life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who saw the spheres of church and home as united in both purpose and operation. Bonhoeffer’s vision for the church operating as the family of God in the world is refreshing in light of the Go Home mandate. What does it look like to make the family of God primary? How did Bonhoeffer’s perspective of home and mission inspire his relationships and work? How did Jesus respond when the crowds elevated His biological family above the family of God? Conversation touches on questions like these, exploring common presumptions and fallacies in an attempt to find our way home. Listen to the latest episode in the Go Home! series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dissect the notion that families are under attack. Many a Christian leader has presented evidence of this war, pointing to everything from Hollywood films to dual income families to divorce rates. They discuss the possibility that these issues are not causing the breakdown of the family but are instead a response to something that has already happened. 

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dissect the notion that families are under attack. Many a Christian leader has presented evidence of this war, pointing to everything from Hollywood films to dual income families to divorce rates. They discuss the possibility that these issues are not causing the breakdown of the family but are instead a response to something that has already happened. 

Our understanding of home affects everything about us, both individually and collectively. Home is vital to us all, but determining its value in a market-based society is fraught with troubles. Salary.com has attempted to help by giving stay-at-home-moms (or dads) a $160K valuation. The intent is to elevate the status of the home maker by giving it a professional-level salary. Our need for the marketplace to validate our home life tells us more than we may care to admit. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into their new series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way. Each episode will explore the common assumptions regarding the home and both in the church and in society. This conversation centers on home making—looking at the value we place on domestic life and the building of the home as the calling and vocation of us all. The church has tried to value the home by assigning it as women's work. By claiming the home as the woman's place and home making as a woman's highest calling, the church initiates an unnecessary and unhelpful hierarchy that negates the varied experiences of women. In so doing, the church has sidestepped the role men play in home making and has assessed value according to marketplace standards. Is it possible to establish a vision for the home that is separate from cultural influences, both in the church and in the marketplace? How can we better approach the needful and important work of home making so that both women and men are fulfilling their proper role there?

Our understanding of home affects everything about us, both individually and collectively. Home is vital to us all, but determining its value in a market-based society is fraught with troubles. Salary.com has attempted to help by giving stay-at-home-moms (or dads) a $160K valuation. The intent is to elevate the status of the home maker by giving it a professional-level salary. Our need for the marketplace to validate our home life tells us more than we may care to admit. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson dig into their new series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way. Each episode will explore the common assumptions regarding the home and both in the church and in society. This conversation centers on home making—looking at the value we place on domestic life and the building of the home as the calling and vocation of us all. The church has tried to value the home by assigning it as women’s work. By claiming the home as the woman’s place and home making as a woman’s highest calling, the church initiates an unnecessary and unhelpful hierarchy that negates the varied experiences of women. In so doing, the church has sidestepped the role men play in home making and has assessed value according to marketplace standards. Is it possible to establish a vision for the home that is separate from cultural influences, both in the church and in the marketplace? How can we better approach the needful and important work of home making so that both women and men are fulfilling their proper role there?

Disagreements within the church are often and many, and in today's digital age, that drama often spills out to the interwebs. Last fall, one in particular dominated Christian social feeds for several weeks that included Pastor John MacArthur and Bible teacher Beth Moore. It all started when MacArthur, as part of a panel discussion, was asked to play word association and was given Beth's name. His two-word reply—“Go home.”—was met by laughter from the crowd and followed by his argument for why Beth (and all who listen to her) are in biblical error. As the clip of his comments made the social media rounds, it sparked afresh the debate over a woman's place and role in society, within the church, and in the home. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a new series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way to explore the common assumptions regarding the home and both in the church and in society. The way that we frame our definitions of home will shape how we operate in the world as well as in society and within our own families. It's crucial that we parse out what contributes to our perspective, because that will inform the narrative of the stories we tell—and the ones we live out day to day. Even if we agree with MacArthur's mandate, what does that mean, practically speaking? How does this directive affect men and women not only in the home but also in the church, in the workplace, in society? Where does our concept of home come from, and is it possible for it to be perfectly sanitized from cultural influence? Conversation touches on questions like these as an introduction to the series. As we explore our definitions and categories that influence our sense of home, we can better process our reactions to mandates like the one given by MacArthur and determine our reaction to women like Beth Moore who are challenging our preconceived notions of proper church structure. Listen in for dialogue on topics like these in the entire Go Home! series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Disagreements within the church are often and many, and in today’s digital age, that drama often spills out to the interwebs. Last fall, one in particular dominated Christian social feeds for several weeks that included Pastor John MacArthur and Bible teacher Beth Moore. It all started when MacArthur, as part of a panel discussion, was asked to play word association and was given Beth’s name. His two-word reply—“Go home.”—was met by laughter from the crowd and followed by his argument for why Beth (and all who listen to her) are in biblical error. As the clip of his comments made the social media rounds, it sparked afresh the debate over a woman’s place and role in society, within the church, and in the home. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a new series titled Go Home! Finding Our Way to explore the common assumptions regarding the home and both in the church and in society. The way that we frame our definitions of home will shape how we operate in the world as well as in society and within our own families. It’s crucial that we parse out what contributes to our perspective, because that will inform the narrative of the stories we tell—and the ones we live out day to day. Even if we agree with MacArthur’s mandate, what does that mean, practically speaking? How does this directive affect men and women not only in the home but also in the church, in the workplace, in society? Where does our concept of home come from, and is it possible for it to be perfectly sanitized from cultural influence? Conversation touches on questions like these as an introduction to the series. As we explore our definitions and categories that influence our sense of home, we can better process our reactions to mandates like the one given by MacArthur and determine our reaction to women like Beth Moore who are challenging our preconceived notions of proper church structure. Listen in for dialogue on topics like these in the entire Go Home! series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their mini-series called A Persuasion Christmas. Each episode features conversation about a specific way pop culture is shaping our mindset and approach to celebrating the season. The first two episodes—A Hallmark Christmas and A Die Hard Christmas—cover all things merry and scary, yet in unrealistic narratives. This installment cuts through the make believe to reveal some truths about our current culture that couldn’t be received otherwise. This animated show is devoid of adults, leaving the Peanuts gang—mere children—to do the heavy lifting. And they deliver.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap up their mini-series called A Persuasion Christmas. Each episode features conversation about a specific way pop culture is shaping our mindset and approach to celebrating the season. The first two episodes—A Hallmark Christmas and A Die Hard Christmas—cover all things merry and scary, yet in unrealistic narratives. This installment cuts through the make believe to reveal some truths about our current culture that couldn't be received otherwise. This animated show is devoid of adults, leaving the Peanuts gang—mere children—to do the heavy lifting. And they deliver.

Every holiday season, a heated debate renews over the validity of calling the 1988 movie Die Hard a “Christmas movie.” The action-thriller is about a terrorist plot that takes place on Christmas Eve and is foiled by its hero, played by Bruce Willis. Technically, since the story takes place on Christmas Eve, it is a Christmas movie. The pushback is that it doesn't have the typical seasonal elements viewers associate with Christmas: no magical/fantastical North Pole, no Santa and reindeer, no kids or elves. But it does have something threatening Christmas and our notions of peace on earth and goodwill toward men—a threat that takes on a real-world form rather than a magical one. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their mini-series called A Persuasion Christmas. Each episode features conversation about a specific way pop culture is shaping our mindset and approach to celebrating the season. The first conversation, A Hallmark Christmas, covered our desire for goodness and predictability at Christmas. This installment begins with a discussion about the Christmas Spirit and how we've leaned hard into the merry-and-bright aspect of the season, almost to a fault. That's why the nontraditional Christmas film Die Hard gets so much grief—it forces viewers to see the world for all it is—both good and evil, and evil doesn't stop just because the calendar says December 25. Erin and Hannah use the Die Hard story to launch discussion about Christmas-like films that present realistic terrors. How does the action-thriller genre depict a more realistic backdrop for the Messiah's birth? Why do we long to sanitize the nativity scene and the Christmas narrative? When we refuse to acknowledge the very real terror and brokenness in the world today, how does that weaken the rescue Jesus provides? Conversation covers everything from the historical backdrop of Jesus' birth to the definition of the Christmas Spirit. Listen in for dialogue on topics like these for the Christmas mini-series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Every holiday season, a heated debate renews over the validity of calling the 1988 movie Die Hard a “Christmas movie.” The action-thriller is about a terrorist plot that takes place on Christmas Eve and is foiled by its hero, played by Bruce Willis. Technically, since the story takes place on Christmas Eve, it is a Christmas movie. The pushback is that it doesn’t have the typical seasonal elements viewers associate with Christmas: no magical/fantastical North Pole, no Santa and reindeer, no kids or elves. But it does have something threatening Christmas and our notions of peace on earth and goodwill toward men—a threat that takes on a real-world form rather than a magical one. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their mini-series called A Persuasion Christmas. Each episode features conversation about a specific way pop culture is shaping our mindset and approach to celebrating the season. The first conversation, A Hallmark Christmas, covered our desire for goodness and predictability at Christmas. This installment begins with a discussion about the Christmas Spirit and how we’ve leaned hard into the merry-and-bright aspect of the season, almost to a fault. That’s why the nontraditional Christmas film Die Hard gets so much grief—it forces viewers to see the world for all it is—both good and evil, and evil doesn’t stop just because the calendar says December 25. Erin and Hannah use the Die Hard story to launch discussion about Christmas-like films that present realistic terrors. How does the action-thriller genre depict a more realistic backdrop for the Messiah’s birth? Why do we long to sanitize the nativity scene and the Christmas narrative? When we refuse to acknowledge the very real terror and brokenness in the world today, how does that weaken the rescue Jesus provides? Conversation covers everything from the historical backdrop of Jesus’ birth to the definition of the Christmas Spirit. Listen in for dialogue on topics like these for the Christmas mini-series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Christmas cards, gift wrap, ornaments, decor—Hallmark certainly has a corner on Christmas. But in the past few years, Hallmark has practically owned the Christmas romance space. Its annual Countdown to Christmas begins in late October, when a new film rolls out each day for 40 days and previously released films play 24/7. Hallmark Christmas movies are extremely popular to watch—and to mock for their formulaic, saccharine-sweet plot lines. Even fans readily admit the stories are predictable. But is that all bad? In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson start a new mini-series called A Persuasion Christmas. Each episode will feature conversation about a specific way pop culture is shaping our mindset and approach to celebrating Christmas. This first discussion focuses on the heavy influence of Hallmark-type movies upon those who love them and those who love to hate them. How might such predictable stories point us to all that’s good and true and beautiful? Are such movies only an escape from a world desperate for something deep? Is it possible that these movies might actually strip us of cynicism if we allow them to? Conversation covers everything from Hallmark’s formula for success with its presumed audience and the possibility that Hallmark might be the spiritual director we need right now. Listen in for dialogue on topics like these in the kick off for this Christmas mini-series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

Christmas cards, gift wrap, ornaments, decor—Hallmark certainly has a corner on Christmas. But in the past few years, Hallmark has practically owned the Christmas romance space. Its annual Countdown to Christmas begins in late October, when a new film rolls out each day for 40 days and previously released films play 24/7. Hallmark Christmas movies are extremely popular to watch—and to mock for their formulaic, saccharine-sweet plot lines. Even fans readily admit the stories are predictable. But is that all bad? In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson start a new mini-series called A Persuasion Christmas. Each episode will feature conversation about a specific way pop culture is shaping our mindset and approach to celebrating Christmas. This first discussion focuses on the heavy influence of Hallmark-type movies upon those who love them and those who love to hate them. How might such predictable stories point us to all that's good and true and beautiful? Are such movies only an escape from a world desperate for something deep? Is it possible that these movies might actually strip us of cynicism if we allow them to? Conversation covers everything from Hallmark's formula for success with its presumed audience and the possibility that Hallmark might be the spiritual director we need right now. Listen in for dialogue on topics like these in the kick off for this Christmas mini-series, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

A common struggle among artists of every genre is finding a way to connect their work with the a wider audience. Finding a way to increase reach and impact is often associated with knowing the right people and having enough funding… and neither of these are a given, even for the most talented creatives among us. The digital age gives us greater access to markets and outlets, but that doesn’t mean the right people will find us or take notice. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their series called The Creative Process by inviting Erik Lokkesmoe to a conversation about marketing reach and impact in creative work. Erik’s passion for spreading great stories and finding ways to promote good storytellers led him to launch Aspiration Entertainment, a marketing company that has worked on many films including Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Silence, and First Reformed. Because Erik has a knack for improving the reach and impact of good work, we’ve invited him to share ideas for being good stewards of the work we produce. Conversation covers everything from a theology of marketing to abandoning the transactional nature of our work. Listen in for dialogue on issues like these as we process the role of reach and impact in the creative process, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

A common struggle among artists of every genre is finding a way to connect their work with the a wider audience. Finding a way to increase reach and impact is often associated with knowing the right people and having enough funding… and neither of these are a given, even for the most talented creatives among us. The digital age gives us greater access to markets and outlets, but that doesn't mean the right people will find us or take notice. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their series called The Creative Process by inviting Erik Lokkesmoe to a conversation about marketing reach and impact in creative work. Erik's passion for spreading great stories and finding ways to promote good storytellers led him to launch Aspiration Entertainment, a marketing company that has worked on many films including Won't You Be My Neighbor? Silence, and First Reformed. Because Erik has a knack for improving the reach and impact of good work, we've invited him to share ideas for being good stewards of the work we produce. Conversation covers everything from a theology of marketing to abandoning the transactional nature of our work. Listen in for dialogue on issues like these as we process the role of reach and impact in the creative process, then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their series called The Creative Process by inviting Mike Cosper to a conversation about productivity in creative work. Mike is a writer, speaker, and podcaster who has been quite successful in producing a body of work (and organizations). His productivity has been steady over the years, leaving many wondering how he’s gotten it done. Since many artists struggle to get their ideas from ideation to completion, we wanted Mike’s insigh

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a new series called The Creative Process, exploring how the emergence of the gig economy is shaping our creative pursuits. For example, digital platforms allow anyone to become someone through the power of social media. This access is wonderful, but it’s not without it’s disadvantages, especially when we sacrifice quality output to meet platform and audience demands.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson wrap their Never Seen series with a thorough discussion of Titanic—a film on Hannah’s Never Seen list and one that Erin saw on the big screen almost 22 years ago. They offer gut reactions and hot takes as they peel apart this story that oozes with class divides and stereotypes.

Hannah Anderson is the author of Made for More, Humble Roots, and All That’s Good. She’s the wife of a pastor in rural Appalachia, the mother of three, and she, along with Erin Straza, are the hosts of Persuasion, a podcast where “fine ladies, rational minds, and the best kind of company” gather together to discuss pertinent ideas and issues. Hannah is a master of threaded tweets on Twitter mainly because she’s great at thinking out loud and inviting others into her thoughts. Which is what we’re hoping to do with her today as we talk about clean living trends in the world and church today and thinking through these things with minds and hearts centered on Jesus.ScriptureJob 14:5Romans 14:20Acts 10:10-16Psalm 103:14Weekly ChallengeWhether you are someone who is concerned with making sure everything is clean or non-toxic, or you are someone who doesn’t have the financial or mental resources to choose those things for you or your family, this week we want to encourage you to before you eat, put makeup on, clean your house, or feed your family, think about 1 Timothy 4:4, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” Ask yourself: how do I receive this, whatever it is, with thanksgiving? And then simply thank God for what he has given you, and walk in peace, knowing he is good and sovereign.Resourceshttps://www.sometimesalight.com/https://twitter.com/sometimesalighthttps://www.instagram.com/hannah_._anderson/https://www.facebook.com/hannah.anderson1234/

Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson pack the Persuasion house with two guests to discuss The Breakfast Club: Wade Bearden and Kevin McLenithan, who host the Christ and Pop Culture film podcast Seeing and Believing. Only Erin had seen The Breakfast Club before, so this was a Never Seen for Hannah, Wade, and Kevin.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss Singin’ in the Rain after watching it for the first time ever. To help with the analysis, classic movie enthusiast and Christ and Pop Culture staff writer Gina Dalfonzo joins the conversation. If this movie is on your Never Seen List, you’ll be convicted to watch it just from Gina’s summary alone! Her passion for the film is stirring and her knowledge of the genre as a whole is a tremendous help in understanding this classic.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a new series titled Never Seen, exploring a collection of key movies that you might be surprised to learn have never been seen by your Persuasion hosts. To help with the series launch, Vox.com movie critic Alissa Wilkinson joins the conversation to help frame up the role movies play in our lives and the power these silver screen stories can have upon us individually and collectively.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson invite Anne Kennedy for a Holy Week Primer. Anne is a writer and serves in an Anglican church in New York with her husband who is the rector. First Anne gives an overview of Holy Week happenings, laced with her trademark wit. Conversation then turns to the push behind the recent interest in high church tradition and how (or if) these observances should be practiced individually.

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their Ready, Set, Think! series looking at the way our mental frames are shaped by the groups and systems we live within. Despite the way independent thinking is favored in our society, none of us are as detached and neutral as we presume ourselves to be. We do not arrive at any situation free from influence.

My guest today lives in rural Appalachia -- probably not a spot most of my listeners live in. The temptation could be to skip this episode because you don’t live in a rural spot. Maybe you live in the city or suburbs or a small town.  But here’s the thing -- no matter where we live, we have to figure out how to live in that place well and there’s lots of crossovers between Appalachia and the suburbs. So listen in. My guest today on Episode 7 is Hannah Anderson. We talk about living as an outsider in a rural community, wisdom gained through discernment, her calling to her place and to her writing, and her new book, All That’s Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment. Hannah lives with her pastor husband and three children in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She’s the author of Made for More, Humble Roots, and All that’s Good. In addition to writing and speaking, she also hosts The Persuasion Podcast with Erin Straza for Christ and Pop Culture Stick around: You’ll find some gold nuggets to encourage you to stay rooted in your place -- whether you’re in the country, city, or suburbs. And at the end, you’ll have your one small step to help take all the things that matter into your ordinary, holy, life. Hannah provided us some wonderful questions to help us in the ways of discernment: --How would what I share (online) affect my real-life relationships? --What is the point of correcting? Would it build the community? --What would I say to this person if this person was in my kitchen? Proximitiy checks our tendencies. A SMALL STEPThis week remember to lighten up. Humor disarms. Try a family dance party to get out of your own head or using a self-deprecating joke. It’ll allow you to begin to empathize instead of using truth as a weapon.   LINKS Hannah’s website: https://www.sometimesalight.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sometimesalight Persuasion Podcast: https://persuasionpodcast.buzz/ Link to purchase Made for More: https://amzn.to/2QMwArB Link to purchase Humble Roots: https://amzn.to/2rtISa3 Link to purchase All that’s Good: https://amzn.to/2QINKpZ SHARE Discernment simply means developing a taste for what’s good. --@sometimesalight on #FindingHolyPodcast How does discernment equip us to navigate a broken, complicated world with confidence and joy? -- @sometimesalight #FindingHolyPodcast Hannah Anderson talks about rural, working class Appalachia, the mistakes she’s made and how she’s practicing discernment on #FindingHolyPodcast: “The nature of truth is communal.” Listen in to @sometimesalight on #FindingHolyPodcast: A GIFT FOR YOU Share an episode of The Finding Holy Podcast online and review it on iTunes. Then take a screenshot and send it to me at findingholypodcast@gmail.com. I’ll send you your very own Finding Holy journal!

In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson kick off a holiday mini series called Lessons & Carols. This first conversation covers the lessons we’ve learned about the way Christmas can meet the soul’s longing for connection and love. From Hallmark Christmas specials to receiving the perfect gift from that perfect someone, we’ve all taken in ideals that lead our hearts to unavoidable disappointment. What we see in romance stories and jewelry commercials tells us we’re missing out.

How would you describe your family’s table talk during your childhood? Was it lively or subdued? Was it friendly or feisty? Was it harsh or loving? Whatever it may have been, the conversational style of your family—both around the table and throughout the home—had a profound impact upon your approach to conversation today. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson continue their Talking about Talk series by sorting out the role our families play in shaping our conversational style

Erin is a freelance marketing communications consultant, managing editor of Christ and Pop Culture, co-host of the Persuasion podcast, and author of Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits That Bind You (InterVarsity Press, 2017). She writes from the Illinois flatlands where she lives with her husband, Mike. Follow her on Twitter @ErinStraza or find her online at ErinStraza.com.Music by Austin Martin. Cover art by Eric Wright/Metamora Design.

We know we should be grateful for the gifts God has given us in motherhood, but instead, we find ourselves battling discontentment, anxiety, and stress over our inability to keep up with even the simplest tasks. In this interview, author Hannah Anderson, talks about her book "Humble Roots," offering an opportunity for weary moms to rest as they accept their limitations and let God be God. She applies gospel-truth to challenging topics like postpartum body image, vocational or ministry calling, and dealing with the temptation to live for our ideal version of motherhood instead of God's plan for us. This conversation is candid, challenging, and leaves much to be considered...don't miss it! More about Hannah Anderson & Her Writing: Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Our Soul   Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God's Image  Sometimes a Light - Hannah's Blog / Website Persuasion Podcast - Hosted by Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson for Christ and Pop Culture Related Articles & Resources: Trade the Toil for Rest in Motherhood - RM Blog  I Never Wanted to Become a Desperate Mom - RM Blog  Freedom to be the Mom God Created You to be: Why Comparison Doesn't Work - RM Episode 18  For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!

Erin Straza is managing editor of Christ and Pop Culture Digital Magazine, host of Persuasion podcast, and author of Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom From Habits That Bind You. You might guess that she is a thoughtful woman with great outlets for her creativity and thought at her disposal. You’d be right. As we focused on... The post Erin Straza-episode 75 appeared first on Anita Lustrea.

Here's a quick follow-up conversation for you with Erin Straza (who was a guest back in episode 1 of the podcast). In this mini-episode, Erin talks about her newly released book, Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from the Habits that Bind You. I invited her back to chat with us about how life is different now and what she's learned from becoming a published author. I love Erin's honesty about hitting an emotional wall just a few months before the big launch and what it feels like to put your words out into the world when you can no longer edit them. She shares how she was changed by the process of writing and publishing Comfort Detox and what she learned about her own comfort-seeking behavior. She says her fears and doubts still linger; they just look a little different now than they did when she first came on the show. I'm right in the middle of reading Comfort Detox, and if you're looking for freedom from habits that bind you to comfort-seeking instead of bold and courageous living, this one will be a great read for you. You can grab it over on Amazon, here (affiliate link). Find the show notes, resources and contact information for Erin here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/33   Write a review on iTunes Write a review on Stitcher

In episode 1 of Momentum, author Erin Straza shares the concepts behind her new book, Comfort Detox, regarding our tendency to numb our emotions and buffer against the hard things of life. At the same time, it's a book about hope and recovery, showing us how we can become God's comfort agents to the world. Listen as Erin shares where she finds creative inspiration, how she battles self-doubt and comparison, and much more. 

Today I'm joined on the podcast by gifted writer, Erin Straza. My colleague Lindsay Swartz joins me for this interview as we discuss The Story, a beautiful short film that tells the gospel story in a fresh and compelling way. We walk about the power of story, evangelism, and how Christians should talk about Christ…

Today I'm joined on the podcast by gifted writer, Erin Straza. My colleague Lindsay Swartz joins me for this interview as we discuss The Story, a beautiful short film that tells the gospel story in a fresh and compelling way. We walk about the power of story, evangelism, and how Christians should talk about Christ…