Podcasts about grand rapids

Mayor David LeGrand loves good ideas and big ideas. He says what keeps him up is not getting to all the things he wants to do in his city. Listen to his big ideas about improving Grand Rapids. Brought to you by The Good Government Institute, bringing together proven ideas, principled leaders, and real-world solutions to strengthen how we govern—not by reinventing the system, but by advancing what already works. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: HelloNation Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (Apple Podcasts | Spotify) How to Really Run a City Leading Iowa: Good Government in Iowa's Cities (Apple Podcasts | Spotify) The Context: A Podcast by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation The Good Government Show is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Executive Producers: David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Host/Reporter: David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

Where Michigan Is Growing (and Where the Price Data Makes No Sense)Michigan added about 56,000 people since 2020, but 26 of our 83 counties actually lost population over that same stretch. The fastest growing county in the state? Not Oakland. Not Kent. It is Lake County, a place most lifelong Michiganders could not find on a map. Meanwhile, one of Michigan's biggest cities added a grand total of six residents last year.In this episode, I break down the newest U.S. Census Bureau estimates covering 2020 through 2025 and lay my own MLS price data over the top of them, and the results genuinely surprised me. The fastest growing township in Michigan saw home prices go DOWN. All ten of the fastest shrinking communities in the state, every single one in Wayne County, saw home prices go UP, including one that jumped roughly 40 percent in three years.You will hear:Why Kent County and Grand Rapids are leading Michigan in raw population growth, and what that means for buyers competing there. Why northern Michigan is growing at more than double the state's rate while the Traverse City region faces a shortage of roughly 30,000 housing units by 2027. Why Lyon Township, the fastest growing community in the entire state, saw its median price dip while Inkster, the fastest shrinking, posted the strongest price growth in this whole episode. The three variables you have to read together (population, supply, and price tier) before you trust any headline about the Michigan housing market. Plus a real story about a relocating family who almost let a "top ten places to live" list steer them away from exactly what they wanted.Whether you are relocating to Michigan from out of state, moving within Southeast Michigan, or just trying to make sense of conflicting housing headlines, this episode gives you the full picture instead of half the board.Grab my free 74-page Michigan Relocation Guide below. It breaks all of this down county by county, including cost of living, taxes, and communities across the state.CONTACT ME

Looking for the best parks in West Michigan? In this episode of Living in Grand Rapids, Doren Colley with the May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids shares his favorite parks and outdoor spaces around Grand Rapids, from family-friendly neighborhood parks to hiking trails and hidden beaches just a couple of hours away.Grand Rapids has a big-city energy with restaurants, live music, and even a Beer City USA title, but some of the best moments here happen when you slow down. Whether that means a morning trail, a playground afternoon, or a quiet bench with coffee, West Michigan has a park for every kind of day, and this video breaks down exactly where to find them.⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00) What Are the Best Parks in West Michigan? (1:00) Best Family Parks & Playgrounds (1:17) Trails for Walking, Running & Biking (2:19) Quiet, Natural Parks (2:47) Choose Your Own Adventure (3:08) Beyond the City: Beaches & Dunes (3:25) Final Thoughts (4:07) What Are the Best Parks in West Michigan? It's one of the questions Doren gets asked most, and honestly, it's a tough one to answer because there are so many great options. Instead of a top ten list, this video walks through favorite parks and outdoor spaces based on the type of experience you're looking for, from playgrounds to peaceful hikes.Best Family Parks in Grand Rapids: If you have younger kids, Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities are full of neighborhood parks with playgrounds, splash pads, open fields, and gathering spaces. Some of the local family favorites include Millennium Park, Riverside Park, Hager Park, and Townsend Park, all of which offer large green spaces, trails, playgrounds, and reservable pavilions for parties and family reunions. For something closer to the neighborhoods, Garfield Park and Richmond Park are easy to get to and great for quick afternoon outings, complete with well-loved disc golf courses.Trails, Biking & Quiet Natural Spaces: For walkers, runners, and bikers, the White Pine Trail is a West Michigan favorite, stretching more than 90 miles from Comstock Park to Cadillac with a paved, mostly flat path perfect for dog walkers, families with strollers, and long-distance athletes alike. For a quieter, more natural setting, Doren recommends Pickerel Lake Park, Lewton Park, Townsend Park, and Roselle Park, all beautiful spots for wooded trails and a little solitude.Beyond Grand Rapids: Beaches, Dunes & State Parks. Within a couple hours of Grand Rapids, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches and dune systems in Michigan. Doren shares one of his favorite outdoor adventures, backpacking at Nordhouse Dunes along Lake Michigan, about two hours northwest of the city, where you'll find white sand, crystal clear water, and a beach that feels almost private.Whatever kind of day you're looking for, whether it's a playground and a picnic table or a challenging hike, West Michigan has a park to match. Watch the full video to find your next favorite outdoor spot, and let us know in the comments which West Michigan park is your favorite.*LET'S CONNECT*Download our Free Relocation Guide: https://marketgrandrapids.com/relocation-guide Email: contact@marketgrandrapids.com Website: https://marketgrandrapids.com Instagram: @MayGroupRealtors

What does God really desire from His people? The book of Amos reminds us that worship isn't just about the songs we sing on Sunday—it's about how we love, serve, and seek justice throughout the week. God calls His people to hate evil, love good, and care for those who are overlooked. As followers of Jesus, our faith should move beyond words into action, reflecting God's heart for righteousness and compassion wherever He's placed us.-----------Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Have you ever found yourself working harder and movingfaster, only to realize you are not actually making meaningful progress? In today's episode, Michelle explores a different kind of strength. The kind that comes from slowing down long enough to notice what is really happening beneaththe surface. Through thoughtful stories and practical reflection, she shares why awareness often leads to wiser decisions than urgency and how creating moments of stillness can help you uncover patterns, strengthen relationships,and respond with greater intention. Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is pause long enough to truly see.Questions or comments? I'd love to hear from you. Michelle@GrowBy1.comReady to strengthen your coaching, communication, andrelationship building skills? Join us at the Grow By 1 Coaching Retreat in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Whether you are a coach, leader, educator, or simply someone who wants to become more influential in your personal and professionalrelationships, this retreat is designed to help you grow with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. We'd love to have you join us. Learn more at GrowBy1.com/CoachingRetreat.

This Sunday, Ben Craymer shares his message titled The One True God.Together we will learn about the truth of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit and how our One True God is completely sufficient for every part of our lives. From our salvation and identity to our strength, transformation, purpose, and eternal hope, we will find out what it means to live fully dependent on the One who is more than enough.Join us for an encouraging message as we go deeper in our understanding of who God is and how His power changes everything!LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!Speaker: Ben CraymerMessage Date: 7.19.2026——Empowering a movement of passionate Jesus-followers... This is the vision of Downtown Christian Church (DCC) based in Grand Rapids, MICan We Pray With You? - We would be honored to partner with you - prayer@dccgr.org——Stay Connected!:Website: www.achurchinthecity.orgDCC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownChristianChurchDCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccgr/DCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/downtownchristianchurchApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3fzURfqSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3A7VmGQ

In this message, we are reminded that the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed when Christ returns. As we look at the life of James, we see his desire was to have a great place in the kingdom of God. And while it looks different than expected, Jesus has granted that to him and to all who are willing to join him in being sons and daughters of thunder. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 19, 2026

In this message, we are reminded that the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed when Christ returns. As we look at the life of James, we see his desire was to have a great place in the kingdom of God. And while it looks different than expected, Jesus has granted that to him and to all who are willing to join him in being sons and daughters of thunder. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 19, 2026

Sermons from Gold Ave Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Scott Brewer and Kyle Agre are talking hunting, fishing and just about anything you can do outdoors each weekend on Gone Outdoors Radio. This week the pair welcomes Bernie Barringer, owner and promoter of the International Black Bear Show in Grand Rapids, MN. Bernie will share what the show is all about and why interested bear hunters should put it on their calendar! Doug Leier, Outreach Biologist from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department shares some strategies for those who plan to hunt public land this fall. Joel Nelson of onX Fish shares some of the new technologies and features that the platform offers anglers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday, Kris Chayer shares a message titled The Search.What if your search for God's will also reveals the parts of your heart He is asking to change? We will look at what it means to pursue the Father's will, invite Him into the hidden places of our lives, and recognize that if we are not being transformed, we are being conformed.Join us for an encouraging word that will stir our hearts to seek the Lord in a deeper way and let Him shape every part of our lives.“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one” - John 17:20-22 NKJVLIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!Speaker: Kris ChayerMessage Date: 7.12.2026——Empowering a movement of passionate Jesus-followers... This is the vision of Downtown Christian Church (DCC) based in Grand Rapids, MICan We Pray With You? - We would be honored to partner with you - prayer@dccgr.org——Stay Connected!:Website: www.achurchinthecity.orgDCC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownChristianChurchDCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccgr/DCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/downtownchristianchurchApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3fzURfqSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3A7VmGQ

On this episode, we welcome Steve Tibbe, Director of Operations for Fans of Valley Field.Steve joins us to discuss the monumental $5.75 million revitalization of Grand Rapids' historic Sullivan Field.Episode Highlights:Fundraising Milestone: Celebrating over $5.75 million raised from 1,600+ donors, including the Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation, the Versluis family, and the City of Grand Rapids.Ballpark Transformations: A deep dive into the major structural updates happening from the grandstands down to the playing field before reopening in 2027.Transitioning to Operations: Moving from "fundraising mode" to "operations mode" and why community support matters after construction wraps up.Special Event Announcement: The upcoming Ballpark Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, September 26, 2026, will take over the street as an old-fashioned block party.Community Closeup is WYCE's weekly public affairs program, produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, bringing you diverse perspectives from community leaders throughout West Michigan. The program is hosted by WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower.

In Part 2, we begin with Todd and me rapping about how much digital technology has changed just in our lifetimes. Even when he was in school in Colorado, San Francisco had been a goal for Todd, a destination. He got his impression of The City from skateboarding magazines and TV shows. But before moving here, Todd went to Europe, as he puts it, "chasing a girl." He even tried living overseas. When that didn't work out, he moved back to Grand Rapids to save money. In 2001, he made the big move west. When Todd arrived, he had a job already lined up for him. He just needed to find a place to live. He'd respond to Craigslist ads for apartments, but when he showed up to look at one of them, a roommate situation, it had turned into a party. He got the place, his first San Francisco apartment, at Waller and Masonic. Todd takes a moment to reminisce about living in that area, which he's continued to do in the many years since he moved to San Francisco. His walk down memory lane leads us to the Lower Haight. Todd met a lot of cool people at that first SF job, a dotcom, naturally. One of those coworkers had a separate office space in the Lower Haight that served as an auxiliary pressing plant for a record-pressing company based in the Czech Republic. That coworker was bailing on their job and handed the space and the gig over to Todd. It put him face-to-face with musicians in need of vinyl to be pressed. He handled album art as well. His worlds of art and music were colliding in meaningful ways. He quit his dotcom job to do this new gig full-time under the name Circuit 73. More on that later. In addition to the record-pressing gig, Todd was doing flyer art for a friend's monthly zine as well as other various flyer work. He also did album artwork. Two friends who were new at the time were looking for a space to open a music gear store. They ended up in the same space in the Lower Haight where Todd based himself. Todd's graphic design work really started to take off around this time, the early 2000s. He'd only been in San Francisco a couple of years, but Todd felt like he was where he needed to be. I ask Todd whether, all those years ago, he had a plan for how long he would try his new city out. He says he didn't, but back then, he felt like he wouldn't be here the rest of his life. And yet, more than 20 years later, here we are. Then we turn to one of Todd's alter egos/pseudonyms/whatever you wanna call its—Ink Letterman. That persona was born when Todd got his first Instagram account, around 2014 or so. He wanted an alias, and landed on that. It took off around 2020, when he started doing mural work in the early days of the pandemic. Rewinding a bit, Todd started DJing under the name Circuit 73 (another alias) around 2005 or so. He eventually took a lot of time off from music, though. His growing collection of physical media started to make him anxious, so he stopped buying records. He also started a family in this time. Eventually, digital music platforms more or less solidified, so that helped. He also started listening to KUSF/90.3 FM. Being in an office, sitting in front of a computer, it all led to burnout as well. His son was born in 2015 and he semi-retired from graphic design to focus on being a parent and leaning in more to his art (and away from design). Todd's art is part of a group show curated by Known SF and 415 Zine that's up now through August 24 at Mini Bar. Eventually, DJing came back into Todd's life. He's quick to give credit to KEXP/92.7 FM for roping him back in. Another source of inspiration is his son, Oscar. He loves music as much as his dad does, and the two listen together quite a lot. Todd points to both the quantity and the quality of new music in the recent past. He's excited about a surge in old music being reissued as well. He's got a monthly gig, last Friday of every month, as DJ Circuit 73 at 540 Bar on Clement. And his radio show, Directions in Stereo, is on KXSF/102.5 FM every Monday from 10 p.m. to midnight. We end the episode with Todd plugging himself. Follow him on Instagram @inkletterman. Find him on Soundcloud @circuit73. Photography by Dan Hernandez

It's time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head up to beautiful Grand Rapids and chat with […]

Can you do better than Glenn in today's edition of the Two Grand Slam?

It's time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head up to beautiful Grand Rapids and chat with […]

It's time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head up to beautiful Grand Rapids and chat with […]

Todd Kurnat is everywhere. In this episode, meet and get to know Todd. These days, he's also known as Ink Letterman for his art and DJ Circuit 73 for his musical stylings. We begin in Michigan. Both sets of Todd's grandparents grew up in Greenville, Michigan, about an hour outside Grand Rapids. His parents met in high school in that small town. They eventually moved to Grand Rapids, the big city in that part of the world. His dad worked at a transportation company and his mom was a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital. It was the early Seventies—around 1972 or so. Todd was born in 1973. His mom had done some college, and his dad had joined the US military to teach about weapons-grade rockets. He was never deployed to Vietnam. Todd says that engineering DNA in his dad runs through him, although Todd uses it for less destructive ends. Sometime after Todd came around, the family moved to Johnston Street, still in the inner-city part of Grand Rapids. The neighborhood had access to downtown. Todd spent a lot of time riding his BMX bike around the area with friends. Eventually, bikes gave way to skateboards, which he took all over his city. But we'll get to that. His earliest memories on Johnston Street involve playing in the front yard—baseball and football with kids from the hood. In the backyard, they had a basketball hoop. Eventually, Todd was joined by two younger sisters and a younger brother. He remembers spending a lot of time with his sisters before his brother was born when Todd was 13. Another of Todd 's earliest memories involve listening to music. His dad had an 8-track player that Todd used a lot. Those tapes made him so happy that he'd run around the house doing laps. The radio was also on a lot in Todd's house. Todd went to Catholic school until his early high school years. One day, his mom showed up at his private school, got him out, and said, "we're leaving." Both his parents worked to support themselves and their (at the time) three kids. But changes had to happen, and so they put their oldest kid in public high school. It proved to be a life-changing move for Todd. Right away, he made new friends, a few of which have proved to be life-long buddies. The common thread for them was music and movies. Bikes and skateboards, too. Speaking of bikes … Around age 12, Todd had a newspaper route. Because he already had a bike when the BMX craze really took off, around the mid-Eighties, he followed that. He and his friends eventually started riding their bikes on street ramps. They also built and rode on dirt tracks. BMX gave way to skateboarding when Todd was 13 or 14. For a minute, he did both, but then someone stole his bike. Like me, skate videos got him hooked—videos from Powell Peralta featuring pro skaters like San Francisco's own Tommy Guerrero. And it wasn't just the skating in the videos that impressed Todd—he also dug the music enough to record it from VHS to cassette tape. Toward the end of his high school days, Todd taught himself to play guitar. He bought a four-track Tascam recorder and started experimenting with it. He did stuff on his own, but also joined with some friends to form a band called Landis. They played for most of the rest of the Nineties. Relevant to who Todd would become years later, a lot of the existence of Landis involved him screwing around with different configurations and recording locations. Think: experimental, but not necessarily falling into the so-called experimental genre. After high school, Todd moved to Denver and kept playing music. He and two roommates called their Colorado group The Suspect. They played a couple shows. Todd and I go on a sidebar on playing live vs. recording vs. writing songs. Live was always my favorite, and Todd agrees. Moving to Denver was all about escaping Grand Rapids, seeing a little bit of the world, and going to art school. He studied illustration and graphic design. He'd been drawing and doodling about as far back as he could remember. In high school, at the public school his mom put him in, there was a counselor who had steered Todd in the direction of graphic design, and he's grateful for that. Turns out he has spent the better part of the last 30 years doing graphic design. We end Part 1 with Todd looking back on how much technology has advanced since he got started in the digital art world. Check back this Thursday to hear all about Todd's move to San Francisco and what he's been up to since he got here. It's a lot, and it'll all be in Part 2 of this episode. We recorded this podcast in Golden Gate Park in June 2026. Photography by Dan Hernandez

In this episode, Joel Beeke walks through Scripture and explains tough passages concerning the Holy Spirit. Joel Beeke is chancellor and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also the co-author of 'Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology' from Crossway. ❖ Listen to “10 Tough Questions about the Salvation of Doubters, the Elect, and the Unreached" with Joel Beeke:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.

The world constantly tells us we need just a little bit more. A better home. A newer car. A bigger savings account. A longer vacation. But what if real contentment isn't found in having more but in learning to need less? That's the heart of today's conversation with Jeff Manion, Teaching Pastor of Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and author of the article “Discovering the Power of Contentment” in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine.  Jeff reminds us that contentment is not something we stumble into once life finally settles down. It is something we learn—often through both scarcity and sufficiency. Why Wealth Can Be Confusing Jeff begins with an honest admission: “Wealth confuses me.” That may sound surprising coming from someone who has spent decades in ministry, but his point is deeply relatable. Early in his ministry, Jeff and his wife, Chris, lived simply out of necessity. They served a small church of about 25 people, and for years, resources were limited. They learned to depend on God in a season when there was barely enough. But decades later, after faithfully avoiding debt, building an emergency fund, and practicing wise stewardship, Jeff realized the struggle for contentment had not disappeared. It had simply changed. That is an important lesson for all of us. We may assume contentment will come once the bills are paid, the debt is gone, the savings account is stronger, or the house is finally updated. But contentment is not automatic in seasons of sufficiency. In fact, prosperity can bring its own spiritual dangers. The Desert Classroom Jeff points to Deuteronomy 8, where Moses speaks to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. For 40 years, God had provided manna in the wilderness. Day by day, He kept His people alive in a barren place. But as they prepared to enter a land “flowing with milk and honey,” Moses gave them a warning: do not forget the Lord. That warning matters because abundance can create spiritual amnesia. Once the Israelites moved from manna in the desert to houses, vineyards, flocks, and herds, they would be tempted to say, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17). The danger was not that prosperity itself was evil. The danger was forgetting the Source. That same temptation faces us today. When finances stabilize, debts are paid off, and retirement savings begin to grow, we can quietly begin to believe that our wisdom, effort, and discipline produced everything we have. But Scripture reminds us that even our ability to produce wealth is a gift from God. Contentment begins with remembering: everything we have comes from Him. The Freedom of Having Less Jeff also shared about a personal decluttering experiment. Over seven weeks, he gave away or got rid of five items a day—about 210 items in total. These were not grand acts of generosity. Many were simply things that had accumulated over time: old CDs, unused dishes, T-shirts from events and races, and items tucked away in drawers or boxes. The result surprised him. He felt lighter. In his words, he felt “richer for having less.” That experience reveals something important about our relationship with possessions. Stuff has a way of multiplying. Without even noticing, we surround ourselves with things we no longer use, need, or value. And sometimes, the more we own, the more weighed down we become. Decluttering is not just about organizing a closet. It can become a spiritual practice—one that helps us confront the quiet belief that more stuff equals a fuller life. Here and Now, Not There and Then One of the great enemies of contentment is what Jeff calls “there and then” thinking. We tell ourselves: “I'll be happy when we get out of this apartment.” “I'll be at peace when we can renovate the kitchen.” “I'll finally enjoy life when we take that vacation.” “I'll feel secure when we reach that financial goal.” But contentment teaches us to be fully alive to God and fully present with the people around us here and now—not only there and then. That does not mean goals are wrong. It is wise to plan, save, improve, and prepare. But no purchase, renovation, trip, or financial milestone can fix what is restless in the soul. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Those words were not written from comfort, but from confinement. Paul had learned contentment while living under hardship and limitation. That means contentment is not the reward for finally getting everything we want. It is the grace of being satisfied in God even when we do not. Comparison Steals Joy and Cripples Generosity Another major barrier to contentment is comparison. There will always be someone with a larger home, a better vacation, a newer vehicle, or a more impressive lifestyle. And in the age of social media, we are not merely comparing our reality to someone else's reality. We are comparing our reality to someone else's curated image. That kind of comparison shrivels the heart. It trains us to focus on what we lack rather than the blessings God has already given. It also damages generosity. Generosity flows from a sense of abundance—from recognizing that God has given us more than enough to share. But when comparison convinces us we never have enough, our hands begin to close. We become less joyful, less grateful, and less willing to give. Contentment helps break that cycle. It opens our eyes to God's provision and frees us to live generously. Generosity Reflects the Heart of God Paul gives this instruction in 1 Timothy 6:17–18: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God… They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” That passage reminds us that wealth is not to become the foundation of our hope. God alone is our provider. And because He has been generous toward us, we are called to reflect His generosity toward others. Giving loosens money's grip on our hearts. It reminds us that our possessions are not ultimate. They are tools entrusted to us for worship, provision, and service. A legacy of contentment does not mean rejecting good gifts. It means receiving them rightly. It means enjoying what God provides without making those gifts the center of our lives. Contentment is learned in every season—whether resources are tight or abundant. It grows as we remember the Source of all we have, resist comparison, practice generosity, and become fully alive to God in the life He has given us today. The world will keep saying, “You need more.” But Scripture invites us into something better: godliness with contentment, which is great gain. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've heard the FaithFi promotion mentioned on the program, and online it says the money market account promotion is worth up to $400. I haven't been able to find the details on the website. Can you explain how the promotion works and how the $400 is structured? My wife and I sold our home and will net about $200,000. We're about six years from retirement and plan to move to St. George, Utah. We could lease a nice home for about $2,200 a month, buy a condo with cash and pay about $300 a month in HOA fees, or buy a comparable house for about $150,000 more than we have available and finance the difference, with about $200 monthly in HOA fees. Our goal is to stay as close to debt-free as possible. Would it be wiser to pay cash for the condo, lease for now, or finance the more expensive house? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Discovering the Power of Contentment by Jeff Manion (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6) An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life by Jeff Haanen AdelFi Christian Banking Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the second half of our post-Synod conversation, Zack Flipse and Jason move from how Synod 2026 felt to what it means for the work ahead. There's encouragement, but there are also some concerns. The biggest thread here is a worry both share: the CRC has an exciting church planting vision, but plant churches poorly and you can do damage to the denomination. Reformation isn't just about doing more; it's about doing it in a way that fits our ecclesiology. That's why Zack keeps half-joking that we need a study committee on ecclesiology, and why he's unembarrassed to say it: "I want to be part of a denomination that's doing theology." From there the conversation ranges widely. They name the three streams of the CRC—confessionalist, pietist, transformationalist—and make the case that the church is stronger for holding all three. They look ahead to the Christian nationalism study report, arguing the Dutch Reformed tradition is uniquely equipped to speak here, with Kuyper and Bavinck in our own lineage—so long as we actually do the theology rather than just point back to it. And they return to Jason's hobby horse since day one: a denomination is healthy when local churches are engaged, not when they outsource their convictions to Grand Rapids. Zack shares the kids' Heidelberg Catechism project he makes with his daughters—question one, "What gives you comfort? That I belong to Jesus"—because instead of complaining that the resource didn't exist, he decided to build it. Then Jason gives him the final word, and Zack delivers the line that names the whole vision: "Figure out what you can do to plant a church so that more people worship Jesus tomorrow than worship Him today. Let's plant some churches." Timestamps: 0:00 — Recap: naming gifts and raising up leaders 2:15 — Satellite options and the uneasiness around multi-site churches 4:01 — The ecclesiology study committee that didn't pass 5:07 — "I want to be part of a denomination that's doing theology" 6:39 — Planting churches well: the danger of doing it poorly 7:55 — Discouragements: pressure to skip process 9:22 — "We found out in 2022": differences in how we read Scripture 10:35 — The three minds: confessionalist, pietist, transformationalist 12:04 — The Christian nationalism study report and our tradition 12:39 — Why the Dutch Reformed are uniquely equipped: Kuyper and Bavinck 21:30 — A healthy denomination means local churches engaged 23:03 — An overture on categories for church membership 23:38 — Unified worship vs. faithful contextualization 26:51 — Zack's kids' Heidelberg Catechism on YouTube 30:48 — The Little Heidelberg Catechism and resourcing parents 31:44 — Final word: let's plant some churches Join and support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Intro music by Matt Krotzer

This week marks the one year since Congress rolled back funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The move left radio stations across the country scrambling to find funding to help cover their communities like KAXE in Grand Rapids.But thanks to a $4.2 million grant from the Bush Foundation, the northern Minnesota news station is now planning to expand news coverage, help create an ambassador program, and strengthen partnerships with regional newsrooms. Sarah Bignall, CEO and general manager of KAXE, joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the donation and the news station.

Got first-time home buyer questions? Ross Bacon of May Group Realtors covers the hardest part of buying a house, the biggest mistakes buyers make, and whether you should buy a smaller home first.In this video, Ross Bacon of May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids answers the most common first-time home buyer questions he gets every day: how to get started, why talking to a lender comes before everything else, the difference between your approval amount and your comfort zone, what closing costs and earnest money actually mean, how long the buying process takes, whether you really need an agent, how to make a competitive offer, what the hardest part of buying a house really is, the biggest first-time buyer mistakes to avoid, and whether buying a smaller starter home makes sense for you.Who This Is ForThis is for anyone thinking about buying their first home and feeling overwhelmed by the process. Whether you're just starting to research or you're almost ready to make a move, this video will help you feel informed, confident, and prepared — not rushed.Timestamps0:00 — Introduction0:33 — How do I get started?1:40 — Approval amount vs. your comfort zone 2:15 — What type of lender should you use?3:33 — Down payment requirements by loan type4:40 — How long does the buying process take?5:20 — Do you really need a buyer's agent?6:28 — How do you know what to offer?7:20 — What's the hardest part of buying a house?6:53 — Are you ready to buy? Final thoughtsHave a question we didn't cover? Or starting the conversation about buying in the Grand Rapids area, reach out using the link below. We'd love to help. Subscribe for more real estate tips and information all about living in Grand Rapids, Michigan.LET'S CONNECTGrab our free First-Time Home Buyer tips: https://mailchi.mp/marketgr/homebuyer Email: contact@marketgrandrapids.com Website: https://marketgrandrapids.com  Instagram: @MayGroupRealtors#firsttimehomebuyer  #homebuyertips  #buyingahouse  #grandrapidsrealestate  #realestatetips #firsttimebuyermistakes  #homebuying101  #mortgagetips  #preapproval  #realestate  #westmichiganrealestate  #remax #starterhome #howtobuyyourfirsthomeThis video is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mortgage advice. Loan programs, down payment requirements, and closing cost estimates vary by buyer, lender, and market conditions. Always consult a licensed real estate professional and mortgage lender for guidance specific to your situation.

This Sundays message centered on the book of Jonah, challenging us to examine whether our hearts reflect God's compassion or Jonah's resentment. While many know Jonah for the whale, the real focus is chapter 4, where Jonah is angry that God shows mercy to Nineveh. Through Jonah's story, we're reminded that God doesn't just love people who are easy to love, He extends grace even to those we see as enemies. The message leaves us with a powerful challenge: Do you love your enemies? Do you want to see them saved or destroyed? And are you willing to go and share God's truth with them? When we embrace God's heart of compassion, we become people who reflect Jesus to a world desperately in need of His grace.-----------Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Originally uploaded July 3rd, reloaded July 13th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Paul Moore, Director, Start Garden, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome Paul, remind us about Start Garden and your "The 100"? 'The 100' has traditionally focused on early-stage startup ideas. What prompted Start Garden to redesign the competition to serve businesses at multiple stages of growth and connect them with different types of capital? This year's program brings together lenders, investors, grant makers, and corporate partners under one umbrella. How does that broader funding ecosystem create more opportunities for Michigan entrepreneurs? The competition now centers on an entrepreneurial “sprint” tied to a specific business milestone. Why is that approach valuable, and what kinds of measurable results are you hoping participants will achieve? Existing businesses are now a major part of the program, not just startups. How does this change expand the impact of The 100 for established companies looking to grow, hire, or scale operations? With more than $500,000 in potential funding opportunities, live funding announcements at Demo Day, and strong participation from underrepresented entrepreneurs, what role do you see The 100 playing in strengthening West Michigan's broader business and innovation economy? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Start Garden reimagines annual entrepreneur competition by adding funding partners, expanding reach beyond startups and boosting funding opportunities to more than $500,000 Applications opened June 1 for a revamped 100 with a bigger pipeline for business owners and capital providers and a new format (GRAND RAPIDS, MI) — Start Garden today announced a major evolution of The 100, its eight-year-old annual entrepreneur competition that has connected more than 800 Michigan founders with funding and community resources. For the first time, the organization is bringing together multiple capital providers to fund multiple types of businesses at different stages, a shift from the event's historical focus on new business ideas. With the addition of external partners, The 100 will up its funding opportunities to more than $500,000, introduce a "sprint" process, and expand the people giving out money at the culminating event, Demo Day. Joining Start Garden in the new iteration of The 100 is what the organization calls Capital Partners that will help support up to $500,000 in corporate contracts, loans, shared revenue agreements, venture capital, and, as before, small catalytic grants to entrepreneurs at every stage. The 2026 Capital Partners include: GROW (small business loans) Opportunity Ventures (shared revenue agreements) Union Heritage (venture capital) Meijer (first-customer contracts for food and consumer product companies) Start Garden (grants) Applications for The 100 open June 1 at 100.startgarden.com. The application is still as simple as recording a 100-second video, but now includes a brief explanation about what stage the business is at. Start Garden will also host three community pop-up events this summer, where entrepreneurs can submit pitches in person with assistance. 2026 Key Dates June 1 — Applications open at 100.startgarden.com July 12 — Submissions close (11:59 PM) July 21 — 100 semi-finalists announced August 7–9 — Mandatory Bootcamp at Start Garden, Grand Rapids August 10 — 50 finalists announced, sprint begins October 8 — Sprint ends, Executive Summaries due October 22 — Demo Day at Start Garden, Grand Rapids # # #

The Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God and so, in this message, we have the opportunity to examine another life in ourAbundant Lives series. So far we have looked at a king, a judge, two skilled workers, a widow, a prophetess, a tribal leader, a government official, a citizen of Sodom, and more. In Joshua 2, we meet a prostitute, Rahab, who turns out to be one of the Bible's foremost examples of what it means to have faith. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 12, 2026

The Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God and so, in this message, we have the opportunity to examine another life in ourAbundant Lives series. So far we have looked at a king, a judge, two skilled workers, a widow, a prophetess, a tribal leader, a government official, a citizen of Sodom, and more. In Joshua 2, we meet a prostitute, Rahab, who turns out to be one of the Bible's foremost examples of what it means to have faith. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 12, 2026

Ralph speaks to historian Omer Bartov about his new book “Israel: What Went Wrong?” with special guest, international law expert Bruce FeinBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.Many of the things that you describe in Israel apply in spades in the United States. We also have an administration that says we're being invaded militarily by Venezuela gangs, so we have to go kidnap their president and annex Venezuela. We've stated that Iran is an existential threat to the United States because at some future time, it's conceivable they may get one nuclear weapon. We have 5,000, Israel probably has 300 or 400. Or make the argument that we are being invaded by defenseless immigrants across the southern border. And it does seem to me that all countries—I don't think it's unique anyway to the United States or Israel, but it's generally true those in power are there to manufacture fear, to inflate fleas into elephants and say “My gosh, tomorrow the sky is falling down. We need to have national emergencies, rule by decree.” Everything is “an imminent danger”, the Communist domino theory. It's a very challenging issue. I say what you've described in Israel is not unique to Israel. We confront it every day right in the United States. And it works.Bruce FeinOmer Bartov is the Dean's Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University. A historian, Professor Bartov was born on a kibbutz, grew up in Tel Aviv, and served in the Israel Defense Forces during the Yom Kippur War. He went on to become a leading scholar of the German army and the Holocaust, before turning his attention to his native country. His early research concerned the Nazi indoctrination of the Wehrmacht and the crimes it committed in World War II. He then turned to the links between total war and genocide and interethnic relations in the borderlands of Eastern Europe. His current interest is reflected in his recent books, Genocide, the Holocaust and Israel-Palestine: First-Person History in Times of Crisis, Israel: What Went Wrong?, and the forthcoming The Broken Promise: A Personal Political History of Israel and Palestine. The whole idea of creating a Jewish state (and it says so in the Proclamation of the State from May 1948) is that it would be a state for Jews—that it would be both Jewish and democratic. And that has proven to be not possible. A Jewish state can be both Jewish and democratic only if the overwhelming majority (if not all) of its citizens are Jews.Omer Bartov[Zionist zealots] believe that history is on their side—so in that sense, they are similar to Communists they're similar to Fascists they're similar to Nazis in that they believe that they can see the way forward, they know the logic of history, and the logic of history as they see it is on their side.Omer BartovIn Israel, since the 1980s (really since after the War of 1973, with the rise of the right wing in Israel in particular) the Holocaust has come to serve a particular purpose. Instead of being commemorated as an event that happened in the past that we should remember and commemorate and research, it's become a kind of image of an imminent danger to Israel. And the farther Israel has moved from the actual event of the Holocaust, and the more the Israeli army has become the military hegemon in its region, the more this alleged threat of an “Auschwitz around the corner” has been used by Israeli governments. Why has it been used? Because Israel actually needs to explain to itself and to its citizens: Why is it bossing it over millions of Palestinians? Half of the population under Israeli control are Palestinians. Two million are citizens, but they don't have equal rights, and the others have no rights at all (they're simply under arbitrary military rule). So how do you explain that? You explain that by telling your population and the rest of the world that those Palestinians—who have no power, who can never pose a threat to you—are an existential threat. And in Israel, that has worked quite well.Omer BartovBecause of the focus on Hebrew—to create Hebrew as a mother tongue for children whose mothers didn't speak Hebrew—because of that, there was a great antagonism towards speaking any other language. And the notion of having bilingual schools (that is, of having schools in Palestine where people would learn both Hebrew and Arabic, the language of the place) is not entertained by the vast majority of educators. Now, if you think about what would have been the result of having bilingual schools already in the 1920s and 30s, that children could speak each other's language and recognize each other's culture—that could have had a huge effect on how Zionism developed and how the state would have developed. But in today's Israel, the only bilingual population are the Palestinians. Palestinian citizens of Israel speak Arabic and Hebrew. Most Israelis don't speak Arabic. And most Israelis who trace themselves (quite large numbers) not to Europe, but to North Africa and the Middle East, where their parents and grandparents spoke Arabic (this was their language) have forgotten that language and were ashamed of their parents speaking it because it associated them with the Arabs. So the loss in this kind of creation of a nation around one language was the ability to imagine yourself as sharing the space with another group.Omer Bartov * Our top story concerns a progressive insurgent running in a must-win Senate race – and not the one you're thinking of. Late last week, Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed won the endorsement of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The New York Times notes that this is AOC's first Senate endorsement of this cycle, coming just about a month ahead of the August 4th Michigan primary. El-Sayed is quoted saying that he is “honored for what her support says about what this campaign is building and what we're fighting for,” adding that he thinks that “too many establishment Democrats are…afraid that I will win.” He pointedly attacked Senator Chuck Schumer, charging that the Minority Leader “doesn't want to see me on the inside of the U.S. Senate,” because El-Sayed would “call out the kind of politics where we take money from corporations and AIPAC to run milquetoast campaigns and don't say anything about the problems that everyday people are facing.” El-Sayed has announced that he will campaign with AOC and Senator Bernie Sanders in Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids on July 18th and 19th, per MLive.* Another earthquake occurred in the Michigan Senate race on July 5th, when State Senator Mallory McMorrow announced that she would be withdrawing from the race – turning what was a competitive three-way race into a head-to-head between El-Sayed and the Democratic establishment pick, Congresswoman Haley Stevens. The Detroit Free Press notes that this announcement “comes after absentee ballots have already been mailed out to some voters and too late to remove her name from the primary ballot,” though voters are able to rescind their absentee votes and submit new ones up through Friday, July 24th. In a video statement, McMorrow maintained that “People are crying out for change and we need to listen.” McMorrow once led her opponents in this race but saw her support collapse and was trailing in a distant third place in recent polls. Rumor also had it that outgoing Senator Gary Peters was privately calling for her to exit the race so centrists could consolidate around Stevens. While many of her supporters are expected to go to Stevens, El-Sayed is energetically courting McMorrow's voters as well. The Detroit News reports McMorrow herself has announced that she will remain neutral in the remaining days of the primary, leaving her voters to vote their own consciences.* In more Michigan news, DSA-backed congressional candidate Donavan McKinney is running strong in his primary campaign against incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar, whom McKinney has labeled “​​Detroit's own Elon Musk,” according to the New York Post. If McKinney pulls it off, he will join the growing group of DSA members in the House, along with Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier and AOC from New York, Chris Rabb and Melat Kiros from Pennsylvania and Colorado respectively, and Rashida Tlaib from Michigan. Another candidate endorsed by his local DSA chapter, Kyle Blomquist, is running for Congress in Michigan but even if he wins his primary he is not expected to flip the deep red 1st congressional district.* In Missouri, Cori Bush has also won the support of DSA for her comeback congressional run against Wesley Bell, who defeated her in the 2024 primary, Andrew Solender reports. Bush had already won the support of her local DSA chapter, along with many other progressive organizations, and has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and former Congressman Jamaal Bowman. This week though, she won the support of the national DSA. In a statement, Bush wrote “I am honored to be once again endorsed by the Democratic [Socialists] of America as I campaign to return to Congress and keep building our movement to fight for economic justice, Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and a world where everyday people have a real voice in our workplace's neighborhoods and society.” Bush also praised DSA for its “decades of organizing…[mobilizing] thousands of people across the country to demand an economy that works for all of us…[and] take on war profiteers, the for-profit healthcare industry, and the billionaire funded lobbies that subvert our democracy.” There has been little polling of this race, but what there has been appears to show the race in a statistical dead heat. One sign that Bush is being taken seriously is the new $865,000 ad buy taken out by the United Democracy Project, an AIPAC cutout.* Ironically, it would seem that American Jews have a more favorable view of the progressive left than Israel. According to the Forward, a new AP poll found that “44% of American Jews hold a favorable opinion of Zohran Mamdani, compared with 39% who view him unfavorably.” This is in contrast to the 32% of respondents who said they have a favorable opinion of Netanyahu and 59% who said they have a negative view of the Israeli PM. Perhaps more surprisingly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a “staunch supporter of Israel,” garnered only a 41% favorability rating, though far more respondents said they don't know enough about him to have an opinion than said they have a negative view.* Turning back to the Senate, the other major story this week of course is the fall of Graham Platner. Accusations of sexual assault, detailed in a POLITICO article, resulted in a deluge of opprobrium that cascaded upwards culminating in Platner's earliest and highest profile supporter, Senator Bernie Sanders, calling on him to drop out of the Senate race in Maine. In a video message released Wednesday, Platner stated that he would be suspending his campaign effective immediately, later telling staff that he plans to wait until Monday, the final possible day, to formally withdraw from the race, Axios reports. In the same video, Platner categorically denied the accusations calling them “all false,” and maintaining that the “things that have been claimed did not happen.” He implied that the scandal was orchestrated by “those in power“ who would “rather see Susan Collins win than have me be the next Senator from Maine.”* Platner's impending, late-stage withdrawal from the race has set off a chaotic blitz primary to replace him as the Democratic nominee. Numerous candidates have announced they are running including former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson, former Director of Maine's Center for Disease, Control and Prevention Nirav Shah, co-founder of Maine beer company Dan Kleban, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and state lawmaker Valli Geiger, along with Jordan Wood and Paige Loud, both of whom ran in the Maine second congressional district Democratic primary. The actual process for selecting a nominee has been the subject of debate – with many progressives arguing for caucuses – but POLITICO reports that by July 27th, “600 delegates must be selected,” including 500 from the state's 16 county parties, and these delegates will decide on a candidate to replace Platner via “an unprecedented nominating convention,” wherein all delegates come in unpledged to any candidate setting the stage for “what could be a raucous and unpredictable free-for-all.” It remains to be seen how this will all shake out, but it is notable that almost all of these candidates poll very strongly against Senator Susan Collins, with many polling higher than Platner ever did, while the Democratic Party's handpicked primary candidate, sitting Governor Janet Mills, still polls lower than Platner even since the scandal broke.* For our final Senate story, we turn to the senior Senator from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell. McConnell was recently found unconscious in his Washington, DC home and has been hospitalized since, and while Republican Senators and media figures like Scott Jennings claim to have spoken with him directly, his being sequestered away from the public has fueled rampant speculation about the severity of his condition and why it is being kept so secretive. Forbes reports that some figures on the right, including Steve Bannon, are “suggesting the Republican establishment is shielding the state of McConnell's health from the public to allow him to remain in office long enough to avoid [Kentucky Congressman Thomas] Massie running for his seat.” Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene told TMZ, “Thomas Massie would make a great senator.” The Hill reports that Andy Beshear, the Democratic Governor of Kentucky, sent a letter to McConnell's Senate office strongly requesting an update on the Senator's health, noting that “Over the last several weeks, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of Sen. McConnell,” and that “Allowing speculation to continue in the media is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians, and my hope is that this provides him the opportunity to share the information in a transparent manner, direct from the source.”* In more positive news, AP reports former Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan, who helped an immigrant escape ICE by ushering him through her jury room door was spared prison time in her sentencing this week. After the incident in her court room, Dugan was convicted of felony obstruction in what was widely seen as a political trial designed to exact retribution on behalf of the Trump administration. Dugan resigned her circuit judgeship under this assault; in her resignation letter, she warned that this prosecution threatened “the independence of our judiciary.” Dugan was fined $5,000.* Finally, in spiritual news, a story in the National Catholic Reporter recounts how Pope Leo XIV excommunicated thousands of clergy and followers of the far right, schismatic group, the Society of St. Pius X. While bishops and priests are judged prima facie schismatic for their consecration in the Society, lay followers of the sect will be judged schismatic if they consciously choose “adherence to the society over obedience to the pope,” and “exclusive participation in Lefebvrian ‘ecclesial' acts, without taking part in the acts of the Catholic Church,” a reference to the group's founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. The proximate cause of this excommunication was the Society creating four new bishops in open defiance of Pope Leo, essentially daring the Church to act. This piece notes that the Society “has long been a thorn in the side of Rome,” and notes that the new papal decree rolls back privileges granted to the sect under Pope Francis, including administering the sacrament of penance and solemnizing marriages.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Your posted labor rate may not be the labor rate you're actually collecting, and that gap could be costing your shop thousands of dollars every month. In this episode, Carm Capriotto is joined by Andy Adams, a shop owner and business coach, and Rob Sperring, a service manager, to explain why the Effective Labor Rate (ELR) is one of the most overlooked yet impactful performance metrics in the auto repair industry. They break down why ELR falls short, how it affects profitability, and the practical steps every shop owner can take to close the gap. What You'll Learn What Effective Labor Rate (ELR) is and why it matters more than your posted door rate.Why healthy shops should collect at least 90 percent of their posted labor rate.How unbilled diagnostic time, underpriced canned jobs, and complimentary inspections reduce profitability.Why excessive discounting, even with good intentions, can quietly erode your bottom line.How shifting consumer buying habits make labor profitability more important than ever.Why improving ELR creates opportunities to increase technician compensation and strengthen your business.How auditing repair orders can uncover missed labor opportunities and unnecessary discounts.Why updating your labor matrix and canned jobs can immediately improve financial performance.How sharing KPI's (key performance indicators) with your team builds ownership and accountability throughout the shop. Effective Labor Rate is more than a financial matrix; it's a direct measure of how well your shop captures the value of the work it performs. By understanding where labor revenue is being lost and making intentional operational improvements, shop owners can increase profitability, invest in their teams, and build a stronger, more sustainable business. Rob Sperring, Grand Rapids Motorcar, Grand Rapids, MI Andy Adams, Adams Garage, Terre Haute, IN. Coach at Repair Shop of Tomorrow Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z:...

This Sunday, Leon DeHaan will bring his message titled I'm Not Normal. Come and be reminded that our significance does not come from popularity, position, or comparison, but from the God who created us, knows us, and made us with purpose. When we understand what He says about us, it changes how we see ourselves and how we live.Join us for an encouraging message that will help us to know God in a deeper way and to know our true identity.“I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” - Psalm 139:14 NASBLIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!Speaker: Leon DeHaanMessage Date: 7.05.2026——Empowering a movement of passionate Jesus-followers... This is the vision of Downtown Christian Church (DCC) based in Grand Rapids, MICan We Pray With You? - We would be honored to partner with you - prayer@dccgr.org——Stay Connected!:Website: www.achurchinthecity.orgDCC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownChristianChurchDCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccgr/DCC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/downtownchristianchurchApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3fzURfqSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3A7VmGQ

Zane is fresh off a trip to PPA Tokyo and lands straight in Grand Rapids for the Beer City Open / MLP Mid-Season Tournament — so he and Nico have a lot to cover. They break down the mysterious dueling "Team USA" pickleball announcements, preview Match Day prop bets for the Beer City Open, draft the most Silent Assassins in an MLP-style event, and dig into Jay Devilliers' surprise move to the APP Tour ahead of a wave of expiring PPA contracts. Plus: Zane's Tokyo recap (sumo wrestling included), MLP trade deadline predictions, and a new Guess My Duper.

July 9, 2026 ~ Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox joins Kevin Dietz to discuss his performance in last night's debate and his strategy heading into the next Republican gubernatorial debate in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Backlash over The Odyssey movie, Dave Landau back in-studio, Justin Verlander retiring, Mackenzie Shirilla: Prison Influencer, OnlyFans top cities, and the Chattanooga outrage train. Dave Landau stops by the studio today. Check out his tour dates. Dave will be on Gutfeld! tomorrow night.  Jaden Smith entered a restaurant while holding on to his junk. Brother Bilaal is still attacking the family. Jada and Will are back living together JLo exited a restaurant in the most annoying way possible. Chattanooga News is up in arms over a part-time train conductor being a bit too patriotic on the job. A couple of tattletales called him out and now he's fired. Graham Platner's ex-girlfriend says he used to removed condoms during sex without consent. It's also known as 'stealthing'. Music: Bon Jovi is back on stage and Jon is center stage. Richie Sambora sounds a little better to be honest. Vince Neil sounded great over the weekend. Nicholas Cage is one of our finest actors. The Odyssey: The trailer for Christopher Nolan's new movie has a lot of views and negative comments.  Elliot Page is super ripped now and getting hate for her role in the film. Lupita Nyong'o is stirring it up. John Leguizamo pretends to be Greek in the film. Supergirl BOMBED and Milly Alcock is not helping. We check out Crack Amico's parody song ripping the Riyadh Comedy Festival comics.  Rainn Wilson has a problem with Ricky Gervais' Golden Globes speech... from 2020. Paige Shiver is the victim and sues the University of Michigan after banging head coach Sherrone Moore. Mackenzie Shirilla is looking good in prison and keeping her Instagram updated. Susan Smith likes to bang in prison. Sarah Pender had a love affair with a corrupt correctional officer. Shout out to Tilly. Charles Barkley and James Taylor wanted nothing to do with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. We can't get over the fact that Dean Blandino was invited. Margaret Qualley has dumped Jack Antonoff. Maybe he'll get back with Lena Dunham. Miami news anchor, Jenise Fernandez, is smoking hot and her spicy pics on Instagram despite her station not being too thrilled about it. Top Ten Simp Cities: Atlanta tops the list for OnlyFans use. Grand Rapids loves the content as well. Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo are on the outs. Bunnie is ready to bang the young dudes. Emily Ratajkowski is writing a book about all the dongs she has conquered since her divorce. Justin Verlander is hanging up the cleats at the end of this season. Here is some recent video of Justin on the mound. Phil Mickelson is trying to catch Tiger Woods in controversies. Jim's list tomorrow is completely sucking up to Drew Lane. Click for your chance to win Drew's Champions Club tickets! Merch, yo. Check it. If you'd like to help support the show… consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Drew Lane, Marc Fellhauer, Trudi Daniels, Jim Bentley, BranDon, and Roberto).

Send us Fan MailThe MLP Mid-Season Tournament is finally here, and we're breaking down everything you need to know before the action begins in Grand Rapids.This week we preview every first-round matchup, discuss which teams have the best chance to make a run, and debate whether Australia or any of the international teams can pull off an upset.We also dive into one of the biggest conversations in Major League Pickleball this season: strength of schedule, championship court exposure, and whether every team is truly getting a fair opportunity.00:00 Happy 4th of July & Utah fireworks discussion03:11 Pickler Universe spotlight & Austrian Open success05:23 Dominator sponsor spotlight07:30 KOTC All Access update08:08 World Cup talk & Mexico vs England09:42 BCO Mid-Season Tournament preview begins10:32 Breaking down the international teams13:18 First-round matchup predictions15:05 Will players opt out of BCO?18:19 Explaining the double-elimination format20:38 FOX & FS1 broadcast schedule21:37 Championship predictions22:24 Outdoor conditions & Grand Rapids weather25:28 MLP strength of schedule controversy31:22 Championship Court fairness debate36:40 Should pickleball referees wear cameras?38:52 What does pickleball need to become mainstream?41:43 Why Grand Slams matter for pickleball's future46:16 Tyler responds to online criticism57:44 Club Pickleball Mastermind1:00:09 Reacting to "Pickleball Is Dying"1:03:50 Brand loyalty & constant player movement in MLP1:06:38 Bobby Bonilla Day & deferred contracts in sports1:09:00+ More MLP business discussion & player contracts (continues)Website: https://www.tylerloong.com/ KOTC All Accesshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDiH-sjthLCovD8i79-AkWg/joinCode “KOTC” for insane discounts at: https://www.clubpickleballmastermind.com/kotc Use Code "KOTC" for Big Savings on Vulcan Gear: https://vulcansportinggoods.com/pagesKOTC Merch - Use “KOTC” kitchpickleball.comNEW KOTC DISCORD https://discord.com/invite/kNR65mBemfNEW KOTC CAMEOhttps://www.cameo.com/morekotcInstagram: Tyler's IG - @tyler.loong  Jimmy's IG - @jimmymiller_pbKOTC IG - @morekingofthecourt  Facebook: / tyler.loong   --Support the show

Start Name Artist Album Year Comments Am I Blue? Margaret Hall Kitten On The Keys [Margaret Hall Music 001] 1992 3-17 Wurlitzer, Orion Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Formerly 3-15 in Capitol Theatre, Sydney 2:50 Alice Blue Gown Aubrey Whelan, Laurie Wilson Waltzing With The Wurlitzer [Point P-238] 1954 4-21 Wurlitzer, dual console, grand piano, State Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 5:44 Wedgwood Blue Doreen Chadwick Organised In Oldham [LTOT CD 9126] 1991 3-7 Christie, Blue Coat School, Oldham, Lancashire; ex-Pyramid Theatre, Sale (1934); organ now in storage 10:06 The Thin Red Line - march Don Thompson My Favorite Things [Pipe Organ Presentations POP 107] 2001 4-29 Wurlitzer Hybrid, Capri Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia 13:12 Red Hot Mamma Jerry Nagano Pipe Organ Extravaganza 15 - Big Band Swing 2011 4-27 Barton Grande, Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, IL; Saturday, April 30, 2011 18:17 The Lady In Red Ron Rhode Music Music Music [Roxy RP-113-CD] 2001 4-27 Robert Morton, Music Hall, Kansas City; ex Loew's Midland (1927), Kansas City 4/20 21:32 Purple Shades Bill Vlasak Concert: Manual High School, Indianapolis 1991-06-25 1991 3-26 Wurlitzer, Manual High School, Indianapolis, IN 25:58 Deep Purple Rob Richards, Ralph Wolf Together Again... For The Very First Time 4-74 Wurlitzer & Bosendorfer Imperial Grand Piano, Nethercutt Collection, San Sylmar, CA 31:52 Little Brown Jug Lew Williams Give My Regards To Broadway [OSP CD] 2000 4-78 Wurlitzer, Organ Stop Pizza, Mesa AZ; basis originally 3-15 Denver Theatre, Denver CO 35:02 Evergreen Bill Thomson Concert: Roaring 20s Pizza, Grand Rapids 1978-79 3-30 Wurlitzer, Roaring 20s Pizza, Grand Rapids, MI 40:47 The Irish Suite: The Wearing Of The Green Jelani Eddington Blue Tango [RJE CD] 2006 5-80 Wurlitzer, Sanfilippo Victorian Music Palace, Barrington Hills, IL 44:37 The Green Cockatoo Reginald Dixon The Collection [Nostalgia Direct NDLCD002] 1948 3-13 Wurlitzer, Tower Ballroom, Blackpool; with piano and drums 48:08 Yellow Days (La Mentira) Ashley Miller At the War Memorial [HMR Productions 1061] 1977 3-16 Möller, War Memorial Auditorium, Trenton, NJ 51:44 The Moon Was Yellow (And The Night Was Young) Joseph Seal You And The Night And The Music [Pye NSPL 18261] 1968 3-12 Wurlitzer, ABC Theatre, Kingston-on-Thames 54:25 (What Did I Do To Be So) Black And Blue? George Wright Concert: Keystone Oaks High School 1978-10-17 1978 2-10 Wurlitzer, Keystone Oaks High School, Dormont, PA 57:55 The Black Canary Hora Robinson Cleaver Granada [Concert Recording CR-0036-T] 1972 4-14 Wurlitzer, Granada Theatre, Tooting

Annie Ponstein participated in a 9-month gap year program with Bridge Street Ministries (44:32), an organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that focuses on urban youth ministry (45:32). As part of this year-long experience, she and her team traveled to Guatemala for two months (48:40), where they served in the following ways: Annie described her overall experience as one rooted in intentional community living and silent servitude (47:03, 49:06). The KCC mission team to Africa worked closely with Ann and How COVID has affected us The post Mission Trip Recaps appeared first on Kalkaska Church of Christ.

Thinking about moving to the West Grand neighborhood in Northwest Grand Rapids? In this video, Scott Bradford with the May Group at RE/MAX Grand Rapids takes you on a tour of West Grand's boundaries, housing market, local events, and best food spots, so you know exactly what to expect before you buy or rent here.⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERSIntroduction (0:00) Boundaries & Location (0:21) Housing & Real Estate (0:58) Local Businesses & Community Events (1:44) Summary (2:59)Scott Bradford with the May Group at RE/MAX Grand Rapids is back with another episode of Living in Grand Rapids, this time exploring the West Grand neighborhood in Northwest Grand Rapids, Michigan.What Makes West Grand UniqueWest Grand is a diverse, vibrant neighborhood known for its electric mix of residential areas, local businesses, and cultural attractions. It's home to families, young professionals, and artists, all drawn to the tree-lined streets, community gardens, and neighborhood parks that give the area its welcoming, green feel.Where Is West Grand Located?West Grand is a large neighborhood bordered by the Grand River to the east, Bridge Street to the south, Valley Avenue, Walker Avenue, and Bristol Avenue to the west, and Dunlap Street and Nason Street to the north.West Grand Real EstateOut of nearly 7,000 households in West Grand, about 51% of residents are renters. Active single-family home listings currently range from $160,000 to $325,000, while multi-unit listings range from $225,000 to $415,000. Overall, West Grand remains a reasonable and accessible area to purchase a home in the city of Grand Rapids.Community & EventsWest Grand hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year. One highlight this summer is Storytime at Lincoln Park, held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 PM with stories, free books, ice cream, and special guests for kids and teens of all ages. It's a partnership between Read GR, Grand Valley State University, John Ball Area Neighborhoods, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, and the City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events. Check the West Grand Neighborhood Association's website for additional events throughout the year.Food & Local BusinessesAlong Bridge Street and Leonard Street, you'll find some of West Grand's best food and drink spots, including Blue Dog Tavern (a dog-friendly patio favorite), New Holland Brewery, Condado Tacos, The Holiday Bar, and Salvatore's Italian Restaurant.West Grand is a lively, welcoming neighborhood with a mix of housing options, local amenities, and community events for residents to enjoy. If you're considering a move to Grand Rapids, this is a neighborhood worth exploring.LET'S CONNECT

God doesn't just hate sin, He loves you. This Sunday, Brian kicked off our new series, Love in the Minor Keys, by looking at the book of Hosea. Through Hosea's story, we're reminded that our sin isn't just about breaking rules, it breaks the heart of a God who deeply desires a relationship with us. Yet even when we choose other things over Him, God never stops pursuing us. Just as Hosea bought Gomer back, Jesus has already paid the price to bring us home. No matter where you've been or what you've chosen, God's relentless love is still reaching for you.-----------Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 5, 2026

Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 5, 2026

When life changes unexpectedly, it's easy to focus on whatyou've lost or what you still need. But what if your greatest next step is simply taking inventory of what you already have?In today's episode, Michelle reflects on the lessons she'slearned while recovering from a recent car accident and making important life and business decisions. She shares why gathering your resources, your people, tools, finances, ideas, joy, and even your questions, can bring clarity when everything else feels uncertain.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why taking inventory creates confidence before making big decisions.• How to identify the people and resources that truly support your growth.• The surprising power of asking better questions instead of searching for more answers.• Simple ways to clear away clutter so you can focus on what matters most.Sometimes the next breakthrough doesn't come from findingsomething new. It comes from recognizing the abundance that's already in your hands.Have questions or want to connect? I'd love to hear from youat Michelle@GrowBy1.com.Learn more about Intuitive Readings atGrowBy1.com/IntuitiveReading.Watch this space! We're excited to share more soon about theupcoming Grow By 1 Coaching Retreat in August 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. More details are coming soon!

On this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Victor Williams, founder and president of the Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator (GR-MiFi) and CEO of Grandstand Pictures. Victor shares how GR-MiFi is empowering the next generation of filmmakers while preserving and amplifying the stories that have shaped Grand Rapids.The conversation explores the organization's innovative film incubator model, its commitment to hands-on education and media literacy, and its first major documentary project inspired by Dr. Todd E. Robinson's A City Within A City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Victor also reflects on his own creative journey—from performing with his pioneering Grand Rapids hip-hop group, New Concept, to producing films that spotlight the community's rich and often untold history.Learn more about the Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator at grmifi.org.

Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first?  Warren William Bennett famously said, “The plural of anecdotes is not data.” Journalists who write about religion often forget that reality. Christina The latest example came from Carson Daly of the Today Show. He wants us to believe that young people are packing Catholic Churches, and they are leading a Catholic resurgence in this country. But you're not buying it. Warren I'm not. The data tell a different story. I turned to the 2023–24 Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study, based on nearly 37,000 randomly selected American adults, for a reality check. Among its findings: About 19 percent of U.S. adults identify as Catholic, unchanged since 2014 — but well below historical levels. Even more telling: 43 percent of Americans raised Catholic no longer identify as Catholic. Only 1.5 percent of American adults have become Catholic after being raised in another religion or with no religion. Catholics have experienced the largest net losses of any major Christian tradition through religious switching. Christina What about young people? That seemed to be the focus of the Carson Daly piece. Warren It was, but even among young people, the data don't support that conclusion. Among Americans ages 18–24, 12 percent have left Catholicism, while only 1 percent have converted into it. Pew concluded there is “no clear evidence” of a nationwide religious revival among young adults. Christina Why has this revival narrative been so persistent. We've been seeing it in the Protestant church as well. Warren Journalists want to find unusual stories. The slow secularization of religion over the past 50 years is not unusual. It's been told, and journalists are looking for a new story. As the old saying, “Dog bites man” is not a story. “Man bites dog” is a story. As for the Catholic resurgence story? Well, to torture the metaphor: “That dog won't hunt.” Carson Daly might be able to find a parish whose young adult Mass grows from 50 to 400 people, but that does not make up for the thousands of parishes experiencing gradual (and sometimes significant) decline. Christina Years ago, David Letterman had a routine that he called “Stupid Pet Tricks.” The first story we did, plus the next one, might qualify this episode of the podcast for its own “Stupid Media Tricks” segment. Warren You're right. This week saw another significant media story that caused me to wonder. In this case, veteran National Public Radio Supreme Court reporter Nina Totenberg wrote a story that Justice Samuel Alito had retired. Christina And, to be clear, Justice Alito has not retired. Warren That's right. But the story that he had retired made it through NPR's editing process and onto the website before someone discovered the mistake. And, of course, if it makes it to one website, the algorithms soon have it everywhere. Christina About an hour after publication, NPR retracted the story, issued a correction, and apologized. But the damage had been done. Warren To be fair, the damage was not severe – except, perhaps, to the credibility of NPR. But it does provide a lesson in how modern media work. Charlie Warzel, writing for The Atlantic, does a fascinating post-mortem on the episode, saying the error highlights several habits of modern journalism that are pathological. Among them: “That a breakneck news cycle is forcing even the best reporters and editors to move too fast, that modern beat reporting itself has become too consumed with being first to report stories.” Warzel's story is a smart look at how the journalistic sausage is made. I recommend it. You can find a link in today's show notes. Christina Our next story is also a media story, of sorts. Warren I had not thought of it that way, but I think you're right. Our friend Joseph Slife forwarded me a story that Michigan's Cornerstone University was offering a degree that could be completed “100%” on a smartphone. Christina Warren, did you check the date on that story. Are you sure it's not an April Fools Day prank? Warren I did check, because that was my first thought. Alas, it is not. According to The College Fix, “Cornerstone University, located in Grand Rapids, is offering an associate degree and bachelor's degree in strategic business management along with a master's in organizational leadership through its new program. Students pay a fixed rate of $2,400 per four-month term or $3,750 for graduate level work. The intended audience is working adults.” Christina That's pretty cheap, and – as a working adult – I couldn't imagine trying to get to a nearby college a couple of nights a week for classes. Warren I get that. 100  percent. I am not a Luddite. I use my iPhone for a lot of things – including learning. YouTube videos have helped me learn new licks on the guitar, have helped me repair my toilet, and have helped me gain new insights into the human condition. Christina But learning via iPhone is a different experience than face-to-face, in classroom learning. Warren That's exactly right. Especially from a wise and well-qualified teacher, in a community with other learners who are grappling with the same ideas — both in class, but also around the dinner table in the dining hall. Christina So what you're saying is that virtual learning is not worthless. It is just different. Warren I do not oppose colleges offering programs virtually, but to offer accredited degrees that carry all the prestige and credentialing power of an in-person degree…well…that is just bearing false witness. Christina Let's conclude today with news that the Texas State Board of Education passed a new required reading list that includes Bible passages. Warren On Friday, June 26, the Republican-controlled board voted 9-5-1 to approve a first-of-its-kind list that will affect more than 5 million public school students. Required readings for younger students include illustrated Old Testament stories such as Noah's Ark and David and Goliath. By upper elementary school, students read New Testament passages about Jesus' teachings and parables. Middle school and high school lessons pair scriptural themes with classic literature. Christina Most Christian groups are praising this decision. But you say…not so fast. Warren I will have to say that net-net I am glad they are reading the Bible in the classroom. You simply cannot understand most of Western literature – from Dante to Shakespeare to Faulkner to Eliot – without some biblical literacy. And I know that there are a lot of great public school teachers who will handle these texts with care and respect. Christina I sense a big fat…however…coming on. Warren Ha. So I'll say it.  However… I do wonder what will happen when you put scripture into the hands of militantly secularized teachers, and you give them a platform to air their grievances. They may be forced to read the bible, but what if the teacher spends the rest of the class presenting arguments for its unreliability? Christina So are you opposed to reading the Bible in classrooms? Warren Absolutely not. I'm very much in favor of it, but I do wonder how it's going to be taught. I would recommend that parents in Texas remain vigilant. Time will tell whether this was a positive innovation for the classroom, or one full of unintended consequences. Until then, though, I know that “God's word will not return void.” So, I trust that the positive impact of scripture reading will be greater than any efforts to undermine it. Christina Any final thoughts before we go? Warren If you have not discovered our YouTube channel, check it out here. We now have nearly 200 videos there, and they have attracted tens of thousands of views. Subscribe, like, and share to spread the word about our work. I am in Albuquerque next month. If you live in the Land of Enchantment, one of my favorite states, reach out to me. I would love to share a meal or a cup of coffee with you. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. We'd love to have your financial support as we approach our fiscal year end. Just go to www.ministrywatch.com/donate Christina The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Christina Darnell, along with Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

Keep It Super SimpleLife can become complicated quickly, especially when you'rejuggling responsibilities, relationships, dreams, and unexpected challenges. But what if the path forward isn't to do more? What if it's to simplify?In today's episode, Michelle shares one of the coreprinciples she teaches through Grow By 1: KISS, Keep It Super Simple. From time management and relationships to business and personal growth, she explores how creating clarity allows us to move forward with greater confidence and peace.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why simplicity creates momentum when life feels overwhelming.• How to identify what truly deserves your time and attention.• The importance of aligning your daily actions with the future you're creating.• A practical way to regain focus by simplifying your priorities one step at a time.Sometimes growth isn't about adding something new. Sometimes it's about removing the unnecessary so you can clearly see what matters most.Have questions or want to connect? I'd love to hear from youat Michelle@GrowBy1.com.Learn more about Intuitive Readings atGrowBy1.com/IntuitiveReading.Watch this space! We're excited to share more soon about theupcoming Grow By 1 Coaching Retreat in August 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. More details are coming soon!

We all love a shortcut, especially when we're trying togrow, heal, or solve a problem. But what if the next step isn't a shortcut at all? What if it's simply doing the thing you've already been told to do?In today's episode, Michelle explores how often we overlookthe simple guidance we've been receiving, whether from our intuition, our body, trusted mentors, or life itself. Through stories from her coaching clients and her own personal journey, she shares how seemingly ordinary actions can unlock extraordinary change.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why there is often a direct path forward, even when there isn't a shortcut.• How ignoring simple guidance can keep us feeling stuck.• The surprising connection between small acts of order and bigger breakthroughs.• One powerful question to ask yourself: What have I been told to do that I'm still avoiding?Sometimes the next chapter of your life isn't waiting for adramatic breakthrough. It's waiting for your next faithful step.If this episode sparks an insight about something you'vebeen putting off, Michelle would love to hear from you.Have questions or want to connect? I'd love to hear from youat Michelle@GrowBy1.com.Learn more about Intuitive Readings atGrowBy1.com/IntuitiveReading.Watch this space! We're excited to share more soon about theupcoming Grow By 1 Coaching Retreat in August 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. More details are coming soon!

Growth isn't always comfortable. In fact, sometimes the verymoment you're stepping into a new season is when the old one begins calling your name.In today's episode, Michelle shares a deeply personal storyfrom her recovery following a recent car accident. During a moment of physical exhaustion and emotional overwhelm, she experienced an unexpected thought that reminded her just how persuasive fear can be. Instead of judging herself, she recognized it as a signal that she needed support, perspective, and a reminder of how far she had already come.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why fear often tempts us to return to what is familiar, even when it wasn't healthy.• How to recognize the "point of no return" before making decisions you'll regret.• Simple questions to ask yourself that can help restore clarity during difficult seasons.• Why asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.If you've ever found yourself wanting to retreat back intoold habits, old relationships, or old ways of thinking simply because life feels hard, this conversation is for you. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is remind ourselves that we're not meant to go backward—we're meant to keepgrowing.Have questions or want to connect? I'd love to hear from youat Michelle@GrowBy1.com.Learn more about Intuitive Readings atGrowBy1.com/IntuitiveReading.Watch this space! We're excited to share more soon about theupcoming Grow By 1 Coaching Retreat in August 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. More details are coming soon!

Want to know what kind of reader you are? TAKE OUR QUIZ: https://www.currentlyreadingpodcast.com/quiz   In this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are back together to discuss their bookish moments of the week, and then tell you about three current reads each. For this week's episode, our current reads vary from ones we felt bland about, to books that we loved. For our Deep Dive, we answer a listener question about how to utilize the library well. We'll always end with our Before We Go segment, where we shout out a Bookish Friend of the week or talk about a specific small piece of our reading lives that we want to share with you. Today, Meredith shouts out a bookish friend who shared a neat graphic and Kaytee brings something she read about because Meredith read and brought it to the show. Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). :00 Welcome to Currently Reading 1:22 Bookish Moments of the Week 4:48 Current Reads 4:59 The White Octopus Hotel by Alexandra Bell (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9798217091799 9:22 Country People by Daniel Mason (Meredith) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9798217197453 15:44 Sharks Don't Sink by Jasmin Graham (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9780593685273 19:59 Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton (Meredith) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9780143120216 25:12 The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehman (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9798217086481  28:47 Bad Kids by Ziying Chen (Meredith) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781782277620 32:12 Deep Dive: Library Browsing and Bookish Serendipity 48:36 Before We Go 51:35 For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781668208809 54:13 Wrap-Up   #books #reading #currentlyreading #podcast #currentreads ❤️ Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend on Patreon | https://patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast  Grab Some Merch on Zazzle | http://www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading Shop Bookshop dot org | https://bookshop.org/shop/currentlyreading Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. June's IPL is brought to you by one of our beloved repeat stores, Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, MI. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show:  Instagram | https://instagram.com/currentlyreadingpodcast Website | https://currentlyreadingpodcast.com/ Email | hello@currentlyreadingpodcast.com Substack | https://currentlyreadingpodcast.substack.com/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@currentlyreadingpodcast Threads | https://www.threads.net/@currentlyreadingpodcast The Hosts and Regulars:  Meredith | https://instagram.com/meredithmondayschwartz Kaytee | https://instagram.com/notesonbookmarks Mary | https://instagram.com/maryreadsandsips Roxanna | https://instagram.com/roxannathereader Production and Editing:  Megan Phouthavong Evans | https://instagram.com/mostofmegansreads

One of the blessings of this Abundant Lives series is that we get to see how the life of Jesus plays itself out in all sorts of different lives. So far we have looked at a tribal leader, a female prophet, a king, a government official, a widow, and a citizen living in Sodom and Gomorrah. In this message, we have the opportunity to meet two men that we might call the patron saints of working professionals. They demonstrate how skilled craftsman, artists, business professionals, educators, and workers everywhere can be filled with God's Spirit and used for great things. Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 28, 2026

You can have the perfect planner, the right system, and the best intentions, and still not follow through. It isn't a caring problem. After enough broken promises to yourself, some quiet part of you simply stops believing the plan. That's where this conversation with Dr. Tamara Rosier begins, and it reframes self-trust as something closer to a nervous system skill than a mindset you can think your way into.Dr. Tamara Rosier has written the books and built the center and stood on the stages, and she still wakes some mornings and reminds herself, deliberately, that she is a trustworthy person. The belief underneath — the one she's carried since she was small — is that she's a person who screws things up. ADHD feeds a belief like that. It chips away at your sense of who you are, one forgotten thing at a time, until distrusting yourself stops feeling like a wound and starts feeling like good judgment.So much of that, it turns out, is happening in the body. An ADHD nervous system can spend its whole life braced — fight, flight, freeze, appease — switched on and calling it normal because it has never known the alternative. For years Tamara sat frozen on the couch, melting into the cushions, sure she was resting, when she was really stuck somewhere below the place where rest actually lives. There's a narrow band where you're calm and awake at once, and a lot of us have never spent much time there. Hearing her describe it, you may quietly start to wonder whether you ever have.The way back looks like catching yourself mid-loop — Tamara tells it through the week she lost one of her chickens, and the refrain that trailed her around the house, I failed her, I failed her, I failed her — and then learning to talk back to it, to move your body, to put on the Motown, to do the next small thing that nudges you up out of the freeze. It looks like noticing the clever ways we avoid all of that, too: the new app, the next fix, the dopamine that keeps us busy on the surface so we never have to turn toward the thing underneath.And the hope here is almost disappointingly ordinary. No system is going to fix you by Thursday. What there is, instead, is the small correction, made again and again, the way a sailor nudges the tiller rather than wrenching the whole boat around and tipping it over. There's learning to read your own weather, hour by hour. There's accepting that you may always need the timer, the Post-it, the reminder, and letting that be fine rather than shameful. Self-trust grows in that soil — in the quiet, stubborn belief that whatever goes sideways today, you'll know how to repair it.Links & NotesDr. Tamara Rosier — our guest's author site, where you can find her work and stay connected.ADHD Center of West Michigan — the coaching and support practice Tamara founded in Grand Rapids.Your Brain's Not Broken — Tamara's book on navigating your emotions and life with ADHD. A new edition for teens and young adults is on the way.You, Me & Our ADHD Family — her book on cultivating healthy relationships when ADHD is in the house.ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) — the professional body for ADHD coaches; their directory is a solid place to start if you're looking for one.HeartMath — the heart-rhythm coherence and breathing tool Tamara leans on to drop into a calmer, parasympathetic state.Vagal nerve resets — Tamara's advice is to find the one that fits you; she points listeners to the many free walk-throughs on YouTube rather than any single "right" technique. Clicking that link saves you a search in YouTube.Join us on Patreon — early, ad-free episodes, extended editions, the post-show Q&A, the Discord community, and a seat in the Wednesday morning live stream.Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (02:57) - Introducing Dr. Tamara Rosier (04:25) - Self-Trust and the Nervous System (12:32) - What are our beliefs doing in our bodies? (32:55) - Learn Your State ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Want to know what kind of reader you are? TAKE OUR QUIZ: https://www.currentlyreadingpodcast.com/quiz   In this episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Mary discuss their bookish moments of the week, and then tell you about three current reads each. For this week's episode, our current reads bring beloved authors and new to us reads, with some spicy opinions. For our Deep Dive, we discuss reasons why we wouldn't rate a book we read, or why we WOULD share a book with a low rating. We'll always end with our Before We Go segment, where we shout out a Bookish Friend of the week or talk about a specific small piece of our reading lives that we want to share with you. Today, Kaytee shouts out a bookish friend who is looking for writing compatriots and Mary brings something she is curious about.   0:00 Welcome to Currently Reading 0:49 Bookish Moments of the Week 6:12 Current Reads 6:34 Hekate by Nikita Gill (Mary) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9780316596763 11:22 Henry Tudor Must Die by Jillian Laine (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9798217189717 16:42 The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances by Glenn Dixon (Mary) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781668097267 27:02 Saving Jemima by Julie Zickefoose (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781328518958 27:35 The Q by Beth Brower (Mary) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9780998063683  33:42 The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9780553524055 40:17 Deep Dive: When We Choose Not to Rate a Book 56:24 Before We Go 1:00:49 Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781524770266 1:02:07 Wrap-Up   #books #reading #currentlyreading #podcast #currentreads ❤️ Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend on Patreon | https://patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast  Grab Some Merch on Zazzle | http://www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading Shop Bookshop dot org | https://bookshop.org/shop/currentlyreading Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. June's IPL is brought to you by one of our beloved repeat stores, Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, MI. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show:  Instagram | https://instagram.com/currentlyreadingpodcast Website | https://currentlyreadingpodcast.com/ Email | hello@currentlyreadingpodcast.com Substack | https://currentlyreadingpodcast.substack.com/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@currentlyreadingpodcast Threads | https://www.threads.net/@currentlyreadingpodcast The Hosts and Regulars:  Meredith | https://instagram.com/meredithmondayschwartz Kaytee | https://instagram.com/notesonbookmarks Mary | https://instagram.com/maryreadsandsips Roxanna | https://instagram.com/roxannathereader Production and Editing:  Megan Phouthavong Evans | https://instagram.com/mostofmegansreads