Podcasts about look forward

The Nerdpocalypse opens with a tribute to Peter Cullen, the legendary voice actor behind Optimus Prime, who passed away at 85. We discuss his massive legacy across generations of Transformers fans. Then some serious news: a lawsuit alleges Elon Musk's xAI used child sexual abuse material to train its Grok models, a disturbing allegation we break down along with its implications.On the lighter side: Ryan Gosling has publicly thrown his name in the ring for Warner Bros.' live-action Flintstones reboot centered on Bamm-Bamm, we discuss whether that idea makes any sense. Dave Bautista's casting as Kratos in Amazon's God of War series is now official. Miami Vice '85 rounds out its cast with Danny Ramirez, Michael B. Jordan, and Austin Butler. Amazon's RoboCop series casts its Alex Murphy. Ridley Scott is reportedly returning to the Alien franchise to complete the David trilogy. "Hooters: the movie" is apparently happening, because someone thought that was necessary. Plus trailers for Get Jiro and The Social Reckoning.The Nerdpocalypse is a weekly podcast covering the latest movie news, TV show news, trailer reactions, and pop culture commentary. We break down Marvel MCU updates, DC Universe news, Star Wars, superhero movies, sci-fi, horror, streaming wars, box office results, casting announcements, and everything happening in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hosted by Jay, Micah, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production since 2011. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Premium content at TheNerdpocalypse.com/premium. For more TNP Studios content, check out Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), Dense Pixels (video game news), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

In today's episode of The Life of a Bon Vivant podcast, Beeta shares why having something to look forward to can make everyday life feel more exciting. From trying a new restaurant or café to taking a short day trip, she encourages listeners to break from routine and create small weekend adventures that bring joy and anticipation without needing a big vacation.Follow along on Instagram: Instagram.com/MonPetitFourGet the latest podcast episodes and more: MonPetitFour.com/sign-up

Black on Black Cinema tackles Chameleon Street (1989), Wendell B. Harris Jr.'s astonishing writer-director-star debut based on the true story of Detroit con artist William Douglas Street Jr., who successfully impersonated reporters, lawyers, an Ivy League exchange student, and even a surgeon, performing over 30 real hysterectomies without any medical training. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 1990, beating out Reservoir Dogs, and then inexplicably went without distribution for over a year, effectively burying Harris's career before it started.The concept is genuinely brilliant, a razor-sharp satire about race, class, and identity performance in America, anchored by a magnetic, one-of-a-kind lead performance from Harris himself. But the execution is a different story. The film is tonally unpredictable, structurally chaotic, and at times narratively difficult to follow, swinging wildly between avant-garde experimentation and straightforward biopic beats without clear rhythm. We break down what makes Chameleon Street a genuine one-of-a-kind vision worth seeking out, where the filmmaking gets in its own way, and why this would be ripe for a modern remake with better structure and focus.Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

Look Forward breaks down Trump escalating his trade war with Canada by signing an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America;" a genuinely bizarre 400 year old naming dispute born entirely out of tariff spite. Meanwhile, Trump's beef import plan is already causing real problems: 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef just got recalled in Texas and Florida, raising real questions about the plan's quality controls even as ranchers and consumers alike push back.Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner weeks before midterms that could make him Speaker of the House, a decision that's drawing serious criticism from the leftwing of the Democratic Party. SCOTUS handed Trump a technically favorable but ultimately inconsequential ruling on mail voting. A Republican midterm convention is shaping up to be an expensive, tone deaf disaster, with House members reportedly paying up to $100,000 to attend.In corruption news: the State Department is trying to sell a Kehinde Wiley painting because it's "too woke," the Trump administration is threatening to demolish The Kennedy Center if it doesn't get its way on renaming it, and Trump's own crypto ventures have left other investors nearly $5 billion underwater while he personally profits. We cover all of it; the pettiness, the corruption, and the genuinely bizarre.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

We will always love Dolly Parton, who installed a “dreambox” time capsule at her amusement park. In it, there's a secret song that no one will hear until the legendary artist turns 100. Dolly Parton died this week at age 80, sparking a global outpouring of grief and tributes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cane has not just 1 but two bombshells he drops on the show. Everyone with a picture with Dolly Parton was her friend....so annoying. And another edition of "saying these things makes you old". Plus MUCH MORE!

Look Forward breaks down Trump threatening Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, having backed himself into a corner with no diplomatic exit. Trump's tabloid style "not-mistress" saga gets a new chapter as his rumored companion lands in the spotlight thanks to John Ossoff. Meanwhile, the administration quietly signals a scale-back of joint military exercises with South Korea, raising fears of history repeating itself in the region. Republicans, once skeptical of data centers, suddenly need voters to love them ahead of the midterms; we break down the political reversal and why this is a horrible move for them and a great win for Democrats.In corruption news: the Lakers may be heading to be owned by a Kushner, conveniently easing federal pressure on the team's current owner. Trump Media's latest earnings report shows the company floundering just as badly as the rest of Trump's business ventures. In a stunning court admission, the Trump administration confirmed it's been withholding federal dollars from blue states specifically because they didn't vote for him. Setting off a disastrous precedent that could have far reaching implications long after the nightmare of the Trump era is over.Plus: A sitting US Senator admits on video she's "not that informed on national security." All the chaos, corruption, and unintentional comedy.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

The Nerdpocalypse breaks down Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey officially becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. Amazon accidentally leaked Jason Statham's new movie, Mutiny, ahead of its official release and discuss why that's not as much of a huge deal as it might appear.Lanterns hits HBO as its Sunday night 9pm slot and we discuss how the new series takes on the classic comic book characters and why its working so damn well so far.Some of the cast for the X-Men reboot entering the MCU has finally been revealed; we dig into who's confirmed, who's rumored, and how this new iteration will differ from the Fox-era films that came before it. Plus: six trailers to break down this episode Golden Axe, the video game adaptation that knows exactly what it is; A Different World's revival; Slow Horses Season 6 continuing one of TV's most reliably great spy dramas; Ahsoka Season 2 expanding the Star Wars universe; VisionQuest; and that Doomsday trailer that has caused the massive resurgence of Marvel Cinematic Universe hype.All your franchise news, box office milestones, and trailer reactions in one episode!The Nerdpocalypse is a weekly podcast covering the latest movie news, TV show news, trailer reactions, and pop culture commentary. We break down Marvel MCU updates, DC Universe news, Star Wars, superhero movies, sci-fi, horror, streaming wars, box office results, casting announcements, and everything happening in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hosted by Jay, Micah, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production since 2011. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Premium content at TheNerdpocalypse.com/premium. For more TNP Studios content, check out Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), Dense Pixels (video game news), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Black on Black Cinema breaks down the National Association of Black Journalists giving Stephen A. Smith its "Thumbs Down" award, reserved for commentary the organization considers especially insensitive, stereotypical, or at odds with NABJ's mission around fair representation of the Black community. NABJ's statement specifically cited Smith's recurring pattern of disparaging commentary toward prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media, saying it reinforces harmful narratives and undermines fair, respectful representation.We agree with NABJ here, and we break down exactly why. Smith has spent years building a media empire on saying whatever gets a reaction, and his commentary toward Black women specifically has followed a consistent, well documented pattern that deserves scrutiny; not just from critics online, but from an organization built to hold Black media figures accountable to Black communities. Smith's response was predictably combative, essentially promising retaliation on his platform. He even ran to Fox News' Sean Hannity to make his thoughts known. A curious platform if he is trying to reach Black people...hmmm. We discuss why that reaction proves NABJ's point more than it disproves it, what accountability from within the profession actually looks like, and why Smith's expanding political platform makes this moment even more significant.We also announce the next film to be reviewed which is the 1989 film "Chameleon Street" which follows a social chameleon who impersonates reporters, doctors and lawyers in order to make money. (Film is available to watch on Tubi for free).Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by Todd Wilson, co-founder of Exponential and a leader at Multipliers, where he helps churches and ministry leaders pursue multiplication and greater Kingdom impact. Todd has spent decades studying church planting, disciple-making, and movements, and his latest book, How Did We Get Here? Looking Back to Look Forward, explores the evolution of the American church growth movement and what it may mean for the future. Are churches working harder while reaching fewer people? Have our systems become better at producing activity than disciples? Todd challenges leaders to examine the operating system beneath modern church ministry and consider what needs to change if we want to see true reproduction and multiplication. We have a disciple-making problem. // For years, Todd has championed the goal of seeing more churches reproduce. Research once showed that fewer than 5% of U.S. churches were reproducing, and while that number has improved, multiplication remains rare. But Todd believes church planting is ultimately an outcome of a deeper issue: most churches do not have a functional culture of disciple-making. If disciples aren’t reproducing disciples, churches will struggle to reproduce churches. Reproduction has to become generational. // Multiplication begins when reproduction continues beyond the first generation. One disciple makes another disciple, who then makes another, and the process keeps going. The same is true with churches. A church plants a church, which plants another church, which plants another. Once reproduction moves across multiple generations, addition becomes multiplication and the potential for movement begins to emerge. The church growth system has slowly changed. // Todd’s research traces roughly 75 years of church growth history, beginning with missionary Donald McGavran. McGavran originally studied why some churches on the mission field grew while others did not and developed principles aimed at helping missionaries reach more people. Over time, those ideas moved into the American church and blended with seeker-sensitive ministry, the megachurch movement, purpose-driven strategies, multisite, church planting networks, and other innovations. Much good came from these eras, but Todd believes the system gradually shifted toward institutional and programmatic growth. Good intentions can still create the wrong outcomes. // Todd is careful not to blame previous generations of church leaders. Many of the people who shaped modern church ministry were deeply evangelistic and sincerely wanted to reach people. Yet over time, the dominant definition of success increasingly became bigger attendance, larger programs, and expanding organizations. The unintended result is a consumer-driven model that can attract people effectively but struggles to produce disciples who reproduce. The angst leaders feel is real. // Todd hears a growing frustration among pastors: churches are spending more money, employing more staff, and working harder while seeing less fruit. Even churches that appear successful can sense something isn’t right beneath the surface. Todd believes much of that angst comes from trying to produce multiplication through an operating system designed primarily for addition. Naming the problem is an important first step toward changing it. Leaders must model what they want reproduced. // Todd believes transformation has to begin with senior leaders. If disciple-making is going to become the church’s growth engine, lead pastors and elders must personally participate in a simple, reproducible disciple-making process. Rather than merely preaching about discipleship, pastors should be able to name the people they are actively discipling and allow those relationships to shape the way they lead and teach. Keep the process simple and reproducible. // Whatever model a church chooses, Todd believes it must be simple enough for anyone to reproduce. The goal isn’t another sophisticated program but a way of following Jesus that can move naturally from person to person. The same approach should work for a lead pastor, a volunteer, or even a teenager. Simplicity increases the possibility of multiplication. Give the next generation permission to experiment. // Todd isn’t calling churches to abandon everything they’ve inherited. Instead, he encourages leaders to learn from the past, retain what is fruitful, and recognize that the current operating system may be losing effectiveness. Churches should create space for younger leaders to experiment, learn, and discover more reproducible approaches to disciple-making without being forced to preserve every assumption of previous generations. To learn more about Todd Wilson, visit multipliers.org. You can also download a free PDF or audio version of How Did We Get Here? Looking Back to Look Forward at church-growth.org or pick up a paper copy on Amazon.com. In addition, check out Todd Wilson’s conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, and the interview A Simple & Scalable Way to Reproduce Christians with David Putnam. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Portable Church Your church is doing really well right now, and your leadership team is looking for solutions to keep momentum going! It could be time to start a new location. Maybe you have hesitated in the past few years, but you know it's time to step out in faith again and launch that next location. Portable Church has assembled a bundle of resources to help you leverage your growing momentum into a new location by sending a part of your congregation back to their neighborhood on Mission. This bundle of resources will give you a step-by-step plan to launch that new or next location, and a 5 minute readiness tool that will help you know your church is ready to do it! Click here to watch the free webinar “Launch a New Location in 150 Days or Less” and grab the bundle of resources for your church! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. I am so glad that you have tuned in today for this reason, friends, lean in. um I want you to be a part of the conversation that we’re having today. The leader that we’ve got on the phone, on the I don’t know why say the phone because we have not been on phones for podcasts in, you know, 10 years, but on the line is really pressing on an issue that I know that a large portion, you know, almost 90 percent of the churches in the country need to be doing what we’re talking about today. And they’re not. And I really want you to lean in and learn from Todd Wilson. Rich Birch — If you do not know Todd Wilson, he has been the founding and co-founding member of a number of faith-based organizations, including Exponential and Multipliers. He has designed a number, and been a part of the launch of a multiple of national church planting networks. He’s currently a team member, or team leader at Multipliers and serves leaders and ministries who are pursuing multiplication, helping them develop vision and strategy ultimately for a 100 X impact. You know that I love that. Rich Birch — Recently, he wrote a book that caught my attention that I want to dive in on and kind of um unpack some of the core lessons for us today. It’s called, How Did We Get Here? Looking Back to Look Forward. And it’s really looking at the whole conversation, American church growth movement. Todd, welcome to the podcast. So glad you’re here.Todd Wilson — Rich, it’s great to be here with you. I’m really looking forward to this conversation.Rich Birch — Yeah, me too. So why don’t we start with kind of giving us a picture of Multipliers and the work that you’re focused on now, kind of set the context for us.Todd Wilson — Sure. It’s probably good to have the context, you know, at at my core, my own personal calling. I am an entrepreneurial engineer at my core. I love to envision, envisage opportunities, seek strategies and opportunities of the future. And so where I like to do it anywhere, there’s potential for a hundred X kingdom impact. And that’s what gets me in trouble often is the, wherever there’s potential for a hundred X kingdom impact.Todd Wilson — When I came out of the marketplace over 25 years ago into full-time ministry, the most natural hundred X place for me, in addition to being in the local church was, was church planting. I was just drawn to church planting. I got to spend almost 20 years, ah you know, leading Exponential and co-founding there.Todd Wilson — And in recent years, really trying to get even more focused really on the 100x impact. I want to spend my next decade as I’m getting older here, you know, what’s it look like for every hour, for every dollar, for every bit of energy, to see 100x return.Todd Wilson — And so the idea of Multipliers, and it’s a small team of us that, you know, we have a definite bias within the kingdom space to the disciple-making as the mission and engine of the church. And what’s it look like to get back to Jesus style disciple making. But then church planting and multiplication, what does it look like to be doing things that that are even capable of reproduction that can lead to multiplication and ultimately movement. So our goal is to just help champion at the personal level through personal calling, at the church level through disciple making and cultures of disciple making that can ultimately produce movements.Todd Wilson — And so we are a champion and advocate for that.Rich Birch — That’s fantastic. You and I are are similarly wired. And over the years, you know I’ve heard people talk about, you know, and they always they’ll do like a series at a church on spiritual gifts. And I’ve often wondered because of the kinds of things I’ve been involved in, if, you know, if I have some sort of apostolic gift, just because of the stuff I found myself doing and, you know, launching campuses and all that.Rich Birch — And it’s interesting that gift over the years I’ve heard, which is similar to the kind of work you’ve been doing over the years is the only gift that I’ve ever noticed that preachers, they seem to talk down about it. And they’re like, stop starting things like, you know, they’re like, they always, you know, are like on the negative side of, you know, being the guy who wants to be entrepreneurial and see new things.Rich Birch — And that’s a part of what I admire about you and the good work you’ve done. When you were at Exponential over those, you know, with you that you co-founded, you know, that almost 20 years, you know, they had this, they saw some amazing things happen there under your leadership, where this idea of moving church reproduction from under 5%, really trying to push us towards 16%.Rich Birch — So for people that are unaware of this, I think this is good context to kind of take a step back and talk about why that number, why are we actually, why are you giving decades of your life towards this idea of trying to move towards 16%? What do we mean by that when you you know talk about that? Because I think that’s a good foundational idea for today’s conversation.Todd Wilson — Yeah. I think it’s important it to understand, again, context for me. I didn’t grow up a Christian. I never had a dream to be in full-time vocational ministry. I’ve never wanted to be a lead pastor of anything. You know, ministry was the farthest thing from my mind growing up. When you’re asking kids, what do you want do when you grow up? Todd Wilson — So when God brought me into full-time vocational ministry, and I’m going to say kicking and screaming, I wanted to go start a company. I wanted to go make money. I wanted to go change the world. And so coming into full-time vocational ministry, why in the world would I want to see anything except movements happening? Rich Birch — That’s good.Todd Wilson — We read about movements in the New Testament. Why do I want to be personally satisfied if God’s calling me into a new life of ministry with anything less than seeing movements?Todd Wilson — And so that was my context of stepping in and and leading at Exponential and what was driving us. And your question from 5% to 16%. Well, Houston, we have a problem.Todd Wilson — If movements are multiplication, and multiplication is generational reproduction, and we, at the time we were starting Exponential, there were less than 5% of U.S. churches were reproducing. You just got to let that sink in.Rich Birch — Yeah.Todd Wilson — 95% of churches just 25 years ago, 95% of churches in the U.S. are not reproducing. It’s physically impossible, both mathematically and biblically, to see multiplication and ultimately movements if less than 5% of churches are reproducing.Todd Wilson — So the answer to where’s the 5 to 16, for me personally, God’s called me into a new life and a new ministry. I don’t want to be satisfied with just status quo, but the state of the U.S. church is such that we physically can’t see 100x impact in the operating system of how things are working. Todd Wilson — So the 5 to 16 was very simple. Let’s measure where we’re at. And so the 16% sociologists say that if you can get 16% of an audience acting a certain way, behaving a certain way, it will become normative for everyone else. I like to say, if you’re in a room and you start quacking like a duck to talk, if you can get 16% of the people in the audience quacking like a duck, then everybody’s going to communicate by quacking like a duck.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — And so it just became a conviction. Let’s move the needle from less than 5% to 16%. And then the language we would use is, at 16%, healthy church reproduction would become such a normative thing that we would see multiplication happening.Todd Wilson — Now, the little bit of an elephant in the room before we move on, church planting is just the outcome. So that 5% number, it’s an outcome of the system and what’s happening.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — The more ornery number is that the national studies that we did on what percentage of U.S. churches have a disciple-making culture. That’s also less than 5%.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — So 95% of churches don’t have a functional mission of disciple-making, and that’s their normative growth engine through disciple-making. So in reality, we have a disciple-making problem, not a church-planting problem. And so those two became very tied together, as as will become evident as we have this interview.Rich Birch — Yeah, absolutely. and And just can you define generational reproduction for folks that are listening in? When you when you when you say that, like, hey, we’re trying to move churches towards generational reproduction, kind of just unpack that a little bit more.Todd Wilson — Yeah, let’s let’s start at the personal level of disciple-making. If one person makes a disciple of another person, you’ve got one generation. If that person goes on to make another disciple two generations, that person makes a disciple three generations. We see that biblically. We see that in the leadership pipeline with Paul, that you know we need to see disciples who make disciples who make disciples.Todd Wilson — Once you get to the third or fourth generation of something reproducing itself, if you drew that on paper, one becomes two, two becomes four, four becomes eight, eight becomes 16. That is an exponential or a multiplication curve. So all you have to do to go from addition to multiplication is have healthy reproduction broad and wide multiple generations into the future.Todd Wilson — Now we just take that to the church level, a church that plants a church that plants a church that plants a church broad and wide.Todd Wilson — Now you’ve gone from one church to 16 churches. And now look at the collective attendance of those 16 churches. That’s what you call healthy growth. That’s what you call multiplication when you keep reproducing it over and over.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. And there’s actually been progress against this. This is one of the things that I’ve loved as a person just sitting on the outside looking in as you and the team, you know, Dave and the broader Exponential community have really been hammering away at this. You know, we’re not at 16% yet, but we’re seeing progress, which is which is amazing.Todd Wilson — Right. It’s in the studies that we did, and it’s been repeated a couple of times, the needle has moved to at least 7%. That may not sound like a lot, but if you go take the number of churches we’re talking about…Rich Birch — Yes.Todd Wilson — …and that needle moving from less than 5% to 7%. And we’re not taking credit for all that at Exponential. Rich Birch — Right. Todd Wilson — We’re getting to ride a wave that really started around 2000. Prior to 2000, denominations planted churches, not really churches or networks. We saw the birth of networks around 2000 in the U.S. It’s hard for people to realize, but like in the church planting world, groups like City to City and GlocalNet and Acts 29 and ARC and Church Multiplication Network and Stadia and New Thing Network, none of them existed.Rich Birch — Right. Right.Todd Wilson — Literally in a five-year time period, we saw the birth of all these church planting networks, and that happened to coincide with that we saw that need to start Exponential to serve those networks.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — So We we were a little bit the right group at the right place, advocating for the right thing.Todd Wilson — And I do think that generally the the wonderful thing is that as that needle is starting to move and the visibility is getting more and more, the next generation wants it. Rich Birch — Yes. Yeah, I would agree.Todd Wilson — They want the scorecard of that. So I feel very optimistic that we’re still a ways away from 16%, but the needle is moving in the right direction.Rich Birch — Yeah, I would echo that too. I think there is, um you know, one of the couple years ago, I had one of those ages in my life flip over with zero on the end that you kind of notice and you reflect back on life a little bit. And I would say one of the things I’ve noticed over, you know, almost 30 years of ministry is this issue is has become more normative. Like it’s it’s a part of the conversation. It’s not that everyone’s doing it, but it’s in the dialogue, which I think is is wonderful.Rich Birch — Well, I, so you know, there’s, you interact with a lot of church leaders across the country. You interact with a lot of people, you have a pulse on a lot of, you know, what’s going on. And there’s a growing sense, you have flagged that there’s a growing sense among leaders that there’s just something wrong. It’s like, you know, there’s like a stink in the bottom of our, our, garbage that’s like, oh it’s a little bit stinky. It’s not like overwhelming, but we can’t put our finger on exactly what that is. Rich Birch — They can’t necessarily name it, but we feel it. We kind of see that there’s maybe something in the way we’re doing what we’re doing that isn’t working. What are you hearing as you sit across the table from church leaders in across the country, you know, around all of these things that we’re talking about?Todd Wilson — Let me describe it a couple of different ways. I think the the word I would put on it is an angst. I think if you look at the definition of an angst, there’s a there’s a growing and an underlying angst. um I’m going to say, if I’m descriptive of the angst, that might not be the way people would exactly say it but it’s how I translate what I’m hearing.Todd Wilson — We are working a lot harder to reach less people and we don’t like the cultural Christian product we’re getting. We’re working a lot harder. We’re spending more money to reach fewer people. And we’re just having this angst that the product we’re producing is a little bit too much consumer cultural Christian as we’re working harder and spending more money. And that leaves somebody full time, know, if I mean, if you’re a full time vocational pastor, there’s an angst that sits in the middle of that dynamic going on. Todd Wilson — My mentor and friend, Robert Lewis, who led Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock for years, Robert’s handed off the leadership back in 2005. Robert describes it this way. He did the foreword on my recent book, and when he read and reviewed the book, he said, Todd, oh my goodness, this is first and foremost a walk down history lane. It’s like going back and looking at history. Todd Wilson — But he said, here’s the thing. I had this angst in 2005. Everything was up and to the right. We were growing. We were doing new campuses. We had started a church planting. Like we’re doing all of the stuff. People are turning to us. They’re looking at what we’re doing. We had started a leadership conference. And I just had this angst that something wasn’t right.Todd Wilson — And he said, I couldn’t name it. He said, I needed a therapist. But where does a megachurch pastor who’s having nothing but success with up and to the right, who’s feeling angst about the system, where do you go for therapy in that? He’s like, I didn’t know whether to feel like I was being ungrateful or what.Todd Wilson — And his words were, as you’ve traced the 75 years of the church growth movement and its evolution into a consumer-driven operating system, you have named my angst. I wish I would have had this book in 2005 to name my angst because half the battle is getting our hands around understanding why we’re feeling the way we do.Rich Birch — Yeah, I was talking to denominational leader within the last year to kind of add a bit more flavor even to that angst, who was saying, and this is a fantastic denomination, you know, Jesus loving, you know, fantastic group of people um and have, you know, very similar what you’re saying, like lots of good things going on.Rich Birch — And this was one of those like, After dinner conversations, you know, long ah a long ways away from a bunch of leaders, we were just chatting on the sideline. And he said, you know, the interesting thing, when you look at our tribe, his movement, he rattled off all their stats. We have a certain number of churches. We have a certain number of pastors. We have a certain number of, you know, baptisms every year. It rattles all that off.Rich Birch — And he said, you know, if you were to look at where we were 20 years ago, the number of churches is the same, the number of, and rattled off all these stats that are the same. Like we’re baptizing the same number of people, the attendance is the same, the the like all these things. He said, the only thing that’s gone up in the last 20 years is we’ve doubled our staff head count. There’s twice as many staff today as there was. And when I read, heard about your book and you talk about this angst, I was like, ooh, that’s exactly what he was describing. He’s like, wait a second. what’s happening here. And him as a denominational leader, he had the same read, hey, there’s something wrong with the way we set this thing up. Rich Birch — So your book, let’s actually dive into a little bit. It starts really at 70 year arc from Donald McGavron from 1955, all the way to today. And so for a leader who’s never really stepped back and thought about the history of like, what, how did we get here? It’s the name of your book. Why does knowing what got us to where we are today, this kind of consumer operating system that you describe, why does, how does understanding that help us as we think about the future?Todd Wilson — It’s a really good question. And I’m not sure, honestly, that I when I, when I set out to write this book, that, that that was even driving me to begin with, but very quickly that became the, I realized that’s why I need to write this book.Todd Wilson — So let, let me explain. And I need to give you a little bit of background to explain, because it’s an important question.Rich Birch — Yep, yep, for sure.Todd Wilson — So when I think about the moment that, that I realized we had a problem. Like that that, okay, we’re on this trajectory, things are moving the right direction to the 16%, and I’m back in the leadership of Exponential now. And I’m realizing, oh my goodness, we really do have a problem. And here’s here was what that looked like. Todd Wilson — I believed we had started learning communities and we had very vibrant learning communities And our learning communities got started because we felt like we need to shift the paradigm of people’s measure of success in the scorecard of church. It was very much about we need to shift paradigm. Alan Hirsch was involved with this on how do we shift from just growing large things to growing decentralized things that saturate. And it was very much about scorecard.Todd Wilson — And if you think about it, we’re wanting to move the needle from 5% to 16%. That’s a scorecard thing. So our initiating event was scorecard. But as we got into these learning communities, which in my opinion were the best things we were doing at Exponential. I mean, they were six to eight month learning journeys and we would rock people’s paradigm.Todd Wilson — We really would. People would go through it and be like, Oh my goodness, I got to have a different view of success in the church.Rich Birch — Right. yeahTodd Wilson — And guess what? They’d go home and Sunday’s coming. Rich Birch — Right. Todd Wilson — There’s, services to run, there’s people to pastor, there’s things to do. And the aha moment for me came, Rich, when I realized the the whole definition of insanity, that if you just keep doing the same thing over and over and hope for a different outcome, but that’s insanity. And here I am trying to lead a national organization to see a change in scorecard to move the needle to 16%.Todd Wilson — And I remember the day that I realized we’re not going to get there with the operating system we have in place in church right now. This operating system is not capable of getting us to the 16% number.Todd Wilson — That was a personal crisis. I’m leading an organization that’s up and to the right that the needle is moving. But as a futurist, I’m realizing we’re not going to get where we need to be with the operating system in the church. So the the operating system part was what drove me to start writing this book. I’ll let you ask a question there, and then we’ll circle back to the how does it relate to understanding how we got here, though.Rich Birch — Yeah, so ah just to underline what you’re saying there, um you know in in other conversations, I’ve heard leaders say, you know it’s like, um you know what you know what you reach people with is what you end up keeping them with. And so if what I hear you saying, just putting, I think, other language around it, but correct me, is kind of a consumer-oriented or a consumer cultural operating system that we’ve we’ve used as a church… Todd Wilson — Right.Rich Birch — …you know, obviously by definition, if you ah use a um consumption-based model, that doesn’t, leave you it’s very difficult to turn around and say, okay, now become a multiplier. You know, we got you here as a consumer. Okay, now how do we make you a multiplier? Is that the core pain?Todd Wilson — It is. And Rich, you’re painting the picture of why looking back to understand how we got here is important. If it’s true, that are ah If it’s true, and I want to suggest people ought to go look at it for themselves, that the underlying operating system that has evolved over the last 75 years, it’s not where it started with Donald McGavern in 1955. And there was never bad intentions by any of the good people through the 70 years.Rich Birch — Yeah, right.Todd Wilson — We have evolved from what was originally one thing. into a consumer model that is way more focused on success is growing big, success is making converts, not necessarily disciples. And we we can diagnose that if there’s a problem today, and I suggest there is a problem today, then how we got here and understanding how over 70 years, what was intended to be one thing, gradually (like the frog getting boiled in cold water) turned into something else.Todd Wilson — We’ve got to go through the the, if we really want to change the operating system, and I’ve seen how hard it is, guys can have the paradigm shift. We need to change. Then they go back home into the operating system that they’re operating in. And it is really, really hard to just throw off one operating system and embrace another oneTodd Wilson — And I wouldn’t even encourage people to do that. Don’t go home and just change your operating system overnight. But if you do want to make thoughtful, progressive change, the best way to do it is to start by going back and learn the lesson of how did we get where we are?Rich Birch — Yeah.Todd Wilson — How did things get off track to where to where we are?Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Todd Wilson — And that’s what ended you know, I started out the book really to go after understanding the operating system itself. And very quickly came to the conclusion, oh, we I’m not sure how we’re going to move to a new operating system if people don’t go through the hard work of looking back and understanding how well-intentioned people over time have delivered for us what we have today in a flawed system.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. You know, I know, again, from my own personal experience, not to bring this back to me, but to my own personal experience, again, it’s been interesting to see similar patterns. You know, every couple years, there’s like some new idea that comes up in the church. And oftentimes I’m like, yeah, this is just like of rehash of a thing I saw 10 years ago or 15 years ago or 20 years ago.Rich Birch — It’s like, oh, this is is brand new. It’s like, ah, it’s echoes of things we’ve seen in the past. So why don’t we just kind of give people a flyover or a walkover of the kind of eras that you kind of define as you went through the book, just to give people a high level. Rich Birch — Ultimately friends, you know, I’m encouraging you to to do two things out of today. One is to pick up, I think this could be a great book for you and your team to go through. You and your leadership team, buy copies of this, read it. I think it could be an interesting book for you or, and go and listen to Todd’s interview with Carey as well. Carey just takes longer in his podcast and has more time. So there’s going to be, there’s lots packed into that as well. Rich Birch — But why don’t you kind of give us a flyover of the eras? And then maybe when you think about each one of those, something that was like, really positive that came from that area something like hey there’s something good there or maybe there’s something there that we’ve got to be cautious about as we think about the future.Todd Wilson — Yeah. And just to be clear, Rich, you know this, ah I’m a local church guy. My calling is a local church. I’m still on staff at a local church. I love the local church. So this part of the, difficulty for me in spending two years and over a hundred hours of interviews and putting this timeline of history together is I love the church.Todd Wilson — And I I, don’t know that I’d be sitting here talking to you if it weren’t for several of these eras I’m getting ready to name to you. So you’ve got really, I think a common thread through across these areas as we jump into them is typically apostolic, evangelistically driven leaders who really want to reach people. Hell is real. Lost people are going there. We got to reach them. And I think that’s the driving factor across all these eras is well-intentioned people…Todd Wilson — And if I can start with the end point, I think we’ve sort of co-opted the more holistic disciple-making growth engine that’s capable of generational disciple-making with strategies for institutional programmatic growth that are not capable of reproduction. They’re very good at growing large things and reaching lots of people, but not necessarily making, you know, through relational disciple making, disciples who make disciples who plant churches that plant churches.Todd Wilson — So here’s how I would do the flyover. When I got started writing this history, I thought I was doing one chapter of this history in another book. Rich Birch — I love it.Todd Wilson — And one chapter turned into two chapters and three chapters. And eventually my editor said, Todd, you just need to do a full book.Rich Birch — Well, that’s a book.Todd Wilson — And it ends up turning into the longest book I’ve written because of the 75 year history. And ah Rich, seriously, don’t, people don’t need to feel bad if they don’t know all the history. I, I’m like a where’s Waldo through a lot of this history. I’ve had a seat at the table for a lot of the stuff through these eras.Todd Wilson — Until writing this book, I did not know how all the dots connected across these eras. And then it became there were so many, oh, oh, oh. So here’s here’s the shot I’ll give to you. Ididn’t really I knew I had heard of Donald McGavern. I knew he was considered the father of the modern church growth movement. I’ve never, prior to writing this book, read about him, gone off and studied him. Gary McIntosh is his by is Donald McGavern’s biographer. So I spent a lot of time with Gary. He pointed me in the right directions.Todd Wilson — And here’s what I learned. Donald McGavern, born in the late 1800s, international missionary in India. um His father and mother were missionaries in India. He came from the mission field and his context was the international mission field. Todd Wilson — Now, get this as the starting point in 1955. He’s an international missionary. He has planted 15 churches himself in his career, none of which ever grew to more than 100 people. So you got to let that sink in. The father of the modern church growth movement planted 15 churches, none of which grew to more than 100. And yet he’s the father of what we consider now the modern church growth movement.Rich Birch — Right. Interesting.Todd Wilson — So the kind the context was, he became fascinated after reading a research report on why some churches in provinces in India were growing and others weren’t. Sometimes churches in the same village that were growing and just down the street, others weren’t.Todd Wilson — So he kind of took a scientific approach, the study of church growth. Like let’s study this like it’s a science, like what’s causing some churches to grow. And he he had very clear conclusions out of that, but you know, a handful of conclusions of what’s causing that.Todd Wilson — And so ultimately, when he came off the mission field by 1960, 61, he started the Church Growth Institute, not for U.S. pastors, but for international missionaries who were on furlough to come home and learn about church growth principles that they could take back to the international mission field. He had no interest in U.S. pastors. Todd Wilson — So for multiple years in the 60s, he was doing that. And when Fuller wanted to start their International School of World Missions, one of their best faculty member ratings was Donald McGavern. So they invited him to come become the founding dean of the the Fuller School of World Missions.Todd Wilson — But he only agreed to do it if he could bring the Church Growth Institute with him. So by 1970, you’ve got that up and running. He’s built his team. He invited a guy called C. Peter Wagner off the mission field to come be on his faculty staff. And in 1970, 71, Peter Wagner convinced Donald McGavern that they ought to run one class for U.S. pastors on church growth.Todd Wilson — And the rest is history. That one class, it just turned into, Imean, people were very interested in it. Denominations became interested. And literally within a couple of years, you’ve got this up and to the right people latching on to church growth science.Todd Wilson — And that starts the process, you know. Even from the beginning, you start to see a little bit of co-opting away from McGavern’s things. Not fast, but a little bit. Todd Wilson — So right on the heels of that, in the 70s then, you’ve got this young kid, ah Bill Hybels… Rich Birch — Right. Todd Wilson — …who’s running you know going to go into business and he’s running a street ministry with youth. He’s being mentored by Robert Shuler.Rich Birch — Yes.Todd Wilson — And Shuler’s got the possibility thinking, think outside the box, very apostolic. Turns out Shuler not only mentors Hybels, but there’s some mentoring of Rick Warren. And so you’ve got the birth of the seeker-sensitive era then.Todd Wilson — You know, if the first era was the McGavern-Roots era, now we’ve got the seeker-sensitive era. And, you know, that can be a positive or a negative stigma. For me, in 1976, I’m in middle school going into high school, not a Christian, live down the street from this movie theater called the Willow Creek Movie Theater. Rich Birch — Right. Right.Todd Wilson — And my mom drags us kicking and screaming into the Willow Creek Movie Theater. We were the avatar family for the Seeker Sensitive family movement.Rich Birch — Right. Movement.Todd Wilson — From Seeker Sensitive, you get out of that the what Peter Drucker and Bob Buford would call the large church phenomena and the birth of Leadership Network then with the large church phenomena, which became the megachurch phenomena.Todd Wilson — You’ve got Rick Warren and his masterful work with the purpose-driven church. Rick’s able to put handles on this church growth part, but Rick was a disciple of Donald McGavern, so he’s got the McGavern roots. Todd Wilson — You’ve got Hybels with the Shuler roots. And in that 80 into the 90s with the birth of the Global Leadership Summit and the other, you’ve you’ve got this very influential large church phenomena, purpose-driven, being shaped by, you know, in large part, the combination of Leadership Network, Hybels, Rick Warren… And that brings us up to you know about 2000. Todd Wilson — And just as a flyover, I would then call the era of the externally focused church. You’ve got the rapid fire birth of church planting networks. You’ve got multi-site. People don’t realize prior to 2000, there’s less than 50 multi-site churches.Rich Birch — Yeah.Todd Wilson — Leadership Network engages it in 2000. And from 2000 to 2010 you see an up, I mean, radically up and to the right.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — The externally focused church, same thing. Rick Russo has book right in that time period. The missional guys, right in that time period. So the common theme between these church planning networks, the missional guys, the externally focused guys, the multi-site, is we’re now looking outside of ourselves.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — But in large part, we’re still looking outside of ourselves as growth strategies for our things. If you really go look under the hood of a lot of those.Todd Wilson — And then I would say coming out of the externally or outwardly focused era, 2015 to 2025, I just have no other name than the disruption era. As I was doing the research on this book, um I had to stop at like 12 major disruptions that happened in that time period with COVID right in the middle. Rich Birch — Right. Todd Wilson — And so that’s the…Rich Birch — Political upheaval. There’s a bunch in there in that same, you know, yeah, that there’s been a schism.Todd Wilson — You’ve got deconstruction of faith.Rich Birch — Yep.Todd Wilson — You’ve got cynicism. You’ve got platformed individualism with the birth of social media. Now anybody can be their own, you know, playlist influencer. There’s just so many disruptive factors in there.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — Now you look at all those disruptive factors with the evolution of what’s happening in the church and the church operating system. And it leaves us on a very shaky foundation at that point that, you know It kind of brings us up to where we are now, and you can either be a pessimist at that or an optimist. And I choose the optimist path that we’re poised for a new day and a new operating system is my prayer.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s amazing. And friends, as you can see, you just got a real thin slice of, you know, just all the various phases that you do such a great job unpacking for us to help us really understand how we we got here. It was It was wild, it’s wild thinking about a lot of that because I remember, you know, various phases of those over the last particularly 25 years, you know, seeing that up close and seeing, you know, kind of the impact that has had and then wondering about the future and where we go from here. Rich Birch — So thinking about the future and, you know, obviously you’ve, um you know, you’ve you’re making a clear clarion call around, hey, we’ve got to think differently than the consumer driven operating system. We’ve got to we’ve got to come up with something different. After all of that, um and we’ve kind of covered this already, but I’d love to make sure we kind of hone on this, have this resonate with people that are listening in. Why is it so difficult for that system, for the consumer-driven operating system to to really ultimately produce healthy reproduction and multiplication and in churches? What’s structurally ah broken about it? And what what would be some first steps we should be thinking about change to the future as we think about, okay, where we go from here? Todd Wilson — Yeah.Rich Birch — How do we, you know, build on the positive stuff, but also look for something different as we look to the future? Todd Wilson — Yeah. I think we don’t have to make it complex, Rich, if we just keep trying to come back to simplicity for a minute. Like the system that has evolved has actually become pretty complex when you think about it. I would say if we could just focus on, I’m not even going to say changing overnight, but if if I’m a lead pastor, if I’m on staff at a church, I’m really focused on disciple-making as the core mission and growth engine of the church. Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — Like what is it, most churches are going to say our mission is disciple making or it’s going to be part of it. They’re going to say we have a culture of disciple making, but it is not what the data shows. Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — You know, again, 95% of churches do not have a culture of disciple-making. They have a culture of program activity. Rich Birch — Right. Todd Wilson — And so I’m not an advocate of changing everything overnight, but if you want to shift from a culture of program activity to a true culture of disciple-making‚ it has to start with the lead minister having a simple, reproducible, in-practice disciple-making approach that is being modeled for the… I don’t mean discipling the staff. I mean there’s people the lead pastor are personally discipling, modeling that simple, reproducible process. Todd Wilson — Where we’re starting to see traction and where I think the breakthroughs are going to come in getting us to the new operating system of the future, it is going to start, and it’s it’s happening right now, with pastors who say, you know, if I’m really honest, I’ve been preaching the last 52 weeks. I’ve been leading meetings. I’ve been doing, I’ve been doing, I’ve done, but I’m not really personally making disciples. Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — And I think it’s going to start with the lead pastor, the elders, senior people saying, If we could only have one metric of success in the next 12 months, it’s not growth, it’s not the activities we do, it’s not the new building. If we only have one measure of success, it’s how many disciples have I personally, relationally been involved in? me Not how many have I preached to, not how many outreach events have we done where we’ve got, but what have I personally done on the disciple-making front?Todd Wilson — And I don’t want to make it more complicated than that. That’s what we’re missing right now.Rich Birch — That’s good. No, that’s really good. Yeah, that’s good. I love the practical takeaway of, um yeah, it’s like, who are the three people in your life that you’re actually discipling? Let’s start there. Rich Birch — So this is kind of a sidebar to it.Todd Wilson — Can I just look real quick?Rich Birch — Yes. Yep. Push back. Yep.Todd Wilson — So David Putman, who’s part of what we do at Multipliers, David’s longtime kingdom guy.Rich Birch — Yep.Todd Wilson — You should have him on as an interview here. David is completely focused on what he calls the 5-3-2 right now. Five simple reproducible principles, three rhythms, and and two relationships. So it’s a triad of three people that just keeps reproducing.Todd Wilson — Anybody can do it. A ninth grader can do it. A lead pastor can do it. I’m watching this model take different groups by storm right now. And whether you embrace the 5-3-2 or some other model like it, the key is going to be having a simple, reproducible process that works for the lead pastor and anyone else in the church. Same model.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Yeah we had David on back in 2020 and I’m like we got to get him back on uh the podcast. Rich Birch — So sidebar issue, so this is not something we’d you know kicked around ahead of time but it’s kind of adjacent to this. So I am not a I'm not a teaching pastor. Similar to you. I’m not, i never saw myself as a lead pastor. I’ve always been in the like, Hey, my job’s to be in the second chair, cheering for other lead pastors. I’ve worked for um really over my career as an XP three incredible communicator lead pastors who it would appear like, and it is, they, all three of them, God gifted them with this ability to speak and gather crowds. Like that was like core. And, and I, I’ve spent a lot of time like listening to them and watching them. And part of it just appears to be like, it’s definitely a gifting that’s going on there.Rich Birch — And I, over time, ah questions like the following would come up that I would I'd struggle with, where it’s like, it would appear like this person can gather a lot of people, and we can build more chairs in front of that person and people will hear that person and they’ll they’ll take steps towards Jesus. Rich Birch — And I understand that that’s not, or that’s not a full picture of discipleship. That’s one piece of the discipleship puzzle, but it’s not… And the the kind of organizational pressure is, okay, let’s keep figuring out how to build more seats in front of this person and and their gift. How do we get them to leverage their gift well? Rich Birch — And to be honest, I’ve been in conversations where I’ve been the voice of like, I want to line 100,000 people up in front of this person to hear this person speak because I think the way they talk about Jesus is different than what I’ve heard other people say and it it’ll make a difference. Rich Birch — That is, I think, at the center of this tension that there’s some there seems to be something about the gift of teaching that it’s not, I don’t know whether it’s not evenly distributed, or there’s like a brokenness in humanity and we only want to listen to certain kinds of people. I don’t know whether it’s one of those two things. So all I’ve done is describe a problem and I’m going to say, comment on it, Todd.Todd Wilson — Yeah. I think you’re right on the mark. I think I want to affirm that, you know, I mean, everybody has their definitions. I believe the preaching role is, and and the teaching and reaching is a piece of the discipleship equation.Rich Birch — Yep.Todd Wilson — I think if I’m defining the problem statement, We have made it the biggest piece… Rich Birch — Sure. Todd Wilson — …instead of a piece or a playing a role in it. So I think the issue is that how big we’ve made it. Like you, I was an executive pastor for years. And when I look back on that time, my role was not about holistic relational disciple making that could be the growth engine of the church. and it It was how do we get as many people in seats in the auditorium on Sunday? We need great marketing. We need great outreach.Todd Wilson — And again, I think all of those play a role in the disciple-making process ultimately. But let’s just be honest, that’s not disciple-making itself. It plays a role in the disciple-making process.Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — So the elephant in the room here is, how do we scale disciple-making? If I if I could be If I could be the czar of this, I’m not, but if I could be, I want the genius at the end. I want the unique gifts that are represented across the whole mosaic and the church, starting with that dynamic creature that can attract the crowd. I want it. Todd Wilson — But I also want those senior leaders of the organization I really want to be focused on what is our growth engine and what is our holistic disciple-making process. Rich Birch — Right.Todd Wilson — And the number one thing I want from those senior leaders is not their unique gift. I want their modeling, their personal modeling of the simple, reproducible, disciple-making growth engine that anybody in the church can do. Rich Birch — That’s good.Todd Wilson — I mean, that that preaching gift you’re talking about, that that one lead pastor can do, how many other people in the church can do that?Rich Birch — Right. Not many. Yep.Todd Wilson — So there’s their paradigm. So we need them doing it.Rich Birch — Yes.Todd Wilson — But I would argue what we need them doing even more than that inspiration is modeling the simple reproducible disciple making thing that people know that’s how we’re going to win here.Rich Birch — Yeah. Well, and I’ve that lines up, I’ve said it at probably, well, not a thousand times, but hundreds of times with lead pastors over the years that in the context of this conversation, I would rather them weave in the discussion about their discipleship relationships as like just a normative part of conversation rather than the, we’re doing six weeks on discipleship and how to become disciple making. I’m like, if you just pepper that stuff in week in, week out, it just is a normative part of the conversation that changes culture. Rich Birch — The kind of like, we’re going to make it a program. We’re going to brand it. We’ve got a great name on it. And my experience has been, it’s it’s a little bit like nailing jello to the wall. There’s there’s actually some of that containing of what we’re talking about actually kills the exact thing that we’re trying to do. And so, man, I think there’s a real tension there. And how do we help those people? Rich Birch — Because it’s not like we want them to do a worse job. It’s not like, hey, if you could stop talking in a way that attracts a crowd, that’s not the answer. But we’ve got to, like you say, how do we move them into those personal relationships? That’s fantastic.Rich Birch — Well, this has been a great conversation…Todd Wilson — My question would be, Rich, what what would happen…Rich Birch — Yep.Todd Wilson — …if an average lead pastor went on a one-year journey to to of disciple-making themselves? Call it a triad, call it four, five. They’re always, over the next year, going to be in a disciple-making small micro group… Rich Birch — Yep. Todd Wilson — …and all of their preaching is going to be informed.Rich Birch — Yep.Todd Wilson — That’s their laboratory of learning.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s their paradigm. Yeah, that’s good.Todd Wilson — That’s their paradigm. And now they’re bringing it to life, not just as periodic examples, but, you know, my whole frame of reference of my library is what comes out of that experience. Rich Birch — Yeah.Todd Wilson — And our problem right now is that’s just lack. It isn’t that it’s inserted a little bit. It’s just lacking.Rich Birch — Right. Yeah, that’s good. Yeah, this has been great. what ah What a great conversation. And as you can tell, friends, there’s a lot we could talk about there. And a lot you know just there’s a rich conversation that could be had around this. Rich Birch — Let’s let’s pivot and kind of talk a little bit about the book specifically. i want to make sure people pick up copies of this. Again, the name of it is How Did We Get Here? Looking Back to Look Forward. People can get this on Amazon. Are there other places that you would send people if they want to pick up copies of this?Todd Wilson — Yeah. So if they go to church-growth.org, church-growth.org, that’s the book’s homepage. You can actually get the free PDF there. You can get the free audio version there. There’s a full wiki there that people can contribute to. What you kind of mentioned it in passing, but I’ll highlight, it is impossible to read this book and not see yourself in it. Rich Birch — Yes. Yeah.Todd Wilson — Anyone who’s been a Christian for a while, they, the editor of the book said the power of this is going to be, she said, I can tell you the page in the book that I entered the story. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. Todd Wilson — So you’ve got the free PDF, the free audio, the wiki, and then for people that just want the paper versions, you can get it on Amazon.Rich Birch — That’s great. And we’ll link to that friends so that you can, you know, find that quickly in the show notes and, and friends, I would encourage you again, to me, I think this could be a great resource to do with your leadership team, as I mentioned earlier. It would be a great kind of conversation starter and really context setter for us to think through these issues as we think about the future. Rich Birch — So kind of as we, as we come to close up today’s conversation, any final words as we wrap up today?Todd Wilson — Rich, I just appreciate the work you’re doing. I want to be an encouragement to pastors. Don’t let this book be, it’s not a deconstruction book. It’s not, oh my goodness, the church has fallen apart.Rich Birch — No, yeah.Todd Wilson — We need to keep plugging away doing what we’re doing, but we also have to have an eye on the future that this operating system that has evolved, everything has a beginning and an end. And this operating system, I believe, is in its final days. I think we’re we’re seeing you know less and less effectiveness with it. And I think we just need to be in a posture of giving permission to the next generations to do some trial and error and experimentation and not be locked into the paradigm of the of the past inheriting previous things.Rich Birch — No, fantastic, Todd. I appreciate you being here. And I would echo that, you know, you’re you’re the kind of leader that’s in our corner trying to help us get better. And so I appreciate the voice that you’ve had for for decades. And so I really appreciate that. Rich Birch — If people want to track with you, get connected, follow along with Multipliers where do we want to send them online?Todd Wilson — Multipliers.org can get me to all the different ways from email to phone to social media. So multipliers.org.Rich Birch — That’s great. Thanks so much, Todd. Appreciate you being here, sir.Todd Wilson — Thank you, Rich. Appreciate it.

The Nerdpocalypse breaks down the 78th Primetime Emmy nominations! HBO Max's Hacks set a new record with 24 nominations for a comedy series in its final season, edging out last year's record held by The Bear and The Studio. Apple TV had a massive showing with Widow's Bay (19 noms), Pluribus (18 noms), and Margo's Got Money Troubles, while The Pitt led all nominees overall with 25. We break down the biggest snubs, surprises, and who's actually favored to win when the ceremony airs September 14th on NBC.Then: is the next James Bond already cast? Producer and author Richard Osman dropped a bombshell on his podcast claiming Slow Horses star Jack Lowden is "strongly considered" for 007 — and the connections check out, including a shared casting director and his wife Saoirse Ronan publicly campaigning for the role. We break down Lowden's case, and why this rumor feels more credible than most.Plus our reviews of everything we checked out this week: The Guest, Cape Fear series on Apple, Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, The Mandalorian and Grogu, X-Men '97 Season 2, and Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2!The Nerdpocalypse is a weekly podcast covering the latest movie news, TV show news, trailer reactions, and pop culture commentary. We break down Marvel MCU updates, DC Universe news, Star Wars, superhero movies, sci-fi, horror, streaming wars, box office results, casting announcements, and everything happening in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hosted by Jay, Micah, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production since 2011. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Premium content at TheNerdpocalypse.com/premium. For more TNP Studios content, check out Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), Dense Pixels (video game news), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

This week on Black on Black Cinema, the entire crew returns to discuss the 2026 film that was written and directed by Chris Stokes, "Stepfather." The film stars Taye Diggs as a desperate man who hunts for the perfect family, but when his new wife and daughters fear he may be deranged, escaping him will have deadly consequences.Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

While the summer festival season in Ireland is drawing to a close, there are still plenty of fun summer events to look forward to. Reporter Cathal Dowd.

Vilius Aleliūnas is the event director for EOC2026, and he gives us a taste of what to expect in the champs in Lituania!Enjoy listening!To get the premium at Livelox, use: "2XIVAR" (both capital letter and small caps works)To get the best orienteering equipment, go to Noname webshop: https://webshop.nonamesport.com/en/with the code: "IvarNat20", you will get 20% off!To get the best orienteering trainings, check out:O-Portugal.ptShoes for running on trails, flat and terrain:https://scantrade.no/merker/scott-l%C3%B8p/sko

Look Forward breaks down Abdul El-Sayed's hugely contentious primary win in Michigan's Democratic Senate race, a victory for the progressive wing that raises the question of whether centrist Democrats will actually rally behind him or quietly work against their own nominee. Trump is furious at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aka "Whiskey Pete" over a missile shortage exposed by the ongoing Iran war, with the military burning through stockpiles faster than they can be replaced.In a stunning diplomatic snub, Iran and Oman are negotiating the future of the Strait of Hormuz entirely without US involvement  after Trump spent months treating the region as America's little playground. Medicare Part D subsidies are conveniently set to expire right after the midterms, a timing decision that speaks for itself. Trump is pursuing a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia despite the kingdom's well-documented terror financing history. Trump Media plans to paywall its API access for Wall Street traders to legalize insider trading.A rare bipartisan housing act became law even though Trump refused to sign it. FCC officials accepted major gifts from Paramount amid merger approval. Trump's own teleprompter operator got caught insider trading on prediction markets. Trump is furious the DOJ dropped a vandalism indictment tied to his Reflecting Pool disaster, and Alabama's favorite MENSA student Tommy Tuberville considers a 30-foot wall around the state to stop immigrants if he's elected governor.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

Gemma Bastiani and Sarah Black preview the AFLW season-opener between the Saints and the Blues, and run their eyes over a few clubs with serious injury concerns 1.15 - St Kilda's new-look forward line2.22 - How Lauren Bella's injury will cost Carlton7.31 - Eden Zanker’s mysterious foot injury9.35 - The reason behind the rush of replacement players11.48 - Melbourne's lengthy injury listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nerdpocalypse breaks down Spider-Man: Brand New Day's historic opening, shattering box office records for the biggest Tuesday ever and cementing the film's dominant theatrical run. Dave Bautista is now in talks to play Kratos in Amazon's God of War live-action series. David Jonsson has been cast as T'Challa's son in Black Panther 3, set for a December 2028 release; we unpack what the very odd response from some about this news.Ryan Gosling officially is starring in a Ghost Rider project with Mephisto and possibly Rosamund Pike attached with early buzz on Marvel's supernatural corner of the MCU. Mahershala Ali has exited Marvel's Blade entirely, the latest setback for a project that's been stuck in development hell for years. We break down why and what comes next. David Ellison's bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery has hit serious obstacles, with implications for the entire industry landscape.Plus trailers for Matchbox, Fall 2: Deadpoint, Neuromancer, Lanterns, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Avengers Doomsday. All your franchise news and trailer breakdowns in one episode!The Nerdpocalypse is a weekly podcast covering the latest movie news, TV show news, trailer reactions, and pop culture commentary. We break down Marvel MCU updates, DC Universe news, Star Wars, superhero movies, sci-fi, horror, streaming wars, box office results, casting announcements, and everything happening in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hosted by Jay, Micah, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production since 2011. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Premium content at TheNerdpocalypse.com/premium. For more TNP Studios content, check out Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), Dense Pixels (video game news), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 4:25-26"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." REFLECTION- Fr. JasonMUSIC- "Moonrise" by Ola Gjeilo- "As the Deer" by David ImNOTES- PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

“Send Coach John a message”Super advice here from Mindset Machine (@mindsetmachine) where this is what was shared:  “Always give yourself something small to look forward to, like a nice meal or a weekend stroll.  Your mind and body need gentle reminders that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just a series of chores and survival.”  This is so spot on. I know I need to continually have little rewards set up for working hard and looking to be a good person with doing things the right way.  Life is not always easy, but there should be plenty of little enjoyable moments to celebrate with.  Thanks for listening.  Please take a few moments to subscribe & share this with someone, also leave a 5 Star rating on Apple Podcasts and ITunes or other services where you find this show.  Find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/coachtoexpectsuccess/   on Twitter / “X”:  @coachtosuccess   and on Instagram at:  @coachjohndaly  - My YouTube Channel is at: Coach John Daly.   Email me at: CoachJohnDalyPodcast@gmail.com     You can also head on over to https://www.coachtoexpectsuccess.com/ and get in touch with me there on my homepage along with checking out my Top Book list too.  Other things there on my site are being worked on too.  Please let me know that you are reaching out to me from my podcast.  ** I would appreciate anyone to try clicking on the top of the show notes where it says "Send us a text" to leave a few thoughts / comments / questions.  It's a new feature that I'd like to see how it works. **

Here's all the shows, movies, sporting events and holidays you have to look forward to this money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

welcome to a new month!!! Summer is flying by...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating demand for data center power at a pace that is reshaping the global energy agenda. In this episode of the Look Forward podcast, host Aries Poon speaks with Tony Lenoir, data center expert at S&P Global, about whether AI growth can coexist with decarbonization goals — and how hyperscalers are rethinking their energy strategies in response.

It's Friday. It's Megadeth day. Let's f'ing GOOOOOOOO!!!! Yes, Megadeth & Obituary are at the La Crosse Center tonight and you can still get tickets at the door. Gates open at 5pm and music should start around 7pm. Don't miss Megadeth before they retire from touring FOREVER!!! On this show this morning, we played a bunch of Megadeth tunes to get pumped for the show tonight…and we gazed into the future at some things to look forward to in the month of August. Including movies, TV shows, sporting events, & holidays. Doc joined me just after 8am for this week's racing report thanks to County Materials in Holmen & Eau Claire. In the news this morning, a recall on rechargeable hand warmers, Mandela Barnes drops out of the WI Governor's race, a man gets 15 years in prison for supplying his son the gun used to kill two students & two teachers, the Army has been testing a new weapon with a badass name, In sports, the Brewers are in LA to take on the Angels tonight, more info on the Tony Romo DUI arrest, Deebo Samuel gets a contract extension, Lebron is going to be filming his entire season with the 76ers for an upcoming documentary, and UEFA is going to boycott all FIFA competitions. Let you know what's on TV & streaming this weekend along with what's new in theaters. Plus, Greg Brady joins the Smashing Pumpkins on-stage for a Brady Bunch classic. And a "Clueless" sequel is in the works with Alicia Silverstone on-board. Fantastic story about a postal worker who helped save a baby's life thanks to her years of medical training, and a young Leukemia patient is going viral for her unique decorations while in the hospital. Elsewhere in sports, Paige Bueckers & Angel Reese won't face any discipline from the WNBA over a friend wager made on video, one of the co-owners of the Seattle Storm gets in trouble with the league, the PGA is going to air an announcer-free stream of it's upcoming tournament, and a TOPPS Shohei Ohtani card just sold for a LOT of money. And in today's edition of "Bad News with Happy Music", we had stories about a three year-old kid who snuck out of his house & walked a half mile to grandma's, a naked man hiding in the ceiling of a plasma donation center, a kid who got suspended from school because he bit his sandwich into the shape of a gun, a #FloridaMan who admits it's him on video committing a crime, Aldi was trying to sell four ice cubes for $5, and a woman gets mad about her drive-thru wait at a KFC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin Gravley outlines the decision to get AI involved, when not wanting to let go of a dying parent and the dangers behind how smart glasses are being used. Robert J. Morgan, author of "100 Bible Verses That Made America," shares about the evidence of the Founding Fathers building the foundation of the United States on what's found in Scripture and the influence of the Bible on Abraham Lincoln, that in turn transformed all of America. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

By Mark Graham - God invites us to remember the former glory, not to dwell in the past, but to awaken our anticipation for what lies ahead. The opportunities and blessings of past days in the work of the Church of God are reminders of His faithfulness and a foretaste of the far greater work and glory still to come

The Galway Races begin this Monday with thousands coming to  Ballybrit for seven days of high quality racing.  It is also an opportunity for local jockeys and trainers to return home and be part of what is a highlight of the national racing calendar.  George McDonagh sat down with Conor Rabbitte and Aaron Anderson who both ply their trade in England but who have horses running at the Festival.  Conor is the conditional jockey with Jessica Bedi Racing who is based in Yorkshire while Aaron is involved with the yard who have brought over five horses to run this week.   

Patrick and Rob discuss his week at Puntacana and tee up the next Tour stop at the 3M in Minnesota. Sponsored by Goldenwest Credit Union. 

Vince is somewhere between Troy and Ithica, so Shane tries out his impression - twice - before a late-term abortion. Mal joins the ranks of your prior sleepy hosts. Josh tries to steer the ship with his back to the child of morning, rosy-fingered DawnEnjoy the visuals: https://youtu.be/nTVj5lIkxp4?si=GQZPk9jEZzt2489d

There's a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror: your future matters more than your past. God's grace...

In this episode of the Look Forward podcast, S&P Global experts Deepa Kumar and Gauri Jauhar examine how the Middle East conflict is stress-testing India's economy through energy dependence, trade exposure, remittances, currency pressure, inflation, and geopolitical balancing. They discuss why this shock is more multi-layered than past crises and how India's resilience is being challenged even as government support, infrastructure spending, and private-sector cost absorption continue to provide buffers. The conversation also explores how India is using the crisis to accelerate longer-term reforms in energy security, industrial policy, and global trade strategy. From diversifying oil and gas suppliers and expanding storage capacity to leveraging free trade agreements, production-linked incentives, renewables, nuclear, and domestic exploration, the episode frames the current moment not only as a test of resilience but as a potential catalyst for India's next phase of transformation.

This week on Look Forward, we cover Graham Platner finally withdrawing from Maine's Senate race following a sexual assault allegation and Trump, of all people, is questioning the credibility of the woman making the accusation. Mitch McConnell has not cast a Senate vote since June 11th and has been hospitalized for over three weeks with almost no details released. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear formally demanded a health update, revealing conflicting accounts about whether McConnell suffered cardiac arrest. With Republicans holding a razor-thin 53-47 majority, his absence carries real consequences.The Iran war ceasefire has collapsed again. Russia may be planning a "provocation" in the Baltics or Poland. Trump's new "Freedom Fuel" gas stations are being promoted as a patriotic price-cutting miracle except nobody can explain how 25 stations are selling gas 50 cents below wholesale cost, and taxpayers may be quietly footing the bill for his own PR stunt.Plus: Mamdani gets attacked for suggesting a reasonable thermostat setting, Trump denies disaster relief to states that voted against him, his suspiciously timed stock trades resurface, and Nigel Farage's populist gamble gets taken on by a bin.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

This week on Black on Black Cinema we break down the collapse of Graham Platner's Maine Senate campaign and why none of us were surprised. For months, white leftists rallied behind Platner despite a tattoo associated with WW2 fascism, resurfaced posts disparaging veterans and sexual assault survivors on Reddit, and troubling accounts from past relationships. None of it mattered until an ex-girlfriend came forward with a serious sexual assault allegation, and only then did the Democratic Party's left wing scramble to distance themselves and Platner suspended his campaign.We ask the real question: why did it take THIS allegation to move people who already had every reason to walk away months ago? We break down how "winning at all costs" politics let a deeply flawed candidate skate through a primary while the warning signs sat in plain sight, and what this says about who gets the benefit of the doubt and for how long.Then we announce our next film: Stepfather (2026), Chris Stokes' Tubi thriller starring Taye Diggs as a man obsessed with building the "perfect family." We preview what to expect from Diggs' performance and Stokes' latest entry into his growing catalog of Tubi originals.Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

Hour two of DJ & PK for July 8, 2026: Morgan Scalley, Utah Football head coach Previewing Utah Football in 2026 Where does Devon Dampier stack up around the remaining Big 12 QBs?

This week on The Nerdpocalypse we break down the biggest nerd news of the week! Danny McBride's G.I. Joe reboot finally gets real story details; Duke leads a squad of Joes into Springfield, a quaint American town from Larry Hama's comics that's secretly entirely run by Cobra. McBride confirms it will NOT be a comedy, but a grounded suspense/action film inspired by the 1980s cartoon and comics, ditching the CGI sky-lasers that sank previous entries. Script is complete, filming targets 2027.Absolute Batman is becoming an animated series at Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios, we discuss what this means for the wildly popular comic run and James Gunn's expanding animated slate. Heat 2 finally has its stars: Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio join Michael Mann's long-awaited sequel/prequel to the 1995 classic. Jonathan Majors returns to acting alongside The Daily Wire in Run Hide Fight: Infidels, fighting ISIS on a US college campus, we unpack the movie's synopsis and what this means for his career trajectory, spoilers: it's not good.We also dive deep into why Supergirl bombed at the box office: competing cuts, creative differences, the script, poor character development and more.The Nerdpocalypse is a weekly podcast covering the latest movie news, TV show news, trailer reactions, and pop culture commentary. We break down Marvel MCU updates, DC Universe news, Star Wars, superhero movies, sci-fi, horror, streaming wars, box office results, casting announcements, and everything happening in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hosted by Jay, Micah, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production since 2011. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Premium content at TheNerdpocalypse.com/premium. For more TNP Studios content, check out Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), Dense Pixels (video game news), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

This week on Look Forward we break down the political earthquake in New York; all three Mamdani-backed DSA candidates swept their congressional primaries, unseating establishment Democrats Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman. Attendees at Claire Valdez's victory party chanted "You're next" as Hakeem Jeffries appeared on screen. House Democrats are now in open panic over whether the socialist wing is taking over the party, while Mamdani declared "this was not the end of a political movement, it was the beginning." We also cover DSA member Melat Kiros' win in Colorado and her reason for unseating a long standing progressive Democrat.The Supreme Court barely upheld the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship guarantee while simultaneously ruling states can exclude transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports and barely preserving vote-by-mail against a GOP challenge. Senator Thom Tillis declared the SAVE Act dead, even as Republicans privately fear Trump will weaponize it after a possible midterm election loss. New reporting reveals Trump has profited massively from the presidency in year one. Plus: is Trump considering institutionalizing disabled Americans?And in "you can't make this up" news: a 67-year-old former Olympian was indicted on a FELONY for allegedly touching the water in Trump's $14 million Reflecting Pool disaster. His lawyer: "It is not a crime in America to touch water." We cover the Democratic Socialist sweep, SCOTUS split decisions, and the government's unhinged overreach.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

This week on Black on Black Cinema we take a deep dive into Above the Rim (1994), the final entry in Barry Michael Cooper's Harlem Trilogy following New Jack City and Sugar Hill. Directed by Jeff Pollack in his feature debut, the film stars Duane Martin as Kyle Watson, a high school basketball star torn between two men; Shep (Leon), a security guard with a complicated past seeking redemption, and Birdie (Tupac Shakur), a dangerous local drug dealer who wants to use Kyle's talent for his own ends. Marlon Wayans, Bernie Mac, Wood Harris, and Tonya Pinkins round out the cast.We break down what works, what doesn't, the Harlem Trilogy peaks and valleys, Tupac's performance legacy, and why Above the Rim remains a film of moments rather than a complete film.Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

Our Free Agency Season Finale Special is loaded! The Leafs were a centrepiece on Canada Day after reshaping their roster, highlighted by the signing of veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to form a tandem with Anthony Stolarz and a wave of additions including Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic, Teddy Blueger and Colton Sissons. While Toronto appears to have better-defined roles throughout its lineup, there are questions about whether the club sacrificed too much speed. Zach Werenski remained in Columbus after apparently blocking a reported trade to Dallas, creating another layer of drama for the Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers cleared significant cap space by moving Darnell Nurse to San Jose without retaining salary. Vancouver continued its retool by flipping Marcus Pettersson for a first-round pick before adding Jamie Oleksiak and Montreal locked up cornerstone forward Ivan Demidov to a long-term extension Elsewhere, Winnipeg signed Stuart Skinner to stabilize its goaltending depth without necessarily taking Connor Hellebuyck off the trade market, as the Jets continue searching for help down the middle. Plus, Devils offer sheet, Larkin stays put, Florida pivots, Caps are HUGE and Sharks expected to take the next step.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Look Forward podcast, host Naki Mendoza speaks with Daniel Yergin, vice chair of S&P Global Energy, founder and chair of CERAWeek, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Prize, The Quest, and The New Map. Together, they examine a volatile moment for global energy, shaped by conflict in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz disruption, shifting supply chains, and renewed focus on energy security. More Look Forward: Look Forward Homepage

Can you believe it's already July? Here's some things to look forward to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people peak at 18 and spend the next 40 years talking about it.The scariest part? Most don't even realize it's happening, and it's keeping them from the next chapter of their life. Here's how to make sure you're not one of them.

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to let go of urgency and stop trying to fix yourself?So many women move through midlife carrying the exhausting belief that they should already have it all figured out. That they should be more healed, more disciplined, more confident, or further along than they are.That constant pressure steals our freedom, joy, and peace.In this episode, I'm sharing one of the most important messages at the heart of my work: there is no finish line. You are not behind, and you don't need to become someone else before you can fully live your life.I'll share honestly about my own journey with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, grief, and fear, and why learning to question my thoughts, let go of shame, and practice self-compassion has changed my life.You'll also learn the simple framework I return to again and again:Look Back. Look Forward. Live Present.When we learn to mine our past for wisdom, hold a hopeful vision for the future, and come back to the choices available today, we build deep self-trust and create lives rooted in freedom instead of fear.In this episode, you'll discover:✨ Why the belief that you need to fix yourself keeps you trapped in shame and urgency✨ The difference between managing your struggles and believing they define you✨ How to question the thoughts that quietly shape your life✨ Why self-trust is built through thousands of small, everyday choices✨ How looking back helps you uncover your wisdom, strengths, and resilience✨ Why looking forward creates hope without comparing yourself to an imaginary future version of you✨ A simple daily practice that helps you live with more freedom, health, joy, and self-compassionYou don't have to wait until you're more healed, more confident, or more certain to begin living fully.There is no race.There is no finish line.There is only today's commitment to the messy practice of becoming... and you don't have to walk it alone.ResourcesJoin me inside the Brave + Beautiful Community (for growth-minded midlife women): https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/community/Watch the replay of the Get to Know Yourself Workshop: https://www.alifeinprogress.ca/get-to-know-yourself/

Look Forward And Let Go - MMP 101 // On episode 101 of the Mindset Mixtape Podcast, we talk about focusing on what matters and letting go of the things that hinder us. Sometimes we need to declutter to make room for what we want or need. Something that served you in a previous season may not be a good fit for this one. It's time to look forward and let go. // Thanks for joining us for another episode of the #MindsetMixtapePodcast! We hope it has been an encouragement to you. Please share it with others and leave a rating and review wherever you listen. If you have questions or comments, visit us at -> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dontdolifealone.com⁠

When life feels heavy with cancellations and disappointments, one of the most powerful things you can do is give yourself something to look forward to. That's exactly what adventure is, not necessarily jumping out of a plane, but anything outside the ordinary that lifts your spirit and reminds you there's more to life than the daily grind. Big or small, solo or with people you love, adventure is self-care. For episode resources, see https://www.tinaboogren.com/. Music: Happy Clappy Ukulele by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com. 

This week on The Nerdpocalyspe we discuss the big news from the film and television industry. After over a decade in development, 24 Jump Street is finally happening — Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, and Ice Cube are all in talks to return at Sony Pictures. Rodney Rothman, who co-wrote 22 Jump Street and directed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, is directing from a script he co-wrote with Hill and Meghan Malloy. The tagline says it all: "It took so long we had to skip one." Phil Lord and Chris Miller return as producers.Mark Hamill joins Twisted Metal Season 3 as Pope Charlie Kane; the estranged father of Sweet Tooth and leader of the Eastern Sovereignty, the theocratic post-apocalyptic faction ruling the ruins of New York with weaponized taxi cabs. Fox Corporation is acquiring Roku for $22 billion combining Fox News, Tubi, and live sports with Roku's 100 million streaming households. James Gunn confirms the Jimmy Olsen show IS also a Gorilla Grodd show, titled American Villain; a DCU mockumentary true-crime series filming soon.Trailers: Heart of the Beast, The Social Reckoning, The Bear Season 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Checked out: Cape Fear, Scary Movie, The Furious, and Obsession.The Nerdpocalypse is a weekly podcast covering the latest movie news, TV show news, trailer reactions, and pop culture commentary. We break down Marvel MCU updates, DC Universe news, Star Wars, superhero movies, sci-fi, horror, streaming wars, box office results, casting announcements, and everything happening in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Hosted by Jay, Micah, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production since 2011. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Premium content at TheNerdpocalypse.com/premium. For more TNP Studios content, check out Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), Dense Pixels (video game news), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

Look Forward breaks down the Iran deal in detail:  the 14-point MOU signed June 18th that ends three months of war, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, and begins a 60-day countdown to a final nuclear agreement. Iran commits not to acquire nuclear weapons, halts enrichment, invites IAEA inspectors back, and the US immediately lifts oil export sanctions. What's NOT in it: ballistic missiles, proxy networks, final enrichment status, and critically Israel was shut out of negotiations entirely. This is a perfect storm of poor negotiation work and sheer incompetence which is why the right and left are pushing back hard on the proposed deal.Israel's reaction? Ben Gvir says Trump's agreement "does not bind us" and calls for "all of Lebanon to burn" a post restricted by X for violating platform rules. Netanyahu admitted he didn't even know the deal's details when it was signed. JD Vance fired back directly at Ben Gvir and Smotrich: "You can't just kill your way out of every national security problem." A rare moment of actual truth from Vance.Trump's $14.7 million Reflecting Pool renovation is already catastrophically failing. "American Flag Blue" paint peeling off in sheets after days, algae blooming green, visitors taking home chips as souvenirs. The DOJ ramps up de-naturalization targeting naturalized citizens — "do it the right way" is meaningless when you strip due process. Conservatives plan protests against data centers. The federal government bans Anthropic's latest Claude model, Mythos, immediately after release. RFK's vaccine rollbacks cause Lackland Air Force Base flu outbreak. Oklahoma voters reject minimum wage increase, and Trump's bedroom habits get exposed by the Daily Beast.Look Forward is a weekly progressive political podcast covering U.S. politics, government policy, Democratic strategy, elections, voting rights, Supreme Court rulings, and political news. Featuring progressive commentary, political analysis, and unapologetic opinions on the fight for democracy. Hosted by Jay and Brad. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

Black on Black Cinema announces our next full review: Above the Rim (1994), the final entry in Barry Michael Cooper's Harlem Trilogy. Directed by Jeff Pollack and starring Duane Martin, Tupac Shakur, Leon, Marlon Wayans, Bernie Mac, and Wood Harris. Above the Rim follows high school basketball star Kyle Watson torn between Shep, a fallen athlete trying to redeem himself, and Birdie, a dangerous drug dealer who happens to be Shep's brother. Tupac Shakur's final theatrical film before his 1996 death is reason enough to revisit it.Then we get into the real conversation: Donald Trump has become everything racists feared a Black president would be. Barack Obama had to be practically perfect to even be considered; Harvard Law, Constitutional law professor, decorated Senator, devoted husband and father, scandal-free, measured, dignified. Every box checked. Meanwhile Trump arrived with business failures, fraud convictions, hush money payments, multiple affairs, and a career built on corruption. Ta-Nehisi Coates called Trump "the first white president;" not merely because he's white, but because his entire political existence hinges on the fact of a Black president. His campaign started with birtherism. Coates wrote: "It is as if the white tribe united to say — if a Black man can be president, then any white man, no matter how fallen, can be president." We unpack what that means in 2026.Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

This week Black on Black Cinema finally gives Sugar Hill (1994) the deep analysis it deserves. Directed by Leon Ichaso and written by Barry Michael Cooper — the architect behind New Jack City and Above the Rim — Sugar Hill is the second and most emotionally dramatic entry in Cooper's Harlem Trilogy. Wesley Snipes as Roemello Skuggs, a high-level Harlem drug dealer who wants out. He's got money, power, a woman he loves in Melissa (Theresa Randle), and a future waiting for him if his volatile brother Raynathan (Michael Wright) and the game itself will let him leave.We break down what makes Sugar Hill flawed but still underrated. Cooper's layered screenplay that tries to give Roemello genuine intellectual depth (Georgetown scholarship-eligible, chess player, art collector), Michael Wright's explosive performance as the brother who can't escape the past, and Leon Ichaso's atmospheric direction that turns Harlem into a character of its own. Terence Blanchard's jazz-inflected gives the film a serious connection to Spike Lee's own work. Clarence Williams III steals scenes effortlessly, and Ernie Hudson has a good time as a villain this time around.We discuss why it got overshadowed by New Jack City, how it works to keep the idea of Wesley Snipes being one of the coolest dudes in this era. Sugar Hill has its flaws from scenes that in hindsight are oddly placed (potentially post edit bay issues), some characters who aren't as explored as actual human beings, but there is still something here worth talking about and the effort of making a gentlemen gangster film with the same actor who was notorious for playing one of the most brutal gangsters in the 90s era is something to admire here.Black on Black Cinema is a long-running podcast featuring in-depth Black movie reviews and frank conversations that matter to the Black community. We review Black films across every genre — from Black horror and Black sci-fi to indie dramas, comedies, and blockbuster action. Covering filmmakers like Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and more. Hosted by Jay, Micah, Terrence, and T'ara. Featured on RogerEbert.com. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Look Forward (progressive politics), and Dense Pixels (video game news).

"Cote Shines In Shootout." Tony breaks out the telestrator to break down Mike Ryan's basketball game from last night, which is a mix between Fergie and Jesus. He also has his Top 5 Things To Look Forward To In Tonight's Game, Dameshek claims kickball is overrated, and Zaslow rejects the idea that you need to know math. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I have a pact with a friend. If we both live until 90, we're gonna do heroine."Last night, the silliest thing in sports took place: the NFL schedule release. Which social media team nailed their release video? The whole gang is here to tell us, while Tony tells us which games on the schedule he is most excited for. Plus, Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks took some shots at Doc Rivers and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the latest episode of his podcast with Breanna Stewart. What does this say about Doc and Giannis as leaders, and where Giannis could end up in the future?Today's Cast: Zaslow, Dameshek, Chris, Roy, Tony, Mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices