Podcasts about Our Lives

Dani's flying solo this week - and she's got some thoughts. From getting fired up over a Tylenol reel, to the chaos of Red 40 discourse, RichTok influencers, and The Summer I Turned Pretty feelings, nothing (and no one) is safe. It's giving controversial. It's giving important. Sort of. We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/dani or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Huggies Little Snugglers, now with blowout protection in every direction* *sizes 1-2. Huggies, We got you, baby. Huggies.com Visit LiveConscious.com today and make the switch to a smarter sip with Beyond Brew. Use code DANI to receive 15% off. Head to BranchBasics.com to shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code DANI at BranchBasics.com Head to Shopify.com/Dani to start your journey today. Work smarter, not harder. Build your brand. Shopify makes it possible. Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives and make sure you're checking tags to ensure it's the fabric of your life too. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey. we love y'all!! D + J Produced by Dear Media

The People's Project by Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones is a carefully curated collection of poetry, essays and art from some of our greatest voices. Maggie and Saeed join us to chat about finding community in poetry, the challenge of vulnerability, using metaphor as a tool, writing across genres and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The People's Project by Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones Dear Writer by Maggie Smith How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith Generations by Lucille Clifton Prelude to Bruise by Saeed Jones Blood Dazzler by Patricia Smith  

On this episode of Songs of Our Lives, it's Weston Olencki! Over the last few years, Weston's become one of my favorite musicians around, and their latest album, “Broadsides,” only cements that further. We get into the record's interesting backstory and some specific moments before diving into the romance in Radigue's work, Rahman Mammadli's shredding, The Carter Family, Linkin Park, Asmaa Hamzaoui, Aphex Twin, and more!Listen to all of Weston's picks HERE“Broadsides”Weston's WebsiteWeston on InstagramHappy Valley Band “Crazy”Rahman Mammadli's KEXP sessionSongs of Our Lives is a podcast series hosted by Brad Rose of Foxy Digitalis that explores the music that's made us and left a certain mark. Whether it's a song we associate with our most important moments, something that makes us cry, the things we love that nobody else does, or our favorite lyrics, we all have our own personal soundtrack. Join Foxy Digitalis on Patreon for extra questions and conversation in each episode (+ a whole lot more!)Follow Foxy Digitalis:WebsitePatreonInstagramTwitterBlueskyThe Jewel GardenSong ListLooney Toons "Kill the Wabbit"Ralph Stanley "Little Birdie"Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktu "Lalla Malika 2&3"Gerard Grisey "Quatre chants pour franchir le seuil"Aphex Twin "Avril 14th"Linkin Park "Faint"Eliane Radigue "L'Île re-sonante"Scott Walker "Clara"Elizabeth Cotten "Freight Train"Rahman Mammadli "Yanıq Kərəmı̇"Happy Valley Band "Crazy"The Carter Family "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"Thomas Tallis "Spem in Alium"

Making healthy, thoughtful choices can help us protect fragile parts of us that require boundaries.  But what if those boundaries are crossed?  What if we outgrow these boundaries? Pastor Jae investigates how daily work can help us navigate a way out of circular mazes. Speaker: Pastor Jae Newman Part of the series “Do You Still Talk to Grandma?: When the Problematic People in Our Lives are the Ones We Love”

Welcome back to another episode of our new podcast series, "Truth for Our Lives." Throughout this series, we will be addressing some foundational beliefs and ideas of the Christian faith and how they impact the way we live as followers of Jesus! In this episode, Logan and Kenzie are joined by Kord Offenbacker to discuss discipleship, specifically the why and how to engage in deep discipleship relationships. Discipleship is a great gift that the Lord has given us to learn and grow in our walk with Christ in both being discipled and making disciples. This episode covers everything from why discipleship is so important, how to overcome common barriers and misunderstandings, and experiencing the unique joys of meaningful discipleship relationships over a lifetime.  We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

On this episode of Songs of Our Lives, it's White Boy Scream! For episode #100, it had to be special, and recording this with Micaela in person at The Jewel Garden… well, it doesn't get much better, does it? We talk about the next White Boy Scream record (that we have been working on all summer!), grief, growth, and so much more. Then we dive into all kinds of music from Maria Callas, Kelsey Lu, Dorian Wood & Thor Harris, & Erykah Badu to Talk Talk, The Knife, Pietro Mascagni, and more!Listen to all of Micaela's picks HEREMicaela's WebsiteMicaela on InstagramSongs of Our Lives is a podcast series hosted by Brad Rose of Foxy Digitalis that explores the music that's made us and left a certain mark. Whether it's a song we associate with our most important moments, something that makes us cry, the things we love that nobody else does, or our favorite lyrics, we all have our own personal soundtrack. Join Foxy Digitalis on Patreon for extra questions and conversation in each episode (+ a whole lot more!)Follow Foxy Digitalis:WebsitePatreonInstagramTwitterBlueskyThe Jewel GardenSong ListProkofiev "Peter & The Wolf Theme" Low "Fly" The Knife "Without You My Life Would Be Boring" Maria Callas "Vissi d'arte" Swans "Lunacy" Zhu "Good Life" Erykah Badu "Orange Moon" Talk Talk "Wealth" Tool "Lateralus" Kelsey Lu "Due West" Dorian Wood & Thor Harris "We Are Assembled in the Throes of a Long-Awaited Ecstasy" Pietro Mascagni "Cavalleria rusticana - Intermezzo" Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders "Promises [Movement 6]"

Many of us experience fractured relationships. No matter where blame belongs, we can often feel “lost” on what our complicated relationships can look like in the future.  Pastor Jae explores how accepting little losses every day can direct us to finding something unexpected. Speaker: Pastor Jae Newman Part of the series “Do You Still Talk to Grandma?: When the Problematic People in Our Lives are the Ones We Love”

Oh we know y'all read that title. So tap in for a hysterical conversation about women's obsession with The Summer I Turned Pretty and why Jordan is feeling a little less than thrilled about Dani's latest obsession.Plus, we're talking about Dani's latest deep-dive and of course we're talking about ai. Jordan may or may not have ran out of space on ChatGPT... We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: Huggies Little Snugglers, now with blowout protection in every direction* *Sizes 1-2. Huggies. Huggies.com. Come hang with us at Dear Media IRL on Thursday, October 11th in Dallas! Head to dearmedia.com/events for all the details and to grab your tickets! Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code DANI at monarchmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first year at monarchmoney.com with code DANI. Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives and make sure you're checking tags to ensure it's the fabric of your life too. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com Learn more and join using our/my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DANI or use gift code DANI at sign-up to own your health. Ready to help your kids grow money skills that will last a lifetime? Just head to acornsearly.com/thatsthepoint or download the Acorns Early app to get started. Sign up now and your first month is on us! Shop the best selection of home improvement online. Get renovating with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Make your life easier—shop Amazon.com for college. With Amazon's low Off-to-College Prices, just save on college, save the everyday. Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey.  we love y'all!! D + J Produced by Dear Media

Welcome back to another episode of our new podcast series, "Truth for Our Lives." Throughout this series, we will be addressing some foundational elements of the Christian faith and how they impact the way we live as followers of Jesus!In this episode, Brent, Kenzie, and Logan discuss what we often call "spiritual disciplines." They touch on the "why" behind the spiritual disciplines, why as Christians we stress the importance of frequent bible reading, prayer, and other things that fall under the category of spiritual disciplines. They also discuss some practical tips to prioritize spiritual disciplines to cultivate a life of spiritual growth and "walking by the Spirit." We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

The Samis are back for Part 2 of their friendship conversation—diving into even more of your most-asked questions about navigating the highs and lows of real relationships.They share how to set realistic expectations, what it really means to outgrow a friendship (and why it can be a sign of growth), and how to address lingering resentment before it takes root. Plus, their go-to tips for balancing the love you give and receive, the ways they're both working to become better friends, and more.Packed with personal stories and practical tools, this episode invites you to reflect on your own friendships—and show up with more clarity, intention, and heart.Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Sponsors:If you have been eyeing their internet famous 12 piece cookware set, now is the perfect time to buy! You can shop Caraway Risk-Free! Enjoy fast, free shipping, easy returns, and a 30-day trial. Plus, if you visit Carawayhome.com/transform you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/transform or use code transform at checkout. Caraway. Non-Toxic cookware made modern.Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com.Do what I did, add Puori's PW1 to your routine now! And I have an amazing deal for you: right now you get 20% off, or if you choose the already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/TRANSFORM and use my promo code TRANSFORM. Or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase – still such great savings.So, why not shake up your Ritual? Get 25% off your first month of Ritual when you visit ritual.com/TRANSFORM & add Essential Protein today.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging episode, we interview Karli Harvey Raymond, an international event host, MC, and certified sex educator. They discuss the importance of sexual wellness and confidence for women. Karli shares her unique journey from growing up in a religious household to becoming a sex educator who helps women embrace their desires.The conversation explores why sex remains a taboo topic, the impact of shame, trauma, and stress on sexual pleasure, and practical tips on improving intimacy in relationships. Karli also offers advice on communicating sexual needs effectively and the significance of foreplay for women's sexual satisfaction. The episode emphasizes the crucial role of communication in relationships and Karli's methods for renewing attraction and intimacy with long-term partners.IN THIS EPISODE:- (03:24) Breaking Taboos Around Sex- (06:03) From Purity Culture to Sex Educator- (09:16) Empowering Women Through Sexual Confidence- (13:00) The Role of Pleasure in Our Lives- (23:06) Communicating Desires with Partners- (28:25) Exploring Fantasies and Boundaries- (34:21) Using the Yes-No-Maybe List- (36:40) Evolving Sexuality and Connection- (38:48) Common Issues in Long-Term Relationships- (42:26) Misconceptions About Sex- (51:48) Encouraging Change in Relationships- (55:37) Karli's Workshops and CoachingRESOURCESCheck out my How to Attract Devoted Masculine Men Masterclass HERE My FREE eBook The Magnetic WomanApp rec: BumbleFeminine Embodiment HERECONNECT WITH CHARLENE On Instagram @mscharlenebyars On YouTube @chosentrainingWork with me HERECONNECT WITH KARLIOn Instagram HERE

This is a very special (and bittersweet) episode because it's episode 100 and the final episode(for now) of Lead a Life You Can Love!Over the past 100 episodes, I've shared tools, mindset shifts, offered you guidance, and stories to help you live with intention, take aligned action, and create a life and career you truly love. And today, I'm reflecting on the journey, the lessons I want to leave with you, and what it really takes to live in alignment with your vision and values.I'll be sharing my biggest takeaways from this show, why aligned living is the foundation for a fulfilling life, and how your mindset shapes everything you create. Consider this my “legacy episode”, the one I'd want you (or even my daughter one day) to remember most.And while this is the last episode (for now), this isn't the end. These 100 episodes will always be here for you to revisit, reflect on, and grow through again and again.If you've ever found encouragement, clarity, or motivation from this show, thank you for being part of this journey. I'm so grateful for you. And as I move on to my own “next level,” I hope you'll continue leading a life you can love.Stay connected with me on social! All links to my pages are provided for you below.Here's to the next chapter, and to you living a life you can truly love.Links to some favorite episodes and those mentioned in todays show:How Knowing Your Values Can Change Your Life Entrepreneurship and The Choice to Work For Your Own Dreams How to Manifest The Life You Want How to Set Goals That MatterYou Don't Need More Time, Just More IntentionMindset & Neuroplasticity The Secrets to Creating Magic in Our Lives with Lee Cockerell From a Career at Disney Support the showContact:Book a Complimentary Discovery Call JamieSmithCoaching.comFacebook LinkedInInstagramBecome a Supporter of Lead a Life You Can LoveSuggestion or topic you'd like to hear me explore?Send it to Jamie@JamieSmithCoaching.com Interested in being a Guest Speaker or a Sponsor? Click here to book a Podcast Introductory Call

On this episode of Songs of Our Lives, it's Wilder Maker's Gabriel Birnbaum! Wilder Maker have an incredible new record on the way, “The Streets Like Beds Still Warm.” It's the first in a trilogy that tells a story of one night in the city from dusk to dawn. I love it. We talked about the story behind that before diving into a Bonnie Raitt, Deerhoof, Sandro Perri, Dougie Poole, Angel Olsen, and so much more!Listen to all of Gabriel's picks HEREThe Streets Like Beds Still WarmWilder Maker on InstagramSongs of Our Lives is a podcast series hosted by Brad Rose of Foxy Digitalis that explores the music that's made us and left a certain mark. Whether it's a song we associate with our most important moments, something that makes us cry, the things we love that nobody else does, or our favorite lyrics, we all have our own personal soundtrack. Join Foxy Digitalis on Patreon for extra questions and conversation in each episode (+ a whole lot more!)Follow Foxy Digitalis:WebsitePatreonInstagramTwitterBlueskyThe Jewel GardenSong ListPaul Simon “Graceland”Bill Callahan “The Breeze/My Baby Cries”Dougie Poole “Vaping on the Job”Bonnie Raitt “I Can't Make You Love Me”Death Cab For Cutie “The New Year”Loggins & Messina “Danny's Song”Angel Olsen “Big Time”Bill Evans “Peace Piece”State Champion “Death Preferences”Dave Douglas “Charms of the Night Sky”Deerhoof “This Magnificent Bird Will Rise”Sandro Perri “In Another Life”Wilco “Radio Cure”

One of the challenges of applying Jesus's teaching to our modern lives (such as trying to negotiate pain that comes from people we love) is that we struggle with who we are in his stories. We will investigate the Parable of the Good Samaritan, considering the possibility that for once, we are not the hero in the story. Speaker: Pastor Scott Austin Part of the series “Do You Still Talk to Grandma?: When the Problematic People in Our Lives are the Ones We Love”

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

國際盛會 guójì shènghuì – international grand event大阪 Dàbǎn – Osaka, a major city in Japan關西 Guānxī – Kansai, a region in Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe世博會 (世界博覽會) shìbóhuì (shìjiè bólǎnhuì) – World Expo; a large-scale international exposition held every few years讓生命閃耀光輝的未來社會藍圖 ràng shēngmìng shǎnyào guānghuī de wèilái shèhuì lántú – “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the theme of the Osaka 2025 World Expo機構 jīgòu – organization; institution碳中和 tàn zhōnghé – carbon neutrality數位科技 shùwèi kējì – digital technology次世代交通工具 cìshìdài jiāotōng gōngjù – next-generation transportation tools虛擬 xūnǐ – virtual永續 yǒngxù – sustainability再生 zàishēng – recycling; regeneration海洋塑料 hǎiyáng sùliào – ocean plastic貨架 huòjià – shelf (for displaying goods)購物籃 gòuwù lán – shopping basket生物氣體發電廠 shēngwù qìtǐ fādiànchǎng – biogas power plant微生物 wéishēngwù – microorganism廢棄物 fèiqìwù – waste; discarded materials再生能源 zàishēng néngyuán – renewable energy反思 fǎnsī – reflection; introspection週邊商品 zhōubiān shāngpǐn – peripheral products; merchandise絨毛玩偶 róngmáo wán'ǒu – plush toy鑰匙圈 yàoshǐquān – keychain大開眼界 dàkāi yǎnjiè – to greatly broaden one's horizonsPlanning to travel or move to Taiwan? If you'd like to improve your Chinese before you go, feel free to book a one-on-one lesson with me.I'll help you improve your Chinese so you can settle in more comfortably when you arrive.Book a one-on-one trial lesson with me !

This week, Chris and Aaron take a look at some of the most memorable moments when rock and metal met the movies and it's impact on them. From cult horror flicks and underground oddities to big-budget blockbusters, the guys share their favorite soundtrack cuts and the stories behind them. Chris' list includes tracks from Dio, Ozzy with Type O Negative, Pretty Maids, Sorcery, and more, while Aaron highlights standout songs from AC/DC, Pantera, Motorhead, Faith No More, and others. It's a tour through the soundtracks that left a lasting mark on music, film, and your hosts alike. Let us know YOUR top movie soundtracks/songs in the comments! We hope you enjoy The Soundtracks of Our Lives and SHARE with a friend! Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Facebook Fan Page Follow on Twitter Follow on Instagram E-mail Us Subscribe to our Youtube channel! Support Us! Buy a T-Shirt! Donate to the show! Stream Us! Stitcher Radio Spreaker TuneIn Become a VIP Subscriber! Click HERE for more info! Comment Below Direct Download  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Chris and Aaron take a look at some of the most memorable moments when rock and metal met the movies and it's impact on them. From cult horror flicks and underground oddities to big-budget blockbusters, the guys share their favorite soundtrack cuts and the stories behind them. Chris' list includes tracks from Dio, Ozzy with Type O Negative, Pretty Maids, Sorcery, and more, while Aaron highlights standout songs from AC/DC, Pantera, Motorhead, Faith No More, and others. It's a tour through the soundtracks that left a lasting mark on music, film, and your hosts alike. Let us know YOUR top movie soundtracks/songs in the comments! We hope you enjoy The Soundtracks of Our Lives and SHARE with a friend! Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Facebook Fan Page Follow on Twitter Follow on Instagram E-mail Us Subscribe to our Youtube channel! Support Us! Buy a T-Shirt! Donate to the show! Stream Us! Stitcher Radio Spreaker TuneIn Become a VIP Subscriber! Click HERE for more info! Comment Below Direct Download  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the Parkland shooting in 2018, David Hogg and his classmates' rallying cry, #NeverAgain, echoed across the nation. Unfortunately, since that tragic event, countless other locations—the Tree of Life Synagogue, El Paso, Uvalde, Half Moon Bay and many more—have joined the heartbreaking list of mass shootings. For each of the past five years, the number of mass shootings in the United States has exceeded the number of days in the year. These tragic events have upended workplaces, schools, places of worship, communities and daily life nationwide, resulting in thousands of lives lost. In response to this epidemic, many politicians have provided little more than clichéd thoughts and prayers. In August 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a report on gun violence that revealed the stunning statistic that 140,000 gun deaths in the United States could have been prevented over the last 10 years had the rest of the country matched California's firearm death rate. Leading the California Department of Justice for the last three years, Bonta has pioneered the "California model of gun violence prevention." Building on his work as a state legislator, he has defended California's leading firearms safety laws, championed robust use of the wide array of gun-prevention tools available to Californians, and established the first-of-its-kind Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Join Parkland shooting survivor and March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, along with other prominent gun violence prevention leaders, for a discussion on the future of gun safety in California and the nation, moderated by Attorney General Bonta. How has the California model succeeded, and can it be replicated across the country? Can we hold the firearm industry accountable for putting profits over people? How should we address different types of firearm violence—including community violence, mass shootings, domestic violence and suicide? What do the twin crises of violence and political gridlock reveal about our society? And where can we find hope? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Brent, Kenzie, and Logan introduce our new podcast series, "Truth for Our Lives." Throughout this series, we will be addressing some foundational elements of the Christian faith and how they impact the way we live as followers of Jesus! We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

#877: #871: In this raw and unfiltered solo episode, Michael Bosstick breaks down what it actually takes to build, scale, and sustain a business in today's world. Drawing from 20+ years of firsthand experience as the Founder & CEO of Dear Media, an investor in high-growth startups, and a serial entrepreneur, Michael shares hard-earned lessons from both wins and failures. He dives deep into the biggest mistakes new founders make, how to choose the right business partners, the importance of financial discipline, and how to protect your energy while building something that lasts. Whether you're launching your first company or growing your tenth, this episode delivers tactical insight, mindset shifts, and a no-BS playbook for long-term success.   To Watch the Show click HERE   For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM   To connect with Dear Media click HERE   To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE   Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE   Head to our ShopMy page HERE and LTK page HERE to find all of the products mentioned in each episode.   Get your burning questions featured on the show! Leave the Him & Her Show a voicemail at +1 (512) 537-7194.   To learn more about DM IRL Dallas and purchase tickets visit https://dearmedia.com/events.  This episode is sponsored by Cotton Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at http://TheFabricOfOurLives.com.     This episode is sponsored by Fatty15 Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to http://fatty15.com/SKINNY and using code SKINNY at checkout.   This episode is sponsored by Astral Tequila House Marg Summer is here!!! Time to stock up! Go to http://AstralTequila.com to find Astral near you - and don't forget the limes! Please Enjoy Responsibly.   This episode is sponsored by The RealReal Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to http://TheRealReal.com/skinny.   This episode is sponsored by YNAB TSC Him & Her Show listeners can claim an exclusive three-month free trial, with no credit card required at http://YNAB.com/skinny. Produced by Dear Media

Was the great hope of the first Christians to fly away one day, or was it something far more rooted in the biblical story of creation? The Eikon team discusses this important question as they examine the pivotal passages of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and demonstrate how Paul might have been saying something very different from what many modern readers have presumed. 00:00 - Introduction and Banter10:32 - The Importance of Resurrection in the Gospel27:02 - Understanding the Stages of Resurrection51:07 - The Impact of Resurrection on Our Lives

Are you struggling to break free from the grip of an addiction? Are you searching for hope and healing, but don't know where to start? Christie Myers and Christina Baker chat about the transformative power of prayer and their personal journeys of healing. They share the importance of vulnerability and community, and the divine encounters they had that led to freedom and change. Christina shares her story of overcoming a 10-year battle with drug addiction, finding hope through faith, and the role of prayer in her healing journey. We pray that this conversation leaves you with the truth that God's endless love is available to everyone, regardless of your past, and there is hope for your healing through the power of Christ. Cristina's passion is to minister the Gospel and teach people about the power of prayer that is found in a relationship with Jesus. She's an author, speaker, and the author of A Minute of Hope. After a 10-year battle with drug addiction, Cristina had a radical encounter with the love and power of God and immediately answered the call on her life to minister the Gospel. Cristina and her husband are founders of Power of Hope Ministries, and they currently live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their teenage son and three dogs. Cristina's Website: https://cristinabaker.com/ Cristina's TikTok: cristina.baker   Conversation Topics: Transformation is possible through prayer and faith. Vulnerability is key to your healing. Community plays an important role in your personal growth. Divine encounters can change the course of our lives. Prayer is a powerful tool for transformation. It's important to come to God as we are. Hope deferred can lead to heart sickness. Forgiveness for yourself and others is essential for healing. We need tools to help us in our spiritual journey. God's love is available to everyone, no matter their past.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Transformation Through Prayer 02:57 Christina Baker's Journey of Transformation 06:03 The Impact of Family and Early Life Experiences 08:47 Struggles with Identity and Substance Abuse 11:27 Turning Point: A Moment of Realization 14:24 Finding Faith and Community 16:52 The Power of Prayer and Personal Change 23:59 The Battle Between Love and Fear 25:34 Finding Inner Peace and Truth 27:27 The Journey of Emotional Healing 29:18 The Power of Prayer and Transformation 32:23 Understanding Love and Connection 34:20 Choosing Life Over Knowledge 36:14 The Importance of Forgiveness 38:04 The Invitation to Open Your Heart 39:21 The Role of Prayer in Our Lives 41:56 Becoming What We Worship 44:56 Living a Victorious Life Through Connection 46:30 The Invitation to Healing and Transformation   Important Links: Watch this podcast episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SPF-r_KGiMA Get our Guide: "15 Social Media Boundaries to Protect Your Joy" Get Allie's book “Social Media Reset” Get Allie's book “Wonderfully Made” Join our Love Her A'Latte campaign — make our podcast possible Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Get the show notes:  https://wonderfullymade.org/2025/08/18/finding-freedom-from-addictions/  

Join us as author, speaker, and comedian Brit Barron kicks off our Do You Still Talk to Grandma series, where we'll reflect on the difficult negotiation work of striving to find a way forward without allowing differences with family members to entrap us in Cancel Culture ideologies. Speaker: Brit Barron Part of the series “Do You Still Talk to Grandma?: When the Problematic People in Our Lives are the Ones We Love”

Baby number 4 is on the way!! We are debriefing this surprising but beautiful addition to our family. Answering all your burning questions... especially the biggest one. How did this happen?We hope you;re ready for some honesty and good laughs because that's what this episode is full of!We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: Huggies Little Snugglers, now with blowout protection in every direction* *Sizes 1-2. Huggies. Huggies.com. Come hang with us at Dear Media IRL on Thursday, October 11th in Dallas! Head to dearmedia.com/events for all the details and to grab your tickets! Visit sugaredandbronzed.com and use code DANI at checkout for your first month free. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DANIAUSTIN. This deal is not available on their regular website. Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives and make sure you're checking tags to ensure it's the fabric of your life too. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com Make your life easier—shop Amazon.com for college. With Amazon's low Off-to-College Prices, just save on college, save the everyday. Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey.  we love y'all!! Produced by Dear Media

In this episode of We Go Boldly, hosts Rielly Karsh and Tovah Kopan explore the theme of joy through reading. They share personal anecdotes about their love for books, discuss how reading serves as a form of escapism and self-discovery, and emphasize the importance of finding joy nuggets in literature. The conversation also touches on the impact of stories on personal growth and the joy of sharing book recommendations. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace their reading journey without judgment, highlighting that there is no wrong way to enjoy literature. Takeaways Reading brings joy and can be a source of escapism. Personal experiences with books shape our understanding of ourselves. Books can inform us about what we lack or desire in life. Finding joy nuggets in literature can enhance our daily lives. There is no wrong way to read or enjoy stories. Reading can be both entertaining and educational.Books can help us understand our emotions and experiences. Rereading books can provide new insights and perspectives. It's okay to put down books that don't resonate with you. Sharing book recommendations can foster community and connection.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joy and Reading 02:59 The Joy of Reading and Personal Experiences 06:08 Books as Escapism and Self-Discovery 12:05 The Impact of Stories on Our Lives 18:06 Favorite Books and Recommendations 23:53 The Importance of Enjoyment in Reading 29:57 Conclusion and Future Discussions Did you enjoy this episode? We would love to hear your thoughts and more about your personal development journey. Head to Apple Podcasts and then rate, review, and subscribe. This way you will get notified once a new episode goes live. Don't forget to find us and subscribe on YouTube too. CONNECT WITH RIELLY AND TOVAHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goboldlytogether/Website: goboldlyinitiative.com or https://we-go-boldly-podcast.simplecast.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPh8gu_ugJqvvnYiuRSyPQLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/go-boldly-initiativePatreon: https://www.patreon.com/wegoboldlyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBoldlyTogetherPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoBoldlyTogether/

#875: Join us as we sit down with Vani Hari – food activist behind Food Babe, 4x NY Times best-selling author, & founder of the organic food brand Truvani. Vani's viral testimony before the US Senate ignited a nationwide movement, calling out major food corporations for using harmful ingredients in America that are banned in other countries. In this episode, Vani breaks down how to make smarter choices at the grocery store, exposes what's really hiding in your food, highlights urgent policy changes that need to happen, & shares how to live a clean, organic lifestyle – even while on the go.   To Watch the Show click HERE   For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM   To connect with Vani Hari click HERE   To connect with Truvani click HERE    To connect with Lauryn Bosstick click HERE   To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE   Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE   Head to our ShopMy page HERE and LTK page HERE to find all of the products mentioned in each episode.   Get your burning questions featured on the show! Leave the Him & Her Show a voicemail at +1 (512) 537-7194.   To shop Truvani visit https://shop.truvani.com/SKINNY and use code SKINNY for 20% off for a limited time.    This episode is sponsored by The Skinny Confidential Your daily routine done better – with The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen. Subscribe today at https://shopskinnyconfidential.com/products/sunscreen  and get it delivered right to your door – because great skin doesn't take days off!   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Give online therapy a try at http://betterhelp.com/SKINNY and get on your way to being your best self.   This episode is sponsored by Nutrafol For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to http://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code SKINNYHAIR.   This episode is sponsored by Jolie Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to http://jolieskinco.com/SKINNY to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.   This episode is sponsored by Kion Go to http://getkion.com/skinny to save up to 20% off.    This episode is sponsored by Cotton Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at http://TheFabricOfOurLives.com.     Produced by Dear Media

We discuss why embracing regret can help us make our lives happier, by helping point the way to a life that better reflects our values. We also share a listener's hack for using customized stickers to label children's belongings. Plus, we explore whether Upholders can experience Upholder-rebellion. Resources & links related to this episode: Take the survey here Making Neighborhood Take The Five Senses quiz Elizabeth is reading: Wild West Village by Lola Kirke (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits (Amazon) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the Samis dive into all things mindset—answering your top questions and sharing the tools that keep them grounded and intentional, no matter the season.They unpack their non-negotiables while traveling (including the essentials they always bring to support their routines). Then, they explore how to stop second-guessing yourself in social settings—offering a powerful regulating tool that's helped them show up with more confidence and calm.This episode is filled with perspective, actionable takeaways, and real tools to support your mindset—wherever you are in your journey.Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Sponsors:We've worked out a special offer for my audience! Receive 30% off your first subscription order. Go to armra.com/TRANSFORM or enter TRANSFORM to get 30% off your first subscription order.Get healthy, glowing skin for summer with clean, vegan skin and body care from OSEA. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code TRANSFORM at OSEAMalibu.com. You'll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50.If you want to give the first real-food multivitamin a try, head to dailygem.com/TRANSFORM or enter TRANSFORM at checkout for 30% off your first order.Take advantage of this exclusive offer: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/transform and use code transform.Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com.Head to paleovalley.com/transform or use code transform at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Express the Patience of the Holy Spirit:Embrace Mercy from the FatherExtend Forgiveness to One AnotherErase Bitterness in Our LivesExperience Freedom because of Christ --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

The Samis are back—recording together in Austin and fresh off back-to-back birthday celebrations! With birthdays just six days apart, they reflect on how they marked the moment this year, from solo rituals to unforgettable group celebrations.In this episode, Sami Clarke shares all the goodness from her birthday week, from soaking up nature on a group trip to Lake Powell to quiet moments spent solo. Then, Sami Spalter takes us behind the scenes of her epic 30th birthday bash—Sami's Beach Club—where her intention was to embrace her inner child.This episode is filled with laughter, a little reflection, and all the beauty of celebrating friendship and a new decade.Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.KGR Pinky Ring: https://www.kgrcollection.com/ and @KGRcollection on Instagram Mossighi Pinky Ring: https://www.mossighi.com/ and @mossighi on InstagramThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Sponsors:Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com.Use my link to save 20% at GETKION.COM/TRANSFORM.Head to paleovalley.com/transform for 15% off your first purchase.Exclusively for Transform listeners: visit weliveconscious.com and use code SAMI at checkout for 15% off your first purchase. Results in 90 days--or it's free.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Motherland writer Helen Serafinowicz on putting Wayne and Coleen Rooney at the heart of her debut play - The Legend of Rooney's Ring - which has just opened at the Royal Court in Liverpool.Literary critic Alex Clark examines the Booker Prize longlist which was announced today.Love Forms by Claire Adam The South by Tash Aw Universality by Natasha Brown One Boat by Jonathan Buckley Flashlight by Susan Choi The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai Audition by Katie Kitamura The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller Endling by Maria Reva Flesh by David Szalay Seascraper by Benjamin Wood Misinterpretation by Ledia XhogaThis month the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford presented the final stage in its £6.8 million redevelopment with the opening of its new Sound and Vision Galleries. The museum's director, Jo Quinton-Tulloch discusses how the redevelopment has changed what the museum now offers.The artist William Kentridge, known for his charcoal drawings, animations, and films, is presenting his first major sculpture show in the UK - The Pull Of Gravity at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Jo Sperryn-Jones, a Fine Art assistant professor and sculptor reviews.Presenter: Nick Ahad Producer: Ekene Akalawu

We're going to talk about books, specifically what our critic Catherine Robertson calls her "to be read pile of shame" books, also known as those books you've bought and haven't yet got around to reading. Catherine reviews: The Royal Free by Carl Shuker (Te Herenga Waka University Press) The Mess of Our Lives by Mary-anne Scott (One Tree House) Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw (Allen and Unwin)

In a MacVoices Live! panel from Macstock Conference 2025 the group explores curiosity, learning, and creativity through technology. Marty Jencius, Brittany Smith, Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Norbert Frassa, and Eric Bolden share personal motivations, how AI impacts their work and lives, and why continuous learning remains essential. The discussion spans everything from Vision Pro quirks to embracing AI tools like ChatGPT, encouraging output over perfection and celebrating lifelong learning. (Part 1) This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:11 Introduction to Macstock 2025 13:52 Embracing Learning and Curiosity 24:50 The Evolution of AI in Our Lives 30:47 Conclusion Links: Macstock Conference 2025 Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at  @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on Twitter and see what he's up to. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Brittany Smith is a trained cognitive neuroscientist who provides ADD/ADHD, technology, and productivity coaching through her business, Devise and Conquer, along with companion video courses for folks with ADHD. She's also the cofounder of The ADHD Guild, a community for nerdy folks with ADHD. She, herself, is a self-designated “well-rounded geek”. She can be found on Twitter as @addliberator, on Mastodon as @addliberator@pdx.social, and on YouTube with tech tips.   Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Summary In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various topics surrounding gun control, focusing on Gavin Newsom's recent actions and statements regarding the Second Amendment. The conversation delves into the implications of background checks, the role of public opinion in constitutional rights, and the responsibilities of gun manufacturers in the political landscape. The episode also touches on the campaign against Pam Bondi by March for Our Lives, highlighting the ongoing battle over gun rights in America. Takeaways Gavin Newsom's stance on gun control is contradictory. Background checks for ammunition purchases were struck down by the Ninth Circuit. Public opinion polls should not dictate constitutional rights. The U.S. is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. Gun manufacturers need to take a stand against tyrannical laws. Pam Bondi's actions have drawn criticism from gun control advocates. The gun industry often fails to support its own rights. Leadership in the gun industry is lacking and needs to be more assertive. The concept of rights versus privileges is crucial in the gun debate. The fight for gun rights is ongoing and requires active participation. Keywords Gavin Newsom, gun control, Second Amendment, background checks, democracy, gun manufacturers, Pam Bondi, March for Our Lives, political landscape, constitutional rights  

Happy Thursday De-Influencers! For our Jordan takeover fans, we have a special treat for you! It's a Jordan Guest episode and man have we been waiting for this one! Jordan sits down with Texas Billionaire Tim Dunn to talk business, family, religion and politics. It's a great conversation with Tim bringing a lot of insight from his years in the oil industry, being a husband and father of six children, and a man of faith. He came in right from a SouthWest flight wearing his favorite New Balance sneakers to this interview. I mean how many billionaires have you heard of that are flying commercial? We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: Huggies Little Snugglers, now with blowout protection in every direction* *Sizes 1-2. Huggies. Huggies.com. Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives and make sure you're checking tags to ensure it's the fabric of your life too. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DANIAUSTIN. This deal is not available on their regular website. Shop the best selection of home improvement online. Get renovating with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Visit LiveConscious.com today and make the switch to a smarter sip with Beyond Brew. Use code DANI to receive 15% off. If you're ready to build your own business—whether it's merch, a passion project you've been sitting on, or even a summer side hustle, get on Shopify.com/dani and make it happen! Make your life easier—shop Amazon.com for college. With Amazon's low Off-to-College Prices, just save on college, save the everyday. Let us know in the comments what you thought about this interview!! Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey.  we love y'all!! D+J

Mallory McDuff joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about expanding a project from straight memoir to broaden its accessibility and audience, feedback from editors about what's marketable, placing an essay to help sell a book, starting a memoir  in the middle of the story, death and choices we can make that align our final wishes with the values we hold in our life, conversations around burial, making less of an impact on the earth, how detachment from death and dying is relatively new in our culture, allowing scenes to stack upon themselves, how to weave the personal throughout the whole book to take the reader with us, and her new memoir Our Last Best Act: Planning for the End of Our Lives to Protect the People and Places We Love.    Also in this episode: -living with and on the earth -climate justice -mirroring real conversations in memoir   Books mentioned in this episode:  The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl Wild Spectacle by Janisse Ray Soil by Camille Dungy Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur The Green Burial Guidebook by Elizabeth Fournier From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doughty   Mallory McDuff writes and teaches environmental education at Warren Wilson College, a liberal arts school that integrates academics with work and community engagement. She lives on campus with her two daughters in a 900-square foot house with an expansive view of a white barn, a herd of cows, and the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina, an area still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helen. Her writing examines the intersection of people and places for a better world.    She is the author of the books Love Your Mother: 50 States, 50 Stories, and 50 Women United for Climate Justice (Broadleaf Books); Our Last Best Act: Planning for the End of Our Lives to Protect the People and Places We Love (Broadleaf Books); Sacred Acts: How Churches are Working to Protect Earth's Climate (New Society Publishers); Natural Saints: How People of Faith are Working to Save God's Earth (Oxford University Press) and co-author of Conservation Education and Outreach Techniques, 2nd Ed., (Oxford University Press).    In addition, she has published 20 articles in academic journals and more than 50 essays in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, BuzzFeed, The Huffington Post, Sojourners, and more. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Florida, M.S. from the University of South Alabama, and B.S. from Vanderbilt University.  Connect with Mallory: Website: https://mallorymcduff.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mallory.mcduff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallorymcduff1/ X: https://x.com/malmcduff Link to purchase Our Last Best Act: https://bookshop.org/p/books/our-last-best-act-planning-for-the-end-of-our-lives-to-protect-the-people-and-places-we-love-mallory-mcduff/16147581?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAu8W6BhC-ARIsACEQoDCXXHpQuMQxxUoTaRQmdReLz7lFh-2qI4DYUvze6KyZm6hPclcqrZ4aAkMzEALw_wcB   – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social   Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

Student homelessness reaches a record high across the state. We'll have a look at Sacramento County. Also, the Sacramento Youth Center's “Summer Bash.” Finally, this month's “In a Nutshell” storytelling series is “The Soundtrack of Our Lives.”

Pastor James Kaddis is currently developing a series we've called, “In Spirit and in Truth.”And here in part six we're uncovering the Word and Mind of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives. Last time you may recall, pastor James was talking about the gifts God gives to His children, in order for us to be able to fulfill His calling on our lives. Now today we're going to see how we're to put these gifts to use… with love! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29

✦ From street corners to collectors' closets, sneakers have become more than just footwear. They're currency, they're conversation starters, and they're Culture. In Atlanta, sneakers have found their way into exhibitions, college degrees, and even job opportunities. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans recently laced up to learn more about the billion-dollar industry behind the kicks that turn heads and spark hype. ✦ It's time to check in with our artistic community and hear from an artist in their own words. Today, we're catching up with poet Lauren Doriahna. She's an Atlanta lyricist, and she's here to share the rhyme and reason behind the art of language. ✦ City Lights Collective member Shane Harrison spends his days at Arts ATL looking for cultural events to share with readers. He joins us weekly to share highlights, and today, his mix includes a few options for Comedy and details on a 3-band show at the Garden Club with a few of Georgia's finest. ✦ Five Eight is playing the Garden Club with Magnapop, Anna Kramer, and Easy Now on Saturday. Five Eight emerged from the Athens scene in the late 1980s with live shows fans described as "brilliance bordering on a train wreck," delivered with frontman Mike Mantione's trademark honesty and immediacy. As mentioned, there's a documentary called "Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight," created by filmmaker and music journalist Marc Pilvinsky, which was filmed over a nine-year period. Ahead of the Five Eight show this Saturday, we listen back to Kim's 2024 conversation with Five Eight's Mike Mantione and documentarian Marc Pilvinsky. ✦ Artist and music enthusiast Kosmo Vinyl spent several decades immersed in music and began his professional career at London's pioneering indie label, "Stiff Records." In 1979, Kosmo started working exclusively with "The Clash" and stayed by their side until the punk icons disbanded in 1986. Over the years, Kosmo's record collection became legendary. In 2014, he began posting about his favorite releases on social media for his series, "Kosmo's Vinyl of the Week," and he joins us weekly to share the stories behind the records he treasures. Today, he tells us the story behind Them's version of "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue." ✦ In his YouTube documentary series "Our Voices, Our Lives," Atlanta-based filmmaker William Feagins Jr. shines a light on our city's creatives of color. The program has been running for 7 years, and City Lights Collective member Jacob Smulian recently spoke with the award-winning documentarian to learn more about the celebratory project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the things we sideline in the pursuit of success—care, connection, and personal struggles—are what could actually lead us to clarity and purpose? In a culture that celebrates achievement and autonomy, have we overlooked the connective tissue that quietly holds our lives and systems together? Could personal transformation also be the key to transforming how we lead, live, and rebuild the world around us?Find out from Anne-Marie Slaughter, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Anne-Marie Slaughter is a global leader, educator, foreign policy expert, public intellectual and the CEO of New America, a “think and action tank” dedicated to realizing the promise of America in an era of rapid technological and social change. In 2009, Hillary Clinton appointed her as the first woman Director of Policy Planning in the U.S. State Department. She has been a professor at University of Chicago Law School, Harvard Law School and Princeton University, and has written and lectured widely on very relevant topics, including global network design and leadership, gender equality and elevating the value of care for both men and women, and on American renewal. Anne-Marie is a regular columnist for Project Syndicate, a contributing editor to the Financial Times, appears regularly on CNN, BBC, NPR, and PBS, and author of several books including The Idea that Is America, Unfinished Business, and Renewal: From Crisis to Transformation in Our Lives, Work, and Politics.In this episode, Anne-Marie reveals:- How stepping away from power may bring unexpected clarity about who we are and our purpose in the world- Why caregiving—long dismissed as peripheral—may hold more influence than we've been taught to believe- A deeper path of renewal that can reshape not only individuals but also the systems within which we live and lead

Meaningful Coincidences in Our Lives with Bernard Beitman Dr. Bernard Beitman, MD, is former Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is author of many books, including Connecting with Coincidence: The New Science of Using Synchronicity and Serendipity in Your Life and Meaningful Coincidences: How and Why Synchronicity and Serendipity … Continue reading "Meaningful Coincidences in Our Lives with Bernard Beitman"

Trending Upward: A Spiritual Call to Check Your DirectionIn this powerful sermon, Pastor Robert Tisdale urges the congregation to critically examine their spiritual direction and trends in life. He highlights the pervasive influence of 'scroll culture' on our souls and underscores the significance of intentional spiritual habits over fleeting digital engagements. Using various analogies and scriptural references, Pastor Tisdale emphasizes the subtle drift toward or away from God driven by everyday choices. He calls for a genuine reflection on one's actions, urging believers to prioritize faith, integrity, and spiritual growth over societal metrics. The sermon culminates in a collective call to repentance and realignment with divine purpose.00:00 Introduction: The Collision of Scroll and Soul Culture00:41 The Power of Trending: Movement and Direction04:40 The Impact of Negativity and Scandal10:04 The Influence of Social Media on Our Lives14:27 Spiritual Metrics vs. Worldly Metrics22:15 The Call for Integrity and Surrender25:40 Holiness: A Posture, Not a Performance26:26 Daily Decisions for Spiritual Growth26:45 The Narrow Road to Spiritual Fulfillment27:26 Quiet Choices and Character Building28:14 Authenticity in Faith28:44 God Sees All: Hidden Habits and Holiness29:37 Trending Toward God: Intentional Choices30:21 Spirituality Beyond the Pulpit32:46 Declarations for a Holy Trend35:49 The Goal of Christianity: Spiritual Maturity39:47 Invitation to the Altar: A Call for Repentance50:10 Final Reflections and Blessings

In this solo episode, Sami Spalter reflects on the defining decade that brought her to 30. From moving cities and building her career to navigating heartbreaks, burnouts, and deep personal growth—she opens up about the moments that shaped her most, and the lessons she's bringing with her into this next chapter.Throughout the episode, Sami breaks down her twenties into seven chapters, each one rooted in a lesson she's carrying into this next chapter. This episode is more than a reflection—it's an invitation to look inward. Whether you're in the thick of your own magical twenties or looking back on them, Sami hopes you find pieces of your story in hers.Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Sponsors:Head to paleovalley.com/transform for 15% off your first purchase.So, why not shake up your Ritual? Get 25% off your first month of Ritual when you visit ritual.com/transform & add Essential Protein today.Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com.Exclusively for[Transform listeners: visit weliveconscious.com and use code SAMI at checkout for 15% off your first purchase. Results in 90 days--or it's free.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all know by now what social media is doing to our mental health, but what is it doing to our souls? And why should we care? Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made and author of “Social Media Reset” tackles these questions and talks about the serious spiritual ramifications of using social media excessively in a mindless way. They talk about the impact of social media on our souls and mental health, the importance of living a life of purpose and joy, and the journey of resetting our relationship with social media. This is an eye-opening and inspiring conversation that will help you think about your legacy and how you want to live your life.     Conversation Topics: Social media can lead to addiction and discontentment. Taking a break from social media can reset your mind and heart. Comparison on social media steals joy and satisfaction. Life is fleeting, and we must cherish our time. We can cultivate our unique gifts by stepping away from social media. Success is not defined by social media followers. Living for God and serving others brings true joy. We have the power to use social media for good. Mental health issues are exacerbated by social media use. We are invited to live a life of purpose and joy.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wonderfully Made Podcast 01:46 The Impact of Social Media on Life 05:49 Resetting Your Relationship with Social Media 09:38 The Brevity of Life and Its Importance 12:27 Creativity and the Cost of Social Media 15:59 Legacy and the Value of Our Lives 22:10 Awakening to Reality 23:30 Transformative Mind Renewal 24:44 Flourishing in God's Design 28:03 Navigating Media's Influence 30:16 The Healing Journey 32:28 The Power of Choice 33:44 Understanding Social Media's Impact 36:44 Resetting Our Relationship with Social Media 38:55 Using Social Media for Good 40:22 Living with Purpose 42:10 The Invitation to Live Fully   Important Links: Watch this podcast episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZMk70b-iLDk Get our Guide: "15 Social Media Boundaries to Protect Your Joy" Get Allie's book “Social Media Reset” Get Allie's book “Wonderfully Made” Join our Love Her A'Latte campaign — make our podcast possible Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Get the Show Notes  

We see the battle between good and evil throughout the Bible and in the world around us. But do angels and demons influence our lives today and if they do, how do they interact with us?Joining Frank on the program this week is Pastor Allen Jackson from World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN. Under his humble yet confident leadership, the church has grown from fewer than 30 people to over 15,000 since 1989. His new book, 'Angels, Demons & You: Unseen Spiritual Influences in Our Lives', provides a biblical perspective on the reality of spiritual forces and how they impact our daily lives. Together, Frank and Allen answer questions like:What happened to Allen's mom that led to his whole family being born again?How did World Outreach Church go from a small Bible study in Allen's parents' home to a megachurch?Is leadership just a secular word?Is Islam compatible with the U.S. Constitution?Why does our American culture seem to dismiss the existence of angels and demons?What was it like studying at a secular school like Vanderbilt University?What roles did angels have in the Bible and what is their role today?Should pastors be "political"?Is there a way to detect the presence of angels and demons acting in our lives?You'll also learn the importance of making disciples instead of people who just sit in pews, and why the greatest inheritance we can leave our family isn't fortune or fame--but living a life that honors God. From his humble beginnings as the son of an equine veterinarian, to a ministry that now reaches and encourages 3,000,000+ people per week around the globe, you'll see why Allen says, "The One we serve is great and we serve at His pleasure!"Resources mentioned during the episode:World Outreach Church - https://wochurch.org/Allen Jack Ministries - https://allenjackson.com/Allen's podcast - https://cultureandchristianity.org/podcast/Angels, Demons, and You - https://bit.ly/3TYYC1SGod Bless America Again - https://bit.ly/3IcTlRL

Author and fellow Hanoverian Tracie Adams joins Paul to discuss western versus eastern Hanover, her life and her book. They first chatted about Tracie's book, Our Lives in Pieces which is written as a collection of essays. In Our Lives in Pieces, Tracie tackles some very difficult and challenging issues that many of us have dealt with in our daily lives. Tracie and Paul discussed her life and how she used her own personal experiences as the foundation for her book. They finished with Tracie telling Paul that she is working on a second book, Paul asking her to come back for a second episode and lastly, they agreed that there's only one brand of mayonnaise that you should use!

In this episode of Transform, the Samis are diving into the words they're living by right now — the mantras, phrases, and reminders that resonate in this season of life.From short sayings that bring them back to their purpose to affirmations that guide them through change, they share what's grounding them — and why it matters. This conversation is a powerful reminder that language is a tool: to anchor, to empower, and to support you through every chapter.Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.Song "I am Light" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ism8dBjxKvcThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Sponsors:Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try Simply Pop!Exclusively for Transform listeners: visit weliveconscious.com and use code TRANSFORM at checkout for 15% off your first purchase. Plus, when you sign up for a subscription, you'll save an additional 34%, along with free shipping.If you have been eyeing their internet famous 12 piece cookware set, now is the perfect time to buy! You can shop Caraway Risk-Free! Enjoy fast, free shipping, easy returns, and a 30-day trial. Plus, if you visit Carawayhome.com/TRANSFORM you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase.This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/TRANSFORM or use code TRANSFORM at checkout. Caraway. Non-Toxic cookware made modern.Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I'm joined by journalist and author Michael Gross, whose book, Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives, reveals the powerful and often overlooked role of muscle in human health and society—tracing its importance from ancient civilizations to modern science. We explore how our understanding of muscle has evolved through history, from symbols of strength and vitality in antiquity to current misconceptions in modern society. Michael shares insights from his extensive research, highlighting the incredible resilience of muscle tissue, debunking common myths about strength and aging, and providing compelling evidence for why everyone—no matter their age or background—should prioritize building and preserving muscle.We cover:How muscle was viewed and valued from ancient cultures through modern timesWhy muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of overall health and longevityHow muscle acts as an endocrine organ influencing metabolism, immunity, and cognitionThe common misconceptions about strength training, especially in women and older adultsHow the science of muscle can change your approach to fitness and longevityThe societal impact of muscle loss—and how we can turn it aroundThis conversation will leave you with a renewed appreciation for muscle—past, present, and future—and actionable insights to help you stay forever strong.Who is Michael Gross?Michael Joseph Gross is an accomplished journalist and author, widely recognized for his deeply researched, insightful explorations of human health and societal trends. His latest book, Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives, delves into the transformative power of muscle from a biological, societal, and cultural perspective, offering groundbreaking insights into how muscle impacts our health, aging process, and overall quality of life.This episode is brought to you by: MASA Chips – Get 25% off your first order → https://masachips.com/LYONOneSkin – Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://oneskin.coMUDWTR – Get up to 43% off with code DRLYON → https://mudwtr.com/DRLYONLMNT – Get your free LMNT Sample Pack → https://drinklmnt.com/DRLYONFind Michael Joseph Gross at: Get the book: https://www.michaeljosephgross.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-joseph-gross-2937a5/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljosephgross Find Me At: Instagram:@drgabriellelyon TikTok: @drgabriellelyonFacebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyonYouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyonX (Twitter):

Kids all read at different ages, stages, and times, but how can we, as parents, ensure they are getting all the tools and skills they need to become great readers? Today, Maya Smart joins me to talk about her new book Reading for Our Lives. She delves into the science of how kids become not just readers, but also comprehend and think critically. Here is some of what we cover: Why you are your child's chief vocabulary builder TALK stands for: Take turns, Ask questions, Label and point, Keep the conversation going Why literacy still matters—even in an AI world Literacy is relational, not just instructional Early vocabulary and sound awareness are critical foundations Connect with Maya Smart:  Website:  Maya Smart - Helping Parents Raise Readers | Become a Reader Facebook: Maya Smart Instagram:  Maya Smart - Parent Educator and Literacy Advocate (@mayasmarty) Links Mentioned:   Reading for Our Lives: By Maya Smart Related Episodes: How to Stay Calm with School Stress :: Kirk Martin {Ep 88} “What is Typical When Learning to Talk?” :: Stephanie Cohen [Ep 486] Supporting Students with Dyslexia :: Kerri Irvin [Ep 317] Featured Sponsors:  Active Skin Repair: Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code:DMA.  Remi: No waiting rooms. No overpriced bills. Just a better way to protect your teeth while you sleep. Try Remi risk-free at shopremi.com/DMA and use CODE DMA to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout. Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honeylove. Find links to this week's sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.