A Godzillion and One

A recent study found that 50% of US adults read the Bible less than twice a year. In my conversation today with Raechel Myers we talk about this spiritual famine many Christians are facing, especially after the last few years.

As the CEO/Founder of She Reads Truth, He Reads Truth, and Kids Read Truth, Raechel is passionate about helping people personally connect with the living Word of God. Raechel’s passion for the Bible is evident but you will also appreciate her honesty in discussing the struggles and the pressures people sometimes face when it comes to diving into Scripture. I hope you get to the end of this episode feeling encouraged about your next step.

As we wrap up season 2 of the podcast, I couldn’t think of a better episode to keep ringing in our ears over the summer.

PS. Join us in wishing She Reads Truth a happy 10th year anniversary!

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Want to know what terms like cryptocurrency, Bitcoin mining, decentralization, and blockchain really mean? Not sure where to begin? Today's conversation with Daniel Hwang is a great place to start. Daniel is the Special Projects Lead at F2Pool and the Head of Protocols at stakefish. 

With degrees in computer science and cryptography, Daniel has participated in mining, remittances, and developed cryptocurrency education. With years of experience in this space, Daniel brings a unique perspective to the conversation as he explains the building blocks of what crypto is and the unique opportunities it provides in supporting social good. 

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Gloria Umanah is a spoken word artist, gifted communicator, and the founder/executive director of the Ex-Nihilo Collective, an organization raising up high capacity creatives and leaders. Their latest initiative, the Hope Booth, is a 3-minute immersive experience that delivers messages of hope in the form of remodeled phone booths stationed in cities around the world.

In everything she does, Gloria is passionate about reaching people that feel invisible and reminding them that they are seen and known. I hope you walk away from this episode reminded of the impact your life can have on this world.

(Note: this episode includes topics of mental health, including the mention of suicide. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255)

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Over 1.6 billion people around the world are living with inadequate housing and New Story Charity is taking on the challenge of shifting that reality. I recently caught up with Josh Young, Chief of Staff at New Story, an organization that is leading the way in pioneering solutions to end global homelessness.

We talked about everything from Josh's decision to decline Harvard grad school, Bitcoin beach, what a 3D housing community is really like, and the future we're heading into. Josh has a passion for ending homelessness and leveraging cutting-edge technology to better serve people. I think you'll learn a lot in this episode but you'll also walk away encouraged to take on the next challenge you see.

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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I had an honest conversation about suicide with Dr. Matthew Sleeth. As a former emergency room physician and minister, Dr. Sleeth has a heart for offering practical and spiritual tools to people who are struggling with depression and suicide. 

His recent book, Hope Always: How to be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide, provides unique Biblical insight into depression and suicide, and provides practical encouragement on how individuals, organizations, and churches can be a part of the solution.

(Note: this episode includes topics of mental health, suicide, and depression. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255)

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You were made in the image of God. This declaration is the foundation for today's conversation with Trillia Newbell. Trillia is a mom, advocate, Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers, and author of several books that dive into the intersection of faith and life. One of her passions is equipping and encouraging families to have conversations about diversity, inclusion, and God's plan for His people.

We talk about two of her recent books, God's Very Good Idea and Creative God, Colorful Us. Trillia is rooted in the Word and gives such practical advice and encouragement.

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We can hardly contain this guest's passion to one episode, so listen in and get to know Jordan Raynor. He is a serial entrepreneur, podcast host, twice selected Google fellow, and author. Jordan's an accomplished guy but he's not naive to the pressures of our world. Despite the numerous resources on time management and work-life balance, many people still feel overwhelmed with to-do lists, busy schedules, the constant notifications... Jordan’s book, Redeeming Your Time is a practical answer to how Christians can approach the topic of work while maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations. I loved hearing Jordan's passion, his Biblical wisdom, and his memorable anecdotes (wait until you hear about "the mailman").

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We're swimming in the deep end of the pool but don't let that scare you away. Dr. Craig Keener is a noted New Testament scholar, author, speaker, professor, and one of the foremost experts on historical and modern-day miracles. Dr. Keener is the author of the two-volume book, Miracles, and his latest release, Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World. This new book gives a shorter, accessible, concise overview of one of Keener's most significant research topics - the existence of miracles. 

If you've ever wondered if the miracles in the Bible were true or if God is still in the business of the miraculous, you'll want to listen in. Dr. Keener shares his own story of being an atheist and struggling with the Christian faith. We unpack the philosophy of David Hume, common questions people have about miracles, and hear personal stories of God at work in the modern-world. 

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Today’s guest, Andre Norman went from being one of the most feared prison gang leaders in the United States to an author, speaker, and dynamic agent of change. His childhood experiences paved the way for a life of crime which eventually led him to be sentenced to over 100 years in prison, including two and a half years in solitary confinement. In an unlikely place, after a profound epiphany, Andre decided to pursue a life of hope and purpose. Working 20+ hours a day on his dream, and after serving 14 years in prison, he walked out of prison a free man.

Andre has now dedicated his life to helping others in similar situations. Through the Academy of Hope, and his book Ambassador of Hope, Andre is a real-life example of what it looks like to break the cycle and forge a new path forward.

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Welcome to the Relationship Daily Double! Part 2 features Dr. Emerson Eggerichs discussing reasons why spouses react negatively to each other, and practical ways on how we can better deal with conflict when it arises.

Emerson has his Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies, he's the author of the New York Times bestseller book, Love and Respect, and is a world-renowned teacher on developing healthy marriages. Emerson has spent years uncovering ways to better understand your spouse through the Biblical lens of love and respect.

Be sure to check out Part 1 of the Relationship Daily Double with Toni Nieuwhof.

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Welcome to the Relationship Daily Double! In Part 1, I sit down with former divorce attorney, Toni Nieuwhof, to discuss what couples should know before they split up or file for divorce.

An expert in her field, Toni is a family law mediator, speaker, co-host of the Smart Family Podcast, and author. Her book, Before You Split: Find What You Really Want for the Future of Your Marriage, was written for those struggling in marriage and looking for a practical way forward. Using her years of experience as a divorce attorney and family law mediator, Toni knows how to speak into the disconnection and frustration of relationships.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of the Relationship Daily Double with Emerson Eggerichs.

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What do you do when life doesn't go according to your plan? Today's guest, Thane Marcus Ringler helps us answer that question. Faced with early retirement from his professional golf career, Thane had to carve a new path in his late 20s. He has now dedicated his life to helping others unlock their full potential through leadership training and The Up & Comers Show.

We talk openly about his unexpected journey of changing careers, navigating life, and the unique pressures that are put on millennials. More than just getting through the day, Thane wants to encourage us to live intentionally in whatever stage of life we are in.

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Today's interview is truly one I will never forget. I recently had the privilege of sitting down and talking to author and defender of stories, Karen Treiger. After 18 years of practicing law, Karen felt an unmistakable call to retire from her law practice and piece together the story of her in-laws, Sam and Esther Goldberg, who against all odds, met and fell in love while surviving the Holocaust. The result of Karen's research is the profound book, My Soul is Filled with Joy: A Holocaust Story.

This interview is just a glimpse into Sam and Esther's story - how they met and fell in love, escaping from the death camp Treblinka, the power of friendship and hospitality, and the dangers of treating people as less than human. It will simultaneously break your heart and showcase the triumph of love and courage against evil.

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As Christmas quickly approaches, Robin and I sat down to talk about what Christmas looks like for us these days. Thanks to a decision we made years ago when Advent Conspiracy first launched, our Christmas traditions are full of worship, spending wisely, giving generously, and loving other people. Does that mean every Christmas is perfect? Unfortunately not. But it does mean our Christmases have more joy than they used to. Keep listening and you'll hear a couple of our friends join in the conversation, Paulo Henrique from Brazil and Mike Mantel from Living Water International. They both share their unique perspectives on Advent Conspiracy and give practical advice on how to start incorporating this into your traditions.

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Have you ever thought, "I'm not very good at praying?" Today's guest, Pete Greig felt the same way and out of this longing he developed the 24-7 Prayer Movement, which has now reached more than half of the nations on earth. Pete is a pastor, author, and mentor to many. He approaches the topic of prayer in a way that is both inviting and challenging. As we head into this season of Advent, Pete reminds us of the importance of prayer and gives practical advice on how to take the next step in.

Pete is also the founder of The Prayer Course, he contributes to Lectio365 daily devotionals, and is the author of How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People

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The Enneagram. It's something you've probably heard about but maybe you have questions about what it is, how to use it, or why your friends are always talking about it. I sat down with Jenn Jett Barrett, the co-founder of The Well Summit and an enneagram coach for teams and couples. In a brutally honest, healing conversation, Jenn walks us through the origins of this tool, the many ways it can be used for good, and the warnings on how it has been overused and misused.

Jenn is a dreamer, a doer, and a champion of risk takers. As an Enneagram teacher, she loves getting to take individuals, couples, and teams on a journey of understanding Enneagram through a biblical perspective.

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Have you ever met someone and immediately felt like you were kindred spirits? Artist and "accidental theologian," Makoto Fujimura, was such a fun, surprising, guest on today's episode. Mako is a leading contemporary artist whose process-driven, refractive slow art has been described by David Brooks of The New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time.” His art has been featured widely in some of the most prestigious galleries and museums around the world. As a painter, Mako fuses fine art and abstract expressionism, while tackling spiritual questions through the prism of art.

As the author of Art + Faith: A Theology of Making, we talked about the importance of beauty, creativity, and making new things as a way to push back the brokenness in our world. So whether you are an artist by trade or just someone looking for a dose of inspiration, I think you'll find this conversation with Mako to be soothing for your soul.

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Today's conversation comes from the intersection of science, technology, ethics, religion, and culture. I sat down with Dr. Matthew Eppinette, Executive Director of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, to talk about a vast array of bioethical issues - everything from transhumanism, vaccines, emerging medical technologies, end of life care, and the large amounts of data we have at our fingertips. As a leading voice in this area, Matthew holds a PhD in Theology with concentrations in Christian Ethics and Theology & Culture from the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. One of the biggest points Matthew emphasizes is how to enter into these topics with humility, grace, and a worldview that is rooted in Christ.

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What does a foretaste of Heaven look like? David Bailey, culture-maker and Executive Director at Arrabon, gives us a glimpse of that picture. We discuss bridge building, the difference between diversity and reconciliation, the significance of worship, and the challenges of collaboration. As a consultant and public theologian, much of David's work is focused on building reconciling communities and inspiring change. David is one of those important voices that speaks into my life and I'm constantly learning from his wisdom and experience. If you've ever wondered how to take the first step towards healing divides, this episode is for you.

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Thank you Dr. Dan Allender and Cathy Loerzel for joining me in having this timely, important conversation. Today we talk about their new book, Redeeming Heartache: How Past Suffering Reveals True Calling, a book that was written during the pandemic. Tragedy and pain inevitably touch each of our lives at some point. Dan and Cathy share insights and practical wisdom on how to move forward in hope after experiencing loss, trauma, unmet expectations, painful memories, and relational struggles.

As Founder and Co-Founder of The Allender Center, Dan and Cathy have a passion for equipping, encouraging, and partnering with people as they are on a journey of healing. The Allender Center is a pioneering organization committed to boldly engaging the impact of trauma and abuse, providing healing and teaching to individuals, couples, and communities, and training professionals to listen and enter into stories in a way that facilitates transformation and hope.

This episode was released in conjunction with World Mental Health Day on October 10th. This day is about starting the conversation and bringing awareness to topics of mental health. 

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Extra credit: The first person that correctly counts the number of times we say the word podcast and emails us will get a fun surprise.

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This episode features artist and songwriter, Elle Limebear. Coming at us from Brighton, UK, Elle describes the future of her music like a concert full of diverse people from the most eclectic of backgrounds drawn in by visuals, melodies, and art that they love. Elle is a gifted songwriter, writing worship anthems like, Maker of the Moon and Call on Your Name. We chat about her inspiration for songwriting, the process of creative collaboration, being the daughter of a world-famous musician, and following God's unexpected call.

Grab a cup of tea and listen in as Elle reminds us that everyone has a seat at the table.

(Note: this episode includes topics of mental health, including the mention of suicide. Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255)

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Today’s conversation is with astrobiologist, the Reverend Dr. Lucas Mix. With a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard, Lucas takes us on a journey to discuss the intersection of science and religion and philosophy, what sci-fi can teach us about our relationships, the existence of extraterrestrial life, and so much more.

The Rev. Dr. Lucas Mix is a writer, Episcopalian priest, consultant for NASA, project coordinator at Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS), and the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation. Much of his work is at the intersection of biology, philosophy, and theology.

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An honest, vulnerable conversation with Jonathan Pitts, we discussed loss, navigating grief, and holding onto hope throughout the storm. And make sure to stay tuned to the end to hear about a crazy full-circle moment.

Jonathan Pitts is the Executive Pastor at Church of the City-Franklin and Co-Founder/President of For Girls Like You Ministries, a ministry started by his late wife, Wynter Pitts. His latest book, My Wynter Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Shadow of Grief, is a memoir that chronicles the loss of Wynter and the season that would follow.

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Jeff Henderson is a business leader, former leader of Chick-fil-A’s National Marketing Strategy, and one of Forbes magazine “20 Speakers that You Shouldn’t Miss.” His latest book is, Know What You’re FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, an Even Better Strategy for Life.

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Heather Avis is a shouter of worth and narrative shifter. Listen in as we discuss her New York Times bestselling book, Different - A Great Thing to Be, the narratives around adoption and Down syndrome, what to look for in a children’s book, and what the best deodorant brand is.

Heather Avis is the founder and chief visionary officer at The Lucky Few, a social awareness brand on a mission to make a more inclusive and loving world with an emphasis on shifting the Down syndrome narrative.

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It’s our first episode! What a joy it is to sit down with my friend, John O’Leary. In today’s episode we talk about John’s story of growing up and the accident that left him with 1% chance of survival. Despite life’s unexpected challenges, John is one of the most encouraging, practical, winsome leaders I know.

John O’Leary is an internationally acclaimed speaker, bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe, and renowned podcast host.

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