Culture Matters

The Church Part 5: A People of Covenant

In the final episode of this series on the church, the conversation shifts from simply attending church to faithfully belonging to the people of God. This episode explores what it means to live as a covenant community—one marked by commitment, discipleship, sacrifice, and love. Rather than approaching church as consumers, believers are called to participate in God's ongoing work through serving, encouraging, forgiving, and bearing one another's burdens. The discussion also addresses church hurt with honesty and hope, reminding listeners that while the church is imperfect, Christ remains faithful to His bride. Healing often comes not through abandoning the church, but through walking with Jesus and experiencing trustworthy relationships among His people over time. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to deeper commitment: to love and be known, to persevere through discomfort, and to trust that God is forming His people into the image of Christ together. Key Takeaways Church is not primarily something we attend—it is a people we belong to. Spiritual maturity grows through participation, not passive consumption. God often forms us through serving others more than through being served. Church hurt is real, but healing begins by drawing near to Jesus. Trust is rebuilt through many faithful interactions over time. Christian community requires vulnerability, perseverance, and grace. The church is imperfect today, but Christ is faithfully preparing His bride for glory. Scriptures Referenced Ephesians 4 – Equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Colossians 1:24 – Filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. 2 Timothy – Faithfulness amid hardship and abandonment. Hebrews – Endurance and perseverance in the Christian life. John 21 – Jesus restores Peter after his denial. John 13 – Loving one another as Christ has loved us. Matthew 16:18 – Christ will build His church. Luke 9:23 – Take up your cross daily and follow Him. Resources Mentioned No Greater Love — Rebecca McLaughlin Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

The Church Part 4: Discipleship

Ty and Chelsea continue their miniseries on the church by exploring the topic of discipleship. Building on the previous conversation about the church as a body, they discuss what it means to intentionally help others become more like Jesus and why so many believers feel hesitant to engage in discipleship. The conversation challenges the idea that discipleship is reserved for experts, pastors, or people who have “arrived” spiritually. Instead, discipleship is presented as a natural extension of Christian friendship and faithful obedience to Jesus. Ty and Chelsea unpack common barriers such as insecurity, perfectionism, and the misconception that discipleship requires having all the answers. They highlight how discipleship often happens in everyday life—through relationships, consistency, humility, repentance, and trust in the work of the Holy Spirit. Making disciples is not about being enough; it’s about faithfully joining God in the work He is already doing. Key Takeaways Discipleship is intentionally helping others become more like Jesus. You do not need to be spiritually perfect before discipling others. Everyone is already discipling and being discipled by something. Repentance, humility, and honesty are powerful discipleship tools. God is ultimately responsible for transforming hearts; our responsibility is faithful obedience. Making disciples becomes much less intimidating when we remember that God has already gone before us. Scriptures Referenced Matthew 28:18–20 (The Great Commission) Mark 2–6 (Jesus calling and sending His disciples) 1 Corinthians 8:1 (“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”) 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (God uses what appears weak in the world) Ephesians 2:10 (Created for good works prepared beforehand) Thanks to our Sponsors Cozy Earth Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code CULTURE for an exclusive 20% off. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

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The Church Part 3: One Body but Many Parts

In part 3 of our Church Series, Adam and Ty explore the biblical vision of the church as one body with many parts. They address a common modern question—"Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?"—and argue that the New Testament treats participation in the people of God as the assumed context of Christian life. Rather than focusing on obligation, they reframe the conversation around why believers would want to belong to a local church. The discussion highlights how God uses diverse people, gifts, backgrounds, and experiences to form His people into the image of Christ. Adam and Ty contrast the church's embodied, communal nature with today's hyper-individualistic and digital culture, emphasizing that Christian formation happens through relationships, service, mutual encouragement, and shared worship. They also unpack the church's unique relationship to power, noting that greatness in the Kingdom is measured by service rather than status. Key Takeaways The New Testament assumes Christians are part of a local community of believers. Spiritual growth is designed to happen in relationship with other Christians. The church is more than a sermon and worship service; it is a family. Every believer has gifts intended to strengthen the body of Christ. Christian unity is centered on Jesus, not shared preferences or cultural identities. Biblical leadership is marked by service, humility, and sacrifice. The church is called to welcome outsiders because all believers were once outsiders welcomed by grace. Scriptures Referenced 1 Corinthians – The church as one body with many members Matthew 20:20–28 – Greatness through servanthood Ephesians 2:10 – Created for good works Genesis 1–3 – Dominion, community, and the effects of sin Thanks to our Sponsors Cozy Earth Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code CULTURE for an exclusive 20% off. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

The Church Part 2: Union with Christ

In Part 2 of their conversation on the Church, Chelsea and Tamaris Ragland explore the foundational Christian doctrine of union with Christ and why it matters for understanding the Church. Building from the previous episode, they discuss how the New Testament assumes believers are connected not only to Christ but also to one another through His body, the Church. Drawing heavily from Ephesians 1, the conversation highlights the repeated phrase “in Christ” and unpacks the spiritual blessings believers receive through their union with Jesus: redemption, adoption, inheritance, and the promise of future glory. The hosts challenge modern individualism and encourage listeners to see church membership not as a consumer experience but as a covenant community where believers are formed, encouraged, and sanctified together. The episode also addresses the growing tension between embodied community and digital engagement. While online ministry can serve as a helpful supplement, Chelsea and Tamaris argue that Christianity is inherently incarnational. Just as Christ came physically among His people, believers are called to live in meaningful, embodied relationships with one another. Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to move toward the Church—even when it is difficult—trusting that God is at work through ordinary people, faithful communities, and the slow work of spiritual formation. Key Takeaways Union with Christ is the foundation of Christian identity. The Church is God’s chosen means of advancing His kingdom on earth. Spiritual growth is intended to happen in community, not isolation. Church participation is about both receiving and contributing. Embodied presence matters because Christianity is an incarnational faith. Healthy churches offer a powerful witness in a fragmented culture. Faithfulness often looks ordinary, slow, and relational. Resources Mentioned Books The Cross of Christ — Recommended for understanding the necessity and significance of Christ’s atoning work. The Weight of Glory — Referenced regarding the eternal significance of our neighbors and fellow believers. Previous Culture Matters Episode Conversation with Ryanne Molinari on worship, congregational singing, and spiritual formation through gathered worship. Thanks to our Sponsors Cozy Earth Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code CULTURE for an exclusive 20% off. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

The Church Part 1: The People of God

Chelsea and Tymarcus kick off a new mini-series on the church. Today they explore a question that many Christians wrestle with: Do you have to be part of a church to follow Jesus? Rather than approaching the topic as a defense of church attendance, they examine how the New Testament consistently assumes that followers of Jesus are connected to the people of God. The discussion highlights the church as more than a weekly gathering or building—it is the global, historic, and Spirit-filled community of believers united in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal experience, Chelsea and Tymarcus unpack themes of discipleship, accountability, spiritual formation, church hurt, community, and the beauty of belonging to Christ’s bride. They also address common objections to church involvement, acknowledging the reality of painful experiences while encouraging listeners not to abandon God’s design for Christian flourishing. The episode closes by looking ahead to future conversations on union with Christ, discipleship, and the mission of the church. Key Takeaways The New Testament assumes Christians are connected to the people of God. Church participation is about more than attendance; it is about belonging. Spiritual growth requires community, accountability, and discipleship. Church hurt is real, but unhealthy churches should not redefine God’s design for the church. The church is imperfect because people are imperfect, yet Christ remains committed to His bride. Isolation often deprives believers of the very means God uses for encouragement and sanctification. Gathering with believers is a gift and grace from God. Scriptures Mentioned Acts 2:42–47 Romans 8:29–30 Ephesians 4:4–6 Proverbs 27:17 (“Iron sharpens iron”) 1 John 2:19 Thanks to our Sponsors In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Cozy Earth Discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code CULTURE for an exclusive 20% off. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

Codependency and Boundaries with Katherine Bahcall

This episode dives deep into the intersection of boundaries, codependency, and discipleship. Katherine Bahcall helps reframe a culturally saturated conversation by grounding it in Scripture and the gospel. While the world often defines boundaries as a tool for self-protection and self-esteem, this conversation pushes further—revealing that the root issue isn’t just relational dysfunction, but misplaced worship. Codependency isn’t merely unhealthy attachment; it’s often a sign that we’re looking to people to give us what only God can. Adam, Chelsea and Katherine explore how these dynamics form (often in family systems), how they play out in friendships, marriage, and ministry, and why discernment—not formulas—is the key to healthy relationships. Ultimately, boundaries aren’t about building walls—they’re about loving people rightly and pointing them to Christ. Key Takeaways Boundaries are not about protecting yourself—they’re about loving rightly. Codependency often reveals a deeper issue: misplaced identity and worship. You don’t need a formula for every relationship—you need discernment. Start with your relationship with God, and other relationships will follow. A healthy boundary may disappoint someone—but still be the most loving thing you can do. Mentioned Resources Boundaries — Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend Codependent No More — Melody Beattie The Meaning of Marriage — Timothy Keller (for relational dynamics) Scripture Jeremiah 2:13 — God as the fountain of living water Proverbs 29:25 — Fear of man vs. trust in God Romans 14 — Conviction, conscience, and not causing others to stumble 1 John (themes of abiding and relationship with God referenced throughout) Thanks to our Sponsors In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Cozy Earth Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too — discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code CULTURE for an exclusive 20% off. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

Created to Create

Chelsea and Tymarcus unpack the deeper meaning of creativity—not just as artistic expression, but as a core part of being human. Rooted in Scripture and lived experience, they challenge the cultural narrative that creativity only matters if it’s monetized or platform-worthy. From sourdough baking to engineering, parenting to music, they explore how creativity shows up in everyday life—and why it’s worth pursuing even when no one is watching. This conversation reframes creativity as stewardship, formation, and worship, reminding us that we are created by a creative God and invited to reflect Him in both work and play. Key Takeaways Creativity is not limited to art—it’s woven into how we live, work, and relate. Your gifts are less about you and more about reflecting the God who gave them. You don’t need a platform, paycheck, or perfection to pursue creativity. Discipline + time = growth, even in “small” things. Play, rest, and hobbies are spiritually formative—not distractions. Community is essential for discernment, balance, and sustainability. Start where you are. Stay consistent. Let God shape you through the process. Mentioned Resources Culture Matters Episode with Jonathan Pennington (on work & vocation) Thanks to our Sponsors In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Cozy Earth This Mother's Day, give the gift that shows up every single night. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CULTUREBOGO for an exclusive Buy One, Give One offer running from April 12th to April 18th on sheet sets and if you get Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co.

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Fasting & Feasting

In this Tuesday-after-Easter conversation, Chelsea and Ty reflect on the beauty, tension, and purpose behind spiritual rhythms like feasting and fasting. From Easter services to Good Friday reflections, they unpack why certain moments in the church calendar feel more significant—and why that’s actually by design. The conversation explores how celebration (feasting) and lament (fasting) work together to shape us spiritually. These rhythms aren’t about performance or tradition for tradition’s sake—they’re about reorientation. In a world full of distraction, discouragement, and noise, God gives His people intentional markers to remember the story we’re part of. Resources & References Books Dwell — Barry Jones You Are What You Love — James K. A. Smith Scriptures Nehemiah 1:4 – Fasting in response to brokenness Exodus 12 – Passover as remembrance Luke 22 – The Last Supper 2 Corinthians 3 – “Unveiled face” and transformation James 1 – Remembering and living the Word Key Takeaways We are forgetful people—rhythms like Easter and Lent help us remember what matters most. Feasting reminds us of joy and hope—a foretaste of the Kingdom. Fasting reminds us of brokenness and dependence—we cannot fix the world on our own. The goal isn’t constant intensity—it’s faithful formation. We live between two realities Jesus has already risen And we are still waiting for full restoration Thanks to our Sponsors In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Cozy Earth Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too — discover how Cozy Earth turns everyday routines into moments of softness and ease. Head to cozyearth.com and use code Culture for an exclusive 20% off. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Cultural Roundup

The crew tackles heavy global headlines—from tensions involving Iran and U.S. military action to immigration debates and ICE-related unrest—while asking a deeper question: How should Christians respond when the world feels unstable and unclear? Rather than offering political prescriptions, the conversation centers on spiritual posture: lament, prayer, discernment, and faithful presence in everyday life. They wrestle honestly with information overload, mistrust in media, and the tension between civic responsibility and Christian identity. The episode closes on a lighter but still meaningful note, diving into books, films, and the Oscars—highlighting how art, storytelling, and theology shape our imagination and help us process grief, beauty, and truth. Resources & Mentions 📖 Books Awaiting the King — On Christian political theology and cultural formation Jesus and the Disinherited — A profound look at Jesus’ message for the oppressed The Cross of Christ — Deep theological reflection on the meaning of the cross Changed into His Likeness: A Theology of Change — Biblical framework for transformation The Word in the Wilderness — Poetry and reflection for Lent Here I Stand - Martin Luther Biography (Roland Bainton) — Insight into Luther’s life and struggle for grace 🎬 Movies & Media Hamnet — Grief, art, and Shakespearean storytelling Sentimental Value — Family, reconciliation, and loss Sinners — Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance (notable acting craft) Project Hail Mary — Sci-fi story centered on friendship, hope, and collaboration Key Takeaways Clarity isn’t always available—but faithfulness is. Christians may disagree on policy, but not on how people are treated. Prayer, lament, and love are not passive—they are formative. You don’t need global influence to live faithfully—start local. Rejecting hatred is a radical, Kingdom-centered act. Art helps us process truth, grief, and beauty in ways arguments cannot. Thanks to our Sponsor In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Spirit-Filled Singing with Ryanne J. Molinari

Chelsea sits down with Michael Bleecker and Ryanne Molinari, author of Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together, to explore how congregational singing is not just expressive—but formative. Rooted in passages like Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, and Galatians 5, Ryanne draws a compelling connection: singing together is one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit cultivates His fruit in us. If you’ve ever struggled with “not liking the music,” questioned excellence vs. authenticity, or wrestled with how to lead people into meaningful worship—this one will sharpen and ground you. Key Takeaways Singing is formative: It doesn’t just express what we feel—it shapes who we become. Preference can be sanctified: Loving others through their songs grows unity. Participation fuels joy: Engagement often precedes emotion. Faithfulness > performance: Worship is about offering, not impressing. Patience builds people: Especially in volunteer-driven ministry. Worship is a lifestyle: Not a Sunday experience, but a daily rhythm. Guest Resources Spirit Filled Singing by Ryanne Molinari ryannemolinari.com Follow Ryanne Thanks to our Sponsor In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Faith and Work with Dr. Pennington

Adam, and special guests Jamin Roller, and Dr. Jonathan Pennington explore the connection between faith and work. They challenge the sacred-secular divide, reminding us that work is not a post-fall curse—but a pre-fall calling. From Genesis to the New Testament, Scripture affirms that all work—done with excellence, love, and integrity—is an act of worship. The conversation reframes vocation, not as a narrow “dot” to discover, but as a wide “circle” of God’s will in which believers are free to create, contribute, and flourish. Whether you love your job or dread it, this episode offers a compelling vision: God cares deeply about how you work, who you become through your work, and how your work serves others. Key Takeaways Work is worship. Not just ministry jobs—all work done in faith honors God. You don’t need a perfect job to live a meaningful life. Meaning is found in how you work, not just what you do. Calling is broader than you think. God’s will is a circle of freedom, not a pinpoint target to stress over. Character > Career. Who you become at work matters more than what you accomplish. Struggle is formative. Difficult work often shapes the deepest growth. Look for beauty. A life of joy at work often comes down to attention, curiosity, and gratitude. Guest Resources To learn more about Dr. Pennington, book him for speaking or to buy one of his books, check out www.jonathanpennington.com Other Resources Every Good Endeavor – Timothy Keller Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor – Ben Witherington III Garden City – John Mark Comer Thanks to our Sponsor In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Spiritual Grandparenting

Adam Hawkins is joined by guests Michael Bleecker and Brenda Peitzman. Together they explore the powerful and often overlooked role grandparents play in passing down faith to the next generation. The conversation highlights the biblical vision of generational discipleship, the cultural challenges families face today, and the incredible opportunity grandparents have to shape identity, faith, and legacy. Whether you're a grandparent, parent, or church leader, this episode invites you to rethink how generations can and should partner together to pass the baton of faith. Key Takeaways Grandparents have a biblical mandate to disciple not only their children but also their grandchildren (Deuteronomy 4:9). Many churches unintentionally overlook grandparents as a vital part of children’s and youth ministry. Cultural messages often encourage grandparents to step back, but Scripture calls them to run alongside the next generation. Grandparents can influence faith through everyday conversations, prayer, and presence. Resources Mentioned Legacy Coalition — https://legacycoalition.com Legacy Coalition Summit — https://legacycoalition.com/summit Thanks to our Sponsor In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

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Habits of Resistence with Elizabeth Woodson

We’re joined (again!) by our friend, former host, and published author, Elizabeth Woodson, to celebrate the release of her new book, Habits of Resistance: Seven Ways You’re Being Formed by Culture and Gospel Practices to Help You Push Back. In this conversation, we explore the question If we’re all being discipled, who—or what—is shaping us? Elizabeth argues that the issue isn’t if we’re being formed, but by whom. In an age of expressive individualism, algorithm-driven identity, and spiritual confusion, many of us are chasing peace, control, belonging, and justice in ways that quietly deform us. But there is a better way. Through historic Christian practices—prayer, fasting, gathering, service, confession, and more—Liz invites us to resist cultural formation and recover the path to shalom: wholeness and delight in communion with God. Key Takeaways You Are Already Being Formed Shalom Is the Goal Better Doesn’t Mean Easier Resistance Is Active, Not Passive Questions for Reflection Where am I being shaped more by cultural narratives (identity, success, control, visibility) than by the way of Jesus? When I long for peace, belonging, or control, where do I instinctively turn first? Which spiritual habit feels most neglected in my life right now—and what might that reveal about my formation? Do I define “better” as easier and more visible, or deeper and more faithful? What would it look like this week to practice one concrete act of resistance—intentionally choosing the way of Jesus over the way of the culture? Resources Mentioned Habits of Resistance — Elizabeth Woodson Connect with Elizabeth Instagram: @elizabethwoodson Website: www.thewoodsoninstitute.org/ Thanks to our Sponsor In A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, pastor and longtime NBA chaplain Mike Tatlock invites believers to cultivate a faith that isn’t loud or trendy—but holy, steady, and unmistakably different. To learn more about A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture, visit moodypublishers.com or find it wherever books are sold. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Navigating the Chaos of the World with Christlikeness

We’re kicking off a new season by asking a timely and necessary question: How do Christians navigate a world that feels increasingly chaotic, divided, and unstable? From political outrage cycles and media manipulation to cultural flashpoints and global conflict, it seems like everything is accelerating. Opinions form instantly. Narratives shift constantly. And Christians often find themselves pressured to pick a side before they’ve had time to pray. In this episode, Adam, Chelsea, and Tymarcus wrestle honestly with what it means to remain faithful—not reactive. Rather than offering hot takes, this conversation points us back to something sturdier: King Jesus. The Church has endured hostile empires, political instability, and cultural upheaval before—and flourished. Not by grasping for control, but by walking in peace, holiness, humility, and wide invitation. The world may be loud. But clarity still lives in what God has already made clear. Key Takeaways The shifting “Overton window” of what’s culturally acceptable The exhausting pace of information in the digital age The temptation toward control, outrage, or apathy The subtle ways cultural categories can replace biblical ones And the radical call to embody Christlikeness in the middle of it all Questions for Reflection Are my political and cultural reactions shaped more by Scripture or by my preferred media stream? Where have I allowed outrage to replace prayer? Who is one actual person in my life I can love more intentionally this week? What might it look like to embody peace in a room full of anxiety? What “money bag” do I need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully? Resources Mentioned The Pour Over News Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Advent: Peace

In the last of our Advent conversations, Adam Hawkins welcomes back Elizabeth Woodson and Tymarcus to unpack the biblical concept of peace (shalom)—especially what it means in a season that’s often chaotic, overwhelming, and culturally mischaracterized. Merry Christmas. We will see you in the new year. In This Episode 01:00 — Life Lately with Elizabeth 02:00 — Starting the Discussion: What Is Peace? 03:55 — Peace in a Broken World 04:42 — Ty’s Reflection on Isaiah & Peace 07:00 — Relational Tension & True Peace 09:00 — Peace Now vs. Peace Then 12:00 — Peace Beyond “Be Nice” 14:00 — The Reality of Brokenness 18:00 — How to Cultivate Peace Today 22:00 — Final Reflections 28:00 — Close & Christmas Blessing Key Takeaways True peace (shalom) is not just absence of conflict—but wholeness and restoration found only through life with God. We can experience real peace now through obedience, worship, and trust—even as we wait for its full realization in Christ. Peace confronts brokenness at the root—requiring more than proximity or niceness, but the transformative work of Jesus. Guest Resources Liz's new Podcast: Shalomies Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Advent: Love

We continue our conversation with Caroline Smiley for a moving meditation on Love through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Tymarcus and Caroline reflect on Mary’s embodiment of sacrificial love at the manger and at the cross. This episode explores how Mary models a risky, selfless, participatory love—one that mirrors God's invitation for us to love as sons and daughters, not merely as servants. The conversation weaves from Hebrews to the manger, from John's Gospel to the Prodigal Son, connecting the bloodied straw of the birth with the suffering of the cross. Through Mary’s obedience and Christ’s incarnation, listeners are invited into the family of God—called to love deeply, suffer faithfully, and hope fiercely. In This Episode 00:00 – Introduction: Mary, Love, and Advent 03:00 – The Love of a Mother and the Love of God 10:00 – Mary’s Participation in Redemption 17:00 – Grieving the Cross: Mary and the Suffering of Love 23:00 – From Servanthood to Sonship 30:00 – Prodigal Sons and the Invitation to Come Home 34:00 – Closing Reflections: Love that Bleeds, Love that Welcomes Key Takeaways Love Begins with Incarnation, Not Just the Cross Mary Models Risky, Participatory Love We’re Invited into God’s Family, Not Just His Service Suffering and Love Are Intertwined Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Advent: Joy

In this second Advent episode, Tymarcus and guest Caroline Smiley explore what it means to experience true joy during Advent — not the manufactured “cheer” of the holiday‑season spectacle, but a deep, scripturally rooted joy anchored in the arrival of Jesus Christ. They walk through how Mary’s song (the Magnificat) in the Gospel of Gospel of Luke isn’t just a moment of personal celebration, but a fulfillment of centuries of longing, pain, exile, and promise from the Old Testament. Through that lens, Advent becomes a sacred space for honest reflection, recognition of brokenness, and hope for what God has done — and is doing — in and through us. In This Episode 02:00 – Holidays & Hardship: Joy in the Midst of Pain 05:00 – The Power of Mary’s Story in Advent 10:50 – Where Mary’s Song Sits in Luke’s Narrative 11:10 – Daughter Zion: The Honest Backdrop to Mary’s Joy 17:00 – Past Tense Praise: Why Mary Says “He Has Done” 21:00 – The Magnificat: Mary’s Song Read Aloud 23:00 – Defining “Good Things” Through God’s Eyes 30:00 – Incarnation and Human Longing 34:00 – Final Reflections & A Blessing for the Listener Key Takeaways Advent isn’t about manufactured cheer. It’s about honest reflection — acknowledging our brokenness, recognizing the world’s pain, and yet hoping because God is entering that story. Mary connects us to the deep longing of God’s people. By framing Mary as “Daughter Zion,” we see that her joy isn’t merely personal or sentimental — it’s cosmic, spanning generations of suffering, exile, and promise. Joy precedes fulfillment. Mary sings in past tense because true joy is rooted not in what we see, but what God has already done and promised to do — God dwelling with us. Good things are deeper than comfort. For Christians, the “good” God promises isn’t just material blessing or comfort — it is Himself, righteousness, mercy, presence, and ultimate restoration. Incarnation anchors hope. The fact that Jesus became human assures us: God knows suffering, grief, exile, waiting — and in Him, even the most painful reality can be redeemed. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Advent: Hope

We're releasing a series of episodes centered around the Season of Advent. In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Lindsey Jackson by reflecting on Hope — not as wishful thinking, but as a firm trust in God's promises amid suffering. Lindsey shares the story of losing her infant daughter Hadley in 2017 to sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) and how her grief became a place where God reoriented her faith, built deeper endurance, and reshaped her understanding of biblical hope. Together, they discuss how lament differs from grief, why holidays can be hard, and how the church can show up for those in pain. In This Episode 01:00 – Introducing the Advent series: Hope, Joy, Love, Peace 03:00 – Lindsey’s story: marriage, motherhood, and baby Hadley 05:00 – Hadley’s death and the immediate aftermath 07:00 – “So much of me died when she died” — grief and resurrection 10:00 – What helped: letters, meals, naps, presence 12:00 – On studying grief and counseling at DTS 14:00 – Hope and the discipline of remembering 17:00 – Hebrews: endurance, lament, and anchoring in Christ 20:00 – Longing in Advent: slow down, find wonder again 24:00 – Misplaced hope vs. rooted hope 27:00 – Lament is not passive grief — it holds expectation 30:00 – Heaven: the promise of restoration 33:00 – “Pre-Hadley” Lindsay vs. post-suffering hope 36:00 – Endurance is a group project Key Takeaways Hope is not optimism or emotional positivity — it's a discipline to root your mind in God's promises. Grief is the response to loss; lament is grief directed toward God, filled with trust and expectancy. Holidays can amplify sorrow — presence, not perfection, is what grieving people need most. Studying grief deepened Lindsey’s calling: to walk with others through loss as a biblical counselor. The resurrection reframes our pain — we grieve, but not without hope. Advent means coming — Christ came once, and He is coming again. This fuels our hope. Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

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How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life

In this episode, Adam and Ty sit down with Rebecca McLaughlin to discuss her new book How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life, which explores how regular involvement in a local church is linked with mental, physical, moral, and spiritual flourishing. Drawing on rigorous academic research (especially from Harvard School of Public Health), Rebecca outlines compelling findings: weekly attendance correlates with lower rates of depression, extended life expectancy, reduced deaths of despair, and more. She also addresses objections (such as church‑hurt, abuse, selection bias) and pivots to a theological framing: the church is more than an event — it is family. In This Episode 01:00 – “church is our family” 06:00 – Why this topic? The research behind the book 08:00 – Stats: church attendance & health outcomes 11:00 – Not prosperity gospel: deeper than health hacks 12:00 – What about unhealthy churches? 14:00 – Data controls: not just correlation 16:00 – Theology: why worship matters 18:00 – Church vs. self-optimization culture 23:00 – Virtual vs. in-person: why weekly presence matters 26:00 – Making church a real family 29:00 – Marriage, singleness & spiritual kinship 32:00 – Closing reflections & next steps Key Takeaways Regular attendance at church (once a week or more) is strongly correlated with improved mental health, longer life expectancy, and reduced risk of “deaths of despair.” The positive effect is not explained solely by social support. The church is not just “another activity” but a family. Making church family real may require simple but counter‑cultural practices. The research is not a guarantee of trouble‑free life or a health‑miracle; the gospel remains central — the church is for life in Christ, not just health benefits. For those who’ve been hurt in church: the invitation is not necessarily to abandon church, but to work toward healthy, safe, loving communities. Guest Resources How Church Could Literally Save Your Life by Rebecca McLaughlin Rebecca’s Website Confronting Christianity Podcast Follow Rebecca Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

AI & Embodiment

In this episode, we welcome back Whitney Pipkin, who explores how artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with Christianity, the body, embodiment, and culture. Whitney draws on her background in environmental journalism and Christian thought to highlight the impacts of AI: its resource footprint, its effect on how we think, its influence on discipleship, and what it means for embodied Christian living in a disembodied age. The conversation covers both practical and theological questions—How does AI shape our habits, relationships, thinking? Are we just consumers of information, or are we being formed as creatures who live in bodies and communities? In This Episodes AI’s Real-World Environmental Costs Power, Water, and the AI Boom Theological Accuracy in AI Models AI’s Influence on How We Think Should Christians Use AI Tools? Algorithms, Formation & Discipleship Disembodied Faith vs Embodied Life Discipleship Requires Community What AI Is Discipling Us Into Embodied Practices in a Digital Age Forecasting the Future of Tech & Faith Digital Monks or Missionaries? Limits, Attention & Accountability The Body as a Theological Witness Key Takeaways AI isn’t neutral — it has real environmental, ethical, and spiritual consequences. Embodiment matters — we’re made to live, think, and relate in physical bodies, not just as online users. Formation over efficiency — spiritual growth comes through limits, relationships, and real-life discipleship. Question the tradeoffs — just because AI makes something easier doesn’t mean it’s good for us. Be distinct — Christians should live and think differently in a tech-driven, disembodied world. Follow Whitney Website Instagram Substack Follow Us! Instagram Youtube -- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co