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GEORGE FOX TALKS

George Fox University

Accessible and academically driven discussion on the topics of theology, wellness, culture, and travel. This podcast is presented by faculty and friends of George Fox University in Newberg, OR.

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August 18 · 37 min
Theology Meets Sci-Fi in “The Body of This Death”
This week, Brian talks with author and theologian Ross McCullough about his recent book, The Body of This Death. Hailed by Christianity Today as “an instant classic of Christian spiritual writing,” the book wraps deep theological and philosophical themes in a sci-fi mystery told through the letters of an archbishop awaiting execution. Careful to avoid major spoilers, Brian and Ross dive into the story's reflections on the importance of physical presence, human connection, and resisting digital escapism. The Body of This Death: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/letters-from-the-last-archbishop-of-lancaster?srsltid=AfmBOoqXR2C50LglSQlVRnHw0kuUe-2GtTNtEsn_3CCgI8m0Vu-hRObD Christianity Today article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/02/screwtape-for-our-times-body-of-this-death-review/ More about Ross: https://www.georgefox.edu/honors-program/faculty-pages/ross-mccullough.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
August 4 · 51 min
When to Make an Estate Plan (It’s Now)
Planning for your death or incapacity may not be fun, but the impact of a thoughtful estate plan can be more powerful than many of us imagine. Join guest host Scott Winter and seasoned estate planning attorney Randy Grove and institutional trustee & investment manager Brett Bryant as they unpack how a financial legacy can memorialize your values, inspire others toward generosity, and promote peace during a disorienting time for the people you love. Scott Winter: https://www.winterwealthmanagement.com/team/scott-winter Randy Grove: https://www.landerholm.com/t-randall-grove Brett Bryant: https://www.midwesttrust.com/people/brett-bryant/ This podcast is for informational purposes only. The opinions voiced in this program are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your financial, legal, or tax professional. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LPL Financial or Winter Wealth Management, LLC. If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
July 21 · 31 min
Financial Health at Any Age: Wealth, Gratitude, and Contentment
What habits separate people who cultivate financial health from those who struggle? What’s the simplest way to start investing? How should Christians navigate the tension between planning for the future and trusting God with their lives? Guest host and George Fox Professor of Business Brandy Walton sits down with Becky Gratsinger, Senior Consultant & CEO Emeritus at RVK, Inc., for a conversation that blends practical advice with thoughtful reflection on the role of financial resources in following the way of Jesus. More on Becky Gratsinger: https://www.rvkinc.com/staff/Rebecca_Gratsinger.php More on Brandy Walton: https://www.georgefox.edu/business/faculty/walton.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
July 7 · 34 min
Hobbits, Kings, and Priests: Gospel Themes in The Lord of the Rings
Gandalf the wizard as an Old Testament prophet? Hobbits as intercessory priests? Aragorn as a messianic king? Dr. Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College, joins Brian in the studio to uncover the rich Gospel themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. While Tolkien famously insisted his work was not an allegory, Dr. Ryken explains how the author’s faith and theological imagination imbued the text with profoundly Christian motifs—most significantly, “the threefold office of Christ” depicted through several of the story's central characters. Check out Dr. Ryken’s book, The Messiah Comes to Middle-Earth: Images of Christ's Threefold Office in The Lord of the Rings: https://www.ivpress.com/the-messiah-comes-to-middle-earth-ebook?srsltid=AfmBOoqIanzXkiPyRO2X4rIxKb0kBGrYOE-fWxYlRUj0R3WN1_0knL92 Dr. Ryken has published more than 50 books and he serves as president of Wheaton College: https://www.wheaton.edu/about-wheaton/leadership/president-ryken Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
June 23 · 28 min
The Grocery Store is a Spiritual Place…Here's Why
A simple trip to the grocery store inspires a flavorful conversation between Brian and Professor Steffanie Altenbern. Join us as they dig into food inequality in America, the pros and cons of Instacart, and food as an under-explored part of our spiritual health. Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
June 9 · 38 min
Christian Art—Industry or Ministry? ft. Scott Erickson
Artist Scott Erickson returns for a conversation about what we gain by including the messiest parts of our humanity in art that fuels our spiritual reflection, worship, and practice. Joined this time by Tim Timmerman, professor of art and design at George Fox, Scott and our hosts lift the veil on Christian art as a vocation, a ministry, and a tool for transformation. Scott Erickson creates art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences: https://www.scottericksonart.com/ Tim Timmerman is a studio practitioner specializing in painting, sculpture, glass, and assemblage sculpture: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/visual-art/faculty/tim.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
May 26 · 30 min
The 6 Principles of a Legendary CEO ft. Jim Donald
What makes a meeting worth the time? How involved should leaders be in the work of their employees? What does it take to turn a failing company around? Businessman and former Starbucks CEO Jim Donald chats with Brian about the hands-on, revitalizing framework that earned him the moniker “The Turnaround King.” Punctuated with memorable action points and vivid stories, Jim’s advice offers something worthwhile for leaders of all kinds. (Spoiler alert: He takes his coffee black.) Jim Donald is a world-class executive widely known for his unique ability to revive financially ailing organizations and lead through uncertainty. Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
May 12 · 32 min
Christianity Today’s CEO on Leadership: Don’t Chase Perfection
Modern leadership models tend to revolve around attaining power, loyalty, and even perfection. In today’s episode, author and Christianity Today CEO Nicole Massie Martin invites us to flip these values upside down. Drawing on Jesus’ ministry to provide a countercultural model for effective leadership, Nicole talks with Brian about the inevitability of pain in the leader’s journey, resisting the pressure to achieve perfection, and the nuances of navigating competition and partnership across the gender divide. Nicole Massie Martin is a leader, author, speaker, teacher, and CEO of Christianity Today. Check out her book, Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender: https://www.nicolemassiemartin.com/ Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
April 28 · 1 hr 22 min
Political Opposites, Genuine Friends: A Conversation with Cornel West & Robert George
In this exciting episode, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George model and expound upon the antidote to the polarization plaguing our times: a blend of intellectual humility, a hunger for truth, and a Gospel-shaped love for humankind. Dr. Joseph Clair—Associate Provost and Professor of Theology and Culture at George Fox—hosts this rousing conversation with two of America’s most influential public intellectuals. If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
April 14 · 30 min
The Cost of American Hustle Culture
From our work habits to the competitive way we rest, Americans are notorious for our “hustle and grind” culture. But what is this approach to life costing us, and is there a better way? In today’s episode, Brian and social worker Steffanie Altenbern consider alternatives from other countries, the origins of the American work ethic, and the value of putting aside optimization in favor of what truly matters. New York Times article, “The Europeans Have Some Notes About American Sauna Culture”: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/well/european-american-sauna.html Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
March 31 · 41 min
Evangelizing in Exile ft. Kevin Palau
Is Gen Z on the brink of an old-school revival? How are social media and AI shaping how Christians share their faith? Is exile the perfect metaphor for Christians in Portland, Oregon, today? George Fox Talks pays a visit to Palau, the global evangelistic ministry founded by Luis Palau, for a conversation with current president and CEO, Kevin Palau. Check out Kevin’s book, Unlikely: Setting Aside Our Differences to Live Out the Gospel: https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Setting-Aside-Differences-Gospel/dp/1476797269 Kevin Palau is president and CEO of Palau, a global evangelistic organization based near Portland, OR: https://www.palau.org/kevin Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
March 17 · 39 min
Reliving the Bible's Darkest Story Through Art ft. Scott Erickson
Death, destruction, and dismemberment in…Christian art? Artist, author, and performance speaker Scott Erickson joins Brian for a deep dive on the strange and complex season of Lent. Fueled by personal experiences of grief and loss, Scott’s “Stations in the Street” project demonstrates that facing the Bible’s darkest story (in all its gory detail) deepens our connection to Jesus Christ as “God with Us.” Check out Stations in the Street in its entirety: https://www.scottericksonart.com/arts/stations-in-the-street Scott Erickson creates art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences: https://www.scottericksonart.com/ Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
March 3 · 34 min
Work, Theology, & Spiritual Growth in the Age of AI (Q&A Episode)
Brian and George Fox University CIO James Gurganus respond to YOUR questions about AI and faith! How is AI shaping career prospects for new graduates? How might AI that provides 'frictionless' companionship and instant emotional validation impact our spiritual growth? If a machine can think, work, and love, what’s left that makes humans special to God? Don’t miss a rousing discussion on these and other questions from two of the university’s top AI integration experts. Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html James Gurganus is the Chief Information Officer for George Fox University: https://nwacc.org/person/james-gurganus/ The DELTA Framework from the University of Notre Dame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_tQ-5njGhV0 If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
February 17 · 30 min
How to Navigate the Healthcare Maze in 2026
Professor and social worker Steffanie Altenbern joins Brian on an expedition through the “maze” of healthcare in the United States, a system they argue has become too complicated for the average person to navigate without help. Join us as we explore the reasons why, the impact on patients and providers, and some practical steps we can take to get the care we need. Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/faculty/altenbern.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html Stand up comedy bit on American healthcare: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIclMKPyTuS “Uncompensated care crisis”: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/oct/expiring-premium-tax-credits-lead-340000-jobs-lost-2026 https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-what-to-watch-in-2026/ “Healthcare anxiety”: https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-health-care-costs-expiring-aca-tax-credits-and-the-2026-midterms/ “Rural Care Deserts”: https://www.aha.org/environmentalscan “Alorithm Bias”: https://naacp.org/resources/building-healthier-future-designing-ai-health-equity https://dhinsights.org/news/naacp-releases-blueprint-to-tackle-bias-in-healthcare-ai If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
February 3 · 37 min
Can AI Imitate the Soul? Where Christians Need to Draw the Line
Can physics explain the soul? Is AI building a silicon god? Should Christians be open to merging their brains with the cloud or using AI to “resurrect” a loved one? Brian and philosophy professor Isaac Choi explore these and other questions at the intersection of faith, science, and futurism. Check out The Singularity is Near by Ray Kurzweil: https://www.singularity.com/ Dr. Isaac Choi directs the George Fox University Honors Program: https://www.georgefox.edu/honors-program/faculty-pages/isaac-choi.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
January 20 · 33 min
When Christian Leaders Fail: Grief & Accountability
News of beloved author Philip Yancey’s years-long affair with a married woman sparks a tough but worthwhile conversation between Brian and theologian Lindsey Hankins. From initial grief and accountability to the ultimate legacy of their work, join us as we explore what to do when a Christian public figure we trust and respect experiences a fall from grace. Christianity Today article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/author-philip-yancey-confesses-affair-withdraws-from-ministry/ The Dunning-Kruger Effect: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/dunning-kruger-effect Dr. Lindsey Hankins is the Director of the School of Humanities and Assistant Professor of Theology at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/hankins.html Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
January 6 · 34 min
Is Biblical Justice Liberal or Conservative?
Tune in to hear Brian Doak and LA pastor Jennifer Toledo cover justice, diversity, immigration policy, and more. What does a unified, bi-partisan approach to these issues look like in the Church? Is it possible for Christians to rise above political differences and live the “undiluted gospel?” And why is it so important that we really include kids in how we do church? Jennifer Toledo is a pastor, author, speaker, and strategist; a leading voice for the theology of justice, the undiluted gospel, and the place of children in the church today. Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor. Leviticus 19:14: “You shall not curse a person who is deaf, nor put a stumbling block before a person who is blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the Lord.” If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Dec 9, 2025 · 37 min
Why Dignity is the Defining Issue for Christians Today ft. Propaganda
Christian hip hop artist and author Propaganda talks with Brian Doak & Jason Fileta about what really matters for Christians in this moment: human dignity. Is Gen X the last generation with street smarts? Why are men struggling so hard in our culture? And how can we think about passing on what really matters from one generation to the next? Propaganda is a rapper, poet, and author born and raised in Los Angeles. Check out his book Terraform: https://www.prophiphop.com/book Listen to a tune from Prop’s latest album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U593BIvGa4 Jason Fileta is a Christian activist and Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence at George Fox University: https://www.bread.org/bio/jason-fileta/ Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Nov 25, 2025 · 33 min
A Stunning New Way to Read "The Good Samaritan" Parable!
Philosopher Meghan Sullivan says there’s only one basis for love: human dignity. Tune in as she presents a powerful study on Jesus’ philosophy of love—revealed through his famous thought experiment, The Good Samaritan. Could this ancient parable hold the key to transcending our social and political identities, so that we can love literally everyone? Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teacher at the University of Notre Dame, where she is professor of philosophy: https://ethics.nd.edu/people/meghan-sullivan/ Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html Institute for Ethics and the Common Good: https://ethics.nd.edu/ Opening ND Summit Keynote on the DELTA Framework: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_tQ-5njGhV0 Love and Social Transformation: Empowering Scholars and Social Innovators to Develop the Love Ethic: https://ethics.nd.edu/labs-and-centers/jenkins-center-for-virtue-ethics/the-love-ethic-network/ If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.
Nov 11, 2025 · 58 min
The Best Advice About AI You're Going to Get in 2025 (Tyler Staton, Andy Crouch, & Meghan Sullivan)
Tune in for a public discussion on a Christian response to the AI revolution. Is it possible for a Christian to be a “doomer” while maintaining genuine faith & hope? As AI models increasingly outperform humans in many areas of work, what distinguishes people as uniquely valuable? How can Christians avoid social obsolescence while remaining thoughtful about how we use technology? All this and more from Meghan Sullivan, Andy Crouch, Tyler Staton, Isaac Choi, and Brian Doak. Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teacher at the University of Notre Dame, where she is professor of philosophy: https://ethics.nd.edu/people/meghan-sullivan/ Andy Crouch is a well known author, speaker, and partner for theology and culture at Praxis, a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive entrepreneurship: https://andy-crouch.com/ Tyler Staton is the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon: https://bridgetown.church/ Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor: https://www.georgefox.edu/academics/undergrad/departments/religion/faculty/doak.html If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

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