A Burden For The Times

As fireworks crackle and grills fire up, we take a moment to reflect on what it really means to celebrate July 4th and Juneteenth as Americans—especially as Christians. Can you hold both holidays in high regard without diminishing either? Can patriotism exist without nationalism? And what does it mean to celebrate freedom when that freedom wasn’t always available to everyone? In this episode, the...

In this new summer series, the team dives headfirst into a topic that gets more complicated every year—patriotism. What does it actually mean to be patriotic? Has the definition changed? And how do we differentiate between patriotism and nationalism, especially in today’s climate? In this episode, we explore: How patriotism is defined—and redefined—over time Whether deep devotion to one’s country...

This episode kicks off with some brotherly banter about the NBA playoffs—yep, even when our teams are out, the debates keep rolling. But we quickly pivot to the heart of today’s conversation: what’s on our summer reading list? From apologetics to ministry leadership, from fiction to AI ethics, we’re laying out the titles that are shaping our thinking and stretching our souls. Whether you’re lookin...

In this deeply personal episode, Adrian shares an honest and heartfelt update on his transition from itinerant ministry to serving as a local church pastor. With Aaron stepping in as the interviewer, the conversation covers: What led Adrian to shift from traveling ministry to full-time pastoring How God used closed doors and unexpected moments to guide that change The joys and challenges of life o...

After a deep dive into immigration this past season, we’re lightening the load — but not losing the depth — with a fresh conversation about art . Not just paintings and galleries, but the lost art of creativity itself. What even counts as art anymore? Can AI generate it? Is beauty being replaced by efficiency? And where does the Church fit in all of this? In this episode, we swap stories of favori...

In this final episode of our three-part immigration series, we wrap up the conversation by asking the big question: What can actually be done? Over the last two episodes, we’ve tried to slow down and do the hard work of defining our terms. We began by asking, “What is immigration?” and then moved to, “How does the system work?” Now, we’re talking about possible solutions—from political reform to b...

In this special episode, we momentarily step away from our immigration series to honor the life and legacy of our grandfather, James Chadwick. While our family attends his funeral this week, we are grateful to still connect with you through a powerful conversation recorded with Tracy from the Toon My Heart podcast. Join us as we discuss the story of John Henry—his historical and legendary roots, w...

Episode Title: Immigration – Defining the System (Part 2) We’re back with Part 2 of our immigration series, and this time we’re taking a deeper dive—not into people, but into the system itself. In Part 1, we defined immigration. In this episode, we’re asking: what do we mean when we say “the immigration system is broken” ? Before we dive into the heavier topics, we start with a fun conversation: i...

Hey everyone! In this episode, we’re kicking off a multi-part series on immigration—a topic that’s constantly in the news and often misunderstood. In this episode, we get into the heart of the conversation—what is immigration, really? We break down the difference between immigration, asylum, and work visas, and talk about how these terms often get mixed up in public debates. We also explore why de...

In this episode, we bring Black history to life through the power of film and storytelling. Movies and documentaries have a unique way of making history feel personal, introducing new audiences to pivotal moments and figures who shaped the world. But how well do they actually represent the truth? We highlight some of the best movies and documentaries in our opinion about Black history, sharing why...

Episode Overview In this special Valentine’s Day & Black History Month episode, we highlight the impact of powerful Black couples who shaped history. From civil rights activists to business leaders and even a presidential couple, these relationships weren’t just about love—they were about legacy, resilience, and partnership . We explore how these couples supported each other through adversity,...

In this episode, we take on what seems like a lighthearted topic— video games —but quickly uncover the deeper implications they have on society, personal habits, and even family life. With the gaming industry generating more revenue than the music and movie industries combined, it’s clear that video games are more than just entertainment—they shape culture and behavior. We dive into the question:...

In this episode, we reflect on moments from past conversations where we could have articulated our thoughts more clearly or where our perspectives have shifted. As a continuation of Part 1, we focus on humility, personal growth, and the importance of revisiting challenging topics with fresh eyes and open hearts. Key moments include: •Revisiting how we approached sensitive topics like patriarchy, r...

In this season opener, we take a vulnerable look back at our “worst takes” from over 100 episodes. With a mix of honesty and humor, we revisit key topics and  how our perspectives have changed over time. This episode is about growth, humility, and having the courage to admit when we’ve been wrong, all while fostering respectful and thought-provoking dialogue. Join us as we reflect on our journey,...

 As we celebrate our 100th podcast episode, join Aaron, Anton, and me on this nostalgic journey through our favorite memories and hilarious moments that have defined our podcasting adventure. From off-mic antics to the mysterious "Mr. Tiger" debate... ??? As we wrap up Season #3 this year, we contemplate the personal growth and transformations podcasting has brought us over the past thre...

Is voting a biblical duty for Christians, or simply a civic right? This episode poses that very question as we explore the nuanced intersection of faith and politics, especially in light of the election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.  We then turn our attention to the scriptural arguments surrounding Christian participation in voting. Should Christians feel obligated to vote, or does scri...

Andrea Dyksterhouse is a fun personality with a background in psychology and family ministry joins us for an insightful conversation around ADHD. We navigate through the skepticism that often surrounds ADHD, especially within Christian communities, and challenge some of the common misconceptions. The conversation delves into the complexities of diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults. Andrea s...

 Join Jasmine, Shilyn, and Tavian (kids of a Aaron and Adrian) as they share their favorite reads and insightful discussions on the power of storytelling.  Discover a world of diverse narratives as the trio explores the magic of "Tristan Strong" by Kwame Mbalia and the adventure-packed "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun." Shylan brings depth with historical and biographical gem...

Books or movies—which medium offers a richer experience? Aaron and Anton dive into this age-old debate using "Unbroken" to illustrate their points. We challenge the notion that all reading is inherently good, emphasizing the quality of the content. We shift to the impact of historical films on public perception of Black history, exploring titles like "Roots," "Harriet,&quo...

It's Election Season....Why do politics stir up so much tension? We dive into this by exploring how personal identities are intimately tied to political beliefs. Anton offers insights on the significance of identity politics, while Aaron discusses the role of social media in amplifying divisiveness. Through personal stories and cultural observations, we highlight the pitfalls of focusing on p...

 This podcast episode interviews the host...Adrian Burden. This episode is borrowed with permission from Josh Teis and the Idea Day Network Podcast. This podcast dates back to 2020 and features Adrian giving insight to church leaders tackling racism and its blindspots.  Listen as we categorize common responses to racially charged events—ranging from the "facts guy" who relies solely on d...

Join us as we unravel the heartbreaking story of Sonia Massey, a 36-year-old from Springfield, Illinois, whose fatal interaction with deputies on July 6, 2024, raises profound questions about police protocols and the ethical dimensions of their actions. Through detailed analysis, we reflect on the events that led to this distressing outcome and the broader implications for handling mental health e...

In this episode we share practical strategies for managing news intake without sacrificing mental health. We discuss the benefits of stepping back from constant news updates and offer tips like setting time limits and other helpful hints.  The discussion spans the emotional fallout from the 2020 political climate and the importance of balanced news sources, painting a complex picture of modern jou...

Explore the opportunities within prison ministry and learn why understanding prison culture is crucial before getting involved. We discuss various branches of ministry, from juvenile justice centers to specialized men's and ladies' programs, and recommend partnering with established organizations. Legislative impacts, such as President Biden's executive order on private prisons and...

Did you know that modern prison systems might be failing because we’ve overlooked the timeless call to "do justly"? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Anton as he intertwines the ancient wisdom of Micah 6:6-8 with today's most pressing issues.  Anton critiques our contemporary approach to justice through a sermon-like discussion that sheds light on the enduring releva...