Questions I'm Asking

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Greg Bolt sits down with Michael Talbert, a man whose life reads like an adventure novel—spanning from surviving a devastating helicopter crash in Vietnam to calmly reading the newspaper while rockets fell in Iraq. Michael shares his unique journey of navigating global government bureaucracy while maintaining a profound respect for diverse faiths and proudly wearing the t...

Host Greg Bolt sits down with labor economist and TikTok sensation Dr. Kathryn Edwards (known online as  @Keds_Economist ) to demystify the often-confusing world of economic policy. From her unique journey as an unemployment insurance expert catapulted into the spotlight during the pandemic to her philosophy of "meeting people where they are," Kathryn explains why the economy often feels...

Host Greg Bolt welcomes author, activist, and Empower Initiative co-founder Ben McBride for a deep-dive into why true belonging feels so fragile in our modern world. Ben shares personal reflections on belonging as a space where we can exist "without negotiation or apology" and explores how our biological need for safety often drives us toward exclusion and "contempt prior to investi...

Host Greg Bolt welcomes spiritual guide and content creator Paige Hook ( @ascending.phoenix on TikTok) for a deep dive into the provocative question: What is the difference between following Jesus and worshipping him? Paige shares her journey from growing up in the traditional Christian church to finding a middle-ground space where she helps others heal from church trauma and reconnect with the Di...

Host Greg Bolt sits down with Salem City Councilor and mayoral candidate Vanessa Nordyke to discuss her vision for a more inclusive and affordable Salem. From her early days painting faces at the Salem Art Fair to her work as a public servant and advocate for foster youth, Vanessa shares how a deep-rooted commitment to service and "jumping in headfirst" guides her leadership. The convers...

We're taking a slight deviation this week and putting Pastor Greg in the hot seat. In this episode of "Questions I'm Asking," Greg Bolt is interviewed by Shawn Daniel, a Catholic seminarian, for a comparative study in ecumenism. They dive into the foundational beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (USA), exploring topics like the central role of Scripture, the concept of "God a...

Pastor Greg talks with author and fellow Salem native Cara Meredith about her book, Church Camp , and her spiritual journey following nearly a decade with YoungLife. Cara shares how questioning who was and wasn't welcome led to a faith deconstruction process , ultimately finding a new home in the Episcopal tradition. They explore the beauty of embracing mystery over certainty , the deep human...

What is the true cost of poverty and inequality in America? Pastor Greg Bolt and Bob Rossi (union organizer) are joined by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharris, co-moderator of the Poor People's Campaign and founder of the Kairos Center. They explore her Armenian-Greek heritage and the role of organizing in challenging oppression, discussing why, despite biblical mandates for justice, poverty remains worse tha...

Pastor Greg Bolt sits down with guest Ray White for a deeply personal conversation about faith, doubt, and the winding path toward understanding God. Ray shares his candid journey from a challenging childhood and early struggles with a judgmental image of God, to finding a more profound and loving connection through personal discovery and the embrace of community. Join us as they explore what it m...

Join host Greg Bolt, a pastor, dad, community member, and sports nut, as he kicks off conversations that bridge divides. In this episode, Greg and his first guest, Ashley Taylor, discuss the importance of community, navigating generational differences, and the complexities of love and support in an increasingly polarized world. They delve into challenging topics like the "binary or spectrum&q...