Charting Life

Why did ancient people build ziggurats, and what do their towers reveal about humanity’s ambition and hubris? Why do humans keep building monuments that reach toward the heavens? In this episode, I explore the world of ziggurats with Dustin Wright. These towering temples that once dominated Mesopotamia and other regions now stand in ruins. We’ll consider what they meant to ancient cultures, how th...

Can we fully understand God by only seeing the masculine in Scripture? This episode explores the nature of God as well as the Bible’s portrayal of women. With openness and curiosity, we wrestle with questions about God’s character, the cultural backdrop of Scripture, and what these narratives could mean for us today. This conversation is shaped by both shared convictions and respectful differences...

What if “be anxious for nothing” isn’t a command to feel nothing but an invitation to be shaped by something deeper? What does it mean to “be anxious for nothing” and have we misunderstood the word be? In this episode, Dustin Wright joins me to explore anxiety not as a failure of faith but as a space for formation. Rooted in Philippians 4, our conversation traces how Scripture invites us to bring...

What if your purpose has less to do with how useful you are and much more about being loved, first? In a culture obsessed with performance, this conversation explores what it means to root identity in love before productivity. Catherine Cowell and I reflect on how calling, purpose, and gifting can all become distorted without a deeper foundation. At 23:20-25:45 Catherine listed 5 things that help...

In this episode, I talk with Godfrey Gatete about his remarkable journey from surviving civil war in Uganda to leading a movement of gospel-centered education and transformation across East Africa. When Godfrey and his family fled the Rwandan civil war as a child, he had no idea his journey would lead from the Ugandan bush to becoming a pastor, educator, and theological leader. In this episode, we...

We tend to treat art and beauty like side projects; they're nice, but not a necessity. But what if they’re part of how we learn to discover and tell the truth, wrestle with doubt, and live more fully in God’s story? In this episode, I’m joined by Rick Sorenson, an artist, author, and the "Bhutan Paper Guy" for a conversation about the role of beauty and creativity in our lives and in the church. W...

There are some details in popular Bible stories that easily get overlooked. In this episode, we explore passages that get skipped in Sunday school, not to poke fun, but to ask what’s really going on and why they’re there in the first place. As we dig into giants, Nephilim, and other overlooked details, we find that some of these oddities and weird details don’t weaken our faith. Instead, they magn...

What if healing isn’t just physical? In this conversation with Brigid Tebaldi, we dig into what’s missing from most wellness approaches: a deeper, faith-driven view of healing that includes your body, your story, and your spirit. We also cover how to discern and trust your intuition, as well explore how husbands and wives can work together even with differing viewpoints. To find out more about Bri...

What if your health choices weren’t just about hitting a number on the scale, but about showing up for the people who depend on you? This episode challenges striving, fear, and guilt with a practical mindset of stewardship, longevity, and grace. We also unpack common health myths and reframe wellness into something more helpful. Want to connect with or find out more information about the guest on...

In this episode of Charting Life, we sit down with Brandon, the dynamic owner of Pack Mule Moving. Our conversation spans a wide array of topics, from the simplicity of growing up without technology to the unexpected challenges of car problems on a road trip. Brandon shares his profound insights on faith and recounts the harrowing experience of being shot on the job. Through it all, a common theme...

In this episode of Charting Life, we sit down with Doug, an 89-year-old gardening legend who recently went viral on TikTok for his extraordinary tomatoes. (Original video link https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNHkxLh5/ ) Doug has grown the same tomatoes from the same seeds for over 75 years, and his story is as rich and flavorful as his produce. Join us as we delve into his fascinating journey, exploring...

In this thought-provoking episode, we chart a course into the concept of authenticity. Join us as we explore the struggles and challenges of staying authentic in the face of imitation. We will explore this concept through childhood stories of both successful and failed attempts at being genuine. The conversation also covers the joy of authentic foods, the intriguing question of whether people can...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Derrick from Grain Free Homestead in this episode of Charting Life! We delve into intriguing topics like spiritual encounters, the dynamics of managing a family-run social media page, and the joys and challenges of homesteading. Derrick shares captivating anecdotes, from battling garden thieves to the unexpected reasons behind ditching a certain crop. Plus...

Get ready to breeze through the holiday season harmoniously with Matt and Andrew's expert advice in this must-listen episode! Discover savvy strategies for sidestepping family conflicts that can turn festive gatherings sour. From navigating political debates to diffusing religious tensions, we've got you covered. Tune in as we tackle tough questions like handling conspiracy theories, political ran...

Don't miss the thrilling conclusion to our inaugural guest interview on Charting Life as I sit down with Andrew for a captivating exploration of life's defining moments. From childhood memories to the driving force behind his work ethic and achievements, Andrew shares profound insights into his journey. Discover how he envisions his future, and be inspired by his transformative encounter with divi...

Dive into an unforgettable journey with our debut guest interview on Charting Life! Join me as I sit down with Andrew for a captivating exploration of life's pivotal moments. From childhood memories filled with split-second decisions to profound reflections on faith and divine guidance, Andrew's raw and inspiring conversation reveals how his encounter with God led to a life-altering transformation...

Join us for the thrilling conclusion to this thought-provoking two-part episode! Matt and Aaron delve deep into the intricacies of the documentary "Shiny Happy People" and its intriguing parallels with various religious movements, including Aaron's own experiences within the Holiness Movement. From exploring the controversial concept of the "Umbrella of Authority" in the IBLP to engaging in candid...

Dive into the captivating first part of our two-part episode! Matt and Aaron unpack thought-provoking insights from the documentary "Shiny Happy People," drawing parallels with Aaron's personal experiences within the Holiness Movement and other religious groups. While delving into weightier themes, we infuse the conversation with both depth and humor, creating an engaging journey akin to navigatin...

Tune in to Charting Life for an exciting glimpse into our signature blend of wide-ranging conversations and infectious laughter! With hosts Matt and Aaron at the helm, expect every episode to be a delightful mix of entertainment and thought-provoking dialogue. Whether we're diving into lighthearted topics or tackling tougher conversations, we always find a way to keep things fun and engaging. Give...

Join Matt and Aaron for an episode filled with laughter, heartfelt anecdotes, and unexpected twists! From reminiscing about snipe hunting adventures to navigating the complexities of relationships, this lively discussion covers a spectrum of topics. Tune in as they share a hilarious engagement fail and stumble upon an unconventional investment opportunity inspired by a previous episode. Don't miss...

Join us for a riveting episode of Charting Life as Matt and Aaron regale listeners with their most unforgettable travel stories and top tips! From the bustling streets of New York City on New Year's Eve to the serene beaches of the Caribbean Islands, and even the unexpected adventures in "nowhere Alabama and Georgia," they recount tales of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright hilarious....

Join us for the inaugural episode of Charting Life, where hosts Matt and Aaron embark on an exploration of clichés! From dissecting their origins to injecting humor into familiar sayings, we dive headfirst into the world of clichés and emerge with newfound insights and laughter. Plus, glean valuable life advice on fostering meaningful conversations amidst the unavoidable clichés of life. Tune in n...