Make It Simple

In this episode, Jon Tyson joins the podcast to discuss intentional fatherhood, and how relationship shapes our parenting. He brings grace and insight into the truth that we don't have to "try harder, do more," but rather, it's the small moments that make big impacts. Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide Australia, Jon moved to the...

In this episode, Clarissa Moll joins Matt and Rachel to share her story with grief and loss. She discusses the different ways grief shows up in our lives and how grief can bring a deeper intimacy with God and those around us.  Everyone experiences grief of all kinds, as the natural flow of this life. Clarissa brings wisdom and compassion to the conversation as she reflects on experiencing such gri...

In this episode, Sarah Salzberg joins Matt and Rachel to talk all about the Old Testament, and how significant it still is for people of faith today. She breaks down what the Old Testament is, and how to approach it with new eyes as we look to see what it reveals about God. Sarah brings a delightful perspective to a scholarly and heartfelt conversation. Sarah Salzberg lives in Los Angeles, CA with...

In this episode, Jonathan Merritt joins Rachel and Matt to talk all about marijuana, and how a person of faith can wrestle with differing perspectives. Jonathan shares his personal experience and discusses his article, " A Christian Case for Marijuana. "  They look at the history, criminalization, and research around marijuana, and share how we can take a position of mercy and justice no...

Kirsten shares all about her journey with grace, and what it looks like to treat others with humanity despite hurtful discourse. She breaks down how living a life of grace is more than just “being nice,” but rather leads to kindness and accountability. It’s a great conversation, and we’re so glad to share it with you! Kirsten Powers is a senior political analyst at CNN and a NYT bestselling author...

This week, Matt and Rachel are talking all about climate change with Katharine Hayhoe. Katharine is leading the way in helpful, hope-filled conversations about the environment, diving into the ins and outs of climate change, and offering tangible solutions that we can all do, big and small, to turn things around. Her care for the environment and this planet all stems from one place- her love for J...

In this episode, Michael Wear joins Rachel and Matt to talk all about politics. Michael offers advice about how to approach personal opinions, the role politics should play in our lives, and how to approach political discourse. Michael also suggests at at its core, our political views are just another way we can love our neighbors.  You don't want to miss it! Michael Wear is a leading strateg...

In this episode, Frank Hart joins Rachel and Matt to discuss Halloween and his article Christians & Halloween, A Biblical Perspective From Frank Hart.  They discuss origins,  how believers can approach these festivities, and the importance of good candy. Frank gives us this to consider : " It's scary out there, but we don't have to be afraid."  You don't want to miss i...

Join us for our last episode of season 1, episode 10, where will be talking all about Conflicts with Michelle Thompson. We dive into all aspects of conflict, and discuss how to move through conflict in productive ways. What do we do about conflict, what does healthy versus unhealthy conflict look like, and what are some practical ways to handle conflict? We get into all of it with our good friend...

Join us for episode 9, where will be talking about Science & Faith with Sarah Salviander. We dive into the relationship with Science and Faith, and why science can seem to be, at times, at odds with God. Dr. Sarah Salviander brings a unique perspective to the conversation, as we discuss creation, burden of proof, and the importance of looking into things for yourself. You won't want to mi...

Join us for episode 8, where will be talking about Human Trafficking with Raleigh Sadler. In this episode, Raleigh brings education and awareness to this often politicized issue in our culture today, and discusses how we can help those around us who are vulnerable. It's a great conversation, and we are excited to share it with you! ++++ To support Make It Simple, head to mpm.simpledonation.co...

In episode 7, we talk with author Rachel Joy Welcher about Purity Culture. We discuss what we mean when we say "purity culture," and breakdown the impacts from the movement, as well as how we move forward in healing. You won't want to miss it. Bonus: This week we will have a giveaway! Listen to the podcast to find out more. ++++ To support Make It Simple , head to mpm.simpledonation...

AJ Sherrill joins us for episode 6 of the podcast to teach us The Enneagram - What is it and how do we use it?! This week, AJ speaks with Matt and Rachel about the enneagram, and how this tool can be useful in our own Spiritual formation and in our relationships. AJ is the author of "The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation" and is the lead pastor at St. Peter's Church in Mount Pleasan...

Kathy Lee Eggers is an award winning author and has been dedicated to the well-being of young children for more than 30 years. Kathy has extensive experience in the field of child development and early childhood education. In this episode, Kathy shares her insights about common things that overwhelm parents, how to deal with guilt, and teaches us how to be present for our kids in the day-to-day bu...

Shane Ramer is the host of That Sober Guy Podcast, a recovery platform used to help others stay sober. In this episode, Shane answers common questions around addiction and recovery. Matt and Shane discuss the biggest misconceptions about sober living, how to support an addict that we love, and what it takes to love someone well who is on the road to recovery. You can listen to Shane's podcast...

Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling is an LCMS pastor and Lutheran university educator. Dr. Bolling currently serves as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and as assistant professor of leadership and theology and coordinator of multicultural engagement at Concordia University Texas. He works with Lutherans for Racial Justice and is the co-host of The (Im)Partial Church podcast availab...

Dr. Anjeanette (AJ) Roberts is a molecular biologist and virologist and a public advocate for the Christian faith. Dr. Roberts conducted SARS research at the National Institutes of Health and holds degrees in chemistry, cell and molecular biology (PhD, U. of Pennsylvania), and Christian apologetics (MA, Biola University). Dr. Roberts has co-authored over 40 articles published in peer-reviewed scie...

Steve Cuss is the author of Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs . He’s also the founder of Capable Life which helps leaders live a calm, aware, present, and able existence at work and at home. In this first ever episode of Make It Simple , Matt and Steve break down anxiety: what it is, how to manage our own, and how to help others. For more from Steve, head to: stevecusswords.com and cap...

Matt and Rachel explain the big idea behind Make It Simple and introduce some of the tough topics they'll tackle in Season One. (Launching July 6th, 2021) Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.