Placed For A Purpose

In this episode, we explore the deep ache of loneliness—what it is, how it affects our brains and bodies, and why it's become such a defining struggle in modern life. Using the film Castaway as a launching point, we dive into the biology and psychology behind our need for connection and how God designed us for meaningful relationships. We unpack the loneliness loop—how chronic isolation impacts ou...

In this episode, we explore the surprising power of social networks and how our influence extends far beyond what we can see. Inspired by the book Connected by Nicholas Christakis, we discuss the ripple effect that spreads through relationships—how our moods, generosity, and even small acts of kindness can impact not just our neighbors, but their neighbors and their neighbors’ neighbors. We also d...

In this episode, we’re embracing the awkward! Awkwardness is something we all experience, whether it's forgetting a neighbor's name, misreading a social cue, or simply feeling out of place in a new interaction. Instead of avoiding it, what if we saw awkwardness as a superpower in building relationships? Drawing from Good Awkward by Dr. Hannah Pryor, we explore how these cringe-worthy moments can a...

What does it mean to go beyond regular hospitality and show unreasonable hospitality? Inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, this episode explores how simple, thoughtful acts can transform neighborhood connections. From the story of how 11 Madison Park became the number one restaurant in the world to practical ideas like snow day donuts and welcoming gifts, we discuss how to make ne...

In the final episode of our Emotionally Healthy Neighboring series, we explore how to navigate trauma with compassion and care, featuring special guest Eliza Huie, a licensed professional counselor and author of Trauma Aware: A Christian's Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza explains the difference between trauma and suffering, offering practical guidance on how to respond when neighbors share...

What does it really mean to be an adult? Owning a house, working a job, or paying bills? In this episode of our Emotionally Healthy Neighboring series, we explore the deeper side of adulthood—taking responsibility for our lives, exercising God-given power, and learning to show up in relationships with confidence and humility. Drawing from Changes That Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud, we discuss the import...

In this episode of our Emotionally Healthy Neighboring series, we explore the challenge of sorting out the good and bad in ourselves, our neighbors, and our communities. It’s easy to fall into black-and-white thinking—seeing our neighbors as either all good or all bad—but true growth happens when we learn to embrace the tension of both. We discuss insights from Changes That Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud...

In week two of our Emotionally Healthy Neighboring series, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges of building relationships with neighbors—boundaries. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or even resentful because you don’t know how to say no, this episode is for you. We explore what healthy boundaries look like, how they help us love our neighbors well, and why setting limits doesn’t m...

In this kickoff to our new series, "Emotionally Healthy Neighboring," we dive into the foundational concept of bonding. Drawing from Dr. Henry Cloud's book Changes That Heal, we explore what it means to connect with others on a deeper level and how bonding—or the lack thereof—shapes our relationships with neighbors, family, and even God. Join us as we discuss the challenges of disconnection, the n...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kendra Broekhuis, author of Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert's Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor, to explore the unique strengths and challenges introverts bring to neighboring. Kendra shares her journey of embracing her God-given personality while building connections—from awkward beginnings to thriving behind the scenes. We discuss practical tips for leaning i...

In this episode, we dive into the power of habits, inspired by the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, and explore how small, consistent changes can transform the way we neighbor. As we step into 2025, we reflect on our bad habits (like pantry crumbs and "the chair") and explore how to build better habits for fostering community. We discuss Clear's Four Laws of Behavioral Change—make it obvious, ma...

In this episode, we talk with Lance Ford, author of Next Door as It Is in Heaven, about living out God’s kingdom in our neighborhoods. Lance shares practical insights on what it means to have an incarnational presence—to see ourselves as sent by God into our communities—and to prioritize hospitality and inclusion. Drawing on inspiring stories, like building relationships with neighbors labeled as...

What do neighboring and playing catch have in common? Ethan Bryan’s simple daily commitment to playing catch for an entire year transformed not only his life but also his understanding of connection and community. From freezing winter tosses to spontaneous backyard games, Bryan discovered how something as ordinary as a game of catch fosters vulnerability, rewires our brains, and deepens relationsh...

This year-end episode is a highlight reel of the most inspiring and transformative moments of 2024 on the podcast—just like your Spotify Wrapped! We're diving into listener favorites, from the surprising power of small talk and reimagining gospel conversations to the earthy beauty of neighboring through trees, bees, and community gardens. Plus, we revisit raw and meaningful discussions on grief, h...

During Christmas, the longing for peace feels especially acute, reflected in the songs we sing, the decorations we hang, and the verses we read during Advent. Both believers and non-believers desire peace—in the world, in our country, in our families, and in our neighborhoods. This guided prayer walk invites us to pray for peace in our lives, our neighbors' lives, and our communities. Scripture fo...

Take this in: You don’t have to be the perfect neighbor; you just have to “good enough.” Today we share a concept we’re calling “Good Enough Neighboring,” inspired by the parenting philosophy, “Good Enough Parenting.” This is not a passive or apathetic approach. On the contrary; it’s transformational. Good Enough Neighboring tells us that when we reject perfectionism and embrace our limits, we’ll...

This Advent, we dive into the powerful idea of incarnational living—being fully present in our neighborhoods, just as Jesus was as Emmanuel, "God with us." Reflecting on the humanity of Jesus and His presence among us, we discuss how His example calls us to dwell and engage authentically with our neighbors. From sharing meals to walking our neighborhoods with purpose, we consider practical ways to...

In the spirit of the season, we’re launching the 12 Days of Neighboring Challenge! Inspired by the classic Christmas carol, we’re sharing fun and creative ways to connect with and love your neighbors this holiday season—from delivering Christmas cards to hosting an open house. Join us as we unpack each step of the challenge and offer practical tips to make neighboring both meaningful and manageabl...

Gobble, Gobble! Or should we say "Grumble, Grumble?" Thanksgiving is here, but sometimes we’re more grumbly than grateful. In this episode, Dustin Crowe, author of The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks, explores the difference between feeling thankful and actually expressing gratitude. We’ll discuss simple ways to build a gratitude practice in your daily life—whether it’s through Thanksgiving trad...

In a world that celebrates busyness, we’re often left feeling rushed and disconnected from the people around us. Today, we discuss how we can intentionally slow down and connect more deeply with our surroundings, including our neighbors. With insights inspired by John Mark Comer’s "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," we’ll share practical ways to shift our mindset and create time to invest in thos...

Let’s face it—most of us are horrible listeners but don't know how to change. Today, we’re diving into the hilarious, painfully relatable ways we all miss the mark and offering practical (and maybe even life-changing) tips to reset your listening default settings. Join us for laughs, real talk, and a guide to becoming the listener everyone wishes they had! CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WH...

Today, small talk is getting a glow-up! Rather than dismissing it as a waste of time, we’ll consider how neighborly chit-chat can be a doorway to meaningful relationships and deeper conversations. We'll discuss how the challenges—social anxiety, awkward pauses, and a lack of emotional fulfillment—are real, but by viewing small talk as an essential “icebreaker” to genuine connection, we can break t...

Carolyn Lacey, author of "Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary People: Seven Ways to Welcome Like Jesus," joins the discussion to explore the true meaning of Christian hospitality. Carolyn shares insights from her book, discussing how we often misunderstand hospitality as simply entertaining or hosting. Instead, she reveals the deeper, Christ-centered nature of hospitality—grounded in generosity...

Are you hesitant to share your faith with your neighbors? Matt Smethurst, lead pastor at River City Baptist Church and author of "Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready," joins us to discuss the challenges and importance of evangelism. Matt shares his personal experiences and insights on how to be better prepared to share the gospel, offering practical advice for those who m...

Are political conversations with neighbors just too divisive to touch? Today, we’re joined by Ken Sande, founder of two conflict resolution organizations and author of The Peacemaker, to talk about how to approach these tricky discussions with emotional intelligence. Ken shares insights on how to manage your emotions—and those of others—while navigating sensitive political topics, especially in to...