The Paradigm Switch Podcast

As the end of another year draws near, it is worth taking stock of one's spiritual growth over the year.  What lessons were learned?  What did God bless us with?  Did we achieve deeper understanding on a topic that gave us a challenge?  Did we overcome a problem we'd been facing?  Here, the Paradigm Switch reflects upon the year and discusses what comes next in 2024.

Times are tough.  The economy is souring.  Debt is ballooning.  Wars are raging throughout the world.  Crime is surging at home.  In times like these, it would be easy to throw in the towel and dwell on how horrible things are, giving into bitterness and a feeling of hopelessness.  But on this Thanksgiving, the Paradigm Switch wants to promote feelings of thanksgiving and discusses how to use this...

Last week we began the conversation about the importance of friendship  Here, the Paradigm Switch continues that discussion and discuss some factors it takes to have long-lasting relationships. Alongside the dangers of attaching to the wrong friend.

Most people, at their core, want to have friends.  People who they can hang out with, people who they can share secrets with, people who will be there for them when times get tough.  But increasingly in today's society, it seems as if deep, solid friendships are more and more elusive.  What could be driving this?  How can the situation be improved?  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the impo...

In this first week of November, the good, the bad, and the strange are discussed as the Paradigm Switch dives into Avan's recent trip to Thailand.

Halloween is oftentimes associated with scary things, horror, and even fear.  Certainly today, fear abounds within this world.  But one fear that seems diminished is the fear of God.  Is this a good thing?  A bad thing?  Or does this matter very much at all?  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses what fear of the Lord is and whether this is something Believers should avoid or whether it is something...

On Oct. 7, 2023, a horrible attack took place on Israel.  Over a thousand are dead, Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage, and now, war has broken out in the Middle East.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses the state of current events and how what we see now fits in with what is written in Scripture

A common past-time at Halloween is to visit a haunted house. As Halloween is a controversial day within Christian circles, sometimes Christians decide to offer alternatives to Halloween. In this case, there is a type of attraction Christians offer in lieu of a haunted house during the Halloween season: the Hell House. Here, the Paradigm Switch examines the idea of a Hell House and debates how it c...

More and more, it seems like people are talking about getting in touch with their spirit guide. There are guides for how to do this. There are texts about the different types of spirit guides. It certainly seems to be the new "in" thing to do. But what exactly are spirit guides? Are they truly helpful or are they something more sinister? Here, the Paradigm Switch investigates to determine whether...

As human beings, we are not perfect, even those of us in Christ.  This means that we will make mistakes.  Some are small and easy to move past.  But others seem to tower over us, and it's like we'll never overcome them.  True, mistakes do have consequences, but as Believers, we should not let them become crippling.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses how to move past mistakes and experien...

In an increasingly relative culture, it seems like personal responsibility is increasingly absent.  We see this in our coworkers, our friends, perhaps even in our spouses or significant others.  Maybe we have even been told that we ourselves lack this.  But why is personal responsibility important?  Does it really hurt if we don't share the same sense of responsibility as those around us?  Her...

Have you ever been in church, seen someone, and been like, "What are they doing?!"  Maybe you think they're dressed inappropriately.  Maybe you think their behavior is not dignified enough for church.  Or maybe you think their speech and worship style are out of place.  Are you correct?  Is there a proper etiquette to observe in church or did God leave dress and worship style as more...

A new season begins in Fall of 2023, and a lot has happened since the spring.  There has been war, natural diasters, political instability, and it seems that events are spinning out of control.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses these issues and catches up on what's gone on over the summer.

It seems like the world is growing more dangerous for Believers every day.  Arrests in Europe.  Legislation in the Middle East.  Targeted killings in the United States.  It can be easy to respond with anger against all of this injustice, but this is nothing new,  2000 years ago, Jesus and the Early Church also faced these situations.  Here, during this Holy Week with Easter coming soon, the Paradi...

An economy teetering on the brink.  An environmental disaster the likes of which haven’t been seen in years.  An entire country ablaze with unrest.  And all the while, a war that continues to impact millions.  Today, the Paradigm Switch will dive into this year’s March Madness and discuss how to remain stable in the most challenging of times.

When a pilot has reached their desired altitude they start a device known as the autopilot, which is used to keep an aircraft on a set course without the intervention of the pilot.  It’s stable and without too much focus, the plane is coasting through the air several miles high.  That might be good for a plane or other transportation vehicles; however, is an “autopilot” mindset good for a Believer...

It seems like, more and more, young people are becoming out of control.  Children disrespect their parents.  There are fights between students and teachers.  Even the church isn't spared as laymembers gossip and smear leadership behind their back.  Why does it seem so many in the US culture have entered into a state of rebellion?  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses&n...

Every so often, we'll find ourselves in a state of self reflection.  Perhaps we'll think about the past and how we wish we'd taken a different path.  Or perhaps we'll muse about our future.  Where will we be in the next 5 years?  Or maybe we'll reflect on the present and determine whether we're at where we want to be.  Here, Alex reflects upon all 3 as he recounts his time...

It is a blessing to be able to travel and visit other lands.  New cities, new landscapes, and new cultures await.  Here, Alex records from Italy and describes his sojourn in Europe.

The Christian Church is no stranger to hardship or persecution.  In the days of the Early Church, Rome attempted to grind Believers into the dust.  Today, persecution still occurs throughout a number of places in the world, but in the West, Christians have experienced years of peace and prosperity.  However, it has recently seemed that, even in the West, being a Christian has become...

When Valentine's Day rolls around, one can feel remarkably blessed to have that special someone in life or one can feel discouraged, disappointed, and maybe even heartbroken.  If you are one of the heartbroken, it may seem like life can never get better, but it is imperative to not give up on your future.  Here, the Paradigm Switch discusses strategies for managing heartbreak and the consequences...

Making choices can be challenging for some.  They vacillate between choices based on each choice's pros and cons.  Other times, they're afraid of what the possible outcome might be.  As a result, these individuals suffer from indecisiveness, paralyzed by the inability to make a choice.  And some, even once a choice is made, attempt to minimize change caused by that choice...

As we live our lives, we are often visited by the urge to make something significant happen.  Some want to create new career opportunities in life.  Others want to find a relationship that will lead to marriage.  Yet more might want to indulge in their fantasies and travel all around the world.  So sometimes, our prayers might go something like this, "Lord, please let this...

In the United States in today’s day and age, it seems like we’re all incredibly busy.  People are working all the time, whether it’s to make ends meet, to provide for one’s family, or to distinguish oneself for promotion.  It seems like there’s hardly any time to relax and spend time with friends and family, but we need money to survive, especially these days, right?  But is it good...

Last week on the Paradigm Switch, it was determined that a good role model should be someone who models Christ's behavior in his/her life.  In a time when secular celebrities continue gaining more and more esteem and social media followers, here the Paradigm Switch hosts Luke Staley, a professional MMA fighter involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as they discuss how each Christia...