Conversations About Life

Gayle Wills talks about her growing up years, Christian conversion at age 30, grieving during the last few years, and the ongoing need to trust God. Gayle

Professor McGill shares his mentors, influences, thoughts about life, and wisdom about fitness. From www.backfitpro.com , “Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a ‘distinguished professor emeritus’, University of Waterloo, where he was a professor for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues related to the causal mechanisms of back pain, how to rehabilitate...

Alex and Joel are both Christians but interpret the Christian Bible differently when it comes to the first few chapter of Genesis.  Alex understands those passages as myth and handles them in that way.  Joel understands them as historical accounts.  They each try to explain their views and why they have them. Alex and Joel

Ann is a massage therapist who specializes in Indian Head Massage.  She is curious about life, values growth, embraces adventure, and was a delight to talk with. Ann’s website is at annkarkoski.com Ann Karkoski

Bas and Pieter are brothers, both from the Netherlands.  Bas has been in the US for about 10 years and his brother, Pieter, is currently visiting.  We talk mainly with Pieter about Dutch culture and also about his personal move toward secularism. Bas and Pieter

In college a friend of Tim’s impacted his life by helping him follow Jesus more closely.  He was helping Tim become a disciple, or an apprentice, student, of Jesus.  Tim has been involved in this same activity since then, of helping others become and grow as disciples of Jesus. Tim

I really enjoyed this conversation with Mark as we talked through how to think about suffering for gaining spiritual strength for it. Mark

Bonita and I enjoy a conversation about what art therapy is and how she got involved in it.  We also talk about PTSD, mental health, connection to other people, relationships and her Christian faith. Bonita

Ken has a background in the military, software, is a scuba diver and also a pilot. We talk about what Ken enjoys about life and how he experiences it. Ken  

Christina was diagnosed about a year ago with triple-negative breast cancer.  She is cancer free now but will still be under treatment for a few more months.  We talk about her experience with cancer, remembering special moments with family, her marriage, and her faith in God. Christina

Brian is executive director of White Flag Church in Oakville, MO.  We talk about his entrance into the Christian faith, Christians interacting, the church experience, church growth and making disciples. White Flag’s website is www.whiteflag.church Brian Gardner

Chris Becker has been a pro photographer, a leader and speaker among photographers, and is now a fat loss coach. We talk about his philosophy of life and his optimism. Chris’ website is www.thebecker.com Chris Becker

Ed is an apologist and connected to Engage 360 Ministries ( www.e360m.org ).  We talk about common informal fallacies and arguing graciously in a profitable way. Ed Bowen  

Ethan was seeking for a long time with psychedelics, religions and philosophies.  After reading C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity” he didn’t want to dismiss Christianity’s audacious claims without praying to God that if they were true, God would show him.  Ethan didn’t think they could possibly be true, but then he came to find out that they were. Ethan

Elias has a background in the Christian Science faith.  We talk about what Christian Science is and how it compares with historic Christianity. Elias

Hank tried to distract himself from childhood pain with drugs and alcohol.  He also suffered from some major health setbacks.  He has more recently been dealing with his past and is moving forward. Hank

Tehilla Aloni is from Israel, a business woman, a business consultant, mom, former military boot camp instructor and judo champion.  We talk about her Jewish practice, what she values in life, and how as a boot camp instructor she transitioned to helping others achieve their goals. Tehilla’s website www.bio4biz.com Tehilla Aloni

Adam is a novelist and a writing educator.  We talk about the power of stories, myths, character or theme or plot based stories, and getting feedback on our stories. Adam Sydney

Brendan is assistant director of personal training and personal trainer at Xist in Arnold, MO.  We talk about fitness and how Brendan finds meaning in his life. Brendan Welch

Herman is 75.  We talk about his time in the Vietnam war, living as a farmer, marriage late in life, and then changing from Roman Catholicism to Protestant Christianity. Herman

Alex and Joel discuss global warming, or climate change.  Is it a serious concern?  What should we do?  Alex and Joel both come from a Christian world view, so the discussion is framed around what a Christian’s attitude should be. Alex and Joel

Rabbi Ze’ev Smason and I talk about Orthodox Judaism and how it differs from Christianity. You can learn more about Rabbi Ze’ev Smason’s work with Coalition for Jewish Values at coalitionforjewishvalues.org/ Rabbi Ze’ev Smason

James grew up in Peru and then spend most of his working life in Bolivia.  We talk about their cultures and how it differs from the US. James  

Michael Flournoy grew up in the Latter-Day Saints Church, was a Mormon missionary, and then became a Mormon apologist before leaving the Latter Day Saints church for Evangelical Christianity.  We talk about that experience, how Evangelical Christianity differs from Mormonism, and how to make the best of opportunities to talk with people, especially missionaries, who are Latter-Day Saints. I referr...

Dan John is an All-American discus thrower and had competed at the highest levels of Olympic lifting, Highland Games, and also holds the American record in the Weight Pentathlon.  Dan now gives workshops around the world, writes books and hosts The Dan John Podcast. Dan’s website, where you can get his workouts, is at danjohnuniversity.com/ Dan John