Fresh Ground Theology

Episode theme: Knowing the Holy Spirit as a Person—and why your brain might be part of the story. Coffee is poured. Tea drinkers are jokingly labeled “monsters.” And then the conversation turns unexpectedly deep: What if the Holy Spirit’s nearness isn’t only something you “think,” but something you experience—in breath, body, attention, and inner stillness? […]

In this first solo episode of his “Weird Passages of the Bible” series, guest host Wes Scott explores the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3:14–4:24 — a story that mirrors the parting of the Red Sea and even echoes back to creation itself. As the Israelites step onto dry ground, God commands […]

What does it mean to encounter the Spirit of God in the pages of the Old Testament? In this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, David and Nate explore the Hebrew word ruach—translated as breath, wind, or spirit—and how it reveals the dynamic, personal, and life-giving presence of God from Genesis through the Prophets. SoFrom the […]

Today’s episode marks a new chapter in The Distracted Christian. While Nate continues writing Part Two of “The Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross, the show shifts gears into a more conversational season — bringing in guest co-host Wes Scott, a longtime friend, theologian, and minister, to help carry the […]

On this episode of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David dive deep into one of the most profound and often overlooked questions of Christian faith: Who is the Holy Spirit? Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch, commuting to work, or unwinding at the end of the day, this conversation invites you to slow down, […]

In this final Christmas episode of the year, Nate and David pour one last festive cup—pumpkin spice creamer, herbal tea, and Ethiopian roast—and turn their attention to the story behind one of the most mysterious Christmas carols: “Good King Wenceslas.” They trace the real-life history of Saint Wenceslaus of Bohemia, the 10th-century Christian ruler whose […]

This Advent, Nate and David go beyond the flannelgraph and rediscover the staggering mystery of the Incarnation—God Himself taking on flesh. With mugs full of blue wood aster tea and Mystic Monk coffee, they unpack what it truly means for the eternal Yahweh to step into creation as Jesus of Nazareth. They trace the biblical […]

In this third installment of the Fresh Ground Theology Advent series, Nate and David welcome Wes Scott (soon to be a regular on the show) for a wide-ranging and surprisingly data-driven discussion: when was Jesus actually born in history—not just when Christians celebrate his birth liturgically. While December 25 is the Church’s traditional celebration, Wes […]

Beyond the mall Santa is Nicholas of Myra—a fourth-century bishop remembered for hidden generosity, bold justice, answered-prayer miracles, and a fierce defense of Christ’s divinity. Nate and David sip goldenrod tea and Mystic Monk coffee, then trace Nicholas’ story: born to wealthy Christian parents in Lycia; orphaned and generous; elected bishop; and famed for anonymous […]

Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas—it’s the Church’s way of ordering time around Christ. Nate and David trace how Advent holds a double horizon: He came in humility, comes into hearts by grace, and will come again in glory. Along the way, they swap mug updates (coffee vs. very bitter herbal “medicine”), talk about […]

Welcome to The Distracted Christian Podcast, hosted by Nate Labadorf. In this deeply contemplative episode, we enter the quiet terrain of Chapter 10 of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross—a chapter with no clear steps, no triumphant answers, just a profound invitation: to surrender. This episode is for those […]

Episode Summary Today David and Nate pause their normal topical series to welcome Pastor Ken Kirkley for a candid, pastoral conversation about depression, anxiety, OCD, and mental health in the Christian life. Ken opens up about a life-altering season that began in 2002—what it felt like, how he sought help, why he now advocates for […]

Episode SummaryIn Episode 10 of The Distracted Christian Podcast, we explore one of the most profound and unsettling experiences in the Christian spiritual journey: the Dark Night of the Soul. Rooted in the writings of St. John of the Cross, this episode unpacks the painful silence of God, the stripping away of spiritual comfort, and […]

Episode Summary:In this rich and far-ranging conversation, Nate and David dive deeper into the spiritual mystery of the Eucharist by comparing Christian communion with both ancient and modern pagan sacrifices. What begins as a discussion of 1 Corinthians 10 becomes a theological and philosophical journey through time, space, sacrament, and spiritual warfare. From temple feasts […]

Introduction: Envy at the Edge of EdenThere’s a moment in Paradise Lost when Satan stands at the edge of paradise, peering into its perfect order—not with longing or admiration, but with something darker. He doesn’t desire goodness; he resents it. He sees beauty, harmony, and divine love, and snarls, “Better to reign in Hell than […]

Episode Summary:In Episode 9 of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David continue their thoughtful and reverent exploration of the Eucharist—this time by drawing unexpected comparisons between Christian communion and modern pagan ritual practices. But this isn’t a takedown—it’s a dialogue. With clarity, humility, and grace, the hosts examine how Wiccan and Neo-Druidic traditions engage in […]

Episode SummaryWhat happens when our appetite for spiritual experiences outweighs our hunger for God Himself? In this episode, Nate Labadorf takes listeners on a surprising and convicting journey through the concept of spiritual gluttony—a term borrowed from St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul, but one that hits close to home for […]

Episode Summary:In this episode, Nate and David continue their exploration of the Eucharist by widening the lens—pulling in insights from ancient sacrifice, communal meals, modern church practices, and even pagan rituals. From Corinth to Greenville, sacred meals have always carried meaning beyond mere food. This installment asks the deeper questions: What does communion actually do? […]

Episode SummaryIn this powerful and timely episode, Nate Labadorf takes listeners deep into the emotion that most Christians would rather ignore—anger. Whether it’s frustration with unanswered prayers, disappointment in ourselves, or resentment toward others, anger has a way of sneaking into even the most devoted spiritual lives. This episode explores how anger—far from being a […]

Episode Summary:This week, Nate and David return to their multi-part series on the Eucharist, diving deep into the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11. What did Paul mean when he said, “I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you”? And what does it mean to “partake in an unworthy manner”? […]

Episode SummaryIn this revealing episode, host Nate Labadorf explores a hidden struggle in the Christian life: the temptation to pursue spiritual feelings instead of pursuing God Himself. Drawing from Chapter IV of Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross, Nate guides us into the subtle but dangerous habit of seeking joy, […]

In this first episode of a new multi-part series, Nate and David begin their exploration of the Holy Eucharist—also known as communion or the Lord’s Supper—and the diverse Christian perspectives surrounding it. They clarify their aim: not to declare a single “right” view, but to present the theological landscape and encourage thoughtful engagement with the […]

Episode SummaryIn this deeply reflective episode, host Nate Labadorf guides listeners into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation about spiritual greed—the quiet temptation to chase experiences, feelings, and objects in the name of devotion, while unknowingly drifting away from God Himself. Drawing from the writings of St. John of the Cross, Nate opens up about how […]

Episode Summary:In this special edition of Fresh Ground Theology, Nate and David take a detour from their regular theological deep dives to explore a thought-provoking, and at times troubling, book: The Boniface Option: A Strategy for Christian Counteroffensive in a Post-Christian Nation by Andrew Isker. What begins as a potentially compelling framework built around the […]

Episode Overview:In Episode 4 of The Distracted Christian Podcast, host Nate Labadorf tackles one of the most uncomfortable—but essential—truths of the spiritual journey: spiritual pride. Often hidden in plain sight, spiritual pride masquerades as maturity, discipline, and even holiness. But as St. John of the Cross warns in The Dark Night of the Soul, this […]