GEORGE FOX TALKS

Gandalf the wizard as an Old Testament prophet? Hobbits as intercessory priests? Aragorn as a messianic king? Dr. Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College, joins Brian in the studio to uncover the rich Gospel themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings . While Tolkien famously insisted his work was not an allegory, Dr. Ryken explains how the author’s faith and theologica...

A simple trip to the grocery store inspires a flavorful conversation between Brian and Professor Steffanie Altenbern. Join us as they dig into food inequality in America, the pros and cons of Instacart, and food as an under-explored part of our spiritual health.  Steffanie Altenbern is a social worker in Portland, OR and teaches at George Fox University: https://www.georgefox.edu/socialwork/facult...

Artist Scott Erickson returns for a conversation about what we gain by including the messiest parts of our humanity in art that fuels our spiritual reflection, worship, and practice. Joined this time by Tim Timmerman, professor of art and design at George Fox, Scott and our hosts lift the veil on Christian art as a vocation, a ministry, and a tool for transformation. Scott Erickson creates art and...

What makes a meeting worth the time? How involved should leaders be in the work of their employees? What does it take to turn a failing company around? Businessman and former Starbucks CEO Jim Donald chats with Brian about the hands-on, revitalizing framework that earned him the moniker “The Turnaround King.” Punctuated with memorable action points and vivid stories, Jim’s advice offers something...

Modern leadership models tend to revolve around attaining power, loyalty, and even perfection. In today’s episode, author and Christianity Today CEO Nicole Massie Martin invites us to flip these values upside down. Drawing on Jesus’ ministry to provide a countercultural model for effective leadership, Nicole talks with Brian about the inevitability of pain in the leader’s journey, resisting the pr...

In this exciting episode, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Robert George model and expound upon the antidote to the polarization plaguing our times: a blend of intellectual humility, a hunger for truth, and a Gospel-shaped love for humankind. Dr. Joseph Clair—Associate Provost and Professor of Theology and Culture at George Fox—hosts this rousing conversation with two of America’s most influential public i...

From our work habits to the competitive way we rest, Americans are notorious for our “hustle and grind” culture. But what is this approach to life costing us, and is there a better way? In today’s episode, Brian and social worker Steffanie Altenbern consider alternatives from other countries, the origins of the American work ethic, and the value of putting aside optimization in favor of what truly...

Is Gen Z on the brink of an old-school revival? How are social media and AI shaping how Christians share their faith? Is exile the perfect metaphor for Christians in Portland, Oregon, today? George Fox Talks pays a visit to Palau, the global evangelistic ministry founded by Luis Palau, for a conversation with current president and CEO, Kevin Palau. Check out Kevin’s book, Unlikely: Setting Aside O...

Death, destruction, and dismemberment in…Christian art? Artist, author, and performance speaker Scott Erickson joins Brian for a deep dive on the strange and complex season of Lent. Fueled by personal experiences of grief and loss, Scott’s “Stations in the Street” project demonstrates that facing the Bible’s darkest story (in all its gory detail) deepens our connection to Jesus Christ as “God with...

Brian and George Fox University CIO James Gurganus respond to YOUR questions about AI and faith! How is AI shaping career prospects for new graduates? How might AI that provides 'frictionless' companionship and instant emotional validation impact our spiritual growth? If a machine can think, work, and love, what’s left that makes humans special to God? Don’t miss a rousing discussion on these and...

Professor and social worker Steffanie Altenbern joins Brian on an expedition through the “maze” of healthcare in the United States, a system they argue has become too complicated for the average person to navigate without help. Join us as we explore the reasons why, the impact on patients and providers, and some practical steps we can take to get the care we need.  Steffanie Altenbern is a social...

Can physics explain the soul? Is AI building a silicon god? Should Christians be open to merging their brains with the cloud or using AI to “resurrect” a loved one? Brian and philosophy professor Isaac Choi explore these and other questions at the intersection of faith, science, and futurism. Check out The Singularity is Near by Ray Kurzweil: https://www.singularity.com/ Dr. Isaac Choi directs the...

News of beloved author Philip Yancey’s years-long affair with a married woman sparks a tough but worthwhile conversation between Brian and theologian Lindsey Hankins. From initial grief and accountability to the ultimate legacy of their work, join us as we explore what to do when a Christian public figure we trust and respect experiences a fall from grace. Christianity Today article: https://www.c...

Tune in to hear Brian Doak and LA pastor Jennifer Toledo cover justice, diversity, immigration policy, and more. What does a unified, bi-partisan approach to these issues look like in the Church? Is it possible for Christians to rise above political differences and live the “undiluted gospel?” And why is it so important that we really include kids in how we do church? Jennifer Toledo is a pastor,...

Christian hip hop artist and author Propaganda talks with Brian Doak & Jason Fileta about what really matters for Christians in this moment: human dignity. Is Gen X the last generation with street smarts? Why are men struggling so hard in our culture? And how can we think about passing on what really matters from one generation to the next? Propaganda is a rapper, poet, and author born and rai...

Philosopher Meghan Sullivan says there’s only one basis for love: human dignity. Tune in as she presents a powerful study on Jesus’ philosophy of love—revealed through his famous thought experiment, The Good Samaritan. Could this ancient parable hold the key to transcending our social and political identities, so that we can love literally everyone? Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teach...

Tune in for a public discussion on a Christian response to the AI revolution. Is it possible for a Christian to be a “doomer” while maintaining genuine faith & hope? As AI models increasingly outperform humans in many areas of work, what distinguishes people as uniquely valuable? How can Christians avoid social obsolescence while remaining thoughtful about how we use technology? All this and m...

"We've cultivated a way of being in the world that eliminates quiet, stillness, and inactivity." Tyler Staton proposes a return to the ancient Christian practice of solitude to combat the rampant busyness and inattention that characterize the modern life.  Tyler Staton is the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon: https://bridgetown.church/ He's also the author of three books:  http...

Old Testament scholar Brian Doak talks with author & speaker Andy Crouch 17 years after the release of Crouch’s popular book, Culture Making . What exactly does the word “culture” mean, and are Christians supposed to contribute to it? What is the fastest way for a Christian to make a million dollars today? Where does the term “Mainline” Christian come from? (It’s not what you think). Andy Crou...

Can we have a normal conversation about AI? Brian talks with Meghan Sullivan about the effect of rapidly advancing technology on human dignity and our understanding of the imago Dei. Dr. Brian Doak is an Old Testament scholar and professor. Meghan Sullivan is a decorated scholar and teacher at the University of Notre Dame, where she is professor of philosophy. Check out the opening ND Summit Keyno...

Erika talks with medical doctor Miles Hassell about taking ownership of your own health. Through thoughtful eating and by giving your palate a chance to develop an appreciation for the richness of available food, you can have a transformative impact on the quality of your life and your body’s ability to resist disease. Dr. Miles Hassell is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of GreatMed.org and...

Erika Barber sits down with Erika McCarthy, physician assistant and professor, to explore one of the most pressing questions in healthcare today: Faith vs. Science — can they truly coexist in medicine? This conversation is for anyone curious about the intersection of faith, ethics, and modern medicine: How does grief shape the way medical providers care for patients? What role does hope play in he...

Erika Barber talks with Kara & Mark Johnson, local fitness & movement legends, about an active lifestyle. This conversation is for those who grew up moving regularly and for those who have never seen themselves as athletic: What are the best motivators for consistent physical activity? How can a shift in self perception aid in recovery from injury? Is there a right way to think about the r...

*Michael went to be with the Lord on 10 January 2026, and his funeral mass was held on 24 January 2026. Dr. Erika Barber talks with Michael Hayes about living & continuing in faith as a regular patient of healthcare professionals. Michael is a George Fox University sophomore who was born with Jeune Syndrome, a rare bone growth condition that  requires 1-2 major reconstructive surgeries to the...

Abbie & Jeff Nelson moved from Portland, Oregon to Guatemala with their 3 daughters to practice family medicine & clinical psychology as missionaries. Listen in as they share with Erika Barber what motivated such a radical lifestyle shift and what this kind of dedicated service looks like on a day-to-day basis.  Dr. Erika Barber teaches in George Fox University’s physician assistant progra...